Indianapolis Times, Volume 38, Number 220, Indianapolis, Marion County, 20 December 1926 — Page 1

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VOLUME 37—NUMBER 220

INVENTORY ON MERCER IS AWAITED Length of Delay to Be Asked by Opponents of Move Depends on Report. Bearing on Wednesday Utilities Will present Their Argument. How long a delay opponents of the proposed merger of the two local electric light utilities will aak before decision by the public service commission on the merger petition depends upon whether the various opposing groups approve the inventories of the properties made by Stone & Webster, national engineering firm, and by commission experts, according to Benjamin Perk, expert accountant, employed by tin Chamber of Commerce. The y-tition calls for the merger of the Indianapolis Light and Heat Company, and the Merchants Heat and Light Company, into the Indian apolis Power and Light Company, with a proposed capitalization of more than .$55,000,000. It is being opposed by the Chamber of Com merce, community clubs, large power users and others, who claim that the excessive capitalization would result In rate increases. Hearing Wednesday Utilities will present their side of the case at a hearing before the commission, Wednesday morning. “It looks as though we will be unable to see the Stone and Webster Inventories until that time,” Perk declared. He explained that Harley Clarke. Chicago utilities promoter, who is fostering the merger BroJect, had promised to give him The figures Saturday, but failed to deliver them. Perk was given the figures on original cost of the Indianapolis Light and Heat Company properties, as of July 1, 1913, and the corresponding Increases, since that time. Necessary Figures “These are necessary figures in de termining the value, Just as are the present spot replacement figures, but what I really want is the Stone and Webster inventories,” he de dared. "Until these are studied, we will not know Just how much time will be needed by engineers and accountants to make a seperato survey and appraisal to be used as evidence, as are those of the commis elon experts and the utilities.” Attorney Frederick E. Matson is leading the fight for the Chamber and will base his delay upon Perk’s findings. It Is expected that all opposing attorneys will unite In demanding delay and in deciding upon whether or not the Inventories at hand will be accepted. If they are not, the delay may extend for several months, Perk declared. ‘KING BEN’S’ AIDS OPPOSEJNQUIRY Counsel Refuses Request for I Physical Examination Bv United Pres* BENTON HARBOR, Mich,, Dec. 20.—1n a sarcastically worded note, counsel for “King” Benjamin Purnell of the Israelite House of David today declined the request of George H. Bookwalter, prosecutor of Berrien County, to have Purnell subjected to a physical examination prior to his examination on criminal assault charges here Wednesday. In an equally pointed statement issued In reply, Bookwalter scored counsel for Purnell for “lack of cooperation” and asserted “as matters now stand, the examination will be held Wednesday and Benjamin will be there or I will ask forfeit of his bond." Purnell has been represented as seriously ill since his surprise capture here a month ago following a country-wide search which extended over a period of more than three year*. DEAD IN PARKED AUTO Young Man and Woman Believed Cold or Fumes’ Victims. Bv United Press PERTH AMBOY, N. J„ Deo. 20. •—A young man and young woman were found dead today in a parked automobile on the outskirts of the K-lty, police reported. They were bekieved to have died either by freezing or pqlsonous fumes from the running engine. „ The man was identified as Canby T. Oats, 22, of this city, His companion was not at once Identified. The engine of the automobile, which bore New York license plates, was still running this morning. The car was believed to have been parked shortly before midnight. Oat’s right arm was about the girl’s shoulders.

The Indianapolis Times

Santas Coming. Crowds Downtown Show

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*uc last-minute Christr/as rush is on in full swing In Indianapolis, as this picture, taken downtown, shows. From now till late Friday evening, merchants are expecting the heaviest trade of the year. Kxtra rlerks are on duty and everything points to a grand finale for tiie holiday season.

ORIENTAL STREET CLOSING LEGAL, IS ATTORNEY’S VIEW Board Could Alter Track Elevation Contract, Declares Officials. Closing of Oriental St. through altering the city’s track elevation contract would be legal, according to an opinion City Attorney John K. Ru :k----elhaus gave tse board of works today. Under the present track elevation contract with the Pennsylvania and C. I. & W. Railroads, the street would remain open when tracks are raised. Ford Motor Company officials have claimed they will be forced to move their plant from Oriental and E. Washington St. to another city if the street remains open. Changes in assembly machinery necessary would raise operating costs to an unprofitable sum, they pointed out. Their position Is supported by the Chamber of Commerce and prominent citizens. However, the Southeastern Civic Improvement Association is opposing closing the thoroughfare. The ShaAk .administration board refused to heed the appeal of the business men, who asked them to close the street. Then the Ford officials took up the matter with the present board. LAWRENCE GEIS DIES Auditor Succumbs After Five Weeks Illness—Kites Tuesday. Lawrence G. Gels, 49, of 1116 N. Pennsylvania St., died Sunday morning at the Methodist Hospital following an illness of five weeks. Mr. Gels was treasurer and auditor of the F. H. Langsenkamp Company. Funeral services will he held Tuesday at SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral with burial at Crown Hill cemetery. The widow survives.

HUSBAND SEEKS TO DROP WIFE’S SUIT But He Can Not Do It, Say Attorneys Who Represented Girl in Action Against Sheriff.

Can a husband withdraw a damage suit filed by his wife before she was married? “No,” say Misses Adele Storck and M. Elizabeth Mason of the law firm of Storck & Mason, and Otto Gresham, attorneys, who until today represented Mrs. Maxwelll Hosea, formerly Miss Clara Isabel Brown, in a suit filed in her behalf against Sheriff Omer Hawkins. .“Yes, in effect,” says Maxwell F. Hosea, 1602 N. Lasalle St. Dr.'F. V. Overman, 508 Hume-Man-sur Bldg., filed the damage suit as next friend of Miss Brown, who charged that on May 13 Sheriff Hawkins and deputies, shot up the auto in which she was riding with Hosea, believing it was a bootleg machine, searched the auto and found ni liquor and refused to take her back into Indianapolis front the scene of the shooting near New Augusta on the Michigan Rd. Since then Miss Brown has married Hosea, Gresham declared before Judge James A. Leathers In Superior Court One this morning. He annd Misses Storck and Mason withdrew their appearance/as attorneys for Allas Brown.

Entered a* Second-Clas* Matter at Poatoffice TndianaDolts

DRAB HOMES ARE FOUNDBY SANTA Christmas Week Shows Real Need for Giving to Poor Families With Cheerless Surroundings.

A list of needy families la to be found on Page 3 of Tbe Times today. Today Christmas week begins. The holidays have arrived. Christmas spirit is in the air. Downtown looks gay and festive. Pleasant faced people hurry here and there, shopping. Lights, happiness, pleasLEGION SOCIETY" ELECTS WIENEKE 40 Hommes, 8 Chevaux Selects New Officers. At the promenade of Indianapolis Volture, No. 145, of La Societe des 40 Hommes et 8 Chevaux at the Hop. sier Athletic Club Saturday night, Ben A. Wieneke was chosen Chef de Gare. He succeeded Neal Grider, who presided at the dinner and election. Other officers elected were Lawrence N. Helm, chef de train; F. Marion Hinkle, correspondent; H. E. Sutherland, commissaire lntendant; Howard Maxwell, conducteur; E. F. Saxton, gard de la porte. Alvin Hall, lam piste; Wade Talbert and Stanley Petri, gardes des psisonnlers, and Roy L. Bailey. Joe Rand Beckett, Harry H. Martin, V. M. Armstrong and Neal Grider, cheminots. Seven new members, C. Alfred Campbell, Frank A. White, Edward H. Emry, Dr. W. H. Long, R. B. Dailey and C. E. McCann of Indianapolis and A. N. Pattlson, Danville, were initiated at the meeting. The next meeting in charge of the newly elected officers will be held at the Indianapolis Athletic Club on Jan. 10.

Gresham, however, declared that the suit should not be dismissed. He cited the fact that the original damage suit complaint charged that Hawkins was attempting to prevent Hosea from being a witness for Miss Brown. A reckless driving charge against Hosea was continued Indefinitely in municipal court when Hawkins was unable to secure a conviction, he said. Hosea has ordered the attorney* to drop the suit, but has no right to do so, Gresham said. ‘RED’ GRANGE ARRESTED Bv United Press DALLAS, Texas, Dec. 20.—“ Rod” Grange and four members of his New York Yankee football t*am spent three hours In jail today, following arrest on charges of drunkenness and disturbing the peac*. Grange was charged with disturbing the peace while the other* were charged with disturbing the peace andn drunkenness. They were R. V. Scott, W. S. Oliver. A. T. Hubert and A. A.* Woods.

INDIAN APOLIS, MONDAY, DEC. 20,1926

ure! "Peace on earth”—the Joyful climax of the year U just around .'be corner! But pa;>l .The Approach of this Joyous time is bringing Into strong contrast some homes, drab and cheerless, where poverty reigns. Poorly clad little children are multiplying that age old question, "What will old Santa bring us?” and sad-faced, anxious mothers are forming pitiful excuses to account for the fact that Santa can’t fill certain limp little stockings. Into these cheerless, povertystricken quarters, think w’hat it is going to mean when good Indian apolis Santa Clauses knock on the door next Friday or Saturday and announce “I’ve brought you a Christ(Tum to Page 9) AMD COUNTY PRINTING BIDS Thornton-Levy and Burford Firms Get Contracts. Contracts for Marlon County printing work for 1927 were awarded Tbornton-Levy Company and William Burford Company this mortiing by county commissioners. The Levy firm was given the contract for class one, which consists of book printing, while Burford was awarded classes, two, three and four. These classifications cover form printing, miscellaneous supplies and statement forms. GASOLINE BEAST FATAUO GIRL Body Blown Out of Second Story Window. Bv United Press PRINCETON, Ind.. Dec. 20. Hurling her body through a second story window out onto the roof of a porch, a gasoline explosion proved fatal here last night to Miss Mary Buckman, 20. The young woman, intending to clean a skirt with gasoline, placed a pan of the liquid on an oil stove within a pan of water. The gasoline vkporized, filling the room with fumes. The open flame ignited the fumes, causing the explosion. LAMP EXPLODES Girl, 16, f Seriously Burned in Farm Home Fire. Bv United Press LOOANSPORT, Ind., Dec. 20. Explosion of a gasoline lamp at the farm home of Mr. and Mrs. William Weaver near here early today resulted In serious burns to Edith, their 16-year-old daughter. The parents wrapped a blanket around the girl to smotller the blaze. She Is expected to recover.

G. 0. P. COUNTERS DEMOCRATIC RAP AT 108 HANDLING

Seeks Inquiry to Determine if Southern Negroes Are Denied the Ballot. Hu T'nifufi I , re*a WASHINGTON. Dec. 20.—Republicans today countered the Democratic move for an investigation of ulleged bartering of Federal appointments with the demand for an inquiry into reported disfranchisement of the Negro in the South. Senator Ernst, Republican, Kentucky, proposed to the Senate judiciary committee a substitute resolution to provide for a Joint inquiry into both subjects. The resolution would replace the King and George resolutions suggesting an Inquiry into charges that Republican national committeemen in Georgia. Tennessee, South Carolina, Mississippi, and other Southern States had committed irregularities in recommending Federal appointments. The committee referred the Ernst, King and George resolutions to a subcommittee for further inquiry to determine if any of the investigations are warranted The Blease resolution came before the Senate today under the rules. Il culls attention to the fact that Senator Pepper (Rep.), Pennsylvania spent more than $1,500,000 in the Pennsylvania primary and is being permitted to keep his seat while con tests are being organized against Senator-elect Vare (Hep.), Penn sylvania, who spent but SBOO,OOO In the campaign in which he defeated Pepper. The Reed committee will meet tomorrow to draw up a report to the Senate on its inquiry Into the $2,500,000 Pennsylvania primary, Chairman Reed announced today. Senator Walsh (Dem.l, Montana, has received a copy of Judge Me Keown’s charge of bribery against Senator Gould (Rep.), Maine, made In a New Brunswick, Canada, civil suit, and Is seeking further evidence to present to the Senate Investigating Committee when it opens hearings, Jan. 4. The fight over Frank L. Smith’s appointment as Senator from Illinois will go over until after the holidays Smith Is understood to have informed Senate leaders he would not appear for the present to attempt to gain his seat.

M Shopping jUL days till iffi IL I CHRISTMAS The turkeys now get com and mash And good things by the peck. And, after they are fattened, they Will get it in the neck. h

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14 PERISH AS ICE 111 fflVEn SINKS CRAFT New York Workmen Drown in the Hudson —Some Still Missing. TIDE CARRIES DEAD FAR Eight Bodies Found Several Miles From Scene. Bv United Press NEW YORK, Dec. 20.—Thf Ferry launch. Linseed King, conveying more than two score workmen to a linaeed oil mill in Edgewater, N. J., was struck by ice floes in the Hudson River today and sank immediately. Fourteen workmen are known to have been drowned. Twen ty-two had been taken to hospitals in Manhattan or Edgewater and several others were missing. Spectacular rescues followed collapse of tbe 35-foot craft. A dozen river vessels, ranging from tugs to steamers, arrived in time to life from the chilled waters the semi-conscious laborers who in some cases had been able to cling safely to cakes of floating ice. The number of missing could not be determined, since Spender, Kellog Jt Sons, owners of the Linseed King, announced that they had no accurate list of the workmen. Eight bodies were found off Two Hundred and Fifty-Fourth St. shortly liefore noon. They had been swept by the tide to a point almost sevend an a half miles from the scent of the disaster, in mid-stream, opposite One Hundred and Twentieth St. Accord ng to Herman Vulenzula, one of the rescued workmen, overloading might have led to the collapse. Ti.e blame was laid on heavy ice however, by the launch captain, John Bowheiter. CONTINUE ALIBI DRIVETOR PAT Defense Parades Witnesses at Mellett Murder Trial. Bv United Press CANTON, Ohio, Dec. 20.—The parade of witnesses attempting to establish an alibi for Pat McDermott, on trial charged with murdering Don R. Mellett to avenge his crusade against vice, continued today. Theft rst defense witnesses today testified as to the activities last July of Ben Rudner, alleged to have conspired with McDermott and Louis Mazer in the assassination. Their testimony was intended to refute high points previously given by Steve Kascholk, the State’s star witness, as to important happenings for the two weeks before and after Mellett was shot down on July 16.

DRY A GENTS SEIZE TWO HOUSE BOATS Floating Distilleries Found on Ohio by Federal Prohibition Pt/!en —Two Escape in Row Boat —One Held.

Two floating distilleries on the Ohio River were seized by Prohibition Agents Charles R. Liebert and Roy It. Negley over the week-end, according to reports received today by A. R. Harris, deputy prohibition administrator. Reports of wholesale traffic in Illicit liquor by occupants of two house boats had reached the agents. The two boats were found fourteen miles south of Madison. Escaped in Rowboat When the agents stopped to search two suspected houses, the houseboats were released and drifted down the river. John Taylor and a woman, thought to be his wife, deserted one in a rowboat and escaped to the Kentucky side. Liebert and Negley Immediately commandered another rowboat and started In pursuit. Before the first houseboat had been overtaken Taylor opened fire from the other side of the river and directed around twenty-five shots toward the agents, who escepad unscathed. The first boat contained a fifteengallon still, a quantity of mash, and all other needed paraphernalia. It was tied to the shore and the second boat overtaken a mile further down stream. Here was found a fifty-gal-lon still in operation, 450 gallons of mash, sugar and equipment.. Harry Gaylord, Hanover. Ind., was arrested. Warrants Issued Warrants have since been Issued fori John Taylor, William Gaylord and Howard Barrerger, all Implicated in thy operation of the floating distilleries, It is charged. Gaylord was released on bond after he entered a plea of guilty. This 1* the first slezure of "gypsy”

THREE CEN TS

Attorney Lloyd Hill Expected to File Plea for Habeas Corpus at Michigan City. BASED ON ORDER FOR VENIRE Ex-Klan Dragon Might Be Brought in Court—Jury Resumes Quiz. An effort to get D. C. Stephenson out of the Indiana State Prison, where he is serving a life term on a murder charge, was to be made in La Porte County Superior Court this afternoon with the fil;ng there of a petition for a habeas corpus writ by Lloyd 0. Hill, Indianapolis attorney, it was understood. Hill left Indianapolis early this morning to file the writ. There was a possibility that Stephenson would be brought into open court, as that practice is followed in habeas corpus procee<Lngs, according to local lawyers.

John H. Kiplinger of Rushville, Ind., who has worked with Hill in his appeal, said this morning ovei long-distance telephone from his Home that Hill had gone to Michi gan City, but would make no further statement. No court action was taken in tpe La Porte County city, where the State Prison is located, during the morning, but filing of the writ was understood to be scheduled for the afternoon. First Report At first it was reported that the write would be filed in the county circuit court at I.a Porte. It is said that failure of the Marlon County clerk to sign the tran script and order for change of venue of the Stephenson murder case to Hamilton Circuit Court is the basis of the habeas corpus petition prepared by Hill and Kiplinger. They contend that the case never was venued. because of this. Quiz Resumed Meanwhile the Marion County grand jury resumed its Inquiry into charges of "Stephensonism” and corruption in Indiana politics with the calling in of one witness during the morning. The wife of the witness. Harry Hildebrand, is a policewoman, while his daughter is employed at the city hall. The move scheduled for this afternoon in La Porte County is stud to be the first step in the effort to get the ex-Klan dragon out of prison. The writ will be directed to Warden Walter H. Daly of the Indiana State Prison and, if granted Hill contends, Stephenson will bo given over to either the sheriff of Marion County or the sheriff of Hamilton County. , Hope for Bail Then a petition for bail, pending decision of the State Supreme Court on Stephenson’s appeal, would be filed. A bill of exceptions and transcript of the case have been filed in this appeal, but a brief remains to be filed. Stephenson was found guilty on a charge of murdering Miss Madge Oberholtzer, Indianapolis. He began his prison term Nov. 16, 1925. Attorney-General Arthur L. Gilliom probably will be called on to represent the prison warden in opposing the action, it was said. According to Hill, the petition calls for

boats by local officials. These two house-boats are said to have been operating up and down the river supplying “moonshine” to the residents of both Kentucky and Indiana TWO TEMPORARY PAROLES GIVEN That of Roosevelt Pursley Revoked by Governor. One parole was revoked and two temporary paroles werj granted by Governor Jackson today. Revocation of the parole was that of Roosevelt Pursley, sentenced for grand larceny in Marion County Criminal Court, July 29, 1925, and sent to State farm for six months with a fine of SIOO. He was paroled in December. 1925, and permitted to pay the fine in Installments. He paid SSO ahd has not been heard from since. Elmer Pittman, sentenced in St. Joseph County court for possession of liquor, was granted a temporary parole from State farm because his wife is ill. Jownie Harvey, Boonville, Ind., serving a SIOO fine out at the Farm for issuing fraudulent checks, was granted a three-day parole to attend his mother's funeral. HOURLY TEMPERATURE 6 a. m. 40 10 a. m 40 7 a. m 40 11 a. m 40 8 a_ m 40 12 (noon) 41 9 a. m...... 40 1 p. m....... 41

Forecast Cloudy and slightly colder tonight, with lowest temperature 30 to 35; Tuesday generally fair.

TWO CENTS

COUNTY

forthwith action and decision of the court would be taken immediately. Prosecutor William H. Remy said today that, as the move in the Stephenson case was out of his jurisdiction, he would not do anything about it. He stated that ho did not consider it rs any consequence. Remy announced the grand jury would not t>e in session this afternoon but that he would confer with various persons as to future moves in the graft probe. Attorney General Arthur L. GilHorn and Special Prosecutor Ralph Kane were with Remy. Calls- for Instructions During the morning the prosecutor called for a copy of the instructions given by the jury by Criminal Court Judge James A. Collins, in which the court ordered that the report on institutions and jail cases be made Wednesday. The Institutional report is said to be fully prepared and it is understood some changes are recommended at various county institutions. Remy said the grand jury requested the instructions copy in order to “know what to do.” With the end of the jury’s session approaching, it was not revealed whether or not this body will be able to complete the Stephensonism quiz. EGONOMY.TOPIC OF DEMOCRATS Proposed Legislation Talked at Confab. . Methods of supporting the Democratic policy of economy during the 1927 Legislature were to be discussed at a caucus of all Democratic State Legislators at the Claypool today, R. Earl Peters, State chairman, said. In view of recent rebuffs met by Republican State machine leaders in their drive to repeal the primary law, it was believed by leaders that discussion of repeal would be soft pedalled, despite the fact that the Democratic platform carried a primary modification plank. Elimination of the public service commission, the absent voters’ ballot system and other legislative topics were to be discussed. ‘CUT-OFF’ PLAN FAVOREDBY U. S. Elevation Proposal Held Up Pending Ratification. Unless Federal authorities modify their plans, flood prevention work will be executed by the city outting off the bend In White River between Morris and Raymond Sts., City Engineer Chester Oberleas said today. George G. Schmidt, who preceded Oberleas as engineer, had decided to forego the cut-off and to widen the present channel of the stream. Federal officials, who have control over all navigable rivers, had approved the cut-off plan, but had taken no action on Schmidt'* proposal. Unil the flood prevention contract is ratified, track elevation for the south side is halted, because of a clause in the elevation contract that makes it effective only after the flood agreement is signed. The board of works has directed Obeleas to prepare complete data showing the costs of the two methods. The estimated total of tha part of flood prevention is $1,500,000, Oberleas said. CLUB HOST TO~BOYS Ex-Service .Men Entertain at a Christmas Party, Service Club members brought their sons to their noon day meeting today at the Lincoln and provided a real Christmas party. Those who had no sons of their own adopted a few for the day. The general idea of the program was patriotic. Games, motion picture* and tujrkey were tha offering**