Indianapolis Times, Volume 38, Number 221, Indianapolis, Marion County, 21 December 1926 — Page 9

Second Section

COUNCIL ASKS FAIRBANKS, MORSE ACTION

MERGER FIGHT AID PDSIPONED BYJTY BODY Council Delays Action on Appropriation Ordinances for Week. Municipal financial aid in the fight against the merger of the two Indianapolis electric utilities was postponed Monday night by city council until a special meeting next Monday night. Council received ordinances calling for appropriations of $25,000 to aid In obtaining an impartial appraisal of the properties by an unbiased expert and $15,000 for additional legal assistance for Corporation Counsel Alvah J. Rucker in the fight against consolidation. Attorneys for the interests opposed to the merger were to confer today with an appraisal expert from the East, who was to submit an estimate on the cost of appraisal. Council received a letter from City Controler William C. Buser, praising the merger contest, but stating the budget fails to provide for appropriating funds. However, councilmen are proceeding upon an opinion of Rucker last spring that they may appropriate moneys in important instances. Councilman Claude E. Negley sponsored the $25,000 measure and Walter R. Dorsett the legal aid ordinance. LEGISLATIVE GRAFT QUIZ TOPIC HERE (Continued From Page 1) works member, was one of the first to greet Lieutenant Governor Van Orman. Trotter conferred with many Senators. McCardle There John W. McCardle, public service commission president, was in the midst of the Senators of whom many seek to abolish the commission. Former Mayor Lew Shank tried to interest the upper house members in a law to force all automobile drivers to obtain liability insurance! “A boy drove into my car, costing me $l3O for repairs,” Shank said. "He wasn’t worth a nickel.” Many Senators said the proposed legislative corruption investigation was certain to be discussed. With loud applause Democratic members of the General Assembly approved appeals for a graft investigation made by a number of speakers at a caucus at the Claypool Monday. Wants Thorough Quiz “If I were a member of the Senate this term I would introduce a resolution calling for a thorough investigation of the charges of corruption made by Thomas H. Adams of Vincennes,” Chambers of Newcastle, ex-State chairman, said. “A Joint committee of Democrats and Republicans should conduct the Investigation so that it would not be a one-sided affair whitewashed by the Republican politicians. "Everything should be open to the public. The Legislature is the proper body to make the investigation because it is charged with the trial of offenses committed by State officials.” Prediction of a lively session came from Representative George L. Saunders, Bluffton. “Hell will pop,” Saunders predicted. "The investigation by the Marlon County grand Jury will disclose some things the Legislature should Investigate.” Hell to Pop "I’m from the home town of my good Republican friend, Tom Adams, and am particularly interested in Mr. Saunders’ prediction of hell to pop,” said Senator Curtis Shank of Vlncenees. "This damnable crookedness which has existed and does exist in State government must end,” Lew filling ham, Ft. Wayne publisher, told the gathering. Senator Carl M. Gray of Princeton scathingly denounced the State government. “I would like to see our State restored to respectability,” he said. "This State should be purged of corruption and the State police force should not be permitted to continue as a political organization. I favor abolishment of the board of accounts and tax board and curtailment of the powers of the public service commission.” Some Favor Quiz Replies of legislators to a recent poll by mail, conducted by The Times, Indicates a number of Republican law makers In favor of an investigation. The Times asked each Legislator this question: "Should the State Senate make a sweeping investigation of all departments of the State jnd conduct impeachment proceedings if facts warrant it?” Here are typical replies: Senator James J. Nejdl, Republican, Whiting: "That is a question depending upon circumstances.” Representative Edgar Livingston, Democrat, Bruceville: "Yes.” Senator C. Oliver Holmes, Republican, Gary: "As I see it, the Senate is neither a plain olothes man nor a laundry. However. I’m for exacting high Integrity and public efficiency, so I would rather say what I’ll do when I get the facts.” Representative William W, Marttfldftia, mgitttflM, Qraanflald.

"FLAPPER FANNY SAYS:

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Maybe it’s the marriage rate that indicates this is the Land of the Brave.

“Yes, if done to convict guilty.” Representative Milfred A. Holloway, Farmland: “Yes, if facts warrant.” Representative William C. Bond (Rep.), Newcastle: “Yes, when facts warrant it." Representative Walter A. Huffman (Rep.), Elkhart: "The Legislature has little time for legislative work. If It takes the Marlon County grand Jury two months to find out nothing, how much legislation do you think could be effected if the Legislature started wasting its time with investigations?" Representative JohnW. Thiel, Republican, Hobart: “What has the Senate to do with investigations? They are the trial body.” Representative Arthur L. Hiatt, Republican, Elwood: "Yes.” Representative Forrest Knepper, Republican, Warsaw: “No.” Representative Carl M. Gray, Republican, Huntington: “Yes, especially the State police. I think the investigation should be started at the hands of the Republicans, but if they fail I think the Democrats should introduce the necessary resolution.” Representative A. J. Wedeking, Republican, Dale: “Depends largely upon the outcome of the present Investigations of the Marion County grand Jury. Until that report is made public, I prefer not to comment.” Senator Sam Ben, Democrat, English: "Yes.” Senator James P. Davis, Democrat, Kokomo: “Yes.” Senator Curtis Shake, Democrat, Vincennes: “Yes.” Senator William V. Doogs, Democrat, Cannelton: “Yes.” Senator J. Francis Lochard, Democrat, Milan: "Yes.” Senator J. Monroe Fitch, Republican, Muncie: “Yes.” Senator John H. Hewitt, Republican, Terre Haute: "Yes.” Melvin Blain, Democrat, Columbia City: “Yes.” Representative C. Elmer Garrard, Republican, Montezuma: “I think the courts should do the investigating.” Senator William F. Hodges, Republican, Gary: "Owing to the fact that there has been so much gossip in the State, I believe that a full investigation of all the departments of the State should be made, and should these accusations be proven true, impeachment proceedings should follow. Representative Edward F. Eagles, Democrat, Albion: “Yes.” Representative H. Curtiss Bennett, Democrat, Dillsboro: "Yes.” Representative Walter B. Ring,, Democrat, Center Point: “Yes.” Representative Thomas Hawkins, Democrat, Shelbyville: “Yes.” Representative George L. Saunders, Democrat, Bluffton: “Yes.” Representative Oliver P. La Fuze, Republican, Liberty: "No. There has been sufficient investigation.” Representative Frank D. Nolan, Democrat, Crawfordsville: "Yes.” Representative Delph L. McKeeson, Plymouth: "We are not aware of any necessity for such an ivestlgation.” Representative Fabius Gwin, Democrat, Shoals: “Yes, by all means." Representative Truman G. Murden, Republican, Logansport: “Not If the Judiciary has jurisdiction.” Directors Approve Y. W. Vote Change Indianapolis Y. W. C. A. directors unanimously Monday approved the proposal to change the constitution so that requirements for voting membership and office holders shall be on a personal basis instead of a church membership basis. This proposal will be voted upon at the annual meeting at the Columbia Club, Jan. 22. If the change is approved at two successive annual meetings, according to Mrs. Pearl Forsyth, general secretary, voting membership will be open to any girl who declares that she is “willing to follow the leadership of Jesus and to carry out the purpose of the association in thought and action." Heretofore voting membership was only given those whose church was of the Pro testant Evangelical group entitled to affiliation with the Federal Council of Churches of Christ of America. This proposal has been sanctioned by the national convention but it is optional to the local groups. SHOALS ACTION DEFERRED Bu I'nitert P< i * Washington. Dec. 21.—Further action on Muscle Shoals legislation was postponed definitely today until after the holidays. Senator McNary (Rep.), Oregon, announced he would withhold until dan. s his motion to refer the three pending proposals for disposition of the Government's plants to the committee on agrl culture tor lavssugsuuh.

The Indianapolis Times

COUNCIL FINALLY ADOPTS PROPOSED TRAFFICMEASURE Flat-to-Curb Parking, 30Minute Limit, Downtown Features. Abandoning their campaign to “trade’’ for support of the new traffic ordinance, majority faction ccun oilmen Monday night rallied to the flat-to-curb measure and aided In adopting it by unanimous vote. Signature by Mayor Duvall will mean flat-to-curb parking, a thirtyminute limit in the congested district

New Trafßc Rules Flat-to curb parking with threefoot interval between cars. Thirty-minute parkiing limit in district bounded by Ohio, Delaware and Maryland Sts. and Capitol Ave. Parking on only one side of street on thoroughfares thirty feet or less in width. and parking on only one side of the street on streets thrty feet wide or less. Councilman Robert E. Springsteen's drive to allow angle parking on a number of downtown streets was defeated. An attempt by Councilman O. Ray Albertson to defeat a clause through which hotels upon payment of $26 may sell exclusive taxicab rights in front of the hostelries also came to grief. “You are simply selling city streets to private parties,” Albertson charged. The traffic ordinance has been considered by council since last spring when It wns formulated by police, and Hoosier Motor Club and Indianapolis Engineering Society officials. woundedlanbetter Companion of Woman in Apartment Tragedy Expected to Recover. Hv United Press NEW YORK, Dec. 21.—Wallace McLean Probasco, wounded when Mrs. Robert H. Ingersoll was shot, to death Sunday afternoon in her apartment here, was reported imp wed today and physicians felt certain he would live. Probasco was removed from Bellevue Hospital to the Murray Hill Hospital last night after bail hearing at his bedside with bond fixed at $12,000. Mrs. Probasco continued to keep close attendance upon her husband, with whom she had become reconciled after an estrangement which involved Mrs. Ingersoll, wife of Robert H. Ingersoll, founder of the "dollar watch” concern. Mrs. Probasco is a daughter of the late Robert G. Ingersoll, aghostic. The two families are not related.

hail Cochran

(READ THE STORY, THEN COLOR THE PICTURE)

With oh, so many games to play, the Tinies lingered most all day within the place where games were made. And then they walked outside. A rocking horse on slides was there and Santa Claus said, "If you care to hop aboard this animal, you can have a ride." “What funny slides,” wee Coppy said. “Just like the ones on my old sled.” And then the band all clamored on the rocking horse's back. "Gidd.ap,” somebody cried aloud. It rather startled all the crowd. And then they found ’twas Santa, with a big whip which he'd cracked. The rocking horse slid through the snow. They wondered Just what made it go. The horses feet weren’t moving and he traveled like a sled. Ttien Cloyny shouted out,, In fun, "Ha, ha. I know just how P's done. The little dwarfs are pulling us. I see them up ahead.” And then the Tinies took a spill, because the locking hoi.ee stepped

Co-Ed Saves Life of Driver in Crash

ARREST KOKOMO COUNTYAUDITOR Official Faces Extortion Charges. Bu Times Special KOKOMO, Ind., Dec. 21.—County Auditor Orville Butcher was at liberty today under SI,OOO bond, following his arrest Monday on charges of extorting $1,848.40 from the county through claims for registration expense. Butcher was indicted by the Howard County grand Jury Saturday. The indictment is in two counts, one alleging that Butcher received $840.40 as a fee for' making and cer tifying a complete copy of the names and addresses contained on the pollbooks made at a preceding election. The second alleges Butcher received a claim from the county commissioners for receiving registrations and making a list of voters at the preceding election and registratlve lists for the respective county chuirmen. Butcher today declared that his efforts “to remove tax dodgers from Howard County” were responsible for his indictment. MAN FOUND IN AUTO Owner and Friend Take Prisoner to Police Headquarters. Police had a light job bringing about the arrest of William Martin, 25, of Cincinnati, Ohio, who is held under $3,000 vagrancy bond. William P. Lindley and George S. Smith, both of 1440 Park Ave., found Martin in Smith’s auto, which was parked at New York and Meridian Sts. They took him to headquarters.

still, and threw them in a bank of srlw. But, ’course they weren’t afraid. Then Santa cried, “Just follow me into this place and you will see where lots of funny large and little rubber balls are made.” Now you can just imagine how the Tinies soon began a row, for each one grabbed a rubber ball and tossed it in the air. It seemed just like a cyclone struck and those not hit were sure in luck, for rubber balls were flying fast and landing everywhere. Old Santa stood and watched the rest. A ball then thumped him on the chest and he began to realize the roughness of their play. He shouted. “Hey, let’s move along before somebody gets in wrong. I'll take you now to where we wrap things, ere they’re sent away.” (The Tinies help wrap bundles in the next story.) (Copyright, 1826. NJfcA bervies, lr.ej

Above: The Brookville Rd. bridge over Pleasant Run from which the auto of Oscar Small crashed into Pleasant Run. The auto plunged off where the children are shown standing. Below: Jean Campbell, who pulled Small from underneath the auto, and her brother, who brought aid.

“Any one could have done It.” This wojs the modt3t comment of Jean Campbell, 4200 Brookville Rd., as she received the praises of

FIRM’S VALUATION GAIN REMARKABLE (Continued From Page 1)

which is set for Wednesday morning. When asked about the high valuation of the Gem properties, they replied, “We have nothing to say.” Attorneys for the opponents of the merger held an informal meeting at the Indianapolis Athletic Club today to make further plans for their campaign against the ne:isure’s alleged excessive capitalization. No definite and formal organization was perfected, however, according to Frederick E. Matson, Chamber of Comerce attorney and one of the leaders of the opposition forces. Commissioner Frank Wampler will be in charge of the hearing at 9 a. m. Wednesday before the public service commission. The companies are to present their case first and then ample time will be a.sl od- for the opjxmpnts to prepare tho:r data. It is expected that appraisals of the utilities made by Stone and Webster for the merging companies will be made public for the lirst time at the hearing. The history of the Gem Electric Rervice Company was entirely lacking in romance until it was turned over to the Indianapolis Light and Heat Company and underwent such a phenomenal growth in value. Cooperative Effort Organized in 1921 os a cooperative effort on the part of farmers living on or near the National Rd. to secure electric service, it cost $12,500 to construct the lines. This was prorated to consumers, who each owned a share of stock at $250. The “juice” was purchased from the Indianapolis Light and Heat Company. The Indianapolis Lfght and Heat Company did not consider the Gem Company an asset at that time, and told the directors that they ought to turn the lines over to them for nothing and then pay a 10 per cent depreciation charge annually, besides the regular charges for the electricity, according to Albert C. Rasener, one of the former directors and organizers. “Then the Instill Interests constructed a hlgh-power line not far distant and the Indianapolis Light and Heat Company considered that our lines were gaining in value," Rasener explained. "So last spring they came to us and made us an offer. We agreed to sell them the lines at $6,250 and they agreed to cut the minimum cost of our service front $2 to $1 a month. We kept our agreement, but we are still paying the $2." Where the $22,326 valuation came front, Rasener was at a loss to explain. He is worried, as are thousands of other consumers, regarding the $55,000,000 merger and the result on light and power rates. Frerl M. Thomas, Gem elevator operator, president of the company at the time of the sale, feels that there is plenty of water that could be squeezed out of the $55,000,00(| capitalization, if the Gem Company is to be taken as a sample of other appraisals. "They have added about eight more miles to our thirteen miles of lines," Thomas declared. “Such an addition surely cannot call for such an extraordinary increase in value. These additions cost the consumers about $1,500 in cash, and where there was no secondary circuit, the farmers bought their own transformers.” Grover Holzhausen was secretary of the Gem company and other directors .ncluded 1. E. Waid, proprietor of the Gen general store, and William A. Rasener. All were puuled at the boom la value.

neighbors and friends today for her heroic actions In saving Oscar D. Small, 65, of 90 Brookville Rd., from drowning Monday night when J nned under his car in Pleasant Run. Jean and her brother, Edward, 16, were returning from a week-end trip at Attica and had driven up in front of their home when they heard the crash of Small’s machine, as it somersaulted off the bridge across Pleasant Run on the Brookville Rd. Hurrying to the bridge they peered down into the darkness and saw the wrecked' car. A groan told them that someone was still alive in the wreck. Sending her brother hack for help, the girl slid down the bank of the stream and waded into the icy water to the helpless man. Finding him pinned down by the top and tangled in the side curtains, Jean struggled to free him. 4 After exerting all of her strength, she succeeded in getting him where she could hold his head above the water until help came. Small was returning from the Beech GroVe shops, where he is employed, when he missed the bridge and went hurtling into the steram. He suffered severe cuts about the head and a possible concussion of the brain. Ho was taken to city hospital after he had received first aid. Jean is the daughter of Edward D. Campbell and a sophomore at Butler University. CHARGE BATTERY THEFT Man Said "to Have Been Caught Stealing at Filling Station. Carl Wilson, 202 Bethel Ave., Beech Grove, Ind., is held today on a grand larceny charge. Police say he was caught by Carl Gassert, 92 S. Delaware St., while in the act of stealing batteries from the Gassert filling station.

Prayer in Bethlehem

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The Church of the Nativity, In Bethlehem, is pictured here—with a young Bethlehemite praying that Christmas blessings be showered on youngsters across the seas. The c hurcli occupies the supposed spot where Jesus lay in the manger 1,036 years ago.

Second Section

City Body Requests County to Allow Acquisition of Track Spur by Firm. RESOLUTION IS ADOPTED Bit of Ground Stands in Way of Expansion. Immediate action by the Marlon County council and commissioners to clear up the transaction with Fairbanks, Morse & Cos., whereby the firm can acquire a railroad spur on the old county workhouse grounds, Twenty-First St. and Northwestern Ave., was requested in a resolution Introduced at city council meeting Monday night. This company, which manufactures engines and pumps, already has bought for $150,000 the workhouse grounds, directly across the street from its main plant. The firm though, has refused to continue expansion efforts in the way of erecting the first unit of anew plant until the railroad spur, located on an one-seventh-acre tract, can be obtained. The ground is of no use without the railroad, the company declares. Recently, County Commissioner Cassius L. Hogle told The Times, the company could have the tract for sl, provided that the county might have use of the spur and that the deal was entirely legal. In case the county does not take action that is mutually satisfactory to closing the deal, the council resolution authorizes Corporation Counsel Alvah J. Rucker to take steps to buy the tract and either present or sell it the company. The resolution Introduced by Majority Faction Member Otis Bartholomew, may be acted on next Monday night at a special council session. It points out that the leday Is "causing Irreparable loss and Injury to the company.” Several efforts to bring about settlement of the controversy over the small tract and railroad spur have been made. County commissioners and council members have charged that the original ordinance calling for sale of the tract was tampered with. It is understood that all members of the council and commissioners favor the sale of the tract for $1 with the use of the spur by the county. Leo K. Fesler, former county auditor, has been Indicted on a charge of altering a public record, because of the Fairbanks-Morse transaction. There is a motion to quash the indictment before Special Judge Fred C. Cause at this time. Gause said he will act on the matter as soon as the probe Into “Stephennonism" in Indiana politics is out of the way. He is a special prosecutor in this quiz. HELD AFTER TRAGEDY Captain of Boat Which Carried 33 to Death Under Arrest. Bu United Press NEW YORK, Dec. 21.—Capt. John RohW'eder, 29, was under arrest here today on a technical charge of homicide and negligence in connection with the sinking yesterday of the launch Linseed King and the drowning of at least thirty-three laborers in the icy waters of the Hudson. He will be arraigned In homicide court when able to leave a hospital He Is suffering from submersion and pneumonia is feared. The young captain, who Jumped from the launch before It plunged and then swam ashore, denied that the boat carried more than sixty, but a number of the survivors placed the number as high as 150.

DEMANDS DEATH ON GALLOWS IN SLA* Os BOY State’s Attorney Crowe Emphatic in Announcing Objective. Bv Ignited Press CHICAGO, Dec. 21.—Before nightfall a Cook County grand Jury is expected to return a first-degree mufder indictment against Harold J. Croarkin, 26-year-old son of wealthy parents, who confessed to beating to death little Walter Schmith. The boy was found dying in a barn Friday night and Groarkin, taken into cuctody Sunday afternoon, readily admitted the murder. Today, .State’s Attorney Robert E. Crowe, who has assumed personal charge of the case, will go before the grand Jury with a mass of evidence. Crown is emphatlo in demands for a "hanging in this case. The brutal way in which this boy was treated before he was killed and his subsequent murder loaves lltttle doubt In my mind that a hanging will culminuate this case," Crowe said. PETITION FOR LIBERTY FILED (Continued From Page 1) would bo unable to appear then to represent Warden Daly. Gllliom said he had not heard from Daly and was unable to state whether or not he would be able to be present on Thursday. He indicated, however, that if the records in Marion and Hamilton County Courts are necessary to the State's case he would ask for a longer time for preparation. In that event he would ask for a postponement of the hearing, he said. It depends on the exact nature of the habeas corpus petition whether or not it will be necessary for the State to obtain records of the Noblesville and Indianapolis courts, Gilliora said. I’rosecutor William H. Remy, who Is conducting an Investigation of alleged Indiana political corruption, while Stephenson was in power, said he did not consider the Stephenson habeas corpus move was "worthy of note.” When asked what action he would take if Stephenson were freed, he stated: “I do not even consider the action worthy of note. If something comes up I’ll take care o fit at the proper time.” Remy said he would not go to Michigan City for the hearing. County Clerk Albert Losche, who, It Is said, failed to sign the transcript that venued the case to the Hamilton Circuit Court, has not been subpoenaed to appear in the matter. He said the records of the case probably would be sufficient. Attorneys Hill and Newman visited Stephenson in prison Monday and obtained his signature to the habeas corpus petition. STEPHENSis" STORYRETOLD (Continued From Page 1) long as she was able. The drug had weakened her. In Hammond they led her to a hotel. There Stephenson kept her until the next afternoon. Tne girl had left home without a hat, thinking she would return soon. Stephenson gave her money with which to buy a hat and sent her showed teeth marks. She fought as out under guard of his chauffeur. The girl told the chauffeur she wanted to buy some powder and got permission to enter a drug store. Mortally shamed, she bought bichloride of mercury tablets. With these and the hat she returned to the hotel. She took the tablets. Then she told the chauffeur. He told Stephenson. "You damned little fool," ejaculated Stephenson and ordered an automobile which somehow had gotten to Hammond from Indianapolis. On the long, cruel ride froffi Hammond to Indianapolis the girl begged to be taken to a doctor. Stephenson would not stop. On through the raw spring night they sped, the girl suffering. Back in Indianapolis they locked the girl In Stephenson’s garage. There they kept her, without medical aid, until the dreadful hour when they took her home and pushed her through the front door. CHURCH 100 YEARS"OLD Bu Times Special DELPHI, Ind., Dec. 21.—The Methodist Church will celebrate its hundredth anniversary here soon when it dedicates Its new home. The first church was of wood and was built in 1840. NOBILE HECKLED Bii United Press PATERSON, N. J., Dec. 21.—An antl-F'iseist demonstration featured the appearance of Gen. Umberto Nobile, designer of the b/orge, who addressed 1,500 of his countrymen here last night. 'l'wenty-tlve police wore called out to restrain a crowd of 800 anti-Foscleu. There wu no rioting.