Indianapolis Times, Volume 38, Number 224, Indianapolis, Marion County, 24 December 1926 — Page 1

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VOLUME 37—NUMBER 224

GRAND JURY SUDDENLY DECIDES TO MAKE FINAL REPORT TODAY

Merger Hearing Continued to Jan. 31

17 KILLED, 36 INJURED IN WRECK Royal Palm and Ponce de Leon, Florida Trains Crash in Georgia. By United Press ROCKMART, Ga., Dec. 24.—Toiling all night long In drizzling rain, Under the glow of fires built by the trackside. rescue workers today had brought the bodies of sixteen known dead from the wreckage of the Royal Palm Limited and the Ponce de Leon Special. Another died in a hospital. Thirty-six persons were injured. The Southern Railroad officially announced sixteen dead and twentynine injured. The Ponce De Leon, bound from Atlanta northward, smashed into the Royal Palm as the Royal Palm stood by a switch at 7:45 p. m. yesterday, expecting the Ponce De Leon to swing into the siding and permit a passing. The second coach of the Ponce De Leon telescoped its way through the diner, which was the third coach. It mowed down passengers, crushed the diner’s kitchen crew against thalr stoves and cabinets, and turned the diner into a shambles. Nearly all of the dead were taken ■rom that car. No one was killed Wo n the Royal -Palm. , Trainmen ran to the nearest telephone and Bent the word into Rockmart. The accident occurred on the outskirts of the town. Doctors, nurses and townspeople turned out to give aid. A rescue train was sent from Atlanta, fifty fnllos away. Christmas Forgotten Ey 10 p. m., two hours after the wreck occurred, temporary dressing stations established at the tralnslde were caring for approximately thirty injured; bodies began to come from the tangle that was the dining car and second coach of the Ponce De Loon; mechanics from shops, garages and small factories swarmed over the debris, cutting their way With acetylene torches glowing Wlerdly In the rain and darkness, and Rockmart lost all thoughts of this being almost the eve of Christmas. Investigation developed that probably misunderstanding or failure to remember orders caused the wreck. At McPherson station, between Atlanta and Rockmart, S. J. Keith, engineer of the Ponce De Leon, had left his cab and turned over the throttle to R. M. Pierce, road fore(Tum to Page 2) Diamonds Turn Out to Be Glass By United Press CHICAGO, Dec. 24.—Mr. Goldenberg and Mr. Weinstein walked Into Nathan Goldberg’s second-hand shop at about the same time. A Mr. Goldenberg had some diaRnonds ho wanted to sell —good ones, secretly Imported from Europe. Goldberg was slightly suspicious and an argument finally ended with Goldenberg uttering, “If you don’t believe they’re good, call In a Jeweler." "I’m a Jeweyer,” Mr. Weinstein spoke up. He looked at the diamonds. ‘l’ll pay $3,800 for them," he said. Goldenberg accepted, and Weinstein began to count out the money. He found he was $l5O short. It was finally decided that Goldberg should loan Weinstein $l5O and keep the diamonds as security until the latter could return. Now Goldberg waijts to know from police what he can do to get $l6O out of a nice collection of cutglass. Falls From Roof of Church, Killed By United Press WARSAW, Ind., Dec. 24.—Elmer C. Saylorfl 35, Warsaw, a. carpenter contractor, was instantly killed today at Atwood, eight miles west of here, when he fell from the roo/ of a church where he was working.

Blue Monday for Husband By United Press SOUTH BEND, Ind., Dec. 24. —County officials here offered two-fold evidence in support of the Santa Claus theory today. An alimony payer added $lO to this week’s allowance “for a Christmas remembrance.” A would-be divorcee filed proceedings, but asked that service of notice be delayed until Monday, “so I’ll get a nice Christmas present first.”

The Indianapolis Times

EX-RESIDENT IS VICTIM IN TRAIN CRASH W. L. Dynes on Way Here for Christmas—Nineteen Hoosiers Escape. A former Indianapolis man, W. L. Dynes, Atlanta, Ga„ was one of the victims of the train wreck at Rockart, Ga., Thursday night, It was learned/ by relatives here today. Nineteen In liana persons who were In the wreck escaped, some being bruised and others suffering no Injuries. On Way Here Mr. Dynes was on his way here from Atlanta to spend Christmas with his wife and two sons, Kenneth and Donald, all residents of Indianapolis. The Dynes home is at 2331 Central Ave. Mr. Dynes had been In real estate business In Atlanta for some time. He was employed In the Indianapolis postoffice twenty-four years, from 1889 to 1913, being superlntendent of malls from 1904 to 1913, when he resigned to go Into business. After several years In business here, he went to Atlanta. Pour Indiana persons were on the Ponce de Leon Special, one of the trains In the wreck. One car of the Ponce de Leon, routed over the Big Four from Cincinnati to Chicago, was due In Indianapolis at this morning. Four on Train The fou.‘ were C. H. Tyler, 8541 Wlnthrop Ave.; W. Blaine Patton. uporta editor of The Indianapolis Star; H. W. Hunter, 8241 Central Ave., and Dr. O. A. Province, Franklin, Ind. Fifteen Indianapolis people, who were on the south-bound train, the Royal Palm, also escaped uninjured. All the passengers of the southbound train were bruised and shaken up, but none seriously Injured. COLO WAVE HERE CHRISTMAS DAY Frigid Present Forecast by U. S. Bureau.) The weather man’s Christmas present to Indianapolis will be a cold wave. This was the word given out today by the United States weather bureau. And, bureau officials said the rest of the State will share the frigid gift. Coming out of the northwest, from the haunts of Santa Claus perhaps, the wave probably will carry the temperature down to about 10 above zero tonight, and hang on Saturday and Sunday. Wanner weather may come by Sunday eV.enlng, Meteorologist J. U. Armlngton said. While there may be some snow tonight, in all likelihood It will not be sufficient to warrant use of a sleigh by the venerable St. Nicholas when he makes his rounds In the city, Armlngton stated. The temperature Jdrop started during the day. Early this morning the atmosphere was warm and damp—a regular English day. Temperature at 7 a. m. was 43, or 14 degrees above normal; at noon the mercuary stood at 88. POLA LOANED So She Files $15,000 Claims Against Valentino’s Estate. hv United Press HOLLYWOOD, Cal., Dec. 24. Pola Negro, Polish screen star and reputed fiancee of the late Rudolph Valentino, has asked payment of a $15,000 claim against "Rudy's” estate, It was learned today. Pola is said to have loaned the money to Valentino to aid in the purchase of his Beverly Hills home, ‘‘Falcon Lair,” which sold at auction recently for $145,000. 8. George Ullman, former personal manager for Valentino and administrator of the estate, admitted the existence of the note and said that it would be paid in full Immediately after Valentino’s effects were disposed of. GAS KILLS 3 IN HOME Broken Main Blamed for South Bend Tragedy. By United Press SOUTH BEND, Ind., Dec. 24. Fumes from a broken gas main were held responsible today for the death of Mr. and Mrs. Ross Apple and their 7-months-old child. Their bod leß were discovered late Thursday when reports of gas fumes In the vicinity of thetr home were investigated.

Entered as Second-CISM Matter at Postoffice. Indianapolis.

Commissioners Wampler, Ellis and Singleton Prevail in Vote. JONES, M’CARDLE OPPOSE Two Hold Out for NinetyDay Delay. Postponement until Jan. 31 of continuation of the hearing on the proposed merger of the two local elec trio companies wus granted opponents of thd merger today by the public service commission. The merger opponents sought a ninety-day postponement in order that their experts might have that time to make an appraisal of the properties of the two companies with which to combat the valuations of about $50,000,000 made by utility experts. Commissioners Howell Ellis. Frank T. Singleton and Frank Wampler voted for the continuance until Jan. 81, after being in conference behind locked doors in Single ton's office for nearly two hours. Declarations Thursday Commissioners John W. -McCardle and Clyde 11. Jones, who Thursday had declared themselves In favor of the ninety-day delay, voted for the continuance. With the con|tnlsslon split into two factions, It was learned that Harley L. Clarke, Chicago utilities magnate, who is the promoter of the proposed merger, has deposited $1,200,400, which was to be forfeited to Bamusl Insult, owner of the Merchants Heat and Light Company, If Clarke Is not able to complete signing of contracts for the merger by Jan. 10. Clarke, who has been In the city for the last week, left for Chicago about noon today. “Our option expires Jan. 10 and a delay means great loss to us,” was Clarke's comment before he left the city. “This time Is hardly sufficient for our needs and will make It impos slble to make as exhaustive an In vestlgatlon and as detailed a valu atlon as should be had In a case of this Importance,” was the comment of a leader among protesting attor neys. Insult has been opposing early completion of the merger, it also was reported. The split In the commission was caused by the split between the two promoters, some aleo said. Ellis, newest member of the commission, named by Governor Jack(Tum to Page 0) SUIT UNDER ADVISEMENT Judge*Not to Act Tin Jan. 3 in Case Brought by Justice. The suit of Alvin Mosley, Justice of the peace, attacking constitutionality of the municipal court law, today was taken under advisement until Jan. 3 by Harry Morrison of Shelbyvlile, sitting as special Judge In the caxo In Superior Court Five. Arguments were heard Thursday. Under the law there la only one Justice of the peace in Center Township,- but Mosley and other Justices have refused to relinquish their offices. Two of them have been arrested for performing marriage ceremonies since Edward L. Dietz, elected In November, qualified for office. BOY, 14, LEAVES HOME Northern Indiana Police Asked to Locate John P. Keevers. Local officials today notified northern Indiana police to be on the lookout for John P. Keevers, 14, of 411 W. Twenty-Ninth St., who ran away Thursday, \ William Keevers, his father, told police his son carried a packet wrapped in a slicker coat, containing Clothing, a revolver, and rode to Westfield In an auto with a neighbor woman. He stated he was en route to South Bend to see his brother. FLIGHT PLANE CRIPPLED St. Louis of Pan-American Squadron Stopped by Engine Trouble. By United Press VERA CRUZ, Dec. 24.—The airplane St. Louis of the United States Army Pan-American squadron was disabled, according to a dispatch received here today. The St. Louis experienced severe motor trouble, and it was believed that the temporarily disabled craft would not be able to /proceed from Tampico to this city until next week. LOCAL ATTORNEY ACCUSED By United Press NOBLESVILLE, Ind., Dec. 24. A bench warrant tor the arrest of George W. Galvin, Indianapolis attorney, was Issued by Judge Fred E. Hines In Hamilton County Court here yesterday. Galvin is alleged to have withheld $460 due the estate of the Rev. Thomas E. Klnnaman which he helped settle*

INDIANAPOLIS, FRIDAY, DEO. 24, 1926

ATMOSPHERE OF CHRISTMAS HOLDS SWAYO VER CITY

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In 600 IndJanaoCs homes cherry Christina* dinner will be enjoyed Saturday as a result of the wprk of the Salvation Army. The Army officials passed out 600 baskets to needy person today from headquarters at 24 8. Capitol Ave. Here Is shown Major W. B. Sowers handing out one of the baskets.

BURGLAR SHOT IN, CHASEJS BELIEF Prowler Discovered by Man Next Door. Burglars were active Thursday night and one is believed to have been shot as he fled after being discovered. Warren Warded, 1209 Kappes St., saw a man attempting to force open a window at the home of Roy Edwards, 1207 Kappes St. Wardell raised the window of his home and the noise put the burglar to flight, but he fired at him and told police he believed a shot struck him. George Noel, alias Collins, alias Hollhan, 2421 Brookside Ave., was arrested by Patrolman F. Steck, charged with Intoxication and vagrancy. The officers say he stole a watch from his sister and traded It for white mule. The apartment of Mrs. L. F. Smith, New York St. and Senate Ave, was entered during the day by burglars who took jewelry and clothing valued at $375. POLICE LASSO HORSES Husky Officers Turn Cowboy During Chase. It was Cowboy Higgs and Cowboy Kinder, early today and not Motorpolicemen Kinder and Higgs. The two husky officers, without steeds, played the dual role In fine fashion and two tramp horses, that were doing considerable damage to front lawns in the 3100 block N. Illinois St., were taken into tow. The horses, without halters, were captured only after the two policemen secured ropes and made lassoes. They were placed In a nearby livery stable and a searefi for the owner started. CRITICISES SHOALS REPORT By United Press WASHINGTON, Dec. 24.—The report to Congress by Col. M. C. Tyler of the War Department, criticising the so-called Slemp offer for Muscle Shoals, Is “ridiculously unfair and inlcorrsct, and la the, product of prejudice,'* John W. Newman, one of the incorporators, declared In a statement toda&

Indianapolis Ready to Observe Colorful Yuletide. Inspired by creation of a yuletlde spirit in the heart of th* city, Indianapolis citlaens today were preparing to observe perhaps the most colorful Christmas in the city’s history. The atmosphere of the Noel that shoppers caught a a they passed along the !>eautlfully decorated business streets will continue in the various programs for the eve and Christmas day. This afternoon, for instance, a large tioat with a ringing Christmas bell was to carry yuletlde singers about the city. They were marshaled by the First Ward Civic Republican Club, which will distribute baskets and 1,000 bags of candy. The familiar words of time-hon-ored Christmas songs will be heard In all parts of the city early Christmas morning, for City Recreation Director Jesse P. McClure and R. Walter Jarvis and Oeorge Morgan (Turn to Page 2) 47 QUARTS OF SCOTCH Valuable Cargo Found in Automobile by Policeman. , forty-seven quarts of Scotch whisky, that might have brought a bootlegger as much as's2s and S3O a quart, were in police hands today, while officers sought the “Legger." Patrolman P. Gray, saw a suspi, olous looking auto at Delaware and Sixteenth Sts. It was not parked Just right. Gray investigating, saw some cartons. More thorough investigation revealed the contents of the four neatly packed cases. One quart was missing, and police believe the owner perhaps was making a delivery at the time. Search for the owner through au Indla&n auto license is on. GREEN RESIGNS WASHINGTON, Dec. 24.—Assistant Secretary of Treasury Andrews today accepted the resignation of Col. Ned M. Green, prohibition administrator for northern California and Nevada, effective about Feb. 1. 1927. Green, recently aquitted In a Federal court at San Francisco on Charges of using confiscated liquor tor bis personal use, was suspended during an Investigation into his case and V** only reinstated this _ g 1

Outside erf Merlon County 12 Cents Per Week. Single Conies

MAYOR UNDECIDED ON PARKING PUN t_ Holds Up Signature for New Ordinance. Whether the new traffic ordinance will become a city law was uncertain today with assertion by Mayor Duvall that he has not yet determined whether to sign the measure. The ordinance, adopted by city council Monday, would establish exclusively flat-to-curb parking, with one-hauf hour limit in the stone bounded by Ohio, Delaware and Maryland Sts. and Capitol Ave„ with a maximum of one and one-half hours outside. “I am rather afraid of some of these restrictions," Mayor Duvall said. “Parking flat to the curb is bound to cause more confusion than angle parking and I believe some of the business men object to the halfhour limit.” Duvall said the argument that other large cities, particularly Cincinnati, have adopted the system would be discounted by the fact that Indianapolis streets are considerably wider than those in other cities. Again Advertising Produces Results By United Free* CHICAGO, Dec., 24.—Louis Middendorf, 62, inserted the following advertisement in a newspaper: "Wanted—To meet a lady, to go walking; object, matrimony.” Seven applicants answered. Yesterday Middendorf was hailed into court by his wife, who wanted to know what he wanted with another wife. She also wanted some alimony. The judge ordered that she be paid and that Middendorf should give up his pedestrian practices. But what Impressed those present came rom a court bailiff. "Seven answers,” he muttered, “on a. walking proposition. Suppose he had advertised for somebody to go riding?” HOURLY TEMPERATURE 6 a. m 43 10 a. m. 38 7 a. m-,.... 43 11 a. m 88 8 a. m...... 40 12 (noon) 38 1 ft A. 4ft 1 <&. M

THREE CENTS

Hold- Stormy Session After Which Time for Ending Work Is Moved Up From Monday.. CALL ATTORNEYS TO MEETING Foreman Furnas Asked to Judge Collins’ Office for Talk. After a stormy session the Marion County grand jury, which, since Oct. 11, has been investigating charges of widespread corruption in Indiana politics, this morning decided to make its report on the investigation this afternoon. There was a possibility the report would contain indiotments. It was also reported that the jury had split, and that two reports would be made. Until this morning the report was scheduled to be made to Criminal Judge James A. Collins Monday. This morning The Times published this statement of D. C. Stephenson made to Prosecutor William H. Remy and Deputy Prosecutor William H. Sheaffer in his cell in Indiana State Prison at Michigan City: “You are not going to get anywhere with your grand jury. Every vote it takes on any indictment will stand four to two.”

It was Stephenson’s statement that he could prove the corruption in' State politics, made in letter smuggled out of prison, which staited the grand Jury probe. Judge Collins called Wilson Furnas, jury foreman to his private office this morning, before the jury went Into session. Both Collins and Furnas refused to disclose (lie nature of the conference. Joseph Schaf, jury member, went direct t.o the prosecutor’s office and | conferred with Remy on his arrival at "the courthouse. The Jury went into session at 10 a. m. Indications were a stormy session was held. Call Prosecutor At 11:30, Deputy Prosecutor Sheaffer was called into the jury room. He was sent with a message to Collins and Remy that the grand jury had changed it mind and would report today. Judge Collins sent back word that he was about to go to lunch, but would be ready to receive the report immediately on his return. Remy announced that the jury would report today and said the jury wanted all the prosecutors there. Aids Summoned He sent for Ralph Kane and Fred C. Gause, who have assisted In the investigation as /necial prosecutors. Kane and Gay ame to the office, but In the rp ime it had been learned the jrt would not be made .ls afternoon and all went to; .ich. Sheaffer was In the jury room aiding the Jury In completion of the -report until the jury went to lunch about 12:10. Remy declared \he did not know what the jury had decided to report. Steve’s Remark Stephenson statement, that the Jury would vote four to two against any Indictments was first made to Sheaffer, and later repeated before Remy. On the first occasion Sheaffer had aecaompanled a former friend of Stephenson to the prison In order to make an effort to permit Stephenson to produce the documents proving corruption in State politics, which his open letter, which started the grand jury Investigation, said that he could produce. The trips to the prison, and there were several of them, were made on information that Stephenson was in solitary confinement for over a month following his appearance In this city. The confinement it was said, started when it seemed possible that Stephenson intended to talk and had succeeds! In getting letters out of the prison without the knowledge of theauthoritles and Into the hands of those who had been attracted to the probe being conducted by Thomas Adams, Vincennes (Ind.) editor, who made public the first open charges. The arrangements for these visits In which Ehoaffer was always a member of the party, were made by Attorney General Arthur L. Gllllom, who insisted that every avenue be left open to permit Stephenson to make good his threat If he so desired. The first occasion when Stephenson made his prophecy concerning the outcome of the grand jury investigation was a little over two weeks ago. No Details Stephenson did not go into details as to the source of his information, if any, as to the attitude of grand Jurors nor did he amplify his statement. Shortly after this first declaration by Stephenson as to his belief as to what would happen in the Marlon County grand jury, Remy was at the prison In the company of Sheaffer and one other. It Is Intimated that Prosecutor Remy had told Stephenson of the approaching end of the investi(Tun* to fagO'S)

Forecast Partly cloudy tonight followed by fair Saturday; colder* with cold wave tonight and temperature near IQ.

TWO CENTS

MARION COUNTY

M’DEHOTI CASE 1 MAY REST WITH JURORSBY NIGHT Evidence at End in Mellett Murder Trial —Christmas Verdict Possible. By United Press CANTON. Ohio, Dec. 24.—Testimony in the trial of Pat McDermott charged with the assassination of Don R. Mellett, editor of the Canton Daily News, was completed today. Special instructions to the jury prepared by opposing counsel, then were presented for the court’s consideration and Indications were the case would be in the hands of the Jury late today. There will be no Christmas recess of court and verdict is possible tomorrow. The State completed its case after Judge -E. W. Diehl refused to permit officials of York County, Pennsylvania, to testify that McDermott had been a prisoner there. The prosecution today recalled Steve Kascholk the "Informer.” He denied he had “framed" his friend McDermott or that he was in Canton the night of the murder. After an attempt to show that Mrs. Hattie Gerhard, chief alibi witness for the defendant, had given different testimony before the grand jury, the defense rested Its case. While the rest of the world awaits the ringing of the Christmas chimes, the jury of ten men and two women probably will be deciding whether McDermott should be acquitted or sent to the electric chair. For a conviction they must believe the story told them by Kascholk, boyhood chum of the defendant, who related on the witness stand how he and McDermott were hired by Ben Rudner and Louis Mazer, al leged underworld characters, to come to Canton and “fix” Mellet’s vice crusading activities by doing away with the youthful editor. If they free McDermott, then they will have believed the auburn-haired youth’s plea, which he made on the stand yesterday, that he has been ’’framed” by Kascholk who turned Judas to collect a portion of the $27,000 reward offered for the conviction CAR MYSTERY SOLVED State Policeman Shinn Towed In Bullet Riddled Auto. Solution of the mystery of the missing bullet riddled car found by Motorpolicemen Okey and Webb, near Nora, and later reported to have vanished was offered today by Lieut. Joe Shinn of the State highway police. After the city police had discovered the car Shinn came upon it and ordered it towed to a Nora garage. Shinn believes that It was used In a hijackers hattle.

One Edition Christmas Day — The Times will publish but one edition Christmas Day, starting at about 10:0 a. m. Carriers and dealers shoqld watch early interurban cars and trains for their papers. n