Indianapolis Times, Volume 38, Number 226, Indianapolis, Marion County, 27 December 1926 — Page 1

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VOLUME 37—NUMBER 226

ATTACK ON STEPHENSON MOVERLED Motion to Quash Plea of ExDragon for Habeas Corpus Writ. THREE REASONS GIVEN Insufficient Support for Petition Charged. •Louis Kunkle, prosecuting attorof La Forte tfounty, today Ailed motion to quash the habeas cor* Dus proceedings in behalf of 1). C. Stephenson, which is set for hearing by Judge Harry Crumpaeker in La I’oite Superior Court Wednesday. The motion to quash was prepared by Attorney General Arthur L. GilHorn, who will appear personally to represent Prison Warden Walter 11. Italy. Three Reasons The writ is based upon the contentions that there is insufficient support for the habeas corpus on the grounds that Stephenson is illegally imprisoned because of technical defects in the change of venue from Marion to Hamilton County court, Reasons set out in the motion: “The petition for the said writ, and the writ issued thereon constitutes a collateral attack on the judgment of the Hamilton Circuit Court, and the said petition wholly fails to state facts to support the legal conclusion that said judgment is void for want of Jurisdiction of said court over the person of the petitioner or the subject matter of the cause in which said judgment was rendered. Legally Frcsunied Valid The i>otitlon on its face shows that the petitioner is imprisoned in the Indiana State Prison, that he is in the custody of the defendant as tHe warden of the said prison, pursuant to a judgment of a court of general jurisdiction. Said Judgment, imprisonment and custody are legally pre--Humed to be valid in law and said petition wholly fails to allege facts which would overcome such legal jMHtfuiniption. petition on its face shows from which the restraint on tho petitioner's liberty is in law presume,-] to be legal and said petition wholly fails to state facts to overcome such legal presumption to support the legal conclusion that such presumption is illegal. Wherefore, the defendant prays that the writ he quashed and for ail other in'oper release."

BELIEVE YOUTH IS HOW MAN Caught in Basement When Neighbor Calls Police. (Raymond Fortune, 17, of 745 Luett St., held in city prison today on a burglary charge, also Is suspected by police of betng a hold-up man. lie was seen to enter through a window the house of Louis Moller, 1431 W. Twenty-Sixth St., by Mrs. John Sorenson, living across the street. She called police. Lieut. Fred Winkler and squad found Fortune hiding in the basement. A sweater he was wearing was recognized by Mrs. Sorenson as one stolen from her home recently. Fortune admitted the burglary and several others, police say. He had $72.09 in money and other ancles and keys in his pocket and that an uuto parked near tne house was stolen from Senate Ave. and Market St. It is owned by Harry Snider, New Augusta, Ind. Police say Fortune answers to the description of a bandit who held up a filling station at the Thirtieth St. and Northwestern Ave., recently. Charles Smith, Negro, 115 Martin, St., was arrested by police at ThirtyEighth St. and College Ave., after he was seen to try the door of a filling station at Fall Creek Blvd. and Thirty-Eighth St. FLOOD MENACE GROWS Additional Rain Swells Cumberland River in Tennessee. Bu United Press NASHVILLE, Tenn., Dec. 27. With forecasts of additional rain in the district served by the turbulent Cumberland river—which now is within three feet of its highest stage —fears of flood damage increased in this district. Two thousand persons are homeless here, more than 200 homes are flooded and many business houses have been forced to remove Btocks to relief buildings. In the district outside of Nashville more than 1,000 acres are rei ported under water and several hundred persons are reported forced their homes. FORMER GO.VERNOR DIES Bv United Pre-s OALLATIN, Mo., Dec. 27.—Alexander M. Dockery, 82, former Governor of Missouri and third assistant postmaster general under President Wilson lied at his home here Sun day following an illness of one week Dockery was long a Democratic leader in Missouri and served six years fei Congress. Funeral arrangements Iwp not been announced.

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DEFENDS .COLLEGE STUDENT Head of National Council Declares ‘Flafning Youth’ Not General. ' Bu United Press MILWAUKEE, Wis., Dec. 27. The average college student of today Is a serious thinker, and stories of student debauchery, drinking and petting, while true in isolated instances, are not typical of college life, A. R. Elliott, New York, executive secretary of the National Student Conference, which opens here tomorrow, laid the United Press today Three thousand students, including representatives of thirty-four foreign nations, will gather for the conference, which will discuss problems of modern youth. “This will be a constructive con vent ion." Elliott said. "We are here to disprove the prevalent theory, which is express°d colloquially in the phrase, ‘The Natjgn is going to tho dogs,’ because of the alleged immorality of present day youth.”

WETS IN CONGRESS FRAME: PLAN FOR STRONGEST DRIVE Senate Liquor Bloc Will Meet to Study Backing Modification. Hu United Press WASHINGTON. Dec. 27.—Wets are planning their biggest Congressional demonstration since the start of prohibition, as soon as Congress reconvenes after the holidays. A mass meeting of wet Senators to which eighteen are expected to be invited will be arranged simultaneously with a display of fireworks on tho floor. Invitations to the first wet bloc assembly in the Upper House are now being arranged by Senator Edge, Republican, New Jersey, who hitherto has acted as unofficial leader of the unorganized wet sympathiz-. era. The floor demonstration will lie led by Edge’s colleague. Senator Edwards, Democrat, New Jersey, in behalf of his bill to permit States to define the i>ercentage of alcohol nonintoxicant beverage may legally have. Names of Senators expected to be invited to the bloc: assembly have not been announced and will not be until it is certain they will accept. Several mild wets thus far have not joined with the outspoken wet leaders in mast of their activities. The United Press is informed the following are among those included: Bingham and McLean Reps.), Connecticut; Broussard and Ransdell (Dems.), Louisiana; Copeland (Dem.), and Wadsworth (Rep.), New York; Edge (Rep.) and Edwards (Dem.), New Jersey; Hawes and Reed (Dems), Missouri; King (Dem.), Utah; La Pollette (Rep.), Wisconsin; Walsh (Dem.), Massachusetts; Bruce (Dem.) and Meller (Rep.), Maryland, and Couzens (Rep.), Michigan. 18 HOLIDAY FATALITIES Six of Number Killed in Auto Accidents In Detroit Area. Bii United Preen DETROIT, Dec. 27. —Eighteen persons were killed in the Detroit area Christmas and yesterday. Six were killed in collisions of automobiles and trains at Wyandotte, Mich., and at Puce, Ont. Gen. Nathan Church, 85-year-old Civil war veteran was suffocated In a fire which badly damaged the plant of the Gratiot County Herald at Ithaca. Church lived over the newspaper plant. LIQUOR FATAL TO FOUR One Poisoned in New York—Others Took on Too Much. Bu United Press NEW YORK, Dec. 27.—At least four persons died and about seventyfive were taken to Hospitals in New York from overindulgence in Christmas liquor. Dr. Thomas Gonzales, assistant medical examiner, said only one body showed traces of poisonous liquor. The other deaths were attributed to overdoses of alcohol. Bu United Press CHICAGO, Dec. 27. Chicago people gave away $10,000,000 in liquor as Christmas presents, health commissioner Herman N. Bundeson, M. D., estimated here today. “Ninety to 92 per cent of this liquor was poison,’’ he said. LINER AGROUND Bu United Pn as NEW YORK, Dec. 27.—The Cunard line office here today said it had been advised the liner Franconia was in no danger after ground Ing in San Juan harbor. The passengers, on a round-the-world tour, were landed to go sightseeing, it was said and there was no confusion aboard. A message to the Cunard line here said the vessel merely had scraped the muddy bottom. TWO DIE IN CHAIR BELLEFONTE, Pa., Dec. 27. The commonwealth of Pennsylvania today exacted two lives as its toll for murder. Paul Orlawowski, convicted of slaying two prison guards during a riot in the Western penitentiary, Pittsburgh, in 1924, and Paul Fasci, convicted of | a murder during the $72,000 in Scranton, were electrocuted at Rockview penitentiary this morning.

ATTACK U. S. FOR ACTIVITY IN NICARAGUA Liberal Leader and German Press Among Critics of Intervention. PRESIDENT UNDER FIRE Diaz Called Tool of New York Bankers. Bu United Press WASHINGTON, Dec. 27.—The little war in Nicaragua turned into a big diplomatic issue in Washing ton today, involving United States prestige and policy in Latin America and a challenge to Mexican recognition of the Nicaraguan rebels. With United States forces oc cupying rebel east coast Nicaraguan ports, Dr. T. S. Vaca, Liberal envoy here, today charged the Btate Department with imperialism and intervention in behalf of President Diaz, whom he termed “A tool of tho New York bankers.” Similar charges were made by Secretary Selva of the Nicaraguan Federation of Labor. Senator Borah, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee lias issued a warning against American intervention and against stories of Central American- bol shevist plots as 'an effort tp drag this country into an unjustifiable war with Mexico. Senator Moses wants an investigation and Borah also seeks further information on events in the central American zone. Department officials pending fuller reports from Admiral Latimer, would not comment on Liberal charges that no foreign lives or property have been endangered and that Latimer ordered the Liberal “government” out of Puerta Cabezas, after searching the home of “President” Sacasa and declaring the Liberal capital a neutral zone. The Latimer neutral zone order Is considered In some diplomatic circles here as a virtual United States naval blockade against alleged Mexican arms and supplies for the Liberals without which the American-recogn-ized I.taz regime can not be overthrown. Although officials here have no evidence of an alleged "Mexicanfostered bolshevist hegemony,” thrusting Itself between the United States and the Panama Canal as re cently reported by a press associa (Turn to Page 11)

INTIMATES 11 BARSPACiFISTS New York Minister Criticises McNutt Group. Times Washington Bureau. lMt Xnr> York Avenue WASHINGTON, Dec. 27.—Speakers at the Indiana University Y. M. C. A. are censored for possible pacifist sentiments by an advisory committee, headed by Paul V. McNutt, law school dean and State American Legion head, it was said today by John Nevin Sayre, New York minister. Sayre wrote to War Secretary Davis protesting against an alleged attempt by Liuet. Col. G. G. Lewis, Reserve Army officer to prevent his speaking to the University of Oklahoma students at Norman, Okla. He cited Indiana among others as a State where liberal and pacifist speakers are opposed. It was recalled here that Mrs. W. S. Lockhart, wife of an Indianapolis minister, was threatened by Indianapolis police when she attempted to hold a world peace luncheon at the Claypool Hotel last October. SAFE CRACKERS SOUGHT Champaign, 111., Clothing Store Burglars Hunted Here. Champaign, 111., police today asked police to watch for persons suspected of burglarizing the J. M, Kauffman clothing store and cracking a safe in the office Sunday, night. Clothing and money were taken. MRS. GIBSON WEAKENS Bu United Press JERSEY CITY, N. J., Dec. 27. Mrs. Jane Gibson, one of the leading witnesses at the Hall-Mills trial, was reported very weak today at the city hospital. The farm woman has not long to live, according to Thomas Golden, secretary to Dr. George O'Hanlon, medical superintendent. For several days Mrs. Gibson, who is suffering from a complication of ailments, has subsisted only on peptonized milk. SIX KILLED IN TRAFFIC Bu United Press CLEVELAND, Ohio, Dec. 27. Traffic accidents took a toll of six lives in Cleveland over the Christmas holidays, which brought the total for this year to 235 deaths. Three of the victims laid in the morgue today unidentified. Two men were killed when “hit-skip’’ drivers ran them down with their machines while the others died as the result of motor car collisions.

INDIANAPOLIS, MONDAY, DEC. 27,1926

City Ropes Off Streets for Exclusive Use of Coasters After Boy Is Killed

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These boys heeded the warning of eity officials and did their roasting today in Brookside Park. David Wicks (left) is giving friends a ride on a sled made of a pie<e of rorrugated sheet iron. Inset: George Edward fictile, 12, the first roasting victim of llie season, killed Sunday while coasting in S. Meridian St.

PLAN GANG WAR AT HOOSIER TOWN Gunme-n Fire on Rockport Mayor’s Home —Mob Atteeks Pobce Chief, Freeing Prisoner.

Bu r/nftrij Press ROCKPORT, Ird., Dec. 27—A conference of citizens to discuss plans to "straighten out tho town" lias been called for tomorrow night by Mayor Louis F. Weiss, who has

Postoffice Rests on Laurels Today The fight Is over, the victory is won, and the postoffice department triumphantly rests In its laurels today, after handling the flood of the Christmas mail rush. Nearly five and one-half million greeting CArds, both Incoming and out going, were handled by the local office and about two million parcel post packages went through the distributing channels last week, according to Postmaster Robery H. Bryson. “We swept the floor at 12:12. Best wishes for a merry Christmas and a happy New Year,” wns the message sent by foremen to Bryson shortly after noon Christmas day. PRIDE IN GIFT FATAL Boy Trying Out Hiking Roots Received for Christmas Drowns. Bu United Press READING, Pa., Dec. 27—Robert Hyneman, 12, is dead here today, the victim of pride in a pair of hiking boots, a Christmas present. The snow and sledt of yesterday gave the lad a chance to try out the new boots. While walking across girders of a partly dismantled bridge Robert lost his footing and plunged into the Schuylkill River. Four companions were unable to aid him. They watched him being tossed.about by the ice cakes in the river and finally saw him sink to his death. HOOSIER WRECK FATAL Fireman Killed When Engines Crash at Frankfort. Bv United Press FRANKFORT. Ind.. Dec. 27. Ross B. Lawhead, fireman and extra engineer on the Clover Leaf division of the Nickel Plate Railroad, was killed here Sunday when his engine collided with a Monon freight engine. Lawhead was crushed beneath the tender as he attempted to jump. A widow and seven children survive. FIREMEN MAKE RESCUES Neis Used as Flames Cause SIOO,OOO Loss at East Pittsburgh. Bu United Press EAST PITTSBURGH. Pa., Dec. 27. —Many persons, trapped in the upper floors of a row of buildings here today, were led to safety by firemen, when a fire,swept through the buildings, causing damage estimated at SIOO,OOO. One of the rescues, that of four men entrapped on the third floor, was effected by means of life nets into which three of them jumped. The fourth,' afraid to jump, started climbing down a water pipe, slipped and fell, but the firemen switched the net in time to catch him. RUNAWAY HERO DIES Farmer Youth Crushed Trying to Stop Horses. Bu United Press LOGANSPORT, Ind., Dec. 27. James Schamsher, 18, was fatally Injured here today when he attempted to stop a team of runaway horses. The youth was caught between the wagon the horses were drawing and a building. His chest was badly crushed. The boy is survived by his parents, two brothers and a sister. The family was moving to anew farm IWIH A .....

l>oen carrying on a bitter war against the lawless element here. The struggle between the mayor and a gang of lawbreakers reached a climax when u gunman fired five shots into the muyor’s home while lie was away at church. Following this a mob attacked Police Chief Jesse Brooks and Officer Young wlille they were escorting Perry Noble, a prisoner to Jail. In tho riot which resulted Noble oscaped and hus not boon rearrested. Today citizens heard the plea of Mayor Weiss for assistance in his War tp make . Ruckiiort's .‘.'gang, of hoodlums behave or run them out of tho county.” There lias been friction between Rockport's underworld and the militant mayor since the appointment of Brooks, a Kentucky prohibition raider, as police chief. Brooks made numerous arrests in liquor cases, ninny of which resulted in convictions In the mayor's court.

YOUTH KILLED, TWOWOUNDED Fatal Shooting Near Jeffersonville Probed. Bu United Press JEFFERSONVILLE. Ind.. Dec. 27. —County authorities today are Investigating the killing of Herman Roth, 20, Louisville, and the wounding of two other youths at the Maplewood Inn, near here Sunday. A warrant, charging Tohn Staebler, L'6, Louisville musician, with murder, has oeen sworn out by Grover C. Todd, Clark County prosecutor, who is making an effort to locate Staebler, said Dy his father to be under the care of a doctor. William Elliott, 21, Louisville, Is the third youth wounded. According to two youths, who are being held In Jail as witnesses, Roth was shot in the stomach five times by Staebler, who also wounded Elliott in the arm. Staebler's father has promised authorities the surrender of his son as soon as he recovers from his wounds. METHODISTS GAIN Bu United Press CHICAGO. Dec. 27.—The Methodist Episcopal Church gained 23,295 members during 1926, according to a report released today. This gain, according to the report, gives the church a membership of 4,758,084 in the United States. rOISON CANDY IN MAIL Bu United Press CLEVELAND. Dec. 27.—James Peck wag seeking the identity today of the persons who sought to wipe out his family of four with a box of poisoned Christmas candy. The belated gift was found tied to the rear door of the Peek home here yesterday. Mrs. Peck discovered the box tied to the door handle ar.d she and her daughter, Mary, were about to sample the contents when the girl detected a pill-shaped object In the piece she selected. QUAKE IN CALIFORNIA Bu United Press FRESNO, Cal., Dec. 27.—Many persons in the San Joaquin valley were awakened at 1:30 a. m. today by a slight earth tremor. No damage was done, according to reports here. The quake was felt from Turlock to Porterville. HOURLY TEMPERATURE 6 a. m 20 10 a. m 24 7 a. m.,... 22 11 a. m...... 25 S a. nv*.,.. 2$ II (noon) .... M t a. U 1 ft m*.... JM

Outside of Marion County 12 Cents Per Week. Sinale Coolea

Autos to Bo Barred So Youths May Use Sleds in Safety. With a 12-year-old boy dead, the first toasting victim of the season, police this afternoon blocked off streets in various parts of the city for the exclusive use of coasters. Tho streets were picked by Reroation Director Jesse P. McClure, after a trip over the city to see what streets were being used sty coasting. Automobile traffic will be barred from the streets designated for coasting. Other streets probably will bo added later, McClure said. Those already picked: Park Ave., Thirty-Fourth to Thirty-Eighth Sts. New York St., one block west from Harbin St. liiiey Ave. along Riley playground. Addison Bt. from Washington to Market Sts. Watson Rd. Coasting in Street George Edward Hettlc, 12, of 722 J £ Russell Ave., died en route to Indiana Christian Hospital after he was struck while coasting on S. Meridian St., near Kansas St., by a machine driven by Lawrence Spltznagel, 2250 R. Pennsylvania St., Sunday evening. The boy’s death was the third traffic fatality of the day. According to Spltznagel, the boy was sliding on a sled in the middle of the street and he did not see him until two feet away. He stopped his car within twenty feet and upon finding the boy Injured seriously started to the hospital with him. The boy, suffering from a fractured skull, died on the way. Spitznave! was charged with involuntary manslaughter, but was released on his own reconizance. The boy’s mother, Mrs. Epsa Fatout. 606 Fletcher Ave., survives. He lived with an aunt, Mrs. Flora Frank. The sled on which he was coasting was a last year’s Christmas present. Other Deaths Mrs. John MacGregor, 48, of Beech Grove, died Sunday of injuries received earlier in the day when a machine in which she was riding with her husband collided with a bus at Fourth and Sherman Sts., Beech Grove. MacGregor suffered a wrenched back. Robert Rominger, Beech Grove, driver of the bus, was charged with manslaughter. Carl Reepme.ker. 15, Technical High School student, died from injuries sustained last Thursday when he was struck by a gravel truck at Madison and Troy Aves. when he was crossing a filling station driveway on a bicycle. Seven Injured Seven persons were slightly injured in automobile accidents over the week-end. They were Clifford Jones, 19 N. Oriental St., cut about the face when he was struck by a car driven by Dr. Charles L. Botkin, Muncie, at Cruse and Washington Sts.; John Hession, Brownsburg. bruised when his car hit the auto of O. D. Barton, 2413 Central Ave. at East and Market Sts.; Mary Stansberry, 716 Dorman St., slightly injured when the machine in which she was riding struck the auto of Alfred Barkinbarn, 1321 N. Meridian St.: Dorothy Jones, 5, Negro, 1016 W. Twenty-Sixth St„ injured slightly when struck by an automobile driven by Mrs. Lillian Courtney, 2705 Schriver Ave., at Rader St. and Roach Ave.; Ernest Mount, Route 6, BotClOl, cut about the head, when . his car hit a telephone pole In the 2400 block on Madison Ave.; Mrs. Lucy Dove, 32 N. Eastern Ave., bruised about the body when struck by an auto at New York St. and Eastern Ave., and James Cash, Mars Hill, Injured about the head when he slipped on a slick car rail at Morris and Harding Sts. LIQUOR KILLS 130 Bv United Press PITTSBURGH, Pa., Dec. 27. Deaths attributed to alcoholism In Allegheny County during 1926 amounted to ISO, already over the 1925 mark. 41m qorooar’a offioe reported.

THREE CENTS

1M FAILS TO RETURN INT; EXPECTS EC IE IK COURT IK mum Probe Group Spends Morning in Con-ference-Prosecutor and Aids Attend. NAMES FOR NEW BODY DRAWN Collins Sends Bailiff to See if Members Are Coming In. Spending the morning in conference, with .Prosecutor William 11. Reuiy and his aids present most of the time, tho Marion County grand jury this morning failed to return to Criminal Judge James A. Collins a revised report on its probe into charges of graft and corruption in Indiana polities on which it has been working eleven weeks. The jurors, leaving their room about 12:1.5, announced they would be back at 1:30 to return the report, lie my, coming from the jury room, turned over several pages of notes to his stenographers and asked them to write them while the grand jury was in noon adjournement. It was understood this was to be part of the report that will be submitted. Judge Collins announced on leaving the courthouse about noon that he would be back at 2 p. m.

When the judge sent Bailiff Clar-1 ence Clegg to the jury room about 11:30 with a message to come along with the report, the jurors sent back word that they would “be down' later.” A second trip by Clegg, shortly before noon, proved no more fruitful. Friday afternoon the grand jury suddenly submitted a written report without indictments. This was refused by the court because the last two lines, “violated the oaths of the jurors.” New Jury Drawn Six names were drawn this morning for the new grand jury, which will be impaneled next Monday before Judge Coffins. New pet't jurier also were drawn. County Clerk Albert Losche, drawing the names in the presence of Alex Holliday and E. A. Hendrickson. the other members of the jury commissions board. Any excuses for exemption from jury service will have to be made in open court on Monday. The six persons whose names wore drawn for the grand jury, W’ere: William B. Iturford Jr., 1503 N. Meridian St., connected with (lie William B. Rurford Company, State printers. Emil E. Ebner, 1057 W. ThirtySecond St., president of The Indianapolis Varnish Company, Carl Rost, 3727 Central Ave., president of the Liberty Electric Company. Charles H. Griinm, 101 E. Troy Ave., buyer for the Pettis Goods Company. A. Wesley Antrim, 403 E. Maple Rd., president of The Jessup & Antrim Company, ice cream manufacturers. George C. Haerle, 1449 N. Pennsylvania St., vice president of The Chapman-Price Steel Company, The grand jury went into session shortly before 10 a. m. Foreman Fur(Turn to Page 11) FREIGHT IS WRECKED Pennsy Cars Go in Ditch Near Cartersburg. Twenty-three loaded and one empty car of the third section of freight. No. 286, left the Pennsylvania Railroad tracks and piled up In the ditch at 8:10 Sunday night, a short distance west of Cartersburg, Ind. None of the crew was injured. The train, wdth thirty-four cars, was making its way through the snow when, without warning or evident cause, the cars left the rails and began piling into the ditch. The train was brought to a halt in the shortest time possible and a check of the crew showed no casualties. The exact cause of the accident has not been ascertained. Officials are investigating. $125 JEWELRY THEFT Downtown Store Window Smashed by Burglar. A wdndow at the Emil Urfer jewelry store, 923 Massachusetts Ave., was smashed Sunday night and jewelry valued at $125 taken. Urfer discovered the theft when he opened for business today. FUNERAL FOR NINE Bu United Press TEXICO, New Mexico, Dec. 27. Funeral services for the wife and eight stepchildren of George Hassel, who has confessed to slaying them, were marked by an appeal from District Attorney J. D. Thomas to “let the law take its course,” In dealing with Hassel. Ranchers from this section attended the funeral and Thomas, in a brief talk, urged that there be no violence. DENTES SLAYING WIFE Bu United Press ILLE, Cal., Dec. 27.—After an alleged confession, in which he was said to ha>Te admitted choking his wife to death, Albert Coan, denied the confession when arrested and said Mrs. Coan’s neck was broken In a friendly scuffle at his brother’s house during a Christmas party,

Forecast Mostly cloudy tonight and Tuesday; probably snow or rain; slightly warmer tonight; lowest temperature about 30.

TWO CENTS

MAHION COUNTY

NEW TRIAL PLEA BEING PREPARED FOR f DEMIT Defendant in Mellett Murder Remains Silent in Face of Life Term. Bu United Press CANTON, Ohio, Dec. 27.—Prospects of life inside walls of the Ohio penitentiary have failed to loosen the tongue of Pat McDermott, con vlcted of the assasination of Don R. Mellett, editor of the Canton Daily News. McDermott remained In his col! here today while his attorneys prepared to file a formal motion for a new trial* The motion will be ruled on Wednesday by Judge E. W. Diehl in Common Pleas Coui . If the court overrules tin motion, as observers here anticipate, McDermott will be sentenced immediately to life imprisonment. In the meantime the State continued preparations to bring to trial early in February, Louis Mazer and Ben Rudner, alleged members of the murder conspiracy. MAN DROWNS; RESCUE FATAL Hoosier Dies Attempting to Revive Victim. Bu United Press LA GRANGE, Ind., Dec. 27. Miles Emmons, a Michigan man, was drowned in Pigeon River, near here when he fell from a bridge into the water. While attempting to revive Em mons, Daniel Garlets, 70, wns stricken with heart disease and died Garlets’ home was in Mongo, east of this city. FEAR FIRE DEATH LIST Workers Search Ruins as Flames Follow Oil Ileflncrj' Blast. Bu United Press VENTURA, Cal., Dec. 27.—A series of explosions wrecked and set fire to the absorption plant at the General Petroleum Company’s oil field near here today. Several gasoline tanks adjoining the building exploded also and a number of wofltmen were Injured, some perhaps fatally. Nejarly a score of workers were first aid treatment on the field by company physicians and nurses and taken to the hospital. A rescue crew was making frantic efforts to locate several missing workmen believed trapped. Company officials said it would be several hours before the fire could be brought under control. COLLEGIANS ON Youths Testify In IJqour Trial of Mrs. Harriett Owsley. Mrs. Harriett Owsley, and her son, Argol, Rodman Apts., 21 W. Sixteenth St., went on trial before Special Criminal Judge Sydney S. Miller today, for alleged liquor law violation. Several college youths wars to take the stand this afternoon to about buying liquor frM the