Indianapolis Times, Volume 38, Number 230, Indianapolis, Marion County, 31 December 1926 — Page 1

Home Edition Do you believe Cobb and .speaker got a square deal? See the sport page today.

VOLUME 37—NUMBER 230

280 DEAD AS NICARAGUAN BAMTOLL Many Wounded as Liberals Defeat Faction Recognized by U. S. THREE DAYS’ FIGHTING ■Rout Greater Than First Reports Indicated. f Bu United Press I BLUEFIELDS, Nicaragua, Dec. ■L—Two hundred and eighty men killed and many wounded in Hhe fierce three-day battle between ■Conservative and Liberal troops at ■Laguna Las Perlas, eye-witnesses arriving here reported today. ■ The Liberal forces, fighting undei ■the colors of Dr. Juan B. Casa, who Bis recognized by Mexico as president ■of Nicaragua, were victorious in the ■fighting, which terminated Carly this ■week with the retreat of the troops of ■president Adolpho Diaz, whose re■gime is recognized by the United W States. ' Doctors have already brought 129 wounded from Uie battlefield to hospital camps here. They also brought the first authentic reports of the fighting and jnumber of casualties. The reports showed the battle was more severe and the defeat of the Conservatives more ignominious than at first reported. Seventy-one of the wounded men brought here were Liberal soldiers and fifty-nine were from the Conservative ranks. Because of delayed medical attention, gangrene poisoning aggravated the condition of many of the wounded men and their plight was critical. U. S. ANO MEXICO IN OILDEADLOCK ™aws Effective TonightIssue Sharply Drawn. Bu United Press • WASHINGTON, Dec. 31.—The “critical situation” between the United States and which Secretary of State Kellogg described in his lest note of protest over the Mexican alien oil laws, became dangerously acute today, in the opinion of informed officials. The protested laws become effective at midnight tonight. They provide for seizure by the Mexican government of American oil properties acquired before 1917 and valued at $500,000,000, except where owners have exchanged titles for the protested “concessions-” The State Department said it had no information indicatihg that Mexico would postpone operation of the law, or that any large' number of American oil interests had conformed to the law. The deadlock was therefore described as complete. DUNGAN GIVES UP'KEYS Supreme Court Clerk Tunis Over Duties to Republican. Today the last Democratic office at the Statehouse will be turned over to the Republicans when Supreme Court Clerk Zachariah H. i Dungan turns over his keys of office L to Charles L. Biederwolf. Dungan, k who was elected four years ago, ■ was defeated by Biederwolf with the Bydumph of the Republican party this his four years service, I Dungan and his "official family” I have made an enviable record of p service to the public.. Lawyers were unanimous today is admiring this achievement and complimented Dungan upon it. WORKERS FORGET CHIEF Man Who Gavo Strike Order to 115,000 Dies Lonely. Bv United Press NEW YORK, Dec. 31.—Robert P. Brindell, once known as the “czar” of the New York building trades, whose order to “knock off” threw ' out of work 115,000 men, died in compartive loneliness, forgotten by the workers he dominated. Brindell’s death yesterday came two years after he had been released from prison, where he was sentenced in 1921 after conviction on an extortion charge. It was testified he received as high as $32,000 from builders for "strike insurance.” Death followed an infection of the lungs.

One Edition .New Year’s F Day The Times will publish but one edition New Year's day, starting about 10:30 a. m.. Carriers and dealers should watch for arrival of their papers at a time earlier than usual.

The Indianapolis Times GOMELgII REPORT OE .WORLD-WIDE. NfWg J[sESyiCJS OF 188 UNITED PRESS

Holiday for U. S . Mail Men Only perishable parcel post and special delivery mail will be delivered Saturday, Year’s day, it was announced today by Robert H. Bryson, postmaster. There will be no carrier delivery, and the holiday schedule of collections will be observed. All departments of the postoffice and all classified stations will also be closed for the day.

MOVE TO DROP 15 POLICEWOMEN HALTEim ORDER Judge Temporarily Blocks Plan to Dismiss Officers i Saturday. Proposal to dismiss fifteen policewomen Saturday was at standstill today after Circuit Judge Harry O. Chamberlin issued a temporary restraining order, preventing Police Chief Claude' F. Johnson and board of safety from discharging the women. The order was issued when Attorney Ira M. Holmes explained that the dismissals would be effective before a hearing could be held. Judge Chamberlin set 9.30 a. m. Monday as the date for the hearing on an injunction. Charges Necessary Recommendation for the discharge of the policewomen was submitted to the safety board Tuesday and it was approved. The complaint points out that the women cannot be dismissed unless charges of official misconduct nave been filed. Chief Johnson, however, stated in the dismissal recommendation that no provision is made in the 1927 budget for the policewomen. Right to Pension The women bringing the suit are Anna Bruner, Elizabeth Denny and Irene Beyer, matrons; Emma Baker, Wetta Davis, Nell Dunkle and Margaret Hildebrand, assigned in Juvenile court, and Bertha Duclus, 'Lillian Jaschka, Mary Cantlou, Anna Buck Mary Moore, Mary Moriarity, Cosseta Osborn and Sara Rodgers. The last four plaintiffs aver that they have been contributing to the police pension fund for many years and had a right to participate in the fund.

Watchman Grieves at Dog’s Death “Peg” Hamilton, 107 W. Merrill St., one-legged crossing watchman at Georgia and West Sts., was lopesome today. Hamilton appeared at his cabin without “Pete”—his faithful dog. Removal of “Pete” by Dr. Michael J. McGinty ended a close companionship of seven years, Hamilton said. The dog was a victim of the rabies, prevalent for several weeks, and had to be killed. "More than fifty folks this morning asked me ‘where's Pete?’ ” said Hamilton. “He wus a faithful dog; when I was asleep he would wake me up if an engine approached; I hated to lose my leg, of course, but Pete’s loss was worse than that,” declared the watchman. In the days before horses were replaced by autos, Hamilton was a cab driver patronized by many of the city’s notables.

MAN WRESILES WIIHJIURGLARS Battles Two Prowlers in Bedroom—s6o Taken. George Tranberger, 511 E. St. Clair St., grappled with two burglars in his room at 2 a. m. today but they overpowered him. pushed him back on his bed and ran from the house. Tranberger told police $lO and a diamond ring valued at SSO were taken. Tranberger said he sprang from the bed onto the hack of one of the men, thinking he was the only one in the room. Then the other man seized him from behind and pulled him away. A rear door was the exit. Burglars broke a glass at the Standard oil station, 1640 Shelby St., and took five gallons of oil. At the Standard oil station, Fall Creek Blvd. and Maple Rd., burglars broke a window and took fifteen gallons of gasoline. FALL SLIGHTLY WORSE Bv United Press EL PASO, Texas, Dec. 31. The condition of Albert B. Fall, former Secretary of the Interior, ill of pneumonia, was still hopeful today, despite a slight turn for the worse, according to his physician, Dr. H. T. Safford. “Untoward symptom” has developed on one lung, according to Safford, but believes the former Cabinet member is winning the fight against the d'sease. THREE CHILDREN DROWN Bu United Press CATANIA, Sicily, Dec. 31.—Three children were drowned today at Galati Marina when huge waves swept the shores during a violent storm. Fishermen living near the beach tied as their homes were menaced,

Entered as Second-Class Matter at Fostoffice. Indianapolis.

COUNCIL TO SUPERVISE APPRAISAL Four Members Will Be on Committee to Direct Work, Says Moore. * WILL PASS BILL THEN Compromise Capital Discussed by Opponents. The majority faction of city council will amend the ordinance providing for appropriation of $25,000 for an appraisal of the two local electric utilities so that four councilmen will be on the committee to direct the appraisal, Boynton J, Moore, council president, said today. This would give council control of the committee. The appraisal Is advocated as a move in the city’s fight against the proposed merger of the two utilities. Under the present form the appraisal funds would be spent by a committee, one each appointed by the following: Mayor Duvall, directors of the Indianapolis Engineering Society, Federation of Civic Community Clubs, Manufacturers’ Association, Merchants’ Association, Chamber of Commerce and Central Federation of Labor. Four Councilmen The ordinance will be amended and passed providing that four councilmen and a representative of the Chamber of Commerce, labor unions and the Indianapolis Engineering Society shall direct the appraisal,, Moore said. Council Thursday night refused to pass the ordinance as it now stands. An ordinance appropriating $15,000 to be used by Corporation Counsel Alva J. Rucker in the merger fight was passed. Mayor Duvall this morning failed to sign the measure, however, although he signed five minor transfer ordinances. BUREAUPROVIDES MUCH NEEDED EMPLOYMENT AID Scientific Used in Fitting Unemployed Into Proper Jobs. “How well a person Is placed means much more to him, his employer and the community than does how often he is placed,” said George E. Gill, director of the Indianapolis Employment Bureau. The bureau is maintained by the Indianapolis Foundation and serves without charge both employers and applicants for work. “During the two years of the bureau’s existence,’* he said, “the bureau registered 9,329 applications, gave information and advice to over 2,000 others, received calls for 5,790 people, made 4,888 referrals and 2,187 placements. In accordance with a cooperative arrangement with the State-City Public Employment Bureau in city hall, work is divided to eliminate a duplication of effort. By this arrangement, the Indianapolis Employment Bureau handles office, sales, professional and technical men and office women—stenographers, typists and clerical workers —in addition to other workers. The other organization handles all skilled, semi-sjdlled and common laborers. Commenting on "jumping about from company to company” which so many persons do, Gill said that a disjointed experience record has kept more than one person from getting even an interview with a prospective employer. “This fact is brought very forcibly to our attention," declared Gill, when we try to tell an employer just what an applicant has done chronologically for the past several years. We find, too, that so many young persons who jump from job to job speak of employment in terms of what they are going to get out of it rather than what they will render the employer. “During the summer several high school and college students apply to the bureau for work stating that if they find a good job they will not return to school or college. In most instances, we say to such young per- 1 sons that if their health is good and it is not necessary for them to work In order to help support their own family they should by all means think seriously before quitting school particularly if they have been making satisfactory grades.” The fact that the Indianapolis Employment Bureau serves without charge both the applicant for employment and the employer needing workers brings many capable and experienced office women bookkeepers, stenographers, typists and clerical workers to the bureau early In their attempts to find work. “For that reason,” said Mr. Gill, “we are in a position to serve employers who are planning to add to or change their personnel, if they willdet us know the kind of a worker needed. If we do not have the kind of a worker wanted we shall frankly say so.’*

INDIANAPOLIS, FRIDAY, DEC. 31, 1926

Five Children Born to Couple in 1926

Less than a year ago twins were born to Mr. and Mrs. John Johnson, of Knoxville, Tenn. Then the other day triplets arrived. Here they are—all five ot 'em!

OFFICIAL’S DRY NEW YEAR’S EVE PREDICTIONS DOUBTED

Twenty-Two Years Ago

This picture shows Robert Ingersoll, dollar watch king, and his wife as they looked Just after their marriage in Green Bay, Wls., twenty-two years ago. Mrs. Ingersoll, who had become estranged from her husband, was recently found shot to death In her New York apartment, while Wallace Probasco, said to have been her lover, lay seriously wounded on a couch nearby.

MEIALIOKENS BEGINSAIURDAY New Fare Collection Method on Street Cars. Indianapolis street cars will start year with registering fareboxes into which passengers will deposit their own fares and metal tokens will be sold by all conductors instead of the paper tickets. Folders and placards announcing the change in the methods of fare collection have been displayed In the cars for several days. Under the new system conductors 'will collect outstanding tickets and transfers and sell transfers as heretofore. They will make change for pasengers and sell metal tokens In place of tickets at the same price. But passengers will be expected to deposit their own fares In the boxes, dropping one token, or 7 cents, into the box for each ride. Money for tokens and pennies for transfers should not, under any circumstances, he dropped into the fare box, according to J. P. Tretton, superintendent. RADIO WEDDING MUSIC Bu United Press , BELLEVILLE, N. J.. Dec. 31. Miss Jean Anderson was there and so was her prospective bridegroom, Cedric Jackson. But the orchestra was not, having slipped up on the time of the marriage. Alice Jackson, a sister, solved the difficulty. She telephoned radio station WAAM explaining the dilemma. The studio orchestra began a wedding march, The Anderson’s radio set tuned in an,d the ceremony proceeded. PLANES CONTINUE FLIGHT Bu United Press VERA CRUZ, Dec. 31.—The five planes of the United States Army Pan-Ameri(*an flight took off today at 10:10 a. m. for Minatitlan. Weather conditions were perfect.

FOLEY NAMED 10 PARK BOARD PAST Attorney to Replace Relative of Duvall. M. E. Foley, attorney, has been appointed to succeed Frank Driver, cashier of the Citizens State Bank, as a member of the park board by Mayor Duvall. Driver, the mayor’s brother-in-law, resigned to devote more time to his work at the bank, he said. Foley is a member of the Indiana State Prison board of trustees. Driver has served but a short time on the board, having been appointed as Democratic member to succeed Albert M. Maguire. A question of Driver's party affiliatjons was raised at the time of his appointment when it was learned that he had voted the Republican ticket in the preceding primary. Aodlph Q. Emjiardt, the other Democratic member of the board, whose term expires today, will be reappointed, thye mayor said. TWO HELD FOR RANSOM Bu United Press MEXICO CITY, Dec. 31.—J. W. Wiley and E. B. Connor, American miners, kidnaped Tuesday night by Mexican bandits, today were being held for $5,000 ransom, advices received by the United States embassy said. No details of the kidnaping have been received. Wiley and Connor were employes of the Britishowned San Francisco mine, near Parral, state of Chihuahua. MOON’S POWER WANES “Farming by the moon” is rapidly going out of style. Meteorologists claim that the moon has nothing to do with any of these conditions affecting crops. Even the light of the full moon is not nearly Intense enough to have any effect on plant growth or plant diseases.

Cents'per’ Week °Sti)Klts' Cos Dies

Impossible, They Will Drink, Says Former Chief of Police. While thousands of Indianapolis citizens prejmred to welcome in the New Year tonight in celebration in homes, clubs, dance halls and hotels, police and Federal prohibition agents made their usual plans to keep the celebrations dry. “It will be a dry New Year’s, comparatively so,” in effect said Police Chief Claude F. Johnson and Federal Prohibition Administrator A. R. Harris,” at least we will do everything possible to make it so.” “It will be as wet as usual,” said others. “Liquor? Sure” “There will be liquor,” declared Herman F. Rikhoff, former police chief. “The law is unpopular with so many people that It Is nearly Impossible to prevent its violation. “We tried hard when I was chief, but couldn t do it. A lot of fellows who hold Jobs won’t admit the situation, but it is true Just the same.” Bert Morgan, former local Federal dry head, refused to make any statement. “I don’t want to m.ke any statement that might be misinterpreted to reflect on another’s administration," Morgan declared. Harty M. Franklin, an organizer of the Indiana Liberty League and former police captain was emphatic In his statement. “Not Enough Police” “It is inevitable that a drastic law prohibiting what people have long thought to be their right, will be broken,” Franklin said. "There are not enough police in Indianapolis to keep the city dry, not even if they used every officer from the lowliest constable to the United States marshal.” Harris has announced he will assign twelve dry agents to various "vantage” points at the clubs, hotels and restaurants, In an effort to stem any tide of drinking that may take place as the night waxes on toward the wee small hours. In a conference with Chief Johnson, Harris laid plans for the cooperation of a number of police allotted by Johnson to work with the dry agents. Mostly lieutenants and sergeants, about three dozen police in plain clothes will accompany the Federal agents, it was announced. “Generally Dry” “While we believe this New Year's eve will be generally dry,” Johnson declared, “preparations are being mado for any situation that may arise from liquor law violations.” “Hotel, club and restaurant proprietors who allow liquor to be sold on their premises, or brought there by patrons, will be dealt with severely," Harris said. From fifteen to twenty thousand persons will celebrate in clubs and hotels downtowp a check of early reservations showed. Two thousand persons are expected at the Columbia‘Club, 1,300 Sahara Grotto "Prophets” at the Claypool, 1,200 at the Indianapolis Athletic Club, 1,200 at the Hoosier Athletic Club. Athanaeum, and Knights of Columbus, 300 at the Severin, besides large numbers of merrymakers at the Odd Fellows. Elks and American Legion entertainments. MANY HURT IN WRECK Bu United Press PEOPLETON, Texas, Dec. 31. More than a score of persons were injured early Friday when “the world’s fastest interurban” crashed into a freight train on the Texas Terminal Railroad tracks at a crossing near Galveston. None will die. The accident occurred when the "Opera Special" was rushing back to Galveston from Houston, following a performance cf Mordkin’s Ballet Russe hero. Ambulances were sent from Galveston, while a special car was hurried from Houston to help care so" the Injured. First reports had several killed. Houston Electric Company officials today began an Investigation of the cause of the wreck. SLAYS BURGLAR Bu United Press KINGSTON, Mass., Dec. 31. While trying to rob the safe in a store here today, an unidentified burglar was shot and killed by Police Chief Howard L. Rushton. Three other men escaped after the shooting. ,

THREE CENTS

STEPHENSON’S ATTORNEYS ARE DiSIFIIL ON APPEAL OF WENS CORPUS PLEA Confer on Whether to Carry Freedom / Fight of Ex-Dragon of Indiana Klan to High Court. LIFE PRISONER BACK IN CELL Hearing in LaPorte County Closes With •• Dramatic Incident. D. C. Stephenson, back in his prison cell at Michigan City, today wondered what to do next in his fight to keep from spending the rest of his life there for the murder of Madge Oberholtzer, 28, of Indianapolis. Meanwhile, his attorneys were to confer at the office here of Lawyer Lloyd O. Hill, regarded as Stephenson’s personal representative, upon whether or not to appeal to Supreiue Court from the LaPorte Superior Court ruling of Judge Harry L. Crumpacker, denying Stephenson liberty upon a writ of habeas corpus.

Stephenson made an Impassioned plea for his own liberty before Judge Crumpacker Thursday afternoon at Michigan City. Whereupon, Crumpacker, who had been expected to take several days to consider the matter, immediately crushed the former Klan dragon's hopes by denying the writ and ordering Steve rushed back to his cell. "Brutal Thing” "It is a brutal thing you have asked this court to do,” said Crumpacker, indicating the court regarded Stephenson’s plea as an effort to get the judge to override the law. Although Stephenson at Michigan City asked the court to grant an appeal and was given ten days in which to perfect necessary papers, Attorney Robert H. Moore of Michigan City, of counsel for Stephenson, said: “There is little likelihood of our taking an appeal. It would not help us any to ask the Supreme Court to pass on a case the subject matter of which is already before that court.” Stephenson's murder conviction appeal has been filed with the Supreme Court, but the brief in support of it has net been filed. Supreme Court recently granted Stephenson until March 31 to file this brief. Dramatic Close The close of the hearing on the writ of habeas corpus was dramatic. Attorney General Arthur L. Gilliom, Prosecutor William H. Remy and Special Deputy Prosecutor

TIMES SCORED BY EX-KLAN DRA GON Life Prisoner Declares Paper Unfriendly in Statement , Written at Hearing—Officials Are Flayed.

D. C. Stephenson, serving a life term for the murder of Madge Oberholter, 28, of Indianapolis, told the world Thursday afternoon that The Indianapolis Times is not to be considered in the category of those newspapers friendly to him. Back of the courtroom drama in which Stephenson lost his fight for frecdofn on a habeas corpus plea occurred several significant bits of Byplay. For a day and a half Stephenson had taken notes in the courtroom and developed them into a statement. Early Thursday afternoon he let it be known that he had been writing a statment which, he desired to present in open court. This statement, he served notice, would be given to “friendly newspapers and press associations.” He took particular pains to let it be known that The Indianapolis Times would not receive the statement. “Poison” Removed A stenographer typed the statement from Stephenson’s handwriting. Stephenson and his lawyers, while court was in session, edited this statement, copies of which had been given to three or four newspaper men. One of these men. the correspondent of the Chicago American, rushed the statement to his paper and a short time later it appeared on the streets in Chicago. Meanwhile Stephenson and Attorney L. O. Hill decided upon some changes. They gave the corrected copy, with much of "the poison” removed, to the stenographer and she prepared new copies for the newspaper men. Among those to whom these copies were given were the correspondents of The Indianapolis Star and The Indianapolis News. The statements were started on their way to the papers.. When Stephenson got his chance to talk he started to follow the prepared copy in speaking to the court, but soon laid it aside and continued extemporaneously, departing entirely from his original tack. art of the unexpurgated statement which the Chicago American printed follows: , “If local plaudits or temporary criticism were the rule by which justice is meted out, or if designed, selfish, poisonous publicity in The Indianapolis Times were to be accepted as the arbiter of Justice, the whole '■Republican party, from President i\ _ .

Forecast Unsettled tonight; mostly fair Saturday with not much change in temperature. Lowest tonight about 25.

TWO CENTS

COIJNTY

Lest We Forget Marlon County grand jurors who returned a no indictment report In the probe of alleged graft and corruption in Indiana politics, after eleven weeks investigation, to Criminal Court Judge James A. Collins Monday afternoon, were: Wilson Furnas, foreman, Bridgeport. Joseph C. Schaf, Marott Hotel. Otis Calvin, 1305 Spink-Arms Hotel. William E. Webb, 1816 W. Washington St. Herman S. Sprandel, 1135 Central Ave. 'Hilary Morris, 6045 Ashland Av 6.

Ralph Kane of Indianapolis had argued against Stephenson's liberty plea and Attorneys John 11. Kiplinger of Rushville, Hill and Moore had supported Stephenson in speeches which had taken the morning and most of the afternoon. As Moore completed his argument he turned, faced Stephenson and said: “Now we w f ill hear from Mr. Stephenson.” Stephenson, nattily attired in the freshly pressed blue serge suit which (Turn to Page 2)

Coolidge down to Justice of the Teace Isidor Wulfson have been in the bastile long ago. Scores Rcrny “Happily, that is not the rule. It has been the exception in this case up to the time of this hearing. Do we find anything in the written law. anything of the spirit of these men (State counsel)—not a single bit of it. We find there a single purpose —to carry out the mandate of the constitution which says 'no person shall be deprived of his liberty without due process of law.' The constitution —that mutual contract of over three millions of people—does not say, 'no man except Stephenson shall be deprived of his liberty without due process of law’ that it says it literally means ‘no man' shall be deprived of his liberty.” The unexpurgated statement continued to excoriate Prosecutor William H. Remy. Special Deputy Prosecutor Ralph Kane and Attorney General Arthur L. Gilliom. AIMEE MAY FACE TRIAL Prosecutor Changes Mind about Dropping Charges. Ltu United Prow LOS ANGELES, Dec. 31.—The public may yet hear the “inside story” of the mysterious kidnaping of Aimee Semple McPherson, evangelist. Although Asa Keyes, district attorney, said yesterday prosecution of the evangelist probably would be dropped because of difficulty in getting at the truth of the affair, he indicated today he will push the case. Keyes’ attitude apparently was changed by the appearance of the State’s star witness, Mrs. Lorraine Wiseman-Slelaff, before the grand jury. Keyes said she had perjured herself, in view of which he doubted conviction of Mrs. McPherson for conspiracy would be probable. After the grand jury adjourned without action, however, Keyes said last night that she had changed only de tails of her testimony. HOURLY TEMPERATURE 6 a. m 29 10 a. m St 7 a.. m 30. 11 a. m S3 8 a. m 31 12 (noon) .... 22 9 a. m 32