Indianapolis Times, Volume 38, Number 268, Indianapolis, Marion County, 14 February 1927 — Page 1

THE FIRST OF MILTON C. WORK’S ARTICLES ON CONTRACT BRIDGE IS PRINTED ON THE EDITORIAL PAGE TODAY

Home Edition You’ll enjoy spending a few minutes with Freckles and his Friends—daily in The Times.

VOLUME 37—NUMBER 268

JURY ASKS FOR GRAFT QUIZ ORDERS

LOBBYISTS GATHER AS ENDJEARS City Mecca for Friends, Foes of Measures With 19 I Days Remaining. COMPENSATION TARGET Fight Expected in House on City Manager Bill. By Frank J. Prince With but nineteen legislative days remaining in the life of the present Indiana Legislature, Indianapolis has become the mecca for friend and foe of proposed legislation of varied kinds and descriptions. Much of the preliminary maneuvering and sighting of guns has been done and the decks are now cleared for real action. One of the first meJsu.... .0 know its fate in the House of Representatives this week will be the $3,500,000 bridge across the Ohio River at Evansville. It was shot through the Senate like the projectile from a “big Bertha.” The ‘‘show me” boy3 who do not live along the river want roads at home and say that the bridge will take $1,500,000 from highway funds. Increases in workingmen’s compensation w r hich was unsuccessfully hard fought in the Senate undoubtedly will be attacked by the farm bloc in the House. Judiciary A Committee recommended it for passage without amendment. ' Tension Up Missionary work done by delegations from various fraternal orders, headed by Otto P. De Luse, will get the acid test when Senator James J. Nejdl’s old age pension bill comes from the House committee this week. It took two trials to put it over in the Senate. A grand fight is expected when .Judiciary B committee in Speaker Leslie’s division of the two ring circus reports the Sims “mayor protection bill” -out. The bill prevents establishing city manager government in a city until the terms of the mayors have expired. Real opposition to the measure did not materialize in the Senate because some of the Evansville folks who were against the bill were for the Evansville bridge bill and did not want to hurt the latter. But with {.he bridge matter out of the way a different story is promised. Those who attended the Izaak Walton League dinner early in the session will have an opportunity to show their appreciation soon. The Bradford stream pollution bill, sponsored by the league, will have its day in the lower house this week. The unlimited authority of the State board of health contained in the first draft has been eliminated. Blow at Coffin A public hearing on the HughesBender -primary bill will hold the boards in committee meeting Tuesday. Aimed at George V. Coffin, Marion County “boss,” the measure fcs designed to put teeth into the law and prevent crooked primary elections. Anew feature is'advanced in “duplicate ballots,” the duplicate remaining in the custody of the Circuit Court for a period of six months after an election. Any ten persons could have a recount of their precinct by showing cause. With decided opposition expressed by the labor crowd in the Legislature the luxury tax proposed try former Lieutenant Governor Ed Bush, as representative of the Farm Federation, died at birth. Huffman Bill Up Drug and drugless healers will have their inning on both sides of the Statehouse this week. Medical men will try to convince the Senate that the Huffman bill, which passed in the House by a scant constitutional majority, is the tiling. Chiropractors and naturopaths will seek at the same time to prove to the lower/house that they are each entitled t(/a board and regulation. And so that none may be slighted consideration will be given to the bill by Representative William H. Harrison, which makes only laymen eligible for membership on the medical supervision aboard. This is regarded by many as a Christian Science measure. Night sessions loom in the offing. With close to 600 bills in both houses and but a small number killed, speed "ill be necessary if anything is itccomplished. Unless terrific impetus is given the proceedings the acts of |927 will be very thin. CITY TO SUE FOR BOARD Kit J nit id Piths LYNN, Mass., Feb. 14.—This city Will go into court in an effort to collect $S a week as board from Arthur Waite, blind inmate of the city home. Municipal authorities claimed that while Waite had $l,lOO in cash he had declined to pay for his keep.

The Indianapolis Times COMPLETE REPORT OF WORLD-WIDE NEWSMSERVICB OF THE UNITED PRESS

Prowler Chased With Curler . After several vsiits to her home by a Negro prowler police could not catch, Mrs. Mary Hunt, 3439 N. Illinois St., decided she was going to put him to flight herself. Arming herself with a shiny curling iron, she went to the rear door, where she surprised the Negro. Believing she held a gun, the prowler took to his heels when she threatened to shoot.

AMD GHOUL FACING QUIZ AT INDIAMSON Michigan Officers Will Question Man Suspected as Skull Hoarder. Bu United Press _ . „ . . . MICHIGAN, CITY, Ind., Feb. 14. Chief of Police George W. Smith of Ferndale, Mich., a subprb, and Prosecuto'r Clyde D. Underwood of Oakland County, Mich., were here today to question James Coyner, suspected Negro ghoul, in connection with the finding in Detroit last week of four women's skulls and two strands of blood-clotted hair in a cottage once occupied by the Negro. The trip was made on the strength of two letters found secreted in the rafters of the builidng and supposed to have been written by Coyner to his sister, Emma Robinson, in Chicago. “Get my trunk. They might find something else and if they do I’m through forever,” one of the letters read. The other mentioned “something terrible will happen if you don’t send me a hacksaw.” The Negro is serving a sentence for digging up a skull from a Hammond, Ind., grave, and it is believed he likewise dug up the skulls here, but because of the hair and blood an investigation is being made. Questioned by Warden Daly of the prison, Coyner denied knowledge of the skulis or how they came to be in his former home. He admitted ownership of the trunk and that he sent a woman to Rayol Oak after it. He claimed, however, that he sent her only for his clothes and knew nothing of the skulls the trunk was later found to contain. Authorities are expected to learn why Coyner carried a list of prominent Detroit and Pittsburgh society women. Chicago police believe the skulls to be those of Chicago women. Michigan authorities have asked them to excavate around a shack near Lansing, 111., where Coyner lived last summer. SISTER LIVES HERE Had Not Seen Brother Since Childhood—Surpressed as News. Recent publicity about James C. Coyner, convicted grave robber, who is serving a term at Indiana State Prison at Michigan City, disclosed to his sifter, Mrs. Lulu Dillard, Negro, 45, of 1069 W. Twenty-Seventh St., the whereabouts of her brother she has not seen since childhood. Coyner has been questioned about four skulls and two braids of hair discovered in his trunk at Ferndale, Mich. Mrs. Dillard said she was surprised to learn that her brother was in prison. SKULL MYSTERY PROBED Two Shacks Near Lansing, 111., Searched by Officials. Bu United Press CHICAGO, Feb. 14.—Cforoner’s deputies here Ipday were investigating activities in northern Illinois of James Coyner, giant Negro, suspected of killing four women following finding of a trunk containing four skulls in his former home near Detroit. Two shacks near Lansing, 111., in which Coyner is said to have lived, have been searched and excavations may be ordered in the belief that bodies are buried in the vicinity. Possible connection of Coyner with killing so a woman whose body was found in the St. Joseph river near South Bend, Ind., will also be examined. Toledo, Ohio, police are understood to be acting on the theory- that Coyner may be the "Toledo clubber” who killed several women there and attacked others. The Negro’s description is similar to that given by some of the women the clubber attacked, it was said.

Assembly Today

Both houses convened at 2 p. m. HOUSE Routine business and consideration of Evansville bridge bill. SENATE Routine and special consideration of effort to table Lake County judges’ salary bill. Oleomargarine bill. ’Evans’ proposal to eliminate former Governor James P. Goodrich from Clarke Memorial committee.

Kntered or Second-Class Matter at Postoflice. Indianapolis.

Little Fellow With Less Fat Has Better Chance for Health, City Expert Says

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Babies, contrary to popular opinion, are just like other folks when it comes to fat. Dr. Herman G. Morgan, city health board secretary believes. “Many people think a fat baby ,4s the healthiest baby,” Dr. Morgan said. “This is not the case. An overfat baby is in greater danger of disease than a thin baby. You hear the expression fat and healthy used very often. Bat fat babies, like fat people, hav% a low resistance to disease.” Two Causes “There are two causes for obesity,” he continued. ’’lmproper functioning of glands, mainly the thyroid, and the feeding of too much starches and sugars. Mothers should guard against the last and take their babies to a physician for the first.” The two babies shown rfbove were photographed at the Indianapolis Child Welfare Bureau’s baby clinic. According to Paul Kirby, director of the bureau which Is maintained by the city, aided by charitable organizations, clinics and others forms of health work in Indianapolis have reduced the infant death rate 44 per cent in sixteen years. In 1910 every eighth baby born in Indianapolis died before its eighth birthday. In 1926 only sixtyfive babies out of every 1,000 died before they were a year old. Ten Points ICirby said that by emphasizing the following ten points to the mother, the infant death rate can be reduced another 44 per cent! 1. To protect her baby’s health before it is born. 2. To nurse her baby for nine full months. 2. To supplement the milk v.’ow with the bottle—not to substitute the bottle for it. 4. To prepare all diets in accordance with a feeding formula furnished by a physician for her baby in particular. 5. To sterilize all utensile. 6. To clothe her baby properly and sensibly. 7. The Importance of regular habits for herself and child. 8. The value of sunshine and fresh air. 9. The danger signs of 10. To take her baby regularly to a physician to keep It well. HE SAT OVER DYNAMITE Man Gloomy Because Wife Left Him, Placed Fatal Charge. Bu United rrcss CORDOBA, Argentina, Feb. 14. Despondent because his wife had .abandoned him, Antonio Pie van lit a fuse attached to a stick of dynamite, placed the dynamite beneath a chair and sat down. The explosion destroyed Plevan’s house, shattered windows within a radius of a block and hurled Plevan in all directions. A portion of his body was found 800 feet from the scene of the suicide. HELD IN OLD MURDER Three Mei? Arrested in Oklahoma Accused of 1890 Killing. Ba United Press M’ALESTER, Okla., Feb. 34.—The law reached half way across the continent today to imprison three men. lie re charged with a double murder thirty-seven years ago. On information by C. C. Palker, sheriff of Gate City, Va„ Pittsburg County officers Sunday arrested Will Flannery and Patton Flannery, alias J. P. Baldiwn, and Dave Flannery, and held them for extradition to Virginia on charges of murdering Hiram Johnson and Noel Necessary in 1890. Patton Flannery came to live In the hills of Pittsburg County thirty years ago. He is sixty years old and has raised a family. The other men have lived here fifteen years. HOURLY TEMPERATURES 0 a. m 45 10 a. m 48 7 a. m 46 11 a. m 48 8 a. m 46 12 (noon) .... 49 9 a. m 48

Killed as Plane Falls in Street Bu United Press OWENSBORO, Ky., Feb. 14. —Frank Sheehan, 25, was killed today when his airplane fell In the streets here. No one was Injured. Sheehan, son of a former Louisville distiller, was flying the “Red Cardinal,” said to be the first aii-plane ever built in Kentucky, when the accident occurred. He was head of the Kentucky Aircraft Corporation. Sheehan was married Saturday to Miss Ruby Beal of Owensboro.

INDIANAPOLIS MONDAY, FEB. 14, 1927

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The 6 weeks-old-baby above, which weighs twelve pounds and is slightly underweight, has a better chance to escape the ailments of babyhood according to Dr. Herman S. Morgan, rity board of health secretary, than the baby below, which is 10 months old, weighs twenty pounds and Is slightly overweight.

AUTO DISPLAYS READY FOR OPENING OF SHOW

300 Cars Await Swinging o at State Fairground With the opening of doors and the “click-click” of turnstiles at 7 o’clock tonight, Indianapolis and Indiana residents will have their annual opportunity to see the sixteenth Indianapolis automobile exposition. Auto show officials are expecting thousands to throng the Auto Show Bldg., at the Indiana State fairground tonight for the opening. About 300 cars, shining in their glory of newness, already are artistically arranged on tho floor of the show building. In addition to the passenger cars, there are displays of trucks and commercial cars and a large number of accessory and equipment exhibits. Japanese Decoration! The show building is resplendent in decorations superior to former years. The native beauty of Japan Is the controlling theme of tho color scheme. Flower-laden Japanese gardens, babbling brooks and various types of landscapes with the characteristic pagodas and upturned roofs create the effect. Even the architecture of the building has been hidden in the decorating scheme. All posts and beams have been covered with multi-colored cloths. Milady end milord will have their choice of any type of car or cars at the show. Fours, sixes and eights roadsters, coupes, tourers, landaus, sedans, caltiriolets, town cars, limousines, speedsters, coaches and all

FOUR SUMMONED BY I® PROBE Insull Among Those Cited for Refusal to Answer. Bu United Press WASHINGTON. Feb. 14.—Four recalcitrant witnesses, cited to the Senate for contempt, today were ordered to appear before the Reed election investigation committee next Monday. Subpoenas were ordered for them at a committee meeting when it was decided a further effort would be made to elicit from them desired information about the Illinois and Pennsylvania elections. The witnesses include Samuel Insull, Mid-Western public utilities operator; Robert E. Crowe, Chicago State’s attorney; Daniel Schuyler, Insull attorney, and Thomas Cunningham of Philadelphia. “They will he given a chance to answer questions next Monday,” said Chairman Reed of the committee.' “If they again refuse the committee will demand their punishment for contempt.” The procedure would be to hail them before the bar of the Senate or cite them to Federal Court, here.

Exposition Doors Tonight -Ranks With Best. other type-nomens that are peculiar to various manufacturers and dealers are on display. Ortuait “Optimistic” Autos valued from a meager few hundreds to a small fortune arc on the floor and can really be purchased without argument, at least with the salesmen. Manager John Orman of the Indianapolis Auto Trade Association, is confident that this exposition will be the most successful ever staged. Following closely the New York and Chicago shows, it is expected the rank “up with the best of era.” Free parking space has been provided for 5,000 cars on the show grounds. An ample number of police will be on the scene at all hours, and good transportation facilities are provided. , * Show entertainment will be provided by “Huck” O'Hare's orchestra. After tonight the show will be open from 10:30 a. m. to 10:30 p. m. daily, throughout the week.

BOY, 14, KILLS SELF AS ‘GLORIOUS ADVENTURE’ Higft School Student Leaves Note Saying M Have Been So Lonely’—Gas Ends Life.

Bu United Press DAVENPORT, lowa, Feb. 14. Leaving a note expressing belief he was embarking on a “glorious adventure,’’ George Cannon, 14-year-ol<! high school student, committed suicide by asphyxiation. His body was found In a room of his father’s home today. "To die will be a glorious adventure for I have been so lonely,” a note left to his mother said. “It is my belief that my spirit will some day enter the body of a playwright and will call forth a story of a boy who loved to dream. The story of a boy who was disillusioned so much that he could not stand it any more.” The boy was an exceptional student with mentality far above the average of his age. SUICIDE AT PRINCETON Married Student From lowa Dies— Note Holds Secret. Bu United Press PRINCETON, N. J.. Feh. 14. Another college student has been added to the list of those who have taken their own lives in the past month. Martin Arthur Gearhart, student at Princeton Graduate College, whose home is in Batavia, lowa, was found dead in his room here Sunday front asphyxiation. A note established the fact ’hat he had committed suicide, authorities said, but its contents were flht made public. He was married. Gcaohart's

THREE

CONDENVI HOSPITAL BUILDING Unit at City Institution Is Termed Fire Trap by Inspector. WOOD WORK DECAYING Predicts Loss of Life in Case of Blaze. “In case of fire we'd never be able to get all the patients out without loss of life.” This is the gist of the report of Harry N. Styner, chief city fire inspector, in condemning as a firetrap the original building at city hospital. There are between seventy-five and eighty patients housed in the building at present, according to William A. Doppers, superintendent. Styner's report recommended that unit and that no further funds be the building be vacated as a hospital expended for repair. Meeting Scheduled Herman G. Morgan, executive secretary of the board of health declared the board was aware of conditions ia.the building for some time and that changes were contemplated. Dr. F. E. Jackson, board of health president, anounced that a meeting for discussing means of remedying conditions will he held the latter part of this week, or early next week. Styner made his inspection Feb. 10. The building was erected in 1882 and is a fire-trap from basement to roof, and beyond x-epair, according to the report. Styner said brick work in the basement was crumbling and that all wood floor and wall work vias in a state of decay. Stairs were dangerous, he said, and rotten in many places. Electrical wiring was very bad. The roof, of slate, was exceedingly dangerous, according to the report as supporting timbers were decaying. "The expense to repair would be enormous,” said Styner. “In case of fire we could not remove patients without loss pf life.” Remove Children The building at present is used for tonsil cases, contagious diseases, neuroJ- diseases and also is used as a dete ntion ward. Nurses were at one time housed in the structure. Secretary Morgan stated that a new building would cost $350,000, and that a bond issue would be necessary. Superintendent Doeppers said a new building offered the only solution. “When I came here as superintendent,” he said, “I had heard rumors that the building had been condemned. I could find no record of such a report and asked the board that an inspection be made. This is the result.” A number of children were removed from the building today. Room was made for them In the newsurgical unit.

friends could suggest no reason for the suicide. INDIANA TEACHER DEAD Woman Forced to Give Up Work Due to Illness, Hangs Self. Bu Times Special UNION CITY, Ind., Feb. 14.—Miss Alma Evans, 33, who a few weeks ago was forced by ill health to give up her position as supervisor of music in the Palestine, Ohio, schools, committed suicide by hanging at the home of her parents here Sunday. DRY AGENT ACCUSED La Guardia Asserts New York Chief Tipped Off Alleged Violators. Bu United Press WASHINGTON, Feb. 14.—Chester P. Mills, prohibition director for New York, today was charged by Representative La Guardia (Rep.). New York, with “willfully and deliberately tipping off” dry law viola torn before raids. In a letter to Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Andrews, La Guardia caljed attention to Friday and Saturday afternoon editions of New York papers, which he said announced a series of projected raids on night clubs and restaurants.' La Guardia charged the newspaper stories of the contemplated raids emanated from Mills* office.

rrc'xrrra marion OJbJNIO COUNTY

Foreman Tells Judge Collins Body Is Ready to Take Up Political Corruption Investigation. The present Marioun County grand jury today asked Criin inal Court Judge James A. Collins for instructions on the resumption of the investigation of Indiana political corruption upon which the preceding jury worked eleven wfleks without reaching a definite conclusion, and informed the judge that the jury was ready to start on the investigation. Judge Collins told the jury he had no “further instructions now.” The jury took no further steps to begin the quiz. Deputy Prosecutor "William 11. Sheaffer, in charge of the jury, indicated he has been having some trouble in getting the jury to the corruption and “Stephensonisin” investigation.

John D. Collett, jury foreman, asked Collins for instructions on the investigation after he had turned over to the judge twenty-seven indictments returned this morning. When the present Jury was sworn in Collins ordered oit to complete its regular work before taking up the corruption quiz. Can Get Evidence This morning he said he had no instructions now, but told Collett the jurors could obtai nthe evidence received by the List Jury, now impounded in Criminal Court, whenever they want it. Collett would not comment on what action the jury will take. “The jury will have no work before it until the probe Is resumed,” Sheaffer stated. “The only way the situation can bo handled is to have the collected testimony before the body and then call additional witnesses. Up tt Jurors “The grand jury has fired the opening shot In the matter and it will be up to that body to obtain the evidence.” 2 CENTS TO BE' TRANSFER FEE No Protests Registered at Public Hearing. Although no decision has been handed down by the public service commission, 2-cent transfer charges on Indianapolis Street Railway Company lines will remain in effect. A public hearing was held before Commissioner Clyde Jones today and the only parties to appear were the company representatives. Jones 'notified City Corporation Counsel Schuyler A. Haas, but was lnfo-med that neither the city administration nor citizens had offered any objection to the 2-cent transfer and therefore he would not appear to enter protest. The franchise for the transfers ran out Jan. 1, 1927, but an extension was granted so that the hearing might be held. Revenues of the company Indicate that the past year was worse financially than In 1925. Operating expenses increased $306,260.57, while irevenues showed a decrease of SB,006.95. This means that the 2-cent transfer will be retained.

Lita, Broke, Would Use Chaplin House Bu United Press LOS ANGELES, Feb. 14.—DeclarIng she Is “broke,” attorneys for Lita Grey Chaplin, estranged wife of Charlie Chaplin, said they would ask court permission today for her to live In Chaplin’s home pending outcome of her divorce suit. Mrs. Chaplin, her attorneys declared, is unable to pay the rent on her SIO,OOO a year home. She took it six weeks ago when the court awarded her $4,000 monthly temporary alimony. “The blocking of every effort made by Mrs. Chaplin to collect the money awarded her makes it necessaA for her to give up the rented house.” Edwin McMurray, one of her lawyers, said. “These Is no reason why she nnd her children should not occupy Chaplin’s home. Wo will ask the court to grant them permission to live there.” VENUE CHANGE DENIED Judge Overrules Plea of Boys In Poison Well Case. Bu United Press WARS AAV, Ind., Feb. 14.—Judge Lemuel W. Roj Se of Kosciusko Circuit Court today denied the request for a change of venue of Allan Wldaman, counsel for Samuel and Athol Riley, charged with poisoning the well at Mt. Tabor school. Trial will open here Feb. 2J; BLAST' KILLS HOOSIER OH Driller Turns on Cold Water Info Eitoply Boiler. Bu Times Special TERRE HAUTE. Ind., Feb. 14. A French war bride today survived John Thompson, oil driller, killed when he turned cold water into n dry boiler where oil Was being drilled. The boiler exploded, hurling him 300 feet.

Forecast Mostly cloudy tonight and Tuesday; colder tonight, lowest about 30.

TWO CENTS

PRIMARY STAND IS PROBLEM FOR ELECTIONS BODY Six Conflicting Bills in House Topic at Public Hearing Tuesday. “To be or not to be,” that Is the question the Elections Committee of the Indiana House of Representatives has before it in regard to Indiana's primary law. Nix conflicting bills affecting the primary and its corollary, the registration of voters, are in the committee’s hands. A seventh, repealing the registration law, will appear soon In the House on second reading. An elections committee will be held Tuesday aftei-noon and discussion on the Bender-Hughes bill, proposing drastic safeguards for primary elections, will be public. A decision on the other pending bills will bo reached. To Defend Law Mrs. Allen T. Fleming, president of the Legislature Forum, announced a number of women of that organization will be present to light any changes weakening the primary law. The committee report in all probability will be submitted to the House Wednesday morning. Decision on House Bill 259, by Representative J. W. Ebaugh (Rep.), Indianapolis, amending the registration law will be held up pending the House's action on the repeal bill. Divided Report A divided report is expected on the Wedeking-Plttenger bill since both Its authors are membets of the committee while other members are known to oppose the measure. The bill removes tho nomination of United States Senator, Governor and all State officers from the primary and places it in the hands of political conventions. Mrs. Ella V. Gardner (Rep.), Indianapolis representative, is tho author of the 50-50 bill pending in the committee. It seeks to assure women equal representation with men in party politics. Automatic registration of voters, who cast their ballot In primary elections is advocated In the. SmithBender bill. It Is regarded as a compromise measure with fair success of passage in the House. The sixth bill advocates changing the time of the primary election from May until September, and making a vote cast at the primary election a substitute for registration. PLUMP GIRL BANDIT She Robs Man in Store With Help of Male Companion. Bu United Press BROOKLYN, N. Y., Feb. 14.—A plump, self-possessed girl bandit today held up William McCarthy, manager of a chain grocery store, and robbed hts safe o| $169. She was accompanied by a young man who apparently was her lieutenant and obeyed the orders she Issued in a crisp voice. McCarthy said the girl, who seemed only about 17, came In and asked for butter, eggs and bread. When bo turned to glvo her the change from a S2O bill he found himself looking Into tho muzzle of a pistol. • ■ .Jj

Jim Reed on WFBM Tho address of Senator Janies A. Reed on Tuesday evening before the State Democratic Editorial Association, will be broadcast over WFBM, *he Indianapolis Power and Light Company station, Tho Times has arranged for this Important event. Senator Reed is one of the outstanding leaders of the Senate, prominently mentioned ‘as a presidential possibility and known as one of the great orators of the nation. Senator Reed's speech will start promptly at 9 p. in. it will be delivered at the annual dinner of the Democratic e til teas at the Claypool Hotel.