Indianapolis Times, Volume 38, Number 269, Indianapolis, Marion County, 15 February 1927 — Page 2

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CULT MEMBER HITS ‘KING BEN’S’ PROPERTY

LATEST PAPER OF SCRIPPS-KOWARD RELINQUISHES A. P. New York Telegram Decides on Exclusive United Press Service. Bt) United Press NEW YORK, Feb. 15.—The New York Telegram, which was purchased recently by the Scripps-How-ard newspapers, announced today in a leading editorial that it had voluntarily withdrawn from the Associated Press and would, hereafter, depend solely upon the United Press for its telegraphic news coverage. “Both agencies,” the editorial stated, “are independent, nonpartisan and unequaled by any contemporary In enterprise and efficiency. In the nature of their service to newspapers they are very similar. They are highly competitive. They differ chiefly in their form of organization, “In Manhattan and Brooklyn two evening papers depend solely upon the Associated Press, five depend upon the United Press and two use both services.” That American newspapers have attained their present remarkable news efficiency is largely attributable to the fact that they have not had to depend upon a single monopolistic or semi-monopolistic agency, the editorial declared.

1,500 ATTEND HOT SENATE DEBATE ON MEDICAL BILL Battle Between Chiropractors and M. D.s Rages at Hearing. , The S. R. O. sign was out in the Indiana Senate Chamber Monday night, when 1,500 men and women gathered to applaud their favorites in the battle of the M. D’s. vs. the chiropractors. The affair was a public hearing on House Bill 39, the medical injunction measure passed by the House of Representatives and pending in the Senate. . “The bill is a public health measure and designed to protect the public against quackery and charlatanism,” contended its defenders. “It’s purely an attempt of the M.D.’s, backed by the American Medical Association, to corner the healing trade,” the chiropractors and other healing cultists replied. Battle Raged With these two viewpoints being elaborated by numeerous speakers, the battle raged. The hearing was before the fc. nate public health committee of which Dr. John H. Hewitt (Rep.) Terre Haute, only physician in the Senate, is chairman. Wielding the gavel impartially he maintained order and only once did hissing come with the cheering and applause. * Representative Walter A. Huffman (Rep.), Elkhart, author of the bill, was the first speaker. He declared that its provisions merely made the old medical practice act enforceable by enjoining violators and was not against any cult. Then followed four speakers for the negative: Chiropractor Burt L. Lewis, Anderson, Ind.; John H. Gill, president of the Paturopathic Association; Wililam O. Fogleson, Indianapolis, naturopath; Chiropractor Harry E. Vedder, Indianapolis. All declared they favored regulation, “but not by a competing profession.” Chiropractors oil Board This bill provides that a chiropractor be added to the medical examining board, but that .all healers must have the same education as a doctor, with the exception of surgery, obstetrics and material medicaIt exempts chiropractors now in practice, who have been residents of the State three years. Dr. Frang Cregor, president of the Indiana Medical Association, and Dr. Charles P. Emerson, Indiana Medical School, defended the measure and their profession from at- , tacks mdde by speakers. ' v Attorneys entered the fray. Robert I. Marsh, representing the League for Medical Freedom, condemned the measure as “bad law,” while Albert Stump upheld it in the closing address. It was while Stump was speaking that the hissing occured. Other speakers were Attorney William H. Faust, Indianapolis, and M. H. Post, Anderson, both defended the cultists.

Gone, but Not Forgotten

Automobiles reported stolen to police belong to: Howard Hadley, 1259 W. TwentyFifth St.,*Ford, 503-213, from 300 Indiana Ave. John R. Mercer. R. R. B, Box 116F, Chevrolet, 26-393, from Ohio St. and Capitol Ave. Lee R. Marvin, Muncie, Ind., Buick, from Washington St. and Capitol Ave.

BACK HOME AGAIN

Automobiles reported found by police belong to: Herbert Harris, 2340 N. La Salle St., Buick, found at Bloyd Ave. and Darwin St. Buick, touring, 508-297, found at Michigan St. and Temple Ave. In order to reduce court costs traffic officers in Paris not only arrest traffie-law violators but assess the fine and collect immediate payment.

FIRM SUES FOR LOSSES ON PONIES Clang of Races Echoes in Charges Against Three Indianapolis Men. The theme of many a fiction story —an employe embezzling company funds to pay lost bets on horse races, going deeper each time in a vain effort to recoup his losses—is charged in a suit awaiting answer from defendants today in Federal Court. The petitions were filed late Monday afternoon by the Wo,'.sh Construction Company of Davenport, lowa, against three Indianapolis men and a Richmond, Ind., man, alleging they won $24,239 from Leo J. Sexton, a former employe, and asking 26,000 damages. Separate Suit The local men named; August E. Ralike, 3606 College Ave., and his sons, Arthur, of 3610 College Ave., and Emil K., of 3847 Carrollton Ave. F. L. Brown of Richmond is named defendant in a separate suit. Sexton was employed by the fim at its district office in Sidney, Ohio, and during January, February and | March. 1926, wrote eight checks pay- I able to Brown ranging from S3OO to j $3,760, totaling $15,342, on the firm's account with the First National Exchange Bank there, it is charged. When the compe.ny moved its offices to Indianapolis Sexton dealt with the three Rahkes during June and July, 1926, the petition states, writing six similar checks amounting to $8,897.10. Sexton died last November from a serious stomach disorder, while an investigation was being made, attorneys for the company said. Seek Recovery With Sexton dead, the firm is attempting to recover its losses from the, four men, charging they were “bookmakers” and gamblers and knew the money which Sexton paid them was embezzled. The checks bore the name of the Walsh Construction Company, undersigned by Sexton, it is said in the petition. Arthur Rahke, declared he knew Sexton, but had never taken any bets from him. “We don't know anything about any check proposition,” he said, speaking for his father, brother and himself. The father is listed in the city directory as a broker. Emil K. Rahke is a vending machine salesman at 16 N. East St., according to Arthur. The trio was sued for SIO,OOO of the total damages.

COURTHOUSE SALE PUN BACKED BY BUSINESS GROUP Introduction of Bill First Legislative Step for New Building. First legislative steps toward obtaining a Hew Marion County courthouse were taken in the Indiana House of Representatives Monday when a bill was introduced by several of the Marion County delegation. Power would be granted commissioners to sell up to three-quarters* of the present courthouse site. According to plans under discussion for some time this would include the Washington, and Delaware streets frontage valued at $2,500,000. The proposed bill provides that money derived from the sale be used to pay off the $600,000 debt on the present building- and to erect structure on the remaining quarter-block. Three to Set Price An appraisal committee, composed of three appointees of Governor Jackson, is provided for in the new measure. The committee is empowered to set a sale price on the property. Representative H. Walker De Haven (Rep.) claimed authorship of the bill which had as coauthors Representatives J. W. Ebaugh (Rep.), William F. Werner (Rep.), Frank E. Wright (Rep.), William H. Harrison (Rep.), Russell V. Duncan (Rep.), all of Marion County, and William C. Babcock, Jr., (Rep.), Jasper and Nev. ton. The State Bar Association is said to oppose the measure. The proposed sale, however, is in line with the Chamber of Commerce plan for an “efficiency building” to house county offices. Present conditions are deplored, In a statement of the East Washington Street Merchants Association. Here are some of their arguments: “Priceless records are in constant danger of being burned. The structure is not fireproof,” state the report. “More than $24,000 annually is spent to keep the building clean, which is impossible because of the poor state of repair. It will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to make the most needed repairs. Pay Off Debt “There ave not enough jury rooms and county business is constantly being held up. “More than twice the cost of the building has been paid in interest on the bond issue. “The Washington and Delaware streets real estate would sell for $2,500,000. This will pay off the indebtedness and leave about $2,000,000 with which to erect a wonderful building. “With the sale of the real estate and the increase in value to surrounding business property that is bound to accrue, better than $5,000,000 will be added to the taxable real estate in the county. This will bring in approximately $125,000 annually in additional taxes or $1,250,000 in ten years.” The bill was referred to the House committee on affairs of the city of j Indianapolis, Mrs. Ella V. Gardner, chairman.

ARMS ISSUE FOR LEAGUE, FRANCE TELLS COOLIDGE Trend of Reply to Limitation Suggestion Disclosed in Paris. Bn United Press PARIS, Feb. 15.—The French reply to President Coolidge's proposals for further limitation of naval armament will be delivered today to United States Ambassador Myron T Herrick. It was believed the reply would amount to polite rejection of Coolidge's suggestion that France, Great Britain, Iruly, Japan and the United States agree to limit armaments in the clases of vessels which were excluded front the limitations agreed upon at the Washington conference. These types were cruisers, destroyers and submarines. The cabinet today unanimously approved the reply which was drafted by Foreign Minister Briand. Minister of the Interior Sarraut indicated the nature of the French reply as follows: “The genenil sense of the reply is that the League of Nations actively is considering disarmament and that there is no need to take the problem from the hands of the league. “Furthermore, disarmament is the interest of all nations, and not exclusively of the few included within the scope of President Coolidge's invitation.” DEADLOCK OVER NAVY House Conferees Stand With Coolidge Against Senate. Bn United Press WASHINGTON. Feb. 15.—Congress is facing its real fight over the Navy in the last few hours of the present session. This struggle will be the major one of the usual final legislative jam. Many measures may be lost in the shuffle because of it. Conferees on the naval appropriation bill are deadlocked hopelessly over the appropriation for three newcruisers, which the Senate voted against President Coolidge’s expressed opposition. The House refused to vote the cruisers, and its conferees are standing firm against them. i Resistance of House conferees is clue to the recent invitation of President Coolidge for another disarmament conference, which would consider limitation of such cruisers as the Senate approved.

PETITIONERS HIT SCHOOLERECTION Property Owners Ask Halt of Board’s Plans. Attempt to halt the school board in its determined effort to erect a school at Fifty-Seventh St. and Central Ave. has been started by five citizens, living near the site. They filed a petition for an injunction in Circuit Court to prevent construction of the school. The complaint charges, that if the school was built the value of real estate would depreciate. The petitioners are Robert T. and Daisy Ramsey, 5726 Central Ave.; William R\ and Stella G. Chapin, 5703 Central Ave., and Mary H. Fletcher, 5693 Central Ave. The board purchased the site Monday for $28,000. The action ignores a ruling of the board of zoning appeals last week which denied the board's petition to erect the school. Judge Harry O. Chamberlin will set a date for a heariiffi.

River Ice Becomes Road

T7~ L

The famous Queen Victoria bridge over the St. Lawrence river at .Montreal, Quebec province, is closed for' repairs, but traffic isn’t inconvenienced much. Motorists and sucli go right across the ice—the river is frozen over solidly. This photo shows the route, marked by rows of J small trees transplanted from nearby hills.

THE INDIANAPOLIS TIMES_

WOOD STAIRS WOULD BE DEATH TRAP IF FIRE BROKE OUT AT CITY HOSPITAL

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Scenes in the old city hospital building, which lias been branded a tiretrap by inspectors. Above—The main, all-wood stairway. Below—A broken wall in the sterilizing room. Inset—A rat hole, stopped with tin, in the rear hall of the first floor.

“Who’s responsible for this terrible thing—helpless patients burned to death behind barred doors—babies smothered, charred, in an inferno of flame through which no one could reach them?” That's the tense, hard question which probably would be asked by indignant citizens and broken hearts of relatives, if a fire should sweep the old portion of the city hospital. The new buildings of the hospital, the $385,000 surgical unit just completed, includes the "last word” in modern hospital facilities and Is in striking contrast to the old building, designated a “fire trap” by Harry N. Styner, deputy State fire marshal. "I do not recommend repairs of improvements on Uie old building—it's not worth it,” he has added. “Fire Trap” Until new units are built, lack of beds makes it necessary to house some patients in the "fire traps,” according to Superintendent William A. Doeppers. In the contagious ward, beds have even been placed in hallways—dark ones, because like in the rest of the building there are too few windows. The old building is of wood and brick. Xfie wood is dry, creaking and decking in vital places of support, causing uneven wooden floors and wall work whose plaster falls away so often that Clarence C. Hess,

business manager, declares he keeps one man busy patching up broken places. The stairs are fill wood and would furnish an enormous chimney-like draft for'seething flames drawn toward them. The drug room containing explosives such as ether, is on the first floor. An explosion here, or a lire started, would in less than a minute swep down the hall, up to these ginger-bread wooden stairs. Little Children Almost fifty little children are right above where these flames would lap up the stairway and a l -, average of 164 patients on the three floors would fight against these odds. Not an inch of fire proof material to which they could cling, or upon which they could stand. An elevator that is so ancient in action and design ttiat it has moods and works spasmodically. Barrbd windows, in the prison wards, and doors that leading to fire escapes have been barred and locked for years—until the other day, when Doeppers, after a fire scare in the neighborhood, ordered these barred doors unlocked. This of course, gives a chance for criminal-patients to escape, but “the fire, hazards are too terrible with those barred doors in such a building as this,” Doeppers has declared. This still leaves the barred windows, tho curling wooden floors—sunk some places as much as three inches —everything in fact to make a big fire, a tragedy, a terrible indictment against Indianapolis citizenship, should the fire gongs ring some day with the announcement “fire at the old city hospital!”

SKULLS TO BE SHOWN TO GHOUL Will Attempt to Force Confession to Murder. Itn I'nili’d PrcHi MICHIGAN CITY, Ind.. Feb. 1 In an attempt to force James Coyher. Negro convict of the Indiana State Prison here, a confession to the murders of at least four women, authorities from Ferndale, Mich., were here today to confront him with four skulls and two bloody braids of women’s hair. The skulls and the hair were found in & trunk at Coyner’s home here. Coyner was grilled in his cell Monday, but Michigan authorities were unable to obtain a confession. ‘T’m a defiant fellow,” the Negro is reported to have told them. ‘‘l could tell you a lot about murders and murderers if I wanted to, but you wqn't got anything out of me.” Coyner was sentenced to the Indiana Penitentiary last November for from three to ten years for grave robbery. The Negro’s statements and his giant stature today strengthened the theory he may be the widely-sought Toledo clubber. He is said to have told officers he was in Toledo at the time of the outrages there. He is six set tall and heavily built. The Toledo clubber was described as an unusually large Negro.

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MEN FISH THROUGH ICE Tiny Shacks Are Scattered Over Sturgeon Bay. Hu t iiitnl Press STURGEON BAY. Wis., Feb. 15 Tiny shacks dot the ice on Sturgeon Bay these days, shacks occupied by men who squat patiently over the tin*- holes in the Ice, holding a string in their hand, periodically jerking up a perch, or herring through the holes. Those shacks are small, about four feet square, set on runners. They arc covered ly tin, heavy copper, or canvas, with a tiny stove made out of a powder can, or other make shift material. The only object of the buildings is to break the wind and provide more comfort for the fisherman. The fisherman's equipment is equally simple. An ice chisel, a flattened crowbar, a box to sit on, a saw lo cut up firewood for the stove, lunch pail and cushion are all he has with him. Perch bite better in winter than in summer, ice fishermen declare. The best time to get them is in the early morning, and if conditions are right, strings ol' perch . and other | fish are ready for breakfast every | morning. /

She’s Cal’s Landlady

Consider yourself presented to Mrs. Elmer Schlesinger, owner of the Washington residence which President and Mrs. Cooiidge are to occupy while the White House is undergoing repairs this spring. A daughter of the late Robert W. Patterson. Mrs. Schlesinger was formerly the Countess (iirycka. These Rocky Mountan trophies o' her expertness with the rifle adorn the wails of the temporary White House.

Englishman Asks Receivership for House of David Colony. “DIRT’ DRAGGED FORTH Report Purnells Not Married Reiterated. Bn I nitnt Press BENTON HARBOR, Mich.. Feb. 15.—Another of his flock turned upon "King” Benjamin Purnell, decrepit ruler of the Isarealite House of David—this time to tie up all property of his cult and disclose what is said to have been a siege of armed hostilities between his followers and those, of Mary, his “Queen.” The District Federal Court at Grand Ilapids yesterday granted Arthur Wright, a citizen of England, and for seven years a member of the cult, an injunction restraining the Purnells from disposing of any cult properties. Wright asked a receivership for the colony, declaring $17,074.53 is due him for services over the sevenyear period. Summons to appear in court Feb. 26 10 answer the receivership proceedings was made on "King Ben” and “Queen Mary.” A state of hostility was declared by Purnell and Mary early last year when each branded the other as an imposter and religious fake, Wright's bill stated. At that time a nation-wide search was being made for the bearded Benjamin. Mary, regarded by Israelites as Purnell's legal wife, gathered 120 members of the cult to her side and nearly GOO others adhered to Purnell —self styled brother of Christ. It is said. Then, according to Wright. Purnell announced Mary was not his wife and that no spiritual union existed. Strife grew until the factions went about armed with knives and guns, although no instances of violence occurred. Wright charged. He declared, however, a state of fierce partisanship Mill exists in the colony. Criminal suits brought by former! girl members of the House of David. I who charge Purnell attacked them. 1 damage suits by former Israelites, j who sock to recover money invested j in the colony, and a State action to I dissolve the organization are now j pending in the courts.

Salary Slash Bill Passed in Senate ‘Help’ Help! Help!” “Marlon County official had his salary cut instond of boosted.” Thus remarked sedate Hoosier i Senators Monday afternoon. They j voted for tho Dirkerman bill which i will reduce the salary of the Mar- | lon County Lreasurer from around , $160,000 annually to aliout $16,000. The bill went over with a score of 46 to 0. | Senator Joseph M. Cravens (Dent.), Madison, declared: "It Is almost for me to.believe that a I Marion County Senator would inItroduce a measure to reduce any [ one’s salary. 1 ant giving them the I benefit of the doubt and will vote 1 'aye.' ” The hill provides for $3,000 salj ary and 2 per cent on delinquent tax collections. PONZI FACES SENTENCE j “Get Rich Quirk Wizard” in East Alter Losing Long Fight. Bn I hited Press BOSTON. Feb. 15—Back at the scene of the bursting of bis giant financial bubble after a long and selfimposed exile. Charles Ponzi, "Get rich quick wizard,” was brought to court here today ns “a common and notorious thief." Superior Judge Sisk was prepared to reaffirm the seven-to-nlne-year prison sentence Imposed on Ponzi for the theft of which he stands convicted. Ponzi arrived here last night from Texas. There he had fought a long but futile fight against extradition. A wild goose, tagged and set free recently by Jack Miller at Kingsville, Ontario, was shot four days later at St. George Island, Fla.

FEB. 15, 192/

CITIZENS BOOST PRIMARY BILE AS BLOW TO COFFIN Passage of Measure Urged by Delegation at Public Hearing. Heralding the Bender-Hughes prl mary bill as a ‘‘savior” front George V. Coffin bossism, prominent Marion County citizens met with Emsley W. Johnson, former park board president, Monday night. The full weight of their influence was to be thrown behind the bill at the public hearing this afternoon In the House of Representatives. The bi-partisan measure sponsored by John A. Hughes (Rep.), Vermilion, chairman of the House elections committee, and Edward B. Bender (Deni.), Boone, minority caucus leader, levels a broadside against primary election graft. To Sponsor' Passage At the citizen's meeting with Johnson Monday night, Claude E. Negley. city council president, William A. Boyce Jr., city clerk. Lew Shurik, former mayor, and representatives of the State Federation of Labor, and the Indiana Farm Bureau Federation, decided to sponsor passage of the bill. The delegation was expected to be augmented by a number of women. The Legislative Forum of Indian apolis women, under Mrs. Allen T. Fleming, is waging a fight for the bill.

“Mouthful of Teeth” Commenting on tho BenderHughes bill, characterized ns tho “primary law with a mouthful of teeth," Johnson said: "If the primary is conducted so that every voter will know that his vote is counted men and Women, will not hesitate to go to the polls on primary day. Tim Render-Hughes hill insures an honest count of tho vote, every candidate Is given a fait chance.” Lew Shank said: “I ant heartily io favor of the Bender-Hughes hill, rr it is enacted the rank and file of lioth the Democratic and Republican party will be able to select their can dldates.” I. H. Hull, representing the in diana Farm Bureau, said. “It Is very evident that present legislators intend to keep the primary law on the statute books. It Is essential that Itbe amended to eliminate frauds that now characterize its practice.” Advance Step Edward P. Barry, vice president Indiana State Federation of Labor, characterized the bill ns “the most advanced step yet proposed for guaranteeing honest primary elections.” Claude E. Negley, city council president, said: “The primary system has become an integral part of our election system, but it must be protected from the evils that have grown like barnacles upon it.” City Clerk William A Boyce, Jr., advocated passage of the corrective measure because It will enable “the rank and file of each party to do its own house cleaning.” The bill will be reported out of the elections committee Wednesday, atcording to Representative John A. Hughes, committee chairman, co author of the bill. Because of his po sltlon on the committee the bill is at least as: ured of a minority report favoring passage. According to Hughes - the purpose of the public hearing i* to crystal!;.i public sentiment favoring the bill.

YEGGS GET LOOT IN COALOFFICES Three Safes ‘Worked on’ by Night Prowlers. Yeggs visited two coal company offices Monday night and obtained loot totaling slOl after robbing one safe and attempting two others. The combination was battered off one safe, and another resisted efforts of yeggmen at the Mussing & Merrick Cos., 1114 E. Twenty-Second St. Gaining entrance through a Hide window, the burglars found only papers in a small safe after battering off the combination. Papers were scattered over the office. An unsin ces.sful attempt was made to crack a large safe. A typewriter valued at SIOO, 76 cents In money and keys was taken. The yeggmen found the safe at the Forbes-Hubbard I,umber Company. 1923 Shelby St., open. They found nothing In It. After scattering papers they took 30 cents from a cash register, according to Robert C. Williams, secretary.

Grandmother Knew there was nothing so good for con gestion and cold* as mustard. But the old-fashioned mustard plaster burned and blistered. Musterole gives the relief and help that mustard plasters gave, without the plaster and without the bliser. It is a clean, white ointment, mnd<wlth oil of mustard. Gently rub It In. See how quickly the pain disappears. Try Musterole for sore throat, Isron chills, tonsilitls, croup, stiff neck, asthma, neuralgia, headache, congestion, pleurisy, rheumatism, lumbago, pains and aches of the back or Joints, sprains, sore muscles, bruises, rbll Mains, frosted feet. coldS*of the chest (It may prevent pneumonia.)

Sif(r than a mntard planar