Indianapolis Times, Volume 38, Number 274, Indianapolis, Marion County, 21 February 1927 — Page 1

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VOLUME 37—NUMBER 274

30 DEAD AS STORM TOLL OVER EAST Damage of $5,000,000 Suffered—Heavy Shipping Loss. HIGH WATERS IN WEST Parts of Oregon and California Menaced. B" United Press NEW YORK, Feb. 21.—A storm that cost thirty lives and caused damage estimated at $5,000,000, I passed from the eastern seaboard today, leaving devastated property and wrecked shipping in its wake. The heaviest loss of life was in the wreck of the coast guard patrol boat 238, which was broken up on Cape Cod and its crew of eight men drowned. Other deaths were due to exposure, traffic accidents and drownings in the affected district. The wind, reaching a velocity of more than seventy miles an hour, piled up mountainous waves along the coast from the Delaware breakwater to Nova Scotia. At high tide the waves were thirty feet high and swept inland, carrying houses out to sea, flooding streets, railroad tracks and homes. On Staten Island, more than 1,000 persons were driven from their homes when the water reached half a mile inland. Police, firemen and other rescue workers removed many from their marooned homes in rowboats. Heavy damage to small boats, houses, piers and summer resort places was done on Staten Island also. Even parts of lower Manhattan were flooded. The storm was accompanied by snow and sleet that did heavy damage to communications and slowed up all forms of txansportation in the city. Most of the Jersey coast and parts of Staten and Long Island were without telephone ox electric light service for a time. Eighty-six fire alarms were turned kin between midnight Saturday and V lO p. m. Sunday, during one of the worst storms of the year in New York. SOUTHERN OREGON FLOOD Water Fills Railroad Tunnels— Northern California Menaced. Bv United Press PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 21. — Southern Oregon was flood-stricken today. Greatest damage was reported along the course of the Rogue River. The bridge across Savage Rapids was washed away, the electric light plant at Grant’s Pass w r as flooded, and thousands of acres of farming land were submerged. Several tunnels among the Southern Pacific Railroad right of way were flooded, causing suspension of trains. Flood waters threaten northern California today following heavy rainfall, and there is prediction of additional rain or snow. Near Eureka, Cal., the Eal River threatens to overflow its banks and residents in the rich agricultural dis- . trict have been warned to rempve stock to higher ground. The Sacramento River is also nearing flood stage north of Colusa ■end workmen are busy protecting, levees. Coast line rail traffic is impaired and reports coming in from sea say ships are battling heavy snow. FIGHT TO SAVE LEVEE Hundreds of Workers Toil Through Night in Louisiana. Bu United Press VJDALIA, La., Feb. 21—Several hundred workmen toiled throughout the night to prevent p break in the levee along the Mississippi River near Ferriday, where a “sand boil’’ gave threat of flood. Cotton, hay and cement were poured into the “boil”—caused by a bubbling of the sand—to prevent a break in the levee. Forecasters say that should the river break over its banks at this point, several hundred acres of valuable land in central Louisiana would be flooded.

Securing Prospective Tenants at 16c Each Mrs. W, T. Gipe, 40 N. Beville, ran this little Want Ad in The Times only three days and had 5 replies: WAf.COTT,. 422 N.; 7 rnis.: strictly raod.; gar.; good cond.; $32.50. Web. 11085. The ad cost only Sic, thus prospective tenants at 16c each. Os course the house was rented. In The Times your House or Apartment for Rent Want Ad will reach newcomers and people seeking new living quarters, too. Not only will you reach prospective tenants with your Want Ad in The Times, but your ad will also cost you less. Want Ads cost lessen The Times. Call Main 3500 You Can Charge Your Ad.

The Indianapolis Times COMPLETE REPORT / Os! WORLD-WIDE NEWsMsERVICE OF. THE UNITED PRESS

Crowe Caws to Jim About Sam

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Robert E. Crowe (above) and Samuel Insull.

THEATER OFFICIAL IS PRODUCERS Screen Monopoly Charged in Appeal Letter. Frank J. Rembusch, president of Motion Picture Theater Oowners of Indiana, today charged that “despotic unwair dealings of the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America to gain control of the picture industry” are in violation of the Federal anti-trust laws. Rembusch, who is leading a crusade against “block booking,” put in effect by the Will Hays regime, made the charges that the Government acquiesced to the “picture monopoly” i na letter to Attorney Gen eral Sargent, making a final appeal for relief. Rembusch does not represent all theater owners. Support of the bill of Representative Fabius Gwin, in the House of Representatives, providing penalty for “block booking” and abolishing the arbitration system, was urged by Rembusch as a blow to th alleged monoply. Charges that polities Interfered with the Department of Justice in- | vestigation of the film industry were made in the Rembusch letter. "There is no way to the screen except through the Hoys organization,” the letter stated.

Assembly Today

Both houses convened at 10 a. m.; adjourned at noon and reconvened at 2 p. m. Consideration of the $49,000,000 budget bill begins Tuesday p. ni. SENATE Republican bill repealing absent voters’ ballot law passed. Holmes’ eugenics bill on third reading. Bill to abolish pardon board on second reading. Introduced resolutions meinoralIzing Congress to pass utilities legislation to curb Federal Court powers in rate making, A bill raising salaries of judges of Supreme and Appellate Courts to SIO,OOO. Concurrent resolution for apt pointnient- of committee to investigate obsolete laws. HOUSE No new bills without majority consent. “Mayor protection bill” on second reading. Boxing commission bill on second reading. Passed bill cutting off two Purdue Scholarships from each county. Tassed Indianapolis coliseum bill.

CALL BENEFICIARY OF MAN, BURNED TO DEATH Grand Jury Summons Girl Who Files Will Claiming Aged Man’s Estate, Valued at $25,000.

Bu Times Special MONTICEKLO, Ind., Feb. 21. The White County grand jury today began its investigation into the death of John Baker, 70, who was robbed and set on fire at his farm home here last week by an unknown assailant. Among witnesses to be examined will be Miss Selma Fritch, 30, a neighbor, who has offered for probate a will claimed by her to have been left by Baker making her sole beneficiary to the 825,000 estate. Relatives of Baker have entered objections to the document. Relatives say they cannot under-

Entered as Second-Class Matter at Postoffice. Indianapolis.

INSULL GIVES UP DATA ON PRIMARY AID Utilities Magnate, Cited in Reed Probe, Admits Use , of Money. CROWE TALKATIVE, TOO Chicago States Attorney First to Testify. \ Bu United Press WASHINGTON, Feb. 21.—Facing possible jail terms for contempt, If they continued silent, recalcitrant Illinois politicians today partly backed down and told Senator James A. Reed's campaign investigating committeo some of the things it wanted to know about expenditures in the Illinois primary. Rut, one witness declined, even under pressure ,to answer ail the committee asked. State’s Attorney Robert E. Crowe of Chicago, readily answered questions revealing ho had raised about $58,000 for local candidates —including $7,000 in his own ward, SIO,OOO from Attorney, General Carlstrom of Illinois, $25,000 from William Hale Thompson, former mayor, and $5,000 direct from Samuel Insull’s attorney for a county judge campaign. When the campaign committee sought Information from him last year, he declined to givo It. Daniel Schmuyler, Insull attorney, followed Crowe and revealed that Insull, multi-millionaire traction magnate, had given him $45,000 for genpolitical contributions. Callenges Probers Schuyler, however, challenged authority of the committee to force details of the transaction. He refused to say what Insull had said when he gave the money or where the money was spent. The committee then obviously began to build a record for contempt prosecutions. “The patience of this committee with witnesses who decline to answer is just about exhausted,” Chairman Reed of the committee told Schuyler. “We called you here to give you a chance to testify.” “I prefer not to answer.” said Schuyler. When pressed further, he sadi: “I respectfully decline to answer.” “The committee directs you to answer,” said Reed. “I shall have to decline,” said Schuyler. , * Insull then took the stand. “Did you give any money to Charles Barrett for use in the primary?” Reed asked Insull. “Mr. Barrett testified I gave SIO,OOO. That statement is correct.” “Did you give him any other money?” “No, sir.” Reports $5,000 Gift Insull said he gave $5,000 for the judgeship campaign of Joseph Savage, as Crowe had previously related. He also confirmed Schuyler's testimony that he had given his attorney $40,000 in currency at his office. Insull was granted permission to read a statement. He protested he had given the committee all the information he had concerning the senatorial race. He agreed that tho maximum total amount of contribution for the Cook County campaign was $40,000, but did not include $25,000 additional, so that the statement indicated he had given a total of $65,000 directly or indirectly to the county campaign. Insull, however, declined to say specifically to whom he gave the $40,000 amounts, but added he gave the monies to organizations whose names he did not fee lat liberty to disclose. He said those who reeevied the money could tell of amounts they received if they desired, but he did not wish to disclose them.

WOULD KILL OLD LAWS ■ Senate Resolution Provides Group to Investigate Statutes. Senator L. G. Bradford (Rep.), South Bend, today introduced a concurrent resolution in the Indiana Senate asking the Governor to appoint two Senators and two members of the House of Rerpresentatives to a committee to investigate obsolete laws and recommend their repeal. This committee would confer in the matter with a representative of the attorney general’s office.

stand why Baker sliotild leave his estate to Miss Fritch. Her family and Baker lived in the same neighborhood for years, but only in the last four months had been friendly, they say. Baker’s estate includes ?13,000 in Government bonds. Authorities have found no trace of the man who entered Baker’s home last week, demanded money, then saturated his clothing wfith an infiamable fluid and applied a match. Baker ran. a living torch, to a small steam, but was unable to extinguish the flames before they caused fatal burns. He died at the homo of a neighbor several hours later.

INDIANAPOLIS, MONDAY, FEB. 21,1927

How $237,925 Was Divided Bu United Press WASHINGTON, Feb. 21. The political-financial operations of Samuel Insull, multimillionaire ■ Chicago public utilities operator, in the Illinois primary election were further revealed to the Senate Primary Investigating Committee today. The total of his known contributions was boosted in testimony to $237,925, as follows: To Smith senatorial campaign, $125,000. To Daniel Schuyler for various contributions, $45,000. To anti-world court campaign, $32,925. To Brennan Democratic senatorial campaign, $150,000. To Charles Barret for Cook County campaign, $15,000. To Roy O, West, head of the McKinley County organization, SIO,OOO. Total, $237,925.*

REPUBLICANS SUBSTITUTE REPEAIJILL Absent Voters Measure of Democrats Replaced by Like Plan of G. 0. P. Fearing that tho Democrats would "steal their thunder” by having names of two Democratic House members, Edward Bender and William Dentlinger, attached to the bill providing for complete repeal of the absent voter law, Republican Senators rushed through today a similar bill bearing the name of Senator Delbert V. Blackburn (Rep)., Evansville. The Democratic measure had passed the House and was up for third reading as a special order of business for this afternoon. Its consideration was delayed so the Blackburn bill could be passed first. This will mean that the Republican bill must go back to the House for approval, but the delay was deemed advisable, so the G. O. P. might reap whatever glory is attached to repealing the absent voter law. Absent voter repeal had been provided for in the platform of both parties. Only Senator Oliver Kline (Rep.), Huntington, raised his voice against it. Senator James J. Nejdl, Whiting, majority floor leader, said that the absent voter privilege had not been abused in Lake County, but that the bill should pass, as pledged by the party platform.

HIGHEST TRIBUNAL ' HEARS DALE PLEA Indiana Editor Asks Appeal Be Reinstated. Times Wnshinnton Bureau. 1322 New York AVenUa WASHINGTON, Feb. 21.—George R. Dale, editor of a. weekly newspaper at Muncie, Ind., made a formal plea today to the United States Supreme Court to reinstate his appeal from a jail sentence for contempt of court which has been affirmed by the Indiana Supreme Court. The Muncie editor was represented by Moses E. Clapp, former Senator from Minnesota. Dale’s brief claimed thot W. V. Rooker of Indianapolis, who represented him In his first appeal to tho Uited States Supreme Court, did not pay the Supreme Court clerk the necessary deposit to cover costs of representing the appeal. Reciting that the court dismissed his first plea because of this, Dale asks that the appeal be reinstated, and that time be given for ex-Senator Clapp to prepare another brief to take the place of one prepared by Rooker. The Supreme Court had stayed until today the delivery of Its mandate to the Indiana court to give Dale a chance to present his case. NEW WARRANT OUT Judge Refuses to Reveal Wliat Charges Are. Bu United Press MUNCIE, Ind., Feb. 21.—George R. Dale, editor of the Post Democrat, a weekly newspaper here, will return Wednesday from Washington and find a warrant for his arrest awaiting him. Judge Clarence W. Dearth of the Delaware Circuit Court has had the warrant sworn out. but refused today to name the charges, indicating 1 “they were very serious.” Dale is In Washington attempting to secure a rehearing on his now famous contempt case, originating in the Delaware County court, ana carried to the United States Supreme Court. Dale was sentenced to jail for contempt following publication of an article condemning Judge Dearth arid several actions of the Delaware court. , _ Another article appearing in the current issue of Dale’s paper, attacking and Mayor John C. Hampton is believed to have furnished grounds j for the latest warrant. Dearth issued Lan order sale of the Post Democrat on the streets here.

28 CENT TAX LEVY BEFORE LEGISLATURE 5-Cent Increase Over Rate Announced by Governor Provided in Measures. MEDICAL BILL TARGET Legislature Goes Afield to Rule Communities. By Frank J. Prince The State tax levy will be back to 28 cents for each SIOO of assessed valuation if all appropriation measures considered by the Legislature are passed. With two weeks in which to transact business, the Senate and House of Representatives met at 10 a. m. today. Appropriation measures started on their way, entail an increase of 5 cents above the 23-cent tax levy announced with gusto and bombast by Governor Jackson and the Republican State committee beforerthe election last November. Regular appropriations will call for an additional cent of levy, the Vincennes memorial exposition will take 4 mills, the fund for improving the institutions of higher education are to get the benefit of a 2-cent levy effectivo next year, while the fight against the European corn borer will cost one-half cent on each SIOO of assessed valuation. One cent is to be for anew State library. 1 “Too Much” New “Too much.” is the way many legislators express themselves privately on the $275,000 allowed for eradication of the corn borer and Japanese beetle. These members, however, were swept along In the maelstrom of speed. The bill was passed by the House in less than thirty minutes after it had been introduced. But one voice, that of Representative Oscar Ahlgren of Lake County, was raised against it, and he declared the amount excessive. Tho real strength of the farm bloc will be seen in the vote on the luxury tax bill, which is to be reported out favorably by the House Ways and Means Committee. The proposed tax on cigars and cigarets is far from being popular and many amendments will be Introduced to change It. Regarded as a "log rolling” measure to be voted for in return for support on the 2-cent levy Instead of 3, for the universities and normal schoo’s—the farm bloc and its friends are divided on the advisability of farther taxation, and have little hope of gettting it passed. Close “Medical” Vote The medical bill wltji its injunction feature will cause a battle in the Senate this week. Strength of the measure seems to be on the wane with all the groups of healers combined against the medical men. If passed at all the vote will be very close, as it was in the lower body, where a bare constitutional majority put it over. Some members of the Assembly seem to think that an election Is a binding contract and have gone so far as to intimate that county treasurers now in office and those elected have a right to the interest on Barrett law funds. This Legislature has gone far afield in seeking to regulate individual communities. A bill In the House provides the board of works of Anderson shall be composed of the five council members —three now serve—is a case in point. The bill has the support of State chairman Clyde Walb and Secretary Harry Fenton in an effort to help Ray Gibbons, Madison County Republican chairman and employe of the Public Service Commission, who has not missed a session of the Legislature since it started, complete his hold on tho city administration In Anderso-n. Bills in Harris’ Pocket Utility regulation has been the most talked of and least acted on legislation of the session. Two bills have come from the Senate with its approval but they nestle snugly and serenely in the pocket of Representative J. Glenn Harris, chairman of Judiciary “A”. The Nejdl bill allowing appeals from decisions of the Public Service Commission and the llarlan bill giving the commission supervision of operating expenses of the utilities have not been reported out by Harris’ committee, because Harris hasn’t submitted them. When Howell Ellis was appointed to the commission to fill the place of Samuel R. Artman, the Times stated that J. Reid McCain was named secretary of the commisison at the request of Harris in return for. what Harris might do in the Legislature. \ RUDNER ALIBI ATTACKED Bu United Press CANTON, Ohio, Feb. 21.—The crisis in the trial of Ben Rudner, millionaire bootlegger, charged with the murder of Don R. Mellett, editor, was reached today. The State opened the third week of the trial with a vigorous attack on the alibi and other testimony given by the defendant when testifying in • his own behalf Friday. The defense announced that it would rest late today, unless a lastminute decision was made to call to the witness stand Louis Mazer, who is awaiting trial for the murder, and Fat McDermott, convicted murderer.

Outside of Marion County 12 TTTDFI? Cents Per Week. Sthirle Conte* AXIXVXbXLJ

School Muddle Principals

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Top to bottom, Theodore F. Vonnegut, Mrs. Lillian Sedwick and Charles W. Kern, majority members of tiie Indianapolis school board, who face the fire of a large group of citizens who have employed attorneys to start ouster proceedings.

TWO STOWAWAYS DIE Gas Poisoning Brings Death to Men on Liner Adriatic. Bu United Press NEW YORK. Feb. 21.—A story of how two of live stowaways had died from gas poisoning while the White Star liner Adriatio was at sea was told upon arrival of the vessel here from a sixty-day cruise in the Mediterranean. Five men crawled Into a coal bunker while the ship was at Naples, taking with them a supply of bread and water. Approaching Monaco. an engineer opened the bunker and heard faint moans. One of the men was dead and another died later. The cruise saw another tragedy. Thomas Waterson, G3. a watchman, disappeared on the morning of Feb. 18 and is believed to have fallen overboard. blazeTollowsblast Home Burns When Coal Oil Stove Explodes—Family Escapes. Fire that followed explosion of a coal oil stove at the homo of Ralph A. Green. 1822 S. Villa Ave., at 10 a. m. Sunday, destroyed the house and contents, valued at $1,200. None of the family was injured, firemen say. The fire was beyond control before firemen could get water to the scene, because of the great distance it was necessary to lay hose. Relief From Slick Streets Is Promised Relief from slick streets which worried Indianapolis motorists last week-end was promised today by the United States Weather Bureau. Rising temperature today was expected to melt considerable of the, snow which fell Sunday, making city streets a glassy surface, Lowest temperature tonight was to bo about freezing, according to Meteorologist J. H. Armington. City street cleaning department had a force of workmen shoveling snow downtown. Police reported relatively few serious accidents, considering the dangerous condition of the streets.

CENTS

CITIZENS START MOVE TO OUST MAJORITY FACTION SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS Attorneys Retained to File Impeachment Proceedings Against Vonnegut, Kern and Mrs. Sedwick. FOLLOWS PRESSURE ON GRAFF Group “Disgusted” With State of Affairs, Says Spokesman. Attorneys have been employed by a group of citizens to institute impeachment proceedings against the three majority members of the Indianapolis board of school commissionets. The membersJt is sought to oust arc Theodore F. Vonnegut, board president; Mrs. Lillian G. Scchvick, vice president, and Charles W. Kern. Attorneys Emslcy Johnson and M. A. Ryan have been retained to launch the impeachment proceedings in Circuit Court or one of the Superior Courts.

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E. U. Graff, superintendent of schools, whose resignation has been asked by the majority faction of the school board In order to clear the way for a man of the majority’s choosing.

CHANGE PLANNED FOR PWRY BILL Provides Continued Party Affiliations. Continued party affiliation is demanded in an amendment proposed to the primary bill now pending before the Indiana House of Representatives. Friends of the bill, which was designed to put “teeth” into the present law, and was aimed directly at the alleged practices of Coffin organization in Marion County, want the measure amended in such a manner to make it mandatory that the same party ballot be called for in each primary election. The bill, if amended, would be patterned after that of the Calfornia law. The plan Is to prevent the opposite party from controlling certain offices of the other party in a primary campaign. Voters would follow their choice In the regular elections, but would have to follow the same party through in the primaries unless they gave notice of change of party affiliation before the primary. TAY DAY MEANS MORE Bu 1 tilled Press NEW YORK, Feb. 21.—The American pay envelope Is becoming more voluminous .as years go by, the National Bureau of Economic Research reports from preliminary estimates. The national Income in 1926 was $89,682,000,000, the report said, an increase of more than 40 per cent over 1921.

Bad Liquor Kills 3-Year-Old Boy Bu United Press McKEESPORT, Pa., Feb. 19. —The youngest victim of alcoholism in this district —a 3-year-old boy—died here today while his mother, a brother and sister were 111 from drinking moonshine. The dead child is Miller Solitch. The mother, Mrs. Peter Solltch, and George, 6, and Mary, 4, aro ill. When the father, Peter Solltch, reutrned from work Saturday he found his wife and children intoxicated. Restoratives were administered to tho two boys, who were most seriously 111, and they were later removed to a hospital, where Miller died. Mary said her mother purchased liquor after the father went to work Saturday morning.

Forecast Fair tonight, followed by increasing cloudiness Tuesday; rising temperature; lowest tonight about freezing.

TWO CENTS

MARION COUNTY

“Wo have been retained to net ns legal advisers by a number of citizens who havo becomo dissatisfied and disgusted with tho actions of the majority school board faction,” Johnson said. Announcement of the Impeachment proceedings followed tho disclosure that the majority faction of the school board has asked M. U. Graff to resign as school superintendent. Kills Offered Horace Ellis, State superintendent of Instruction from 1917 to 1919, who now is connected with Chicago office of the Republican national committee, lias been promised the position when Graff is ousted, one report said. Henry Noblo Sherwood, present State superintendent, another report said, also has been mentioned as Graff's successor. Asked whnt tho reasons were for asking Graff to resign, Kern, who has been dubbed' “spokesman for the crowd,” by Vonnegut, declared ho had no statement to make. “I don’t say wo haven't any reasons." Kern said. “As soon as the board tncots tho matter will come up,” Vonnegut said Tho board meets Tuesday night. Ousting pressure is being brought not only on Graff, it is understood, but also upon D. T. Weir, Miss Flora E. Drake and J. F. Thornton, assistant superintemlenta; Harry E. Wood, vocational director: William A. Hacker, social service director, and Murray A. Dalman, research director. C. C. Shipp, local ventilating device manufacturer, who was said to have aided In the election of tho majority faction and the defeat for re-elec-tion of the ticket headed by present minority members, Fred Bates Johnson and Charles R. Yoke, Is active in the attack against Graff, it is said. Shipp manufacturers a directindirect system of heating and ventilating device which the board has attempted to have exclusively installed In new school buildings. Tho plan suffered a recent, defeat when the State tax board refused to sanction a $303,351 bid for Shipp's product to be installed In the new Shortridge High School. The tax board ordered that bids be received on other ventilating devices. Shortly after the majority faction took offlco Jan. 1, 1926. Shipp and Kern offered 1.. C. Ward. Ft. Wayno school superintendent, Graff's post. Ward, given a salary increase by the Ft. Wayne schools, refused. Meet on Impeachment Plans for the impeachment proceedings were to be furthered today at. a meeting in Emslcy Johnson's office of the citizens behind the move. In the event of Impeachment, the minority members would select three persons to serve the remainder of the ousted members’ terms, Johnson said. “W© rlo not wish to disclose our dents' names at this time,” Johnson declared, "but they will come out In the open and take a staunch stand following definite decision as to Just what course wo shall pursue la tho Impeachment charges. “Possibly on injunction can be obtained to prevent Graff's resignation or dismissal. This would make our road smoother. All these matters will bo considered, “However, I can positively say that tho largo number of the citizens opposing tho majority board members now aro men who were their supporters at the time of their election. They have been dissatisfied and disgusted with the majority’s actions time and time again since election.. The la*v provides that any ten citizens may Institute impeachment proceedings against school t>onrd members In a Circuit or Superior Court. Tho move will have tho hacking of Fred Bates Johnson and Yoke, who havo successfully fought several moves on tho part of the majority, tho Shortrldge heating and ventilating project being Included. “I’m not surprised at the majority’s request of Graff s resignation.” Fred Bates Johnson said, “but at this time I would rather remain silent.” Yoke declared he “wanted to Inform himself more fully of the situation” before making a statement.

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