Indianapolis Times, Volume 38, Number 323, Indianapolis, Marion County, 20 April 1927 — Page 1

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VOLUME 37—NUMBER 323

’BEST’ FAIL TO OBSERVE LIQUOR LAW Gilliom Tells W. C. T. U. That ‘Voluntary’ Respect Is Lacking. BLAMES POLITICS, ALSO ‘lnfluence’ on Courts Defeats Prohibition Cause. % Lack of "voluntary observance” of prohibition laws and political influence brought upon courts were blamed for increasing liquor law violations after a decade of Volsteadism by Attorney General Arthur L. flilliom this afternoon before the MaCounty institute of the W. C. ■u. at the Seventh Christian Church. “Local, State and Federal governments are making tremendous effort to enforce the prohibition laws,” Gilliom declared. "But vast numbers of our citizens, many of whom pride themselves as belonging to the best, are failing to support this law by voluntary observance. It is also disquieting to know that many belonging to the growing generation are party to these violations. Blames "Politics” "The thing that is hurting the cause of prohibition in Indiana most today with vast numbers of people who believe in its legitimate objects, is the effort in some quarters to influence and control court decisions by political means. “Once it transpires that court de- i eisions can be influenced by the lure of political support or by the threat of political reprisals, then justice under the law can no longer be had free and without purchase, as guaranteed in the ‘bill of rights,’ and the unalienable rights of men will vanish before the withering prejudices arising from the emotional disturbances of politically organized groups. Warn Children "The people are willing to have the liquor traflie destroyed, but they are not, and should never be, willing to have the integrity of the judiciary destroyed along with it.” Gilliom declared “more emphasis ■kpuld be placed on scientific edu- ■ ion of children as to the ill ofof intoxicating liquors on the , human mind and body,” and said if the W. C. T. U. would direct educational efforts along that line "it could contribute much In furtherance of the cause for which it was organized.” “At the close of the first decade of prohibition in .Indiana,” lie asserted, "we find that the number of prosecutions for violations of liquor laws is increasing, rather than decreasing. The deputy attorneys general alone, handled 8,.>10 sueli <a.ses in Marion County during 1926. PATIENT NEEDS BLOOD Man Who Had 15 Transfusions Near Cltisis hi Treatment Bu United Urea* DALLAS, Texas, April 20.—Travis B. Smythe, 26, today appealed for contributions of life fluid from anyone. Since last October Smythe, who is suffering with a disease of the digestive system has had forty-five blood transmissions. "The critical point of his illness has been reached,” said Dr, S. F. Sweeney, his physician, “and whether or not Smythe recovers depends upon the effect of the next few blood transfusions.” WINS VOICE CONTEST Oele Higgins of Lebanon, ■ Victor In Chicago Match. Miss Ocie Higgins of Lebanon, Ind., a student of Glen Friermood of the Indiana Colllege of Musics and Fine Arts, Indianapols, won first prize in the national student, female voice contest of the National Federation of Music Clubs at Chicago, Tuesday. The contest was hold In connectio nwith the fifteenth biennial meeting of the national federation. \ FIRST - GIRLS ARRESTED Charged With Being Rum Runners at Terre Haute. Hu United Prraa TERRE HAUTE, Ind., April 20. The Vigo County jail today held its first two alleged girl rum runners, Esther Cushman, 24, who gave her address as Sullivan, and Dorothy Davis. 22, of Chicago. While sheriff's men and Federal authorities lingered Tuesday night at the Cornfield Inn, eleven miles outh of the city, on the Dixie Bee Highway, with Dave Brossman, alleged operator, in their custody for liquor law violation, the girls are said to have driven up to the place in a sedan with liquor replenishments. Plane for De Pinedo Bu United Urea* ROME, Italy, April 20,—The seaplane Santa Maria, in which Francesco de Pinedo will continue his flight from the wnited States across the North Atlantic to Italy was en route to New York today aboard the S. S. Duilio. G&usepohl's Luggage Sale. Save 20 to 331-3% on trunks and bag*. 18 W. Washington St.—Adv.

npi t ¥• i • nr# Ihe Indianapolis limes COMPLETE REPORT OF WORLD-WIDE' NEWsM SERVICE 0F THE UNITED PRESS

Entered as Second-Class Matter at Postoffice, Indianapolis

Spelling Champs Announced Names of more than 600 Indianapolis grade champions in The Times State Spelling Bee arc printed on Page 3 of this issue.

TWO SEATED AS JURORS TO PASS. ON SNYDER CASE Woman Defendant Aids In Selection of Second Member of Panel. By Paul W. White, United rreaa Staff Correaoondent LONG ISLAND CITY, N. Y„ April 20.—Half an hour after court opened today one more juror was passed for the murder trial of Ruth Snyder, chilly blonde, and Henry Judd Gray, the dark-haired corset salesman, accused of killing Albert Snyder’s husband. Charles B. Meissner, a landscape gardener of Springfield, L. 1., was passed to join William E. Young, publicity man, the only other talesman passed as satisfactory to both sides since the trial began Monday morning. Meissner is a large, well built man, 45, and married. His hair is thinning and he wears light rimmed spectacles. Mrs. Snyder had a part irt the final selection of Meissner. While her chief attorney of record, Edgar Hazleton, was examining Meissner she told another of the counsel that the talesman was satisfactory to her. Meissner was the second talesman out of ninety-one questioned in three days, who was satisfactory. 86 Talesmen Rejected Eighty-seven talesmen had passed in review before Justic Scudder and the attorneys, and eighty-six bad joined the big parade out the door of the courtroom and back to their jobs, when court adjourned late yesterday. Fifty were rejected Monday and thir-ty-six yesterday. Sixty-seven were challenged for cause and nineteen fell before peremptory challenges. Mrs. Snyder’s counsel had twenty one peremptory challenges left; Gray’s twenty-four, and the State, twenty-six. The indication was that the searcli for eleven more jurors would take the rest of the week and possibly much longer. Only 161 talesmen remained uncalled—enough, at the previous rate, to furnish two more jurors. Hopes are expressed, however, that as peremptory challenges left, to each attorney decreased, a largo percentage of talesmen would prove acceptable. Sessions Lengthened Court will sit until 7 p. m., tonight instead of adjourning at the regular hour of 4. and an hour later each night until the jury is completed, Justice Scudder announced. Only five of the talesmen rejected yesterday were ruled out because of objections to the death penalty. The others said they were prejudiced or in similar fashion made themselves ineligible. Both Mrs. Snyder and Gray maintained their poise and calm through yesterday’s ordeal, although the woman seemed less alert and vivacious than on the opening day. They continued to avoid each other, showing not the slightest sign of rec t ognition, although they admit they once were lovers. KIN OF DAWES JILTED Pretty Instructor Weds Fiance of Vice President’s Relative. Bn United Press CHICAGO, April 20.—Invitations were recalled today for the wedding of Miss Marion Dawes, daughter of William A. Dawes, president of the Chicago Association of Commerce and cousin of the Vice President, to Gordon Butler Bilderback because the latter preferred to marry a college Instructor. Bilderback, whose home is in Champaign, 111., was married yesterday to Gertrude Sargeant, 27-year-old public speaking instructor at the University of Illinois. The ceremony was performed by a Champaign judge. The Dawes-Bilderback wedding was to have been held April 30. Invitations went to the most prominent people in Chicago.

Hourly Temperatures 6 a. m 51 10 a. m 54 7 a. m 5111 a. m 56 8 a. m 51 12 (noon) .... 59 9 a. 51 1 p. m.*.... 60

TRAFFICMAN SUSPENDED FOR ALLEGED REMARK Criticised Chief Johnson, Charge—Second Officer Accused of Kissing Another Man’s Wife.

Two police stood suspended today —one for making alleged derogatory remarks concerning Police Chief Claude F. Johnson and the other on a charge he kissed another man's wife. Chief Johnson declared Traffic Officer Barrett W. Ball, 2629 E. Riverside Dr., in a downtown office and in the presence of a superior officer criticised him, one remark being: “Well, they’ll get the big yet.” Johnson said other charges will also be filed against Ball when his

PROSECUTOR MAY ACT IF JURY FAILS Publication of 1927 Acts | Will Give State’s Attorney ‘Weapon.’ PROVIDES AFFIDAVITS June 31 Said to Be Limit for Starting Action. Even if prosecution of the cor- ! tempt of court bribery charges against James E. Armitage should prevent the present grand jury from returning indictments in its probe of Indiana political corruption, an act of the last Legislature will permit Prosecutor William H. Remy to start criminal action, should he desire, attorneys said today. Armitage, brother of William H. Armitage, political boss of the Shank administration, has been cited by Judge James A. Collins to appear in Criminal Court Thursday at 9 a. m., to answer contempt charges. The charges are based on affidavit of Grand Juror Claude A. Achey, that Armitage offered him “$2,600 and a job” to vote against indictment ol' Mayor Duvall. Collins adjourned the grand jury pending prosecution of the charges against Armitage instead of dismissing the jury as Remy asked. Under old statutes a prosecutor was not permitted to file charges by affidavit while a grand jury was in session. Judge Collins returned thir-ty-four affidavits filed Saturday by the prosecutor's office. In Effect Soon The new statute, however, which will go into effect when the acts of the 1927 Legisla*ure are published, expected in a few days, permits the prosecutor to start criminal action even though a jury is in session. If the Armitage case hangs on and anew jury- is not selected by June 31, Remy will be able to file affidavits if he desires, it Is said. June 31 is said to be the date when the statutes of limitations would make invalid action on some of the /illeged criminal acts investigated by the jury. Another Conference Remy and John W. Holtzman and Emslcy W. Johnson, special deputy prosecutors, conferred again this morning on the procedure to be followed tomorrow at tho Armitage hearing. Grand Juror Achey and William H. Freeman, board of works member during Mayor Shank’s administration, were with the prosecutors for a time. Remy declared the case would be prosecuted even if Armitage enters a general denial. lie had denied the charges of Achey. Some attorneys contend filing of a general denial would end the contempt charge and that Remy’s only recourse would be prosecution on a perjury charge. County Farm Asks for a ‘Male Cow’ Modesty reigns, and that’s no bulll! When county commissioners today looked over requisitions from superintendents of county institutions, they found requests from the poor farm for two milch cows, while three cows were desired at Jullietta, county hospital for Insane. Then they found a penciled request from J. V. Carter, superintendent of the county farm, for "one male cow.” The order was pigeon-holed as commissioners laughed. The meeting adjourned Believes Daughter She Killed Lives Bn United Presa FREEHOLD. N. J., April 20—Mrs. Christine Stoble, the Red Bank (N. J.) woman accused of having shot to death her 16-year-old daughter, Rosa, when she found Rosa holding in her arms a new-born babe, believes the dead girl still living and at home, she testified today. Mrs. Stoble was called as the first witness at her trial here, after "Jersey justice,” far-famed for its speed, had seen completion of the State's Case in a matter of but about three hours. The case against Mrs. Sto- ; ble consisted chiefly of her fconfession that she shot the girl, fearing disgrace to the family name.

case comes up before the board of safety. Patrolman William Martin, 1909 Ashland Ave., was badly beaten about the face by John Hubbell, 103 Bloomington St., who charged that the officer kissed his- wife at the Hubbell home. Chief Johnson said charges against Martin will be reviewed carefully before they are submitted to the board of safety. He said Hubbell had been arrested twice on assault and battery charges.

INDIANAPOLIS, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1927

WHERE TWO WAGE FIGHT FOR LIFE

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Above: The "front yard of the courthouse at Ixmg Island City, N. Y., is pictured here as it looked at the start of the Snyder murder trial. Orders issued by Justice Scudder, presiding over the trial, kept the curious across the street. Below: Penphoto of the courtroom. Justice Scudder (1); Mrs. Snyder, flanked by her attorneys (2); on the opposite side of the counsel table, Gray (3); the jury (4); District Attorney Newcombe and his aids (5); press tables (6); newspaper artists (7); the witness stand (8), and the microphone through which the proceedings are amplified so that all in the courtroom may hear (9).

‘GIVE ’EM THE CHAIR,’ VERDICT OF WOMEN ON SNYDER MURDER

CHAPLIN DIVORCE TRUCE INDICATED Comedian Given More Time to File Reoly. Itii l nitcci Pn a* LOS ANGELES, April 20.—Rumors of a settlement out of court of the Chaplin marital controversy were revived here today after attorneys for Charlie Chaplin had announced his answer to Lita Grey Chaplin’s sensational divorce suit would not be filed until May 4 and perhaps not then. A stipulation to the effect that Mrs. Chaplin's attorneys have agreed to give the comedian two weeks’ reprieve, was to be filed in Superior Court today, according to Lloyd Wright, counsel for Chaplin. Wright Insisted, however, that this in no way indicated a settlement out of court, and he declined to comment on what form Chaplin's answer, If any, would take. The answer was scheduled for Monday, but a three day extension setting the deadline at tomorrow had been granted. Church Bombed as Election Aftermath Bv United Presa MARION, 111., April 20.—The First Baptist Church was bombed here today following election of three of its members to the Marion city mission. Authorities believe the bombing marked anew mode of vengeance in the story career of “bloody Williamson,” the county of which this is the seat. The three elected commissioners, James H. Felts, Roy Blackburn and A. M. Garrison, campaigned on reform platforms In a hard fight for the offices. They denounced gambling, bootlegging and lawlessness. There were no disorders at the polls yesterday. UTILITY VALUATION SET Last Year’s Figures Stand for Indiana Electric Corporation. The State tax board today set the valuation of the Indiana Electric Corporation, an Insull utility, at $7,000,000, the same as last year. The valuation Is for taxation purposes.

This Gives You Cold Chills Bu Times Sueeial GREENCAfWLE, Ind., April 20.—Bence Daggy had an experience with a snake he will never forget, Paul Wright and Harry Welels, his friends, say. While hunting mushrooms, the three came upon two large blacksnakes. Wright killed one with nis knife. Daggy picked up the other snake by the tail and attempted to break it’s neck with a quick jerk. He failed on the first try and on the second the snake slipped out of his hand. Thinking the snake had fallen behind him. Daggy straightened up and just then the snake came down and coiled around his neck. He finally tore the snake from his neck and killed it.

Maurine Watkins Presents Feminine Viewpoint— Dislike ‘Sob Stuff.’ By Maurine Watkins Author of "Chicago" NEW YORK. April 20. "Ladies of the jury!” The use of that phrase would save a lot of time and money for the State. For while the prosecutor, the attorneys for the defense, and even His Honor, who’s growing a trifle impatient at all these dismissals “for cause,” continued their search for an open-minded, sex-proof, blue ribbon jury, various women interviewed settled the whole matter summarily. "Give ’em the chair,” was the curt verdict from most of the feminine Queens villagers, who

Playwright and Philosopher Maurine Watkins, author of the successful play "Chicago,” and Dr. Will Durant, philosopher, are covering the Snyder murder trial for Scripps-Howard newspapers. The second in a series of Watkins stories is presented herewith.

linger hour after hour with market baskets and baby carriages outside the courthouse. Certainly there’d be less delay through objection to capital punishment, for whereas approximately one-third of the men are dismissed for conscientious scruples, only one woman in seven finds the death penalty objectionable. In fact, there is even complaint over so mild a form —a feeling on the part of some that “the chair is too good.” Neither would the court find any delay because of sex discrimination. Women would feel no undue sympathy for the chiseled' woman in black —and it may safely be said they'd be blonde proof. It would really place Mrs. Snyder in a most embarrassing predicament. If she smiled they would flay her for unseemly mirth; if she wept they would see through her tears. Colorful clothes would mark her as a brazen hussy, flaunting herself in the public eye, and black would be interpreted as a hypocritical pose. Yes, there’s need (Turn to Page 2) WRECKS SAFETY GUARD Driver of Car Damage in Crash Sought by Police The driver of an auto that crashed into a saftey zone guard at Illinois and Ohio Sts., early today and left the scene before police arrived,, is sought. The officers said the auto was damaged. The concrete guard was knocked ten feet.

Outside of Marion County 12 Cents I’er Week. Single Copies

PARLEY ON STRIP MINES RESUMED Both Sides Silent on Final Outcome. Bv United Prraa TERRE HAUTE, Inch, Apri' 20.- - A final stand from which there is little likelihood they will depart has been taken by operators of strip mines, according to Mike Scollard, their secretary, as the strip mine negotiation conference reconvened today. District 11, United Mine Workers, officials would make no prediction as the conference reconvened as to its outcome or how long it would continue before final agreement or disagreement would hp reached. The negotiations, striving toward a settlement of the suspension in the strip mine branch of the industry In the State, have been in p r ogress since April 7. They have been executive during the entire period and little news of the parley’s progress has been available. It is understood, however, that there is little dispute over the wage scale, the operators, rather, seeking to do away with overtime rates in the industry and to bring about a contract similar to that formerly existing between miners and operators in deep mines, CONFER ON HOSPITAL Councilmen Take I'p Proposed Expenditure of ? 1,700,000. City* councilmen today conferred with health board members at city hospital relative to the expenditure of $1,700,000 proposed in an ordinance to relieve crowded conditions there. Council held up the ordinance pending explanation of the plan for expenditure of the funds. Wr. William A. Doeppers, superintendent, reported on a survey of hospital facilities. Condemnation of the old main buildings brought about a crowded condition which "will make necessary portable or temporary quarters, he said. Tho building must be abandoned July 1 on recommendation of State fire marshal. Doeppers recommended transfer of two wards into basement quarters and portable barracks for the women's detention and contagious disease wards.

CAT SACRIFICES LIFE SAYING TWO FAMILIES Animal Found Dead After Scratching Arouses Persons Menaced by Gas in New York Apartments.

Bu United Press NEW YORK, April 20.—A mong&l Tomcat gave its life to save two families who were overcome by gas here today. By scratching on a bedroom door, the cat awakened Morris Melnick, 16, who arose and found the entire second floor of the apartment filled with S as - He woke his sister, Eva, 25, ■who ran into the street screaming for help. A passing policeman summoned an ambulance and pulmotor crew, £ _

THREE

15 KILLED. 300 HJURED or SUMS AW FLOODS: 30000 HOT HOMES Property Loss of at Least $25,000,000 Suffered as Twin Disasters Descend Upon Mississippi Basin 23 FATALITIES IN ILLINOIS Several Towns Swept by Tornado— Farm Structures Shattered Bu United Presa. Destructive storms have caused the following loss of life, injury and property ilamage in the last ten days: Deaths attributable directly or indirectly to storms or floods, 75. Injured, 300. Homeless, 30,000. Property damage, at least $25,00,000.

These estimates were made today from United Press reports >of disasters in the Mississippi basin. The major centers of destruction attributable to excessive spring rains and wind storms have been in the basin. Livestock Destroyed Floods and levee breaks on the Mississippi River and tribuaries in the territory centering at St. Louis and at Memphis, Tenn. Twenty or more deaths are chargeable to floods in his area. Millions of acres of valuable farm land are flooded; 25,000 are homeless—their houses, farms, farm buildings, livestock and other valuables destroyed. A similar flood disaster, on a lesser scale has been experienced with overflowing of smaller streams in Oklahoma and Kansas. Tli* two floods have struck the country simultaneously due to exceptionally heavy spring rains. Tornado Kills Sixteen A tornado originated in northern Texas early this week swept up through Oklahoma and Kansas and then abated for a few hours. The twister cut a clean swath. At least sixteen persons were killed or maimed. Property damage was heavy. The high wind, accompanied by rain, appeared again late yesterday, still traveling in its northeasterly path, forty miles north of St, Louis, Mo. When the storm had swept through Illinois at least twentythree persons dead, farm communities levelled and millions of dollars damage had been done. The various rvers in the district toe ay continued at flood stage and several towns were threatened. New Madrid, Mo., ig virtually deserted owing to a break in the levee, while Beardstown, lll,—just recovering from disastrous flood waters of last fall—again is threatened. Almost a score of small cities were in the path of the tornadoes which ripped through Illinois. From Riverton, Carrollton. Pulaski, Woodville, ’Wrights, Chestnut, Lincoln, Quincy, Galesburg, Rockford, Centralia, Vandalia and other sections this morning came reports of damage from high winds. Children Victims Early reports indicated at least twenty-three persons had been killed Some of the wind victims were school children, who were pinned to the ground when the heavy winds whipped their school houses to the ground. The high winds were general throughout Illinois and parts of lowa yesterday, but reached their (Turn to Page 2) Assumed Name of Hoosier , Charge Bu United Press NEW YORK, April 20.—-Bringing with him D. H. Ball, alias D. H. Johnson, alleged International swindler, Detective Captain Jhon P. McDonald of Rochester, N. Y., arrived here on the liner Paris today. Ball will be taken to Rochester to face charges of extortion of $140,000 from Mrs. J. Brewer of that city four years ago. He was alleged to have posed as a wealthy glass manufacturer from Muncie. Ind., and to have gained the confidence of Mrs. Brewer, obtaining the money from her for investment. He fled to Europe then, it was sgid. Forum Luncheon Invitations to attend an open forum luncheon at the Chamber of Commerce Friday have been issued by Ed Hunter, chamber secretary. Dick Miller, president, will speak at the first of a series of fifteenminute discussions.

When the ambulance arrived, Janet Melnick, 14, was unconscious, and her father, James, w'as almost overcome. Across the hall Samuel Frank and his two sons, Samuel and Abraham, had almost lost consciousness. A physician and the pulmotor crew werked almost an hour before the victims were resuscitated. When all were revived, one of the children asked about the cat. “Tommy” was found stretched out under a dining room table, dead.

Forecast Mostly cloudy tonight and Thursday with possibly showers by Thursday; cooler tonight.

TWO

MARION COUNTY

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THREE OORT NEAR BRAZIL AS WIND CRASHES DARN One Man Blown Out of Building to Ravine Some Distance Away. Bu United Press BRAZIL, Ind., April 20.—Three persons were injured Tuesday night when they were pinned under a barn, blown down during the tornado which swept across Clay County. Mrs. Anna Huffman, and her daughter, Mrs. Ernest Brinks, were milking when the barn was demolished and they were pinned under heavy timbers and badly Injured. Blown From Barn Ernest Brinks, working in the barn, was blown out of the building to a ravine some distance away, but was not seriously hurt. One horse in the barn was killed. Four horses were picked up at the Cfearview stock farm and carried into an adjoining field. At least a score of barns were demolished and ten houses were unroofed, causing damage of $50,000 or more. Invalid in House Mys. Moses Marks, an invalid, was in bed when the tornado tore away part of the house, and even whipped the covers from her bed and carried them some distance away. John Brown, stock owner, reported ten buildings demolished on his farm. iiis loss alone was $20,000. Four horses from a barn that was destroyed were carried more than 100 feet by the wind. Although the farm house of Earl Weaver was leveled, members of the family, who were in the building, escaped unhurt. TO SEE IF AID NEEDED Red Cross Secretary Goes to Brazil Storm District. Miss Lena Reading, secretary of home service for the Vigo County Chapter of the American Red Cross, was to inspect Clay County today to see if relief is needed because of Thursday night’s storm. William 11. Fortune, Indianapolis Red Cross chairman announced today. DAMAGE AT TERRE HAUTE Hail Storm Follows Near Tornado— Greenhouses Suffer. Bit United Presa TERRE HAUTE, Ind., April 20. Considerable damage is being reported today as result of a miniature tor- . nado which struck this vicinity last night. A severe hail storm in the vicinity of St. Marys-of-the-Woods convent, near here, shattered more than 200 panes of glass in greenhouses. Tops of automobiles and window glass in residences were shattered.

SCHOOL ROOF WRECKED Farm Buildings Damaged Near Logansport. Bu United Press LOGANSPORT, Ind., April 20. A windstorm which swept through Harrison township, Cass County, Tuesday night did SIO,OOO damage to the school building at Lucerne. The entire roof was blown off, a chimney crashed through the building and the belfry was torn away. Much damage to farm buildings in the same community was reported today.

INJURED AT PLYMOUTH Youth Rides in Chicken House Picked Up by Wind. Bu United Pt4ss PLYMOUTH, Ind., April 20.—One person injured and widespread property damage was reported today in the wake of a windstorm wich swept across Marshall County Tuesday night. Rivo Dingledine, 21, was severely injured when a chicken house in which he had taken shelter was picked up by the wind and carried a distances of 25 feet and hurled to the ground with such forco it was demolished.

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