Indianapolis Times, Volume 38, Number 335, Indianapolis, Marion County, 4 May 1927 — Page 1

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VOLUME 37—NUMBER 335

NEW FLOOD IN HIM FORCES 30000 RESIDENTS TO FIE FROM 100 TOWNS

Unexpected Levee Break Leaves Scant Time for Warning. AVIATORS SOUND ALARM 1 ‘ fainted Slips Dropped From k Planes. Sv Uni 1 1 Press VIC. 7 SBURG, Hiss., May 4. Dawn ,oday found an army of 30,000 men, women and children fleeing for their lives from 100 towns in northern Louisiana following an entirely unexpected break in the Mississippi River levee ten 'miles from Vicksburg. Scant time was given for warnings as the river wall gave way at Millilcen Bend, La., a point engineers had said was safe, believing all of the danger lay south of Vicksburg rather than north. A heavy and persistent rainstorm today added to gravity of the situation. Torchlights, flares and gleaming automobile headlights lit the way throughout the night as the thousands hurried from the thirteen doomed parishes. They walked, many of them. Those more fortunate rode in automobiles or horse-drawn vehicles. Homes and cherished possessions were forgotten as the throng hurried to escape the roaring wall of muddy water advancing toward them. Town to Be Inundated The most serious single crevasse of this flood is expected to cover the thriving town ors Tallulah, seat of Madison Parish, engineers said, with six to ten feet of water. From there theer is nothing to stop sweep of the water over thirteen parishes. Approximately 3,000 square miles of territory will be added by the new break to the 11,000 or more miles now inundated by the flood, engineers said. Break in the levee at Milliken Bend came with dramatic suddenness. Only a few levee patrolmen were on duty. Suddenly the muddy torrent burst through the earth retaining wall. Within a few minutes, a crevasse 300 feet wide was opened and levee workers saw it would be impossible to check the flood. I Report of the break was flashed 'to Vicksburg. Major Lee, district engineer, dispatched two navy sea planes to the threatened area. The big planes flashed over Tallulah and neighboring towns as crowds bathered below and read the printed warning slips dropped by the aviators. Refugees were told to go to Vicksburg or to high lands near Delhi. Exodus Begins Quickly The trek to safety was on in a matter of minutes. Every corner of (Turn to Page 13)

IRVINGTON BEGS ‘EYESORE’ CORE Washington St. Called Disgrace to City. An appeal for the board of works to order street repairs between Indianapolis Street Railway Company tracks on E. \yashington St., between Audubon Rd. and Sherman Dr., was mado today by Firman C. Sims, Irvington Commercial and Welfare Association president. Sims deplored the condition on the main thoroughfare .whieh has existed for three years. He declared the condition is a “disgrace to the city,’’ thousands travel the Na™tional Rd., h id form their impression of Indianapolis from Washington St. The holes have been filled with cinders, but were "dug out immediately by auto traffic’’ and need permanent fixing, he said. Sims told Virgil Vandagrifft, board president, that the “board would be loved by Irvington if it would provide relief.’’ Vandagrifft agreed the situation is an “eyesore" and promised to “try to find a recipe.”

The Indianapolis Times

Entered as Second-Class Matter at Postofflce, Indianapolis

Disaster In Brief

Thirty thousand persons flee from northern Louisiana. Heavy rain adds to gravity of situation. Printed warnings dropped from planes to inhabitants of endangered area. Tallulah, La., expected to be covered Jty six to ten feet of water. Piling up toward the new goal of $10,000,000, contributions to the Red Cross relief fund today reached $(5,214,868. Reed for President Talk Hampers Golf Hu United Press CINCINNATI, May 4.—Four prominent Democrats met on a golf course here and between putts and drives talked about a fifth party leader and his chances of obtaining the presidential nomination. Former Governor James M. Cox of Ohio, W. A, Julian, Ohio national committeeman, and former Governor Fred D. Gardner of Missouri came as guests of John L. Shuff of Ft. Thomas, Ky„ and remained to discuss possibilities of Senator Jim Reed of Missouri. Gardner boosted his fellow Mlssourian, declaring he would campaign on a platform advocating a Federal law to prevent corruption of the ballot box by slush funds, reduction of tariff, decentralization of power at Washington, development of waterways and clear up economic disputes with European countries. The discussion became so interesting that the golfers forgot to mark their scores. Ride With Bandits Costs sl6 l Topcoat After taking him "joy riding" in the northeast part of the city for half an hour, about 12:30 a. m. today, three bandits took G. S. Spinning of 1026 N. La Salle St., out on the E. Twenty-First St. road, relieved him of sl6 cash and his overcoat and then fled, Spinning tfild police at noon. Spinning walked to town. Spinning said near his home a car pulled up at the curb and one of the bandits covered him with a revolver and ordered him into the auto. Spinning denied knowing .them.

Graham Brothers Buy Paige Auto Control Bu United Pres* DETROIT, May 4.—Purchase of a controlling interest in the Paige Motor Car Company by the three Graham Brothers, who recently sold their truck company to Dillon, Read & Cos., was announced here today by Joseph B. Graham. The purchase is subject to approval by Paige stockholders it represents an expenditure of $4,000,000 in the company, Graham said, and another $4,000,000 for expansion and improvement as it becomes necessary. DEATH STILL CHEATED Paralyzed Youth Decries Superstition on Thirteenth Day. Bu United Press ROANOKE, Va., May 4.—A great heart in a stout, farm-reared body kept Walter L. Booth, 18, alive today after a three-hour battle waged by medical science in an eleventh hour operation had failed to rout the specter of death. It was the thirteenth day since Walter’s lungs collapsed, but the youth smiled wanly, said “I'm not superstitious,’’ and prepared to fight on. Two score friends, who have never been ready to cry quits in the struggle which doctors say is vain, continued in relays pumping Walter’s arms to force-breathing. SALVAGE CORPS ELECTS .John R. Welch Heads Organization of Insurance Dealers. John R. Welch was elected president at the annual meeting of the Indianapolis Salvage Corps at its headquarters, 422 E. New York St The organization, operated by insurance companies doing business in Indianapplis, was formed in 1914 to prevent fires and save property threatened by flames and water damage. Other officers: D. P. Barrett, vice president; H. L. Cushwa, treasurer; E. H. Perry, secretary, and William Curren, superintendent. Directors, besides the officers, are John W. Noble, F. R. Dungan, Richard Lieber and Ed H. Forry. FARM HEAD IN WRECK "Other Driver Charged With Being Intoxicated—Call Unhurt. An automobile driven by Everett Call, Marlon County poor farm superintendent, was wrecked Tuesday night when it collided with a car driven by Oscar Birck, 39, of 2464 N. Talbott Ave. Thp crash occurred at Tenth St. and White River Blvd. The Call car was knocked through the fence of the T. H., I. & E. power house. Call was uninjured. Birck was charged with driving while intoxicated.

Representative in U, S. Court

Jk - y '- K J. jflErgL

Russell V. Duncan, Indianapolis attorney and State Representative, who went on trial in Federal Court today on three charges arising from the theft of a $3,000 cheek from the Internal Revenue Bureau here.

DUNCAN DEPOSIT REVEALED;CHECK SIGNATURE FALSE Marion County Representative on Trial in Federal Court. Trial of Duncan. Marion County State Representative and three co-defendants, all former employes of the internal revenue collector's office, charged with theft, forgery and conspiracy in connection with disappearance of a tax rebate check, began before Federal Judge Robert C. Baltzell today. The check made out to John W. Smith of Muncie, now dead, for *3,094.91, disappeared from the office here Nov. 19, 1924. It was later found in Washington, cashed and bearing the indorsements of Smith and Russell V. Duncan. The Government will attempt to prove that Charles W. Tilton. D. C. Stephenson protege, forged Smith's name. Tells of Deposit Otto T. Kern, cashier of J. F. Wild Company, testified that on Nov, 19, 1924, Duncan deposited $3,192.04. That was the date of disappearance of the Smith check. Frank B. Congers, Muncie bank cashier, testified the indorsement was a forgery of Smith’s signature. Testimony of three secret service operators and George IL Foote, chief office deputy collector of internal revenue department, established the Government’s case. Less than twenty minutes was required to obtain the jury. Lafayette Gilly, Washington, was excused when he said he had been House of Representative’s doorkeeper and knew Duncan. Check Is Identified Witnesses were sworn in a group. About thirty-live may testify. Ten Government exhibits were admitted into evidence. John S. West, Washington, United service agent, was the first witness. West identified the $3,000 check. John H. DeWitt, formerly of the internal revenue office, identified Charles W. Tilton, a defendant. Other defendants are Howard Hamilton and his wife, Susan Baker Hamilton. Duncan declares Smith gave him the money as part payment on a real estate deal. Experts Testify Over strenuous objections by defense attorneys. Prank F. Wocher, Fletcher American National Bank .assistant cashier, and Albert S>, VTohnson, Fletcher Savings and Trust Company assistant cashier, testified they believed Tilton wrote Smith's indorsement on the $3,094.91 check. Their conclusions were based on comparisons of Tilton’s and Smith's signatures. Both bankers admitted being handwriting experts. Trial was reasumed at 1:30 p. m. after nono adjournment. Fonck Enters Flight Jiv 1 nitrd Press WASHINGTON, May 4.—Formal registration of Capt. Rene Fonck, French air ace, for the Raymond Ortieg $25,000 prize for the first nonstop flight between New, York and Paris was announced today by Porter Adams, president of the National Aeronautic Association.

ZONE SPELLING BEES TO SELECT STATE ENTRIES Difficult Words Chosen for District Contests in Eight - School Centers Thursday Morning.

Words will crown eight Indianapolis school children zone champions tomorrow. And seventy-two boys and girls, aspirants to the high honor, will be disappointed. Words, about 1,500 of them, the “toughest’’ in the McCall Speller, will spell the final round of the spelling contest in the city grammar schools, and those who survive the eight zone bees will rank the

INDIANAPOLIS, WEDNESDAY, MAY 4,1927

GRAY TELLS ALL IRVING TO JIDSELF Charges Mrs. Snyder With Frequent Efforts to Kill Husband. ‘NO, LET OLD CRAB DIE’ Quotes Woman’s Comment on Mate’s Illness. Bit United Press LONG ISUAND CITY, N. Y., May 4.—Henry Judd Gray today cast aside everything and opened the door vride upon his clandestine affair with Ruth Brown Snyder in one desperate effort to save himself from conviction for the murder of Mrs. Snyder’s husband, Albert. Hour after hour he sat in the witness chair telling with a wealth of detail which would rival the raciest of the old French and Italian writers of his days and nights of revelry with his mistress. By his recital he drew for the Jury a picture of Mrs. Snyder as a woman of excessive amativeness, who punctuated her caresses while they were together with heartless discussions of how she might end the life of her husband. Tried Violent Poisons She told him, Gray charged, of one attempt after another to kill the man to whom she was married. She gave him sleeping powders and turned on the gas, he said. She gave him violent poisons instead of medicine for hiccoughs, and she put other poisons in his liquor, in prune whips she prepared for him and Insisted she would persist until Snyder was dead,_Oray testified. When Snyder was sick she said she "hoped the old crab would die," Gray testified. Mrs. Snyder sat with bowed head through most of the day, weeping a little now and then when some particularly intimate relation came from the lips of her corset selling paramour. Used as “Guinea Pig 7 ' He told of Mrs. Snyder quietly planning to bring about the death of her husband. Once, he i said, she gave Gray sleeping pow- ] dera. When he reported to her that, they “worked" she re.veacd to him j thftt she was using him for a “guinea pig" to test the powers berausa j she might have use for them. Another time she hinted her hus- j band "might drown this summer.”. Mrs. Snyder, her own testimony I completed with her story that Gray alone was responsible for the raur(Turn to Page 13) Deliberately Seal Mine Tomb of 69 Bit f.’nlted Press FAIRMONT, W. Va., May 4.—A section of the burning Everettsville mine, near here, believed to contain nearly half of the sixty-nine miners still missing as the result of an explosion in the shaft last Saturday, was sealed deliberately today. Robert M. Lambie, West Virginia inspector of mines, ordered the southwest entries closed to prevent spread of fire which had raged there since the blast trapped, 110 miners. Thus was sacrificed for the safety of the majority any hope of rescusing alive any of the group of miners entombed in this section. Twelve bodies were removed yesterday, bringing the total dead to twenty-four. , The rescue work is Becoming increasingly hazardous, according to Lambie, who today likened conditions in to a volcano. Fix Road Valuation Indiana State Tax Commission today set the valuation of the New Jersey, Indiana and Illinois Railroad at $620,000. The road operates on eleven miles of track. It is a belt line at South Bend.

STATE DRAGON OF KLAN MARRIES CATHOLIC GIRL Union of Miss Katherine Halbig to W. Lee Smith at Louisville on April 2, Is Announced.

W. Lee Smith, 32, Indianapolis, grand dragon of the Indiana KuKlux Klan, and Miss Katherine Ilalbig, 24, of a Mt. Carmel (111.) Catholic family, were secretly married in Louisville by a protestant minister, April 2, according to a United Press dispatch from Evansville today.

highest in the four upper grades of the common schools. The eight winners, chosen in oral bees that begin at 9 o’clock tomorrow morning, will represent Indianapolis in the State spelling bee, sponsored by The Times. Vue winner will go to Washington at expense of The Times—and properly chaperoned—to enter the national (Turn to Page 12)

AIMEE ALMOST SHOUTS, ‘MY HAIR ISN’T BOBBED’

Is Aimee’s liair bobbed? Here are two views of the evangelist’s new haircut. Judge for yourself.

Bu -VF.I Service LOS ANGELES, Cal., May 4. Los Angeles’ religions circles face a new problem—how long is bobbed hair? Since Aime Semple McPherson, noted evangelist, appeared in her pulpit recently with her long titan locks "clipped.’’ the Angelus Temple members have been in a turmoil. Fully a thousand followers, led by Gladwin Nichols, have deserted their leader and organized anew church with the resigned orchestra leader as its head. Nichols resigned after being reproached by Mrs. McPherson for losing interest 4n his work. "I could not put my heart in my

WOMEN PUPILS ENTHUSED OVER WORK BRIDGE TALK School Conducted by Times Game Expert Proves Popular; Second Session Held This Afternoon.

“You'll find 100 times as much enjoyment playing the game of Auction Bridge after you know the fine points I’m Illustrating, as you did before!” So declared the national bridge authority, Milton C. Work, who demonstrated and lectured on the game Tuesday and this afternoon before groups of persons in the tearoom of L. S. Ayres & Cos. Work, whose daily bridge have been appearing in The Times, compared the game to golf. "You’d rather play golf in 80 than in 140, wouldn’t you?” he asjted. "Why? You'd enjoy it more. That’s what any game is for—the enjoyment you get out of it. Why not play auction bridge in such a way that it yields the fine mental stimulus, the large measure of enjoyment that it’s capable of giving you?" Audience "Plays’* Game Work had his audience, seated four at a table, deal tentative hands and then suggest what cards they would play to attain certain hands. There was much guessing and laughter among the players as they tried various combinations of hands. Sometimes the players themselves hit upon the cards that Work said were the correct ones. After each tentative round of plays, and his suggestions to better them, Work

The couple announced the marriage at Evansville, where they had been visiting Smith's brother-in-law, Henry Hardin, city attorney. They left Evansville early today ( for Kentucky to visit Smith’s parents. Mrs. Smith was baptised a Catholic and graduated as nurse from St. Mary’s Hospital, a Catholic institution at Evansville. The marriage was performed at Louisville hy the pastor, the Rev. Albert Nichols. He said they asked for a quiet church wedding and witnesses were the only guests.

Irving Berlin and Wife at Trial Bu United Press LONG ISLAND CITY, N. Y., May 4. —New arrivals •at the Snyder-Gray trial this afternoon included Irving Berlin, the song writer, who sat munching a sandwich while waiting for court to reconvene. Mrs. Berlin and Ruth Hale, authoress, were with him.

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work when confronted by such a display of worldliness," said Nichols. "I was so astounded that I could scarcely carry on for the remainder of the evening when Sister McPherson first appeared with her tresses shorn. Bobbed hair and other displays of worldliness have no place in a pulpit." "My hair is not bobbed,” almost shouts Mrs. McPherson, whenever, the subject is mentioned. "I merely had it clipped because it was coming out so fast and I didn’t know what else to do. Why, I would never think of having my hair cut short as long as I am leader of the Angelus Temple. It still is twelve inches long."

explained the scientific reasons for the plays and cards he advocated. “The most important point I gathered from attending Work's demonstration was that of not deceiving your partner by playing the larger card of a sequence.” said Miss Eliz i beth Fanvre, who played at a table opposite her mother, Mrs. F. M. Fauvre, of Michigan Rd. "Planning a lead where you want the lead in the end —making the line of nnirch first, was what I learned most clearly from the lesson,” said Mrs. Fauvre. ’Women Enjoy Lesson “I’m just a beginner at this interesting game,” observed Mrs. E. H. Hill. 3629 Birchwood Ave. “The point that struck me most is the way to bid so as to properly inform your partner of your hand.” “The instructions its to not lying to your partner in your partner's own suit helps me Immensely,” said Mrs. D. M. Laring. _ Mrs. Maurice Brubaker of Ft. Wayne, a guest of Mrs. Bert Kelly, 3540 N. Pennsylvania St., said: “I obtained most good from this suggestion: ‘lf partner doubles one bid and you have strength In your hand, pass; but if very weak, you must bid.’ “I got so many good pointers, T shouldn't know which one to stress,” observed Mrs. Robert Miller of 2918 N. Delaware St. “Anyway. I’m sure that Work’s suggestions are going to immensely help my game.” Work demonstrated and lectured before members of the Indianapolis Athletic Club Tuesday evening. His program for today: 10 to 12 and 2 to 3 P. M.—Autographed his books for customers in Ayres’ book department. 3 P. M.—The second bridge tea and demonstration at Ayres' tearoom. 8 P. M.—Demonstration and lecture for Columbia Clitb members and friends at the club. APRIL CAR~SALES 1,483 Month's Business Below March—Sedans Are Most Popular. One thousand four hundred and eighty-three new automobiles were sold in Marion County during April, according to records of the Indiana Clipping Service, 329 Empire Bldg. This is a decrease compared with March, when 1,628 were sold. Chevrolet lead with 383 cars. Ford was second with 274 and Essex, third, with 101. Number of trucks sold during the monjli totalled 126. Hourly Temperatures 6 a. m 50 10 a. m 57 7 a. m 52 11 a. m 58 8 a. m 53 12 (noon) .... 59 9 a. m...... 54 1 p. m..,..... 61

THREE CENTS

AIMIAGE TRIAL CLOSE EXPECTED FATE 10GA1; DEFENSE CLK CASE Arguments Waived After Grand Jury Foreman and More Character Witnesses Testify. STATE PRESENTS REBUTTAL Clark Says He Was Not Asked to Vote Against Duvall Indictment. Trial of James E. Armitage before Criminal Court Judg James A. Armitage on contempt of course charges is expected to end late today. Judge Collins, it is believed, will announce his verdict at once.

The defense rested at 10:40 a. m. after putting Charles L. Clark, 2514 Station St., foreman of the adjourned grand jury, and ten character witnesses on the stand. Both State and defense waived arguments. Armitage, whose brother, William H. Armitage, was political boss of city hall during Mayor Shank’s administration, is accused by Grand Juror Claude A. Achey with an attempt to bribe him with $2,600 and a promise of a city job to vote against indictment of Mayor John L. Duvall. Rebuttal Witnesses Court adjourned when the defense rested. The State began presentation of rebuttal testimony when the session was resumed this afternoon. At least five rebuttal witnesses w ill be put on by the State, Special Prosecutors John W. Holtzman and Emsley W. Johnson said. James Miller and William Pace, Negroes, who testified for the defense Monday, might be called, it was reported. Brought from the State farm, where they were serving liquor terms, they said Achey's reputation was bad. The defense was unable to get in the record a question as to whether Achey aided them in their bootlegging. Miller and Pace were quizzed all day Tuesday by Deputy Prosecutors John L. Niblack *md William H. Sheaffer. ' Eph Inman, defense attorney, said he did not believe the defense would offer rebuttal testimony. Not Approached Clark, on the stand, declared that no one had ever asked him to vote against indictment of Mayor Duvall. Prosecutor William H. Remy objected to the defense question, but Clark answered before he could get his objection in. The objection was sustained and the question and answer did not go on the record. Clark said he had known Armitage fifteen years ago, but had not seen him in recent years until he appeared before the jury two weeks ago. John Kelly, tailor at 207 Indiana Ave., testified about April 1. Achey (Turn to Page 13)

BUTLER OBJECTS TO STREET PLEA ‘University Needs Its Money for Buildings’—Brown. Arthur V. Brown, Butler University trustee, and John H. Atherton, Butler financial secretary, today protested to the board of works against proposed improvement of W. FortyFourth St. from Sunset Ave. to Haugney St. Brown declared the improvement would “not benefit Butler,” as the street lies on the south property line of the 246-acre site at Fairview. Making a plea for the board to “stand by Butler,” Brown pointed out that the institution drew hundreds of persons here. “We ■will need all our money for buildings and don’t want to throw away any money,” Brown said. Brown said that property owners on the south should hear the burden as the location of Butler at Fairview had increased property values. Dave Smit)j, who owns lots on the south, urged the improvement. Another resolution proposes to build sidewalks and curbing on the street. FIRE AT'^APARTMENT Home of Anderson, City Manager Secretary, Damaged. Damage estimated SSOO was done to a four-family apartment house owned by W. B. Myers, at 5376 E. Washington St., when sparks ignited the roof. The apartment occupied by Claude H. Anderson, city manager organization executive secretary, was hardest hit. Valuable books and heirlooms stored in the attic were destroyed. Second floor furniture was ruined and water seeping througli to the first floor, damaged the Anderson’s home.

Forecast Partly cloudy tonight and Thursday; not much change in temperature.

TWO CENTS

MARION COUNTY

MAWS TRAVEL COMPANION GETS $56,400 ‘PLUM’ City Buys Fire Apparatus From Eastern Firm, ‘Host’ to Duvall. ‘ The board of safety a warded contracts for eight pieces of fire fighting apparatus for $79,400 following secret conferences Tuesday. The Mack-International Motor Truck Company received a $56,400 contract for seven pieces and the Amreican-La France Company was awarded contract for a $23,000 water tower. The Mack firm presented the low combination bid of $81,400, but their fire/ tower was $2,000 more costly than the American-La France bid. Say Firm Fried Duvall Mayor Duvall. Fire Chief Jesse Hutsell, Assistant City Attorney Donald F. Roberts and John W. Friday, former safety board member, were said to have been guests of the Mack firm on a tour of the East, to visit the company’s plants several weeks ago. Robert G. Browning, sales manager, was at Minneapolis when Mayor Duvall and other city officials went there last week for a baseball game, and is said to have provided some of the entertainment features of the trip. The awards announcement was made by O. D. Haskett, safety board president, following a ciosed-door session at which Roberts was asked for legal advice. Hutsell was present. "Call them all in, there is nothing wrong now,” advised John George, safety board member, as the doors were opened. The secret conference in the afternoon was preceded by a private meeting with Mayor Duvall in the morning. Stuiz Bid Read Higher The Stutz Fire Engine Company, local concern, submitted an $83,200 combination bid. When Haskett read the Stutz bid as $89,700, R. R. Martin, Stutz representative, pointed out an error had been made in reading the amount. Stutz cut $6,000 from the standard price. “We are agents of the taxpayers and trying to serve their best interests. If your equipment Isn't satisfactory you'll bear from us,” Haskett told Browning when he thanked the board for the award. In addition to the water tower, two rescue wagons, two service trucks two combination hose and chemical cars and one motor line pumper were ordered. City council, which appropriated funds, must ap prove the contract. Haskett said the American-La France water tower was bought on recommendation of Hutsell.

ENGLAND SENDS B. S. DEBT NOTE May Refer to Mellon-Hibberi Dispute. Bu United Press LONDON, May 4.—Great Britain has sent a note to the United States regarding war debts, it was said authoritatively today. Speculation hero suggested that trffe note may have had reference to the recent covresp uidence between Secretary of the Treasury Andrew W. Mellon and President John Grier Hibben of Princeton University, In which the secretary defended administration debt policies against the criticism of members of the Princeton facility. m Burglar Steals ‘Sax' H. T. Knight, 2538 N. Delaware St., reported today to police a thief stole a saxophone, fountain pen and suit, valued at SIOO, from his home.