Indianapolis Times, Volume 38, Number 340, Indianapolis, Marion County, 10 May 1927 — Page 1

The SOB SISTER By CLIFFORD WEBB and ROSE ELO WHY WAS DIANA BROOKS KIDNAPED? CHAPTER I.

When the Catawba City Times appeared on the streets one April morning with an eight-column streamer spread across its front page announcing the abduction of the beautiful Diana Brooks, the public gasped over breakfast tables and exclaimed: ‘ 1 THIS is the LIMIT!” The story, as outlined in the graphic styles of the trained news -writer, left little to the imagination. But that little was sufficient to intrigue the interest of Catawba City, and of other cities where the details flooded. A young society girl had been kidnaped from the veranda of her own home in broad daylight! It was epochal in the significance it carried. It was a message from the underworld. The abduction constituted a declaration of war on the policy of the Brooks newspapers. Roger Brooks, owner and publisher, had dared to turn the guns of his organization on the blatantly overt acts of a viceridden city administration. “Lay off!” the Underworld hirelings had warned in their classic vernacular. “Lay off or we’ll heave a bomb into th works!” And the Times had kept right on hammering the graftgrabbing politicians of the Ring. “Beware!” The gangsters warned again and fired a cowardly shot in the dark. But the shot didn’t take. Then they kidnaped the daughter. I “Now, what?” the public asked the wide world. Whereupon came the answer to —what? Just 24 hours after Diana Brooks had been seized on the veranda of her own home, thrown into a limousine and whisked away, she alighted from a taxicab in front of the Times building walked into the editorial room and told the amazing story herself. She was sitting in a hammdek, she said, just after luncheon, on the veranda of her home- Her cousin, Lolo, a girl of her own age, was sitting nearby. As they talked a limousine drove into the grounds. It stopped under the portico of the veranda. Two well-dressed men alighted. They walked up the steps and one spoke, asking if Mr. Brooks was there. Diana started to reply, she said, when the other man grabbed her. He threw a heavy cloth over her head and wound it tight, effectually gagging and nearly smothering her. She heard her cousin scream. Then she felt herself lifted in the man’s arms, carried down the steps and placed inside the waiting car which immediately started away at top speed. After what seemed hours she was lifted out and forced to walk up a stairway. At the top she was led into a room. Here the cloth was removed. She looked around, she said, and found herself in a room with a bath adjoining. The room contained two beds. An old woman who later proved to be both deaf and dumb stood looking at her. The two men had disappearedShe had been kept locked up in this room for 24 hours, guarded by the old woman. During that time she had seen no save her keeper. Food had come up to them on a dumb waiter. Then, just about an hour before, she said in conclusion of her story, the old woman had shown her a card on which was written: “You are going home.” After tying the black cloth over her head again the woman had conducted her down stairs to the street and into a closed car. The car immediately drove away. Finding herself alone she untied the cloth. She was in a taxicab, the one that had brought her to the Times building. That was all. Like the shot in the dark, the kidnaping, for some mysterious reason, hadn’t seemed to take. The morning after Diana Brooks’ reappearance, the Times carried another scathing editorial. It heaped coals of fire upon the city administration' and the politicians of the Ring. The answer came swiftly, more startling, more amazing, more deadly menacing in its far-reaching effects than all that had gone before.

The hands of the Western Union clock in the editorial room of the Catawba City Times pointed to the hour of three. It was a fog-drenched morning in April. Down in the basement the thunderous boom from the big presses had long since ceased. The paper had been “put to bed” the last edition goneA brooding silence, portentious of gloom hung over the (Turn to Page 12)

►STATE. MARRIAGES BOOM, DIVORCE EVIL LESSENS 1,829 More Weddings in 1926, but Only 17 More Separations—Marion County’s ‘First Steps’ Falter.

Indiana marriages increased 1,829 In 1926, with only an increase of seventeen divorces, according to figures compilqj from county clerk records by J. H. Blair, statistician of the Statehouse reference library. Figures for Monroe and Wabash Counties were missing in the total. In the ninety counties reported there were 38,657 marriage licenses' issued in 1926, while in all counties (ninety-two) there were 36,828 in 1926. Divorces last year were 7,448 and 7,431 in 1925. Os the 1926 flg-

Two New York Women to Chair Bu United Press NEW YORK, May 10.—A verdict of first-degree murder in the case of Ruth Snyder, for which the law permits only the sentence of death, recalls the cases of the only two women who have been electrocuted in New York State. Martha Place was electrocuted March 20, 1879, for murder of her stepdaughter, Ida Place. Mary Farmer was electrocuted March 29, 1909. A Jury found that on April 23, 1908, she and her husabnd murdered Mrs. Sarah Brennan, a neighbor, at Brownsville. N. Y.' Motive was to gain Mrs. Brennan’s property. Five other women were hanged, the last in 1887.

ures 5,510 divorces were obtained by women and 1,938 by men, an increase of divorces granted to women of sixty-nine and a decrease to men of fifty-two above the 1925 figures. Although Marion County led in the divorce list for 1926, with a total of 1,371, it fell far behind Lake County in the number of marriages. Marion, County marriages were 3,804, while the Lake County total was 6,422. Lake County divorces were only 486. This great difference is attributed in part to the presence of the vast metropolitan area of the Chicago district and the elopements that are held with ceremonies in Lake County. Ohio County reported only two divorces, one to a husband and one to a wife. Its marriage total was thirty-one. In 1925 it had thirty marriages and six divorces. Persons who marry in Clark County seem tp be abfce to make it permanent better than throughout the rest of the State. With a total ot 3,3‘40 marriages, there were only seventy divorces, fifty to women and twenty to husbands. Porter County also made a good record with 1,155 marriages and twentynine divorced. Doris Kenyon, Mother Bu United Press NEW YORK, May 10.—Doris Kenyon, screen star, gave birth to a son here Sunday, it was announced today by First National Pictures. She is the wife of Milton Sills, screen player, who left here for the Pacific coast, Sunday when his wife was reported "out of dan§r.”

The Indianapolis Times

VOLUME 37—NUMBER 340

SWEEP SEA FOR TRACE OF AIRMEN Heavy Fog Balks Plan of Navy Air Hunt Along . Coast. QUERY SHIPS BY RADIO Nungesser, Coli Are Whole Day Overdue. By United Press Agencies which yesterday stood ready to extend joyous welcome to capts. Charles Nungesser and Francois Coli, Frenchman attempting to fly from Paris to New York, turned today to search for the missing airmen. The United States Coast Guard was the first to take up active patrol of the seacoast. Every inlet of New England's coast as far as Nova Scotia will be searched. An air expedition from the Navy air base at Squantum, Mass., was prevented taking the air by the heavy fog which hung over the coast. Where there was no fog usually there was heavy rain. The ice patrol protecting the north Atlantic steamship lanes began

Fliers’ Mothers Await Word Bu T nitrd Press PARIS, May 10. Two mothers waited anxiously today for news of the French trans-Atlantic fliers. The mother of Charles Nungesser said she was fully confident her son would reach America. “Even if we are without news for two or three days I will still believe in his success,’’ she said. Nungesser had promised he would be back by May 30 —her Saint’s day. Francois Coli’s mother was less confident. “I am burning with anxiety and am praying for his safety,’’ she said. “He often said my prayers saved him in the war. He is very religious.”

coveiing the ocean from Cape Race, Newfoundland, to Sable Island and far out to sea. Radio stations continuously transmitted weather reports and queries to ships, all watching for sign of the Frenchmen. French coastal wireless stations and the Eiffel Tower were ordered by the Government today to broadcast requests to all vessels in the North Atlantic, regardless of nationality, to (Turn to Page 10)

STEPS ON MATCH, SHOP TAKES FIRE Youth Sad—He and Employer Burned Slightly. A match, brushed to the floor while Alfred Miller, 16, 151 S. Leota St., was cleaning a work bench, caused fire today that did considerable damage to the watch and clock repair shop of Albert G. Berg, Room 9, Pembroke Arcade, "Washington St. and Virginia Ave. Loss can not be estimated until Berg tests some of the watches. The hair, eye brows and lashes of Berg and Miller were burned. It is believed Miller stepped on the match accidentally. Berg reports he carried no insurance, thinking the building fire proof. The youth's burns were minor, but his grief is deep for having caused the fire. Cutters Speed to Aid of Ship Afire Bu United Press WASHINGTON. May 10.—The coast guard cutters Manning from Norfolk and Yamacraw from Savannah today were ordered to speed to the aid of the S. S. Comus, reported afire 280 miles southeast of St. Augustine, Fla. Bil United Press NEW YORK, May 10. Fire aboard the S. S. Comus, southeast of St. Augustine, Fla., apparently was under control today, reports to the Independent Wireless Company from ships standing by said. The fire was in No. 2 hold. The Comus is an oil-burning, 4,760-ton vessel of the southern Pacific Steamship Lines, carrying passengers and freight.

More Red Cross Aid Imperative Bu United Press WASHINGTON, May 10.— Increased areas involved in the Mississippi flood catastrophe make it imperative that public subscriptions continue to flow into the Red Cross relief fund, the White House announced today on behalf of President Coolidge. The Red Cross indicated that the minimum must be increased. /

Entered as Second-Clan* Matter at Poatofflce. Indianapolis

Yanks Decide to Try Flight By United Press CURTISS FIELD, N. Y„ May 10.—The second of this season's attempts to fly between New York and Paris without a stop may start at dawn tomorrow if the storms in the Atlantic are over by then, Lloyd Bertraud and Clarence Chamberlin said today. Their Bellanca monoplane was ready for the Journey today, but the fliers postponed the take off, when they found the ocean storms had not abated. For a while yesterday, when it was reported Capt. Charles Nungesser and Francois Coli, were near success In their Paris-New York flight, Bertaud and Chamberlin prepared to call off their attempt.

TWO MORE ARE QUESTIONED BY GRAFTPROBERS Remy Refuses to Make Known Identity of Men Interviewed. Two mysterious men were quizzed today by Prosecutor William H. Remy and Special Prosecutors John W. Holtzman and Emsley Y. Johnson who are completing the grand jury investigation of political corruption in Indiana. The prosecutors refused to reveal the identity of the two men who were questioned for two hours and a half in.the grand jury room. Loud voices were heard in the corridor as the questioning went on. Durall Appointee Waits Frank Cones, county councilman, who was named board of works member recently by Mayor Duvall, waited in the ante room more than an hour. He was subpoenaed before the prosecutors he said. Deputy Prosecutor William H. Sheaffer told him to return this afternoon. The two mysterious witnesses went into the jury room before the prosecutors arrived at 9 a. m. They did not leave until 11:35. One was about six feet tall, of medium build, about 32, and wore glasses. The other was younger, shorter and stockier. Remy said the two men may be recalled later. He said they were not Indianapolis men and he had never seen them before. Criminal Court Judge James A. Collins ordered Remy to file affidavits against any persons the grand jury had disclosed In criminal acts after discharging the jury and finding James E. Armitage guilty of contempt of court on the charge of Juror Claude A. Achey that Armitage had attempted to bribe him to vote against indictment of Mayor Duvall. Not Expected Today It was not expected that the prosecutors would be ready to report to Collins today. Remy said the report will be made soon but he did not say whether it will include affidavits. It was believed Monday that tlr* prosecutors were investigating activities of William H. Armitage, brother of James Armitage. William H. Freeman, board of works member under Lew Siiank, was called and indicated he confirmed dates he gave on the witness stand in the Armitage trial about the brothers visiting him when he was expecting to become a board of work member a few weeks ago. William Armitage was “boss” of city hall during Shank’s administration. Not Permitted to Report On the stand Freeman was not permitted to answer questions that would show whether the prospective position was discussed by him and the Armitages. Freeman appeared before both juries that investigated the political corruption. In addition to Freeman, George Schmidt, former city and county engineer; Mrs. Ellen Heidergott, former board of works secretary under Shank, who did private work for Will Armitage; Virgil T. Fergusan, fire prevention chief under Shank, and Charles Book, rubber goods salesman, were called. SEAPLANE GOES HIGHER Naval Flier Soars 33,455 Feet, Beating French Ace. By United Press WASHINGTON, May 10.—Lieut. Carlton C. Champion, naval flier, has established anew seaplane world’s altitude record of 33,445 feet, the Navy Department announced today. Champion climbed to this new height at Hampton Roads, Va., May 5. The previous seaplane record of 30,479 feet was made by a French naval officer, Lieutenant Demougeot.

Mothers Differ on Woman Who Had Son Arrested

Indianapolis women, and mothers in particular, were divided today in their opinion of the course taken by Mrs. Mary Dolen, 1424 E. Thirtieth St., who charged her 16-year-old son, Frederick, with grand larceny and appeared as the only witness against him in Judge Paul C. Wetter’s municipal court, Monday afternoon. Several weeks ago the boy took $57 from his employer, a grocery proprietor, according to the mother's story. She was repaying this, a small amount each week and had it just about replaced when Frederick took $lO from a cleaning establishment. “For the boy’s good, I thought it best to have him arrested,” Mrs. Wetter, and her

INDIANAPOLIS, TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1927

TWISTERS SNUFF OUT 200 LIVES Texas, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas Feel Scattering Devastation. INJURED TOTAL MOUNTS Poplar Bluff, Mo., Is Almost Demolished. By United Press Cyclonic winds in the Southwest Middle West since Sunday have more than doubled the death toll accountable to storms earlier this spring. Approximately 200 persons arc known dead in Texas, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas and Illinois. Scattering deaths aftid injuries were reported in other midwestern States. The most serious twister hit Poplar Bluff. Mo., late yesterday, killing fifty persons and injuring 250. The business district, which has a population of 10,000, was almost demolished. Relief work was under way there today. The area was to bo taken over by National Guardsmen. Seventy-Eight Known Dead Arkansas, hit by tornadoes earlier in the year and later by floods, which did more damage than in any other State except Louisiana and possibly Mississippi, has been struck by another series of twisters. Sev-enty-eight are known dead in the State in yesterday's storms. Eldorado, Ark., reported seventeen lost lives there last night and many were Injured. Texas storms which struck Sunday i night are credited with killing 1 thirty-seven persons. There were eight deaths in Chicago and surrounding towns. Southern Illinois was hit. Property damage will amount to millions of dollars. Damage at Poplar Bluff. Mo., was estimated as high as 35.000,000. 300 Is Total Loss Altogether, some j)00 persons have lost lives in tornadoes this spring— The heaviest death toll from that source in many years. The record is: March 19. Denver and Green Forest, Ark., 21. April 12. Rock Springs. Texas, 58; Ft. Smith, Ark., 8. April 18. Hugo. Okla., 11. April 19. Central Illinois. 22. May 8. Southern Kansas. 11: Texas, near Dallas. 37; Missouri, near St. Louis, 11. May 9. Poplar Bluff. Mo.. B 0; Arkansas, at least 78: Northern Illinois, 8. In addition, deaths of one or two persons, caught on the edges of the (Turn to Page 10) WILL FILL DRY POST .Mellon Reported Conferring With Possible Appointees. Bv United Press WASHINGTON, May 10.—President Coolidge indicated today ho was leaving appointment of a prohibition commissioner in Secretary of Treasury Andrew Melloln's hands. He understands Mellon Is conferring with several possible appointees. Mellon and Lincqln C. Andrews, prohibition chief, “have publicly and privately expressed honest and sincere doubt" as to the ability of Roy Haynes as prohibition commissioner. Senator Edwards (Dem.), New Jersey, wet leader, said today, SUICIDE TRY SUCCEEDS Mrs. Effie Smith Dies at Hospital of Bullet Wound. The bullet which she fired into her head last Thursday caused the death in city hospital of Mrs. Effie Smith. 40, Eugenia Apts., Senate and New York Sts., late Monday. Mrs. Smith, despondent over domestic difficulties, it was said, 1 shot herself at her home last Thurs- j day. She was the wife of Walter Smith, j a railway employe. ‘LAW’ COST $2,389,399 Bill Paid by Indiana Counties for Administration of Justice. Administration of justice in Indiana counties cost $2,385,399 in 1925. according to figures of tke State Refence Library, compiled from reports sent in by county clerks. That year 60,701 cases were disposed of.

expression showed that she had given the problem many weary hours of thought. "Every day I’m called upon by some mother anxious to get her son out cf trouble, but this is the first time that a mother has brought her son to me to get him into trouble," Judge Wetter commented as he placed the boy on parole for two years and ordered him to report weekly to his court during that period. Further trouble will bring sentence, the judge warned. "I should say that much would depend upon the relation established between that mother and son, whether her act was justified or nott” said Mrs. S. E. Perkins, Woman's Department Club

He Gave His Life for Your Safety; Help His Family

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Family of Charles E. Carter, left to right. Donald and Shirley, sons; Charles Carter, Sr., father, and Mrs. duties E. Carter, the widow. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Patrolman Charles E. Carter did not hesitate when he found a man, crazed by poison liquor or drugs, threatening pedestrians with a revolver. He died In an effort to disarm the crazed man that other lives might not be taken. Indianapolis should not hesitate to give of its money that the widow, two sons and aged father of the man who gave his life for others may live in simple comfort. The Times today appeals to the citizens of Indianapolis to aid In making provision for Patrolman Carter’s family. The Times Is making an initial’contribution of $25 to a. fund to care for the family. Others deslrli.g to aid should send money or checks to John E. Ambuhl. police headquarters, or to the Charles Carter Fund Editor, Indianapolis Times. • Do not make checks payable to The Times. Make them payable to John E. Ambuhl, treasurer. Ambuhl is secretary to Police Chief Claude F. Johnson. On Patrolman Carter's widow now depends the support of the dead officer's father, Charles Carter, Sr., 83, and the sons, Shirley, 11, and Donald, 8. The aged father Is too feeble to work. “The boys must stay in school,” Mrs. Carter declared. “I’ll work, but 1 want to keep our home together, it would please Charles so.” The family has been living at 2014 Brookside Ave. only a week. Carter was without work from October until six weeks ago when he was appointed to the police force. He bought furniture on credit and several hundred dollars remains to be paid on It. , The widow will receive a small monthly pension from the Police Pension Fund and has received SI,OOO from the Policeman’s Benefit Asso eiation. to which Carter belonged, but this amount will not be sufficient to pay funeral expenses and leave enough for the family to live comfortably. according to Police Chief Claude F. Johnson. Johnson commended The Times’ move to aid the family and urged gifts as an expression of the city s appreciation of bravery.

Charles E. Carter Fund Mr. John E. Ambuhl, Treasurer: I Inclose dollars for the Charles E. Carter Fund for the relief of the family of Patrolman Charles E. Carter, killed when he attempted to arrest a drink or drug crazed man May Name Address U lip litis coupon and mall or take your contribution to John K. Ambuhl at police headquarters or to the Charles E. Carter Fund Editor, The Indianapolis Times.)

Harmony Predicted for Mexico, U. S. By United Press EL PASO, Texas, May 10. — Prospects of an harmonious settlement of the Mexican-Atnerlcan question brought forth as a direct result of the address made by President Coolidge at the United Press dinner in New York recently have boomed l American trade with Mexico, a survey made by the United Press indicated today. There has been a decided increase in shipment of goods from the United States to Mexico, it is indicated, and the' opinion was expressed by consuls at several border towns that Coolldge’s | address has resulted in a “great | stabilization of business In both the j United States and Mexico.”

president. “Certainly if the boy had gotten entirely beyond the control and influence of the mother and she knew it she would be right to appeal to outsifie control for him, if she thought it would save him.” "I cannot conceive of a mother turning her son over to even the most considerate of judges," said Mrs. Alice French, the founder and organizer of the American War Mothers. "There’s an old saying that ‘a boy is as good as his mother thinks he is.’ There’s much truth in this. A mother’s influence is the strongest in the universe. I believe that she is never justified in removing her loving confidence from her boy or in believing that someone else

Outalde of Marlon Count* 12 Cent* Per WeeU. Slnrle Conte*

AWARD FAIR CONTRACTS Bids for Fairground Construction Opened This Morning. Bids for proposed new buildings at the State Fairground were opened by State Fair board this morning and contracts will be awarded this afternoon, according to Board Secretary J. E. Barker. Ix>w bids were: Poultry building. Service Construction Company, Indianapolis, $66,000: Administration building, Roy Bryant, Franklin, $24,692; Red Cross building, Krebay Construction Company, Indianapolis, $6,100, and Baby Contest building, Roy Bryant, $5,891. This makes a total construction of $103,283. *A SIIO,OOO appropriation was allowed by the 1927 Legislature.

can more ably aid him. I do not approve of this action.” "I believe that that mother is very brave," commented Mrs. Ralph E. Kennington, 3907 Washington Blvd., whose only son was killed in the World War. “We know that a mother will do everything she can‘ % for a boy and will cover legions of his faults before letting other folks know about it. That mother has doubtless done just that, and then realizing that she can do no more for him and that her son’s future demands drastic measures, she’s taken the only course open to her and asked for the aid of the court. I know she must have suffered greatly In doing this.”

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HYSTERICAL FIT SEIZES STONY RUTH ‘lcy Blond’ Collapses in Cell After Condemned to \ Die in Chair. GRAY SEEMS RESIGNED i Murder Pair to Hear Death Sentence Monday. By United Press LONG ISLAND CITY, New York. May 10.—Mrs. Ruth Brown Snyder, convicted last night of first-degree j murder, for which the sentence is death, has suffered two nervous seizures which physicians said had a strong resemblance to epilepsy. Both occurred since the jury brought in the verdict which demanded the life of herself and Henry 1 J udd Gray. . Asa result, there appeared anew possibility that Mrs. Snyder's execution might be delayed or even that she might be sent to an asylum rather than to the electric chair. The law will not permit execution of an Insane person and should the seizures she has undergone prove to be epilepsy, it is possible that she might be adjudged insane. Should she recover at any time, however, the death penalty could then be executed. Mrs. Snyder's first attack took place immediately on her return to .tail last night after the verdict had been read. It required an hour or more to restore her to consciousness. She was kept under guard the remainder of the night. Second Seizure At 8 a. m. today she suffered a second seizure. An ambulance surgeon was called and restored con sciousness after half an hour. The attacks recalled the testimony in the trial which told of an instance when she fainted while at a hotel with Henry Judd Gray and remained unconscious an hour while Gray worked over her. There was general discussion of the possibility that Mrs. Snyder’s attorneys would ask an insanity hear ing or examination by a commissio > before sentence is carried out. Be fore the tiial both Mrs. Snyder and Gray were examined by psychiatrists and adjudged sane. While Mrs. Snyder was in collapse. Gray, in the other side of the Jail in the men’s* quarters, ate a hearty breakfast and seemed all right. Verdict Is Read It was one hour and forty-two minutes after the Jury had retired to deliberate yesterday that the foreman, 'William E. Young, arose to say: “We. the Jury, find the defendants. Ruth May Snyder and Henry Judd (Turn to Page Iff)

BOARD FAVORING STREET WIDENING Trade Organization Backs E. Michigan Plan. Proposed widening of E. Michigan St., from East to Noble Sts., recently urged by industries in the locality, was recommended by the Indianapolis Board of Trade today in a resolution. It is proposed to widen and im prove the street from 22ti to 50 feet to relieve the traffic, congestion. The Board of Trade requested the board of works to give the Michigan St. project priority over the contem plated widening of Sixteenth St., between Meridian St. and Capitol Avc. The eity plan commission recommended modifying its Sixteenth St., plan and not widen the thoroughfare west of Capitol at present. The board of works will act Friday on the plea to recind Sixteenth St., action. County Is Nearing Flood Fund Goal Marion County today was within sight of her $62,000 goal for funds for Mississippi River flood relief work. A total of $52,500 was reported by William H. Fortune, chairman of local chapter, American Red Cross. The total Included $3,845 raised in the benefit show last Friday night at the Circle Theater. Burglar Surprised Charles F. Allen, salesman at the Wallerich Used Car Sales Company, 314 N. Delaware St., heard a noise at the rear of the building and Investigated Monday night. He found that a rear window had been removed and a burglar had been prying bars from the casing when frightened away. Forecast Mostly cloudy tonight, followed by fair Wednesday; colder Wednesday. Hourly Temperatures 6 a m 61 10 a. m so 7 a. m 62 12 (noon) ...* s>s 8 a. m 65 It a. m 6^ 9 a- m. A .... 66 I p. m.^.... |g

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