Indianapolis Times, Volume 39, Number 5, Indianapolis, Marion County, 17 May 1927 — Page 1

Home Edition The Times sponsored State Spelling Bee will be held in Caleb Mills Hall next Friday evening. See Page 2.

[VOLUME 39—NUMBER 5

DUVALL, BUSER ARRESTED ON ELECTION FRAUD AFFIDAVITS

MATES BACK TO LAST FALL Collins Ordered First Inquiry After Steve Letters Appeared. PHOTOGRAPHS RECALLED Purported Agreement Is Suit Basis. Origination of the political probe Into Indianapolis political affairs dates back t Oct. 11, when after serious charges of corruption in official life had been made by Thomas Adams, Vincennes, Ind., publisher, Criminal Court yludge James A. Collins ordered the grand jury to take up the investigation. Adams based his charges on letters smuggled from the Indiana prison by D. C. Stephenson, once Indiana dragon of the Ku-Klux Klan, now serving a life sentence for the murder of an Indianapolis girl. Collins’ action followed publication in many newspapers of pictures of purported documents alleged to have been signed by Mayor John 1,. Duvall. One of these promised to make appointments. Such promises, if made, would have been in violation of the corrupt practices act of this State. The mayor admitted he had signed one of the communications but denied authenticity of the one promising an appointment. Duvall Sues Papers Suits were filed by Duvall against the publishers of several newspapers, of which the Indianapolis Times was one, asking $1,000,000 damages in each instance. Remy appointed as his aides in the investigation, Attorney General, Arthur 1,. Gilliom, Fred C. Gause, former judge of the State Supreme Court, and Ralph K. Kane, local attorney who had prosecuted Stephenson on the murder charge. When the grand jury had been in session a few weeks, from the prison at Michigan City came a. warning that the former head of the hooded order “knew that the grand jury would do nothing—they will stand 4 to 2.” That was the result of the vote on indictments after eleven weeks of investigation according to talk around the courthouse. Five votes are required before an Indictment can be returned. Blocked By “Conditions” When the jury was dismissed on Dec. 17, its final report set out that “this is the best possible report under conditions as they now exist in the grand jury room.” Gause, Remy and Kane were reported as having said that indictments should have been returned on the evidence introduced. More than 200 witnesses were called affecting all phases of the searching inquiry. Many witnesses could not be locat(Turn to Page 5)

MAYOR, ILLINOIS NATIVE, EDUCATED IN INDIANA John L. Duvall Was Born on Farm—Studied Law at Valparaiso University.

Mayor Duvall was born May 29, 1874, on a farm in Tazewell County, Illinois, and spent his boyhopd and early manhood there. He is the son of James and Roberta McQulnn Dnvall. He attended the public schools at Mackinaw and in 1886 entered Valpariso University, where he studied law. Working his way through school Duvall took up a further study of law at Chicago University law school, where he was graduated in 1899. Duvall settled at Arcadia, Ind., where he was admitted to the bar and met with success as a young attorney. He served as deputy Hamilton County prosecutor for a while and ran a newspaper for a short time. Came Here in 1902 Desiring a larger field for his endeavors Duvall came to Indianapolis in 1902 and took up the practice of law. which he followed seven years. While a. youth in Illinois Duval) manifested early interest in financial affairs and shortly after coming to the Hoosier capital organized the Citizens State Bank of Haughville, of which he is a stockholder. He was at one time vice-president of the Haughville institution, the first suburban bank here. In 1918 Duvall organized the Marlon County State Bank, becoming its first cashier. He baefime president in 1918 and served until

The Indianapolis Times COMPLETE REPORT OF WORLD-WIDE NEWS J. SERVICE OF THE UNITED PRESS

MANAGER MEETINGS ARRANGED Advocates of New Form of City Government Conduct Drive. PLAN MASS GATHERINGS Two Speak Tonight Before Y. W. C. A. Group. A series of neighborhood and downtown mass meetings preliminary to the election on the city manager form June 21 was planned today by the city manager movement executive committee. The committee is conducting an intensive educational drive, reaching every ward and precinct in the city. Several representatives of cities operating under the manager form will be brought here to tell of tho workings of the plan. Claude H. Anderson, committee secretary, and J. W. Esterline, of the Esterline Angus Company, will speak tonight at the Y. W. C. A. before a large group of young people. Invites Young People Harold H. Bredell, young people’s organizer, has invited representatives from all church and young people’s organizations in the city to hear the manager leaders discuss the businesslike government plan. The first downtown mass meeting will be night a(f the Claypool when Mayor Murray L. Seasongood of Cincinnati, Ohio, which operates under the manager form, will tell of the success of the plan tihere. The public Is urged to make reservations through Blythe Q. Hendricks, speakers’ bureau manager, at headquarters. 520 Illinois Bldg. Other mass meetings are planned. Women to Hear Miller Winfield Miller will address the Women's Legislative Forum Friday at the Board of Trade. Finance committee plans were discussed by the executive committee Monday at the Chamber of Commerce, according to Chairman Charles F. Coffin. The executive committee, which previously consisted of about forty, has been increased to sixty, Coffin announced. It is expected that about forty more will be added. Cited Advantages Advantages of the manager form in several cities were cited by speakers Monday night. Anderson, addressed the South Side Business Men’s Association, and Dwight S. Ritter, former city purchasing agent, spoke before the Colored Women’s Republican Club. Hourly Temperatures 6 a. m 48,10 a. m 62 7 a. m 51 II a. m 65 8 a. m 5812’(noon) .... 68 9 a. m. 60 1 p. m 68

,1923. In January. 1927, he. sold his stock. He is a director of the Ft. Wayne Avenue State Bank. Was Treasurer Through his long and Intensive participation in Marion County monetary affairs Duvall won public confidence and was elected Marion county treasurer In 1922 on the Republican ticket. He took office Jan. 1, 1924, and retired in December, 1925. Defeated by Edward A. Ramsey for the treasurer’s post, Duvall threw his hat in the mayoralty ring. In May, 1925, Duvall won the Republican nomination for Mayor and was elected in November. He took the city’s highest office Jan. 4, 1926. Before his election Duvall pledged that if elected he would devote himself and his full energies to advancement of Indianapolis and all its people for the four-year term. MAN HURT NEAR DEATH Struck by Auto While Crossing N. Delaware St. An aged man, believed to be Roscoe N. Johnson, 1442 Everett St., was near death in Methodist hospital this afternoon after being struck by an automobile driven by John DaMont, 20, of 36 W. Vermont St.

Entered as Second-Class Matter at Postoffice, Indianapolis

Mayor and Controller Give Bond

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Left to Right, Mayor L. Duvall, his chauffeur, A. L. Reeves; William C. (Chick) Buser, city controller, and John Collins, city purchasing agent. The picture was taken at the sheriff’s office today immediately after Duvall and Buser had given $5,000 bonds upon the election conspiracy affidavits.

We Are 7 and Taxi Home With Police Little Russell Wrap, 7, decided to walk around the block and get some fresh aid late Monday. He took a ! left instead of a right turn and | walked away from his home, 822 Olive St. When he awakened from his reverie he was in front of police station. It dawned on him that police have nice, big autos, so he walked inside, told how he was afraid he could not find the. way back. The police taxied him home. The parents were amazed because he had accomplished it all in such a short, while.

OFFICIALS COLD 10 ‘SIEVE’ PLEA Prison Board Unmoved in Parole Case. So far as prison authorities are concerned, D. C. Stephenson is merely Prisoner No. 11,148. This was the sentiment expressed today by Trustee John Moorman of the Indiana State Prison, where the former Klan dragon is serving a life sentence for murder. Monday Attorney Dloyd Hill filed with Governor Jackson an eight-page petition for a ninety-day parole for Stephenson, charging that he was receiving ill treatment at the prison and that an attempt had been made to murder him. Governor Jackson has turned the petition over to the trustees. Trustee Michael Foley, Indianapolis, said that the plea would be con sidered at a. regular meeting of thp board to be held May 27. 28. Frost in Indiana r>v I it'd Pre so WARSAW, Ind., May 17.—Heavy frost covered Kosciusko Snd adjoining counties early today, damaging peas and other tender vegetation.

Come to the State Spelling Bee

The final elimination match to choose aij Indiana champion speller to represent the State in the national bee at Washington next month will bo chosen at, Caleb Mills Hall. Shortridge High School Friday evening. Under auspices of The Times, which has charge of choosing the Indiana champion and which is co-operating with the Louisville Courier-Journal and other news-

INDIANAPOLIS, TUESDAY, MAY 17, 1927

Principal Charges in Affidavits

Tbe affidavit charging Mayor Duvall with making a false statement summarizes the specific acts which are the basis for the other charges, too, and constitute the backbone of the case against Duvall and Buser. After showing that Duvall signed and Buser attested Duvall’s campaign expense statement for the November, 1925, election the affidavit says he made unlawful omissious as follows •

Said John 1.. Duvall did not In said statement set out a contribution or contributions of one William H. Armitage to the said John L. Duvall in the total sum of Fourteen Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($14,500) in money; And the said .John 1,. Duvall did not set out in said statement Ills promise to the said William H. Armitage that lie tlie said William H. Armitage, might name two men for positions as members of the Board f Public Works of the City of Indianapolis, and one man for the position of City Civil Engineer for the said City of Indianapolis, and that he the said John L Duvall would, if elected, appoint the three men so named by the said William H. Armitage to such positions; And the said John 1.. Duvall did not set out in his sworn statement that William H. Freeman had contributed to the said John L. Duvall to be used in his election campaign the sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) In money; And the said John L. Duvall did not set out, in said statement the promise he made to the said William H. Freeman that if elected mayor he would appoint (he said Wi'liain H. Freeman as a member of the Board of Public Works of said City of Indianapolis; And the said John L. Duvall did not set out in said sworn statement an election promise he made to one George S. Elliott that if elected Mayor he would appoint

papers in operation of the National Bee, champions of Indianapolis, Marion County and other Indiana counties will “spell it out” Friday evening. The State Spelling Bee Friday evening is public. Plan to attend and enjoy an old-fashioned entertainment. If you live out of Indianapolis plan to drive down for the affair and support your home county champion.

the said George S. Elliott to the position as City Purchasing Agent for the said City of Indianapolis; And the said John L. Duvall did not set out in said sworn statement a promise he made to one George Snider that if elected Mayor he would appoint the said George Snider as a member of the Board of Public Safety of the City of Indianapolis; And the said John L. Duvall did not set out in said sworn statement a promise made to one John F. Rainier that if elected Mayor lie would see that the said John F. Rainier was appointed by the Fark Board of the City of Indianapolis as Director of Recreation for the City of Indianapolis; And the said John 1.. Buvnll and A not set. out in said sworn statement a promise made to one George S. Hcnninger and (Turn to Page 5) GIRL, 15, DISAPPEARS Fails to Return From School, Mother Tells Police. Leaving home to attend school. Hazel Lambert, 15, of 23 Sycamore St., did not attract any unusual attention. When she failed to arrive back home at the usual time, her parents became suspicious. Investigation revealed that she bad not attended school Monday afternoon, and no trace of her could be found. Her mother asked police to search for her and said she wore a brown dress, black coat, trimmed in white fur, blue hat and black hose and shoes.

Outside of Marion Counly 52 Cents Per Week. Single Copies

Death Ends Vigil of Lonely Widow Two years ago Monday night William J,. Doran died at his home, 549 Lord St. Two years Mrs. Doran, 67. lived alone. But police broke into her home today to find that she had died Monday night. “Death was by natural causes,” Coroner Paul F. Robinson said after an Inquest. Mrs. Doran was a familiar figure in the neighborhood. Always cheerful and an early riser. Neighbors became alarmed when she failed to appear today and called her daughter, Mrs. Minnie Hammer, 96.1 N. Dearborn St., who, unable to gain entrance to the home, called police.

A. F. OF l. AGAIN CONDEMNS SOU Following Russia Report by Kerensky. Condemning Russia’s policy toward unions, the American Federation of Labor executive council meeting here today reiterated its opposition to United States recognition of the Soviet government. Today’s resolution was the outcome of a presentation of "the condition in Russia,” by Alexander Kerensky, Russian revolution leader in 1917. Kerensky appeared before the council last week. The resolution charged that trade unions in Russia are dominated by the government, strikes are forbidden, and that hence trade union ran be of no service. The resolution recommended that "the United States do hot recognize Russia until a free, democratic government is established. '*• The council also approved the contest the Amalgamated Association of Street, and Electric Railway Employes is making against the conviction of Indianapolis street car strike leaders for violation of a Federal Court injunction. Pulchritude Prizes Piquing to Preacher Bu f nltcd Prest DENVER. Col., May 17.—There are too many beauty contests and not enough brain contests these days, in the opinion of the Rev. L. M. Edwards, pastor of the fashion able Trinity Methodist Church. He said that lie did not want "to seem prudish," but that “the degree of undress of most of the contestants In the so-called beauty contesta ia the hight of absurdity.” "This question of physical charm has been made a ridiculous farce," he said, .

THREE CENTS

Corrupt Practice, Perjury, False Statement and Conspiracy to Commit a Felony Alleged. EACH ACCUSED GIVES $5,000 BOND Plot Charge Only One Against City, Controller, Kin of Mayor. Mayor John L. Duvall was charged with violation of the corrupt practices act, perjury, making a false statement and conspiracy to commit a felony in seven affidavits tiled with Criminal Court Judge James A. Collins today by Prosecutor William H. Remy and Special Prosecutors John W. Holtzman and Emsley W. Johnson. City Controller William C. Baser, the mayor’s brother-in-law, was charged with conspiracy to commit a felony jointly with the mayor in one of the affidavits. • Campaign promises of appointment, prohibited by the corrupt practices act, and failure to list all campaign contributions, principally a .$14,500 contribution by William 11. Ariuitage, are the basis of the charges against the mayor. Duvall and Buser were placed under arrest on the charges shortly after the indictments. They surrendered themselves to Sheriff Outer Hawkins at the sheriff s office in the Courthouse.

They were released on $5,000 bond each, set by Collins, and will be arraigned June 6. Buser. with Corporation Counsel Schuyler Haas, City Attorney John K. Ruckelshaus and Police Chief Claude F. Johnson, was in the sheriff’s office when the affidavits were filed. “I have nothing to say at this time. I may have a statement to make later,” Buser said. He would make no statement as to what attorneys would act for the defense. As soon as Buser had signed his bond Duvall appeared at a side floor accompanied by City Purchasing Agent John J. Collins and A. L. Reeves, his chauffeur. Duvall smiled, hut would make no statement. When Haas had signed his bond the entire party left, after posing for photographers on the Courthouse steps. The filing of -the affidavits climaxes the Indiana political corruption investigation begun in October. 1926. Two grand Juries have conducted the Investigation. Judge Collins ordered Remy and his special aids to continue the investigation two weeks ago when he discharged tho last grand ( Jury after finding James E. Arniitage, brother of William H. Arniitage. guilty of

Other pictures and articles upon the Duvall case are printed on Pages 2 and 5.

contempt of court for an attempt to bribe Grand Juror Claude A. Achey, not to indict Mayor Duvall. Ptosecutor’s Statements After filing the affidavits the prosecutors issued tills statement. “The Investigation made since the discharge of the grand jury, did not go into any of the political activities surrounding D. C. Stephenson, the statute of limitations having barred such acts. We did not take up the general election of 1924, for it is also barred, neither did we consider matters occurring before the city primary of 1925, as they are likewise barred. We were limited in our investigation in most things to (lie city election of 1925.” No Formal Statements After leaving the courthouse Mayor Duvall went to his city hall office for a brief private conference with seevral members of his administration, after which he called in newspapermen. Neither Duvall or Buser issued a formal statement. Declaring he believed the charges very weak, Duvall said "we’ll win in the end, but it will take some time from our public duties. I'm glad it's over with,” Use mayor declared. Asked whtn he believed was back of tli'' charges the mayor said: “Disgruntled politicians have been trying to get me ever since I took office." He appeared to be in good spirits and joked with friends. Duvall said ho had retained no

State Witnesses

State's witnesses in the case against Duvall and Buser. as listed On the affidavits: Charles L. Clark. Court House. Napoleon Hill, Canton, Ohio; George Snider. Court House; Jesse McClure, city- hail: GeorgS. Hcnninger. Tenth St. Methodist Church; Alonzo .Tetters, 4102 E. Thirty-Eighth St.; Milton M. MeCdrd, 4102 E. Thirteenth St. George S. Elliott. William H. Freeman, 5159 Park Ave.; Herman F, Rikhoff, 6111 Washington Blvd.; John F Rainier, 2716 Sutherland Ave.; Ray MlUlkia, 1322 Olney St.j L. O.

Forecast Mostly cloudy tonight and Wednesday; probably showers. Warmer tonight, cooler by Wednesday night.

MARION COUNTY

TWO CENTS

Penalties

The penalties for the charges placed against Mayor John L. Duvall today arc: Perjury, two to twenty-one years in State Prison. Corrupt practices, up to one year on Indiana State Farm, fine of from SHOO to SI,OOO to which must lie added disfranchisement for four^vears. Conspiracy (o commit felony, two to fourteen years in State Prison. Making false statement, two to twenty-one years in State Prison. Disfranchisement and Tarious fines ma.V'be added to the above penalties in the discretion of tho court.

: legal counsel, but probably would | soon. John C. Uuckclshaus, father i of City Attorney John K. Ruckels- ! hniis, conferred with Duvall, rela- ! live to the retention of the law firm of Ryan, RucUclshaus and Ryan, it was believed. Ruckeishnus said lie wanted to confer with Michael Ryan, his law partner, who is out of the city, before definitely taking the case. Corporation Counsel Schuyler Haas. City Attorney Ruckelshau*. Police Chief Claude F. Johnson. City Purchasing Agent John Collins and : City Controller Buser attended the j conference. Duvall expected to remain at hia ' offic- all day. Nature of Charges of the seven affidavits against Duvall, four charge violations of i the corrupt practices net. They charge that Duvall promised; William 11. Armitage, political boss of city hall during Mayor Shank’s administration. to let Armitage pick two hoard of works members and the city engineer in relum for a SIO,OOO contribution to the Duvall campaign fund. To name George S. Filliott, former ryclops of ihe Marion County Klan, city purchasing agent. To appoint John F. Rainier rlirertor of recreation. And to name William H. Free-, j man to Ihe board of works. Alleges SSOO Gift The last mentioned affidavit et* out that Freeman contributed SSOO to Duvall's campaign fund. The affidavit charging perjury eeta out all the corrupt practice charges against Duvall and further alleges that Duvall obtained a total of $l4, 500 from Armitage in return for the ; premise to let him name two works I hoard members and tlm city qiv gineer. v , | Duvall, in his statement of elec- ■ tion expenses, sworn to before Bu(Turn to Page 5)

Royer, Indianapolis Times. Harvey Bedford, 1123 Fairfield Ave.; Tone Elliott. 1123 Fairfield Ave.; Claude E Negley, city hall: rhtlip Kinsey, t’hicago Tribune. Thomas Taggart. N. Delaware St.: f’lirrle-i Greathouse, 4326 Washington RIvAl ; W illiam Armitage, 3865 Washington Blvd.; Boyd Gurley. Indlunapolls Times; R Earl Peters, Ft. Wayne. Ind.; William A. Boyce Jr., city clerk’s office; Otto Smelser. city clerk’e office; Joey Jacobson, 602 E. Fop. tieth St.; Ernest L. Kingston, 401 S. New Jersey Bt., and Oren E. Da via,’ 1824 Park Ave. t