Indianapolis Times, Volume 39, Number 20, Indianapolis, Marion County, 3 June 1927 — Page 4

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The Indianapolis Times • ( A SCBIPrS-HOWARI) NEWSPAPER ) Owned and published dally (except Sunday) by The Indianapolis 'Times Publishing Cos., 214-220 W. Maryland Street, Indianapolis, Ind. Price in Marion County, 2 cents—lo cents a week; elsewhere, 3 cents—l 2 cents a week BOYD GURLEY, ROY W. HOWARD W. A. MAYBORN, Editor. President. Business Manager. PHONE—MAIN 3500 FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 1027 Member of United Press, Scripps-Howard Newspaper Alliance, Newspaper Enterprise Association, Newspaper Information Service and Audit Bureau of Circulations. “Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way” —Dante

S CKIPPS-HOWARD

Another Disappointment Secrecy, which has been the policy of all State officials since D. C. Stephenson, once the political czar of the State, made his charges of political corruption, still dominates official circles. The State Board of Charities, the high character of whose membership should give confidence in its actions, has unfortunately taken action which will destroy that confidence. When it investigates the latest charge of Stephenson that he is being treated in the penitentiary in a manner which prevents any disclosures by him, that his life is being menaced, that he has suffered unusual brutalities, that the whole purpose is to drive him insane, it will do so in secret. It is fair to say that the members of the board of prison trustees asked that the inquiry be made in the open, a request that did much to destroy any belief that the Stephenson charges were true. The people of this State have had nothing but secret Inquiries. They have never had the facts. If the charges by Stephenson are true, a secret investigation could not obtain the truth. The necessary witnesses, guards, fellow prisoners and “trusties” would be afraid to talk in secret . if they knew that their testimony would be known only to officials, all of whom obtain authority from the same appointive power. If they knew that the people would protect them, they would talk. If there is no truth in these charges, an open inquiry would give all the people the facts upon which the State Board of Charities makes its report. It is time to turn on the light. It can not be done if official bodies insist on keeping the lid on their activities. Stephenson is not the ordinary prisoner making a charge against prison rules or prison brutalities. He is the man who dictated the election of every State official now in power with the exception of Attorney General Gilliom and some members of the Supreme Court. He was the head of the greatest secret organization for political purposes ever created in any State. Under his influence government went to Its lowest depths. He reduced Indiana to its lowest levels of government. His charges are not that he as a human being is being man-handled and brutalized. He charges that there ia( a conspiracy to seal his lips forever as to those dark chapters of Indiana politics. The board should reconsider immediately and drag the whole mess into the light that the people may know. . Can Mussolini Gag Radio? After the newspapers and everything in Italy, Dictator Mussolini now intends to control radio in ins country. A special law, the United Press informs us, has been passed authorizing nine new transmitting stations, the central one, in Rome, to be second only to the thirty kilowatt station in Berlin, today the most powerful in Europe. But Mussolini will control broadcasting by reserving to himself the right to name the head of the central radio body in charge. It is notorious that newspapers and other publications in Italy are already controlled by the Duce. Until his coming the Italian press was as free as any in Europe. Now it prints what Mussolini says it can print. The editor-in-chief of a newspaper must be a member of the Fascist syndicate and have the approval of a state attorney of the court of appeals. His permit to run a newspaper may be revoked ~ after two warnings, and Italian prefects are empowered to seize or suspend newspapers criticising the government on the theory that such criticism might “disturb the public order.” What sort of news is it forbidden to print f On Aug. 5, last year, it was forbidden to reproduce from the Vienna Neue Freie Presse an interview with the Poet Tagore denying that he is an admirer of Mussolini. On Aug. 25 it was forbidden to publish a Lon don manifesto against compulsory military service, or that an automobile of Mussolini had run over a .‘driver. On Sept. 4 it was forbidden to publish anything about Fascist attacks on French consulates, or other -anti-French demonstrations following the attempt against Mussolini’s life. On Sept. 23 it was forbidden to publish any news concerning the Italian economic, financial and politi- , cal penetration of Albania. On Nov. 9 it was forbidden to chronicle the arrest of opposition party deputies. And so on and so forth. Free speech and free * l ,resß In Sunny Italy seem to have gone where the peavine twineth and the whangdoodle mourneth, so we may be pardoned for wondering what will happen to her radio broadcasters and listeners-in. Mussolini may be trusted to keep a heavy finger -on what the new Italian stations send out, but, as Europe is small and the air covers all, how can he close his frontiers to objectionable stuff from across ;the border 9 Will he forbid the sale to the Italian general public of any but crystal sets or those which can only pick up local? Or will we be hearing of anew - ort of ultimatum and war threats over the use of 1 radio? It will be interesting to watch how the thing works out. Three Good Men The Massachusetts courts have admitted their .incompetence to handle a matter of such grave concern as the Sacco-Vanzetti case, The admission is contained in the higher courts’ announcement that 'they have no power to review the evidence, that they can not order anew trial in the face of newly discovered and important evidence, that a verdict of death brought in by a jury that had listened to a partisan harangue from the judge on the bench, is a ■•final verdict which they are without authority to stay. This being the best the Massachusetts courts could do, Governor Fuller has turned the matter over to Massachusetts citizenship. He has named a commission of three to examine the evidence and the

circumstances of the trial. The opinion reached by the citizens’ be only an advisory one. The Governor himself must make the decision. But it will appeal to America and the rest of the world that the Governor is proceeding along intelligent lines in seeking the light he requires. It looks likte a good commission. At the head is Dr. A. Lawrence Lowell, president of Harvard University. Dr. Lowell had the courage, during the war, to resist the super-patriots who were raiding college faculties all over the land and causing the dismissal of professors who did not subscribe to every item of their hysteria. Then there is Dr. Samuel Wesley Stratton, head of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is regarded as a conservative. But for twenty years he was director of the United States bureau of standards and his training and natural disposition is that of a scientific investigator. The facts he finds are likely to outweigh any other considerations. Lastly, there is Judge Robert Grant. Os him we know nothing unless he is the Robert Grant described in “Who’s Who.” This Robert Grant was judge of the Probate Court in Boston for thirty years, retiring three years ago, apparently in order to write one more book. For ho seems to be quite as much an author as a jurist. At the age of 27 he produced "The Little Tin God on Wheels.” The next year, “The Confessions of a Frivolous Girl.” Year after year they came out, under such names as these: "Yankee Doodle,” "An Average Man,” “The Reflections of a Married Man,” “The Opinions of a Philosopher,” “The Art of Living,” “The Convictions of a Grandfather,” and “Law and the Family.” The latest, written two years ago, is “The Bishop’s Granddaughter.” We hope this is the Judge Robert Grant selected by Governor Fuller. It would make a complete committee for the finding of justice. The high intellectuality of Dr. Lowell, the scientific passion for truth of Dr. Stratton, and—well, what do you find in Judge Grant? Humanness, of course. If those books are like their titles and if this Judge Grant wrote them, he supplies the one element to complete a tribunal that will do Massachusetts the credit denied her by her courts. The Only Defense Only one plea is made for votes against the city manager system of government on which the people will vote on June 21. The politicians, who just naturally hate to see an end to the use of city funds for partisan purposes, say that the law in Indiana is different from that in other States and that success in other- States does not mean success here. They say the law which they drafted is so bad that the system can not work in Indiana. They ar6 calling attention to the fact that during their continued grip on the State Legislature they gave the people a law that would make its avowed objects unattainable. They call attention to the lack of the referendum and the recall, to proportional representation and other weapons of democratic government. The people know what they have obtained from the present system. They know its cost. They know the humiliation it has caused through bad advertisement of local conditions. They know that no condition could be worse. One of the first results of the change, which would be worth while If it did nothing else, will be o take the party labels off the tickets in city affairs. It will end the effort to control city government ■ n behalf of the State machines. It will at least give people who think alike a chance to vote for the -ort of candidates they want without being afraid to be accused of party disloyalty. If the law is bad, it is due to the work of the same politicians who now criticise it. The adoption of the city manager system is but the first step In redeeming this city from the hands of politicians who have betrayed it. Lita Gray Chaplin threatens to name four prominent Hollywood actresses in her suit against Charlie, imagine the broken-hearted legion she’ll have to leave off that list! It’s sometimes better to receive the fishy eye than a black one. An optimist is a man who thanks Providence that there isn’t a centipede in the flat above him when it’s shoe-dropping time. Famous last lines: “There goes the cork! Steady! ” America is a country where it’s easy to convert a skirt into a lamp shade. Consumption of sacramental wine since prohibition has been 24,000,000 gallons. Is that a wet argument? Or a dry? Some day a newspaper reporter is going to tell the truth. Right after that there will be a falling off in the paper’s news about piano recitals at graduation exercises. Some of these laws with teeth in them occasionally develop an ache. Floods, wars and Congresses come and go, but •corn on the cob remains forever.

Law and Justice By Dexter M. Keeezer

A poolroom proprietor was prosecuted under a State statute forbidding persons under eighteen years of age to play in such establishments. The proprietor said that the boy, whose playing was the cause of the prosecution, had -told him that he was more than 18 years of age, that he looked more than 18 years old, and that it was reasonable to take his word for it. The prosecutor said that it was definitely established that, the boy was less than 18 years old, and that was all that was needed for conviction. HOW WOULD YOU DECIDE THIS CASE? The actual decision: The Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia decided that the pool hall proprietor was guilty at violating the law. It said that in the absence of a special provision, making allowance for his good faith, “he acts at his peril. He must know the fact.” '

THE INDIANAPOLIS TIMES

Some Half Dozen War Lords Are Wandering About the Broken Down Empire With More or Less Powerful Armies.

By M. E. Tracy The Chinese situation Is too complicated even for a Chinaman to understand. About all that can be Bald la that Chang Tso-Lin’s advance from the north has collapsed and that the southerners appear likely to take Pekin. Apart from these two major movements, some half dozen war lords are wandering about the broken down empire with more or less powerful armies. The great powers seize on the situation as an excuse for penetrating deeper and deeper into the country. For Greater Control English, Japanese and American forces are taking up new positions and establishing themselves in such ways as to exercise a greater degree of control. The probabilities are that they will soon be In Pekin or near enough to dominate North China in a military way. Protection of foreigners and foreign property is continually argued as the reason for such drastic steps, but back of it all looms Russia and the part that the advocates of her regime are known to be playing in the affairs of South China. Tragedy Stage Set The stage is being definitely set for anew and tragic drama in human history. European statesmen have developed an attitude toward Russia which links the doctrine* of communism with her national existence and which is practically forcing her to seek alliance in the Far East. Os equal importance they have adopted an attitude toward South China that virtually compels her to look to Russia for advice and assistance. Smashed Nation At present the Chinese revolution appears to prove nothing more vividly than that a great nation has gone to smash. From a political stand point this may be true, but from a scientific and intellectual 1 standpoint, China is acquainting herself with modern ways and modern equipment, especially in the art of war. Whether as bandits, revolutionists, allies of Bolshevism or mercenaries of war lords, the Chinese people are being trained as soldiers In an effective manner. Speaking of Russia, Longin F. Cuerus, Soviet trade commissioner to Canada, says that America is likely to gain the business England has lost because of the recent break. This brings us face to face with a new issue. Are we going to encourage trade with Russia, or join what is rapidly becoming a general boycott? We have refused to recognize her government in a diplomatic way, but have done little either to promote or prevent commerce. Within a very short time we shall face the necessity of taking an economic, as well as a political, stand, for European governments are not going to let us continue the noncomrnital course we have thus far pursued if they can help It. Commendable Zeal President Coolidge has shown commendable zeal in welcoming Lindbergh, and one can forgive him for it even if it does include a certain degree of disappointment in New York. It is a pity that he could not find it equally compatible with his position and responsibilities to show similar Interest in the Mississippi disaster. Heads of other governments usually visit the scenes of great disaster and misfortune, not because their presence is of practical benefit, but because it helps their people to realize the importance of what lias occurred. No one believes that Mr. Coolidge could have saved a single piece of property that has not. been saved, or have prevented'a single break in the levees that has occurred, if he had visited the stricken region, but his presence would have done a gerat deal to visualize tfte extent of the calamity and to create that kind of public interest and opinion without which it is impossible to adopt an adequate plan of flood control. Murder Still Rampant Despite Lindbergh, the Mississippi flood, the Chinese situation,' and President Calles’ decree forbidding the purchase of American goods, murder and its by-products continue to play a most important part in the news. In Tampa, Fla., the militia is called out to prevent a. mob from storming the jail and staging a lynching party. In Raiford, Fla., Jim Williams, a Negro qonvicted of killing his wife, escapes the electric chair, for a day at least, because a deputy sheriff refused to throw the switch. In New York the Gray-Snyder case becomes the focal point of a campaign to abolish capital punishment. In Massachusetts, Governor Alvin T. Fuller reverses himself With regard to the Sacco-Vanzetti case and calls In three distinguished men to help him pass Judgment on it. In Massachusetts, also, Lizzie Borden, who was the central figure in one of the most sensational trials that ever 'occurred in this country, passes away. Thirty Years Ago Thirty-four years ago the people of this country were ’talking as excitedly about the Gordon case as they recently have been about the Gray-Snyder case.

The Annual Rescue Is at Hand!

A1 Leane Jumps From Backstage Here to Spotlight Fame in London Theater — 1 ■■■ •

It is a long jump from being a member of the stage crew at English’s to a performer In the spotlight of a London, England, theater. But that is exactly what Albert D. Leane, son of Mr. and Mrs. P. D. Leane, 2455 Ashland Ave., has done. For four years, Leane was a member of the stage crew at English’s and today he is appearing in Holburn’s Empire Theater hall In London with the team of Sully and Thomas. He has a contract for ten weeks in London and then will return to New York where other engagements are awaiting him before his fall season opens on the Keith time. Leane always has had what Is dancing feet and a comedy personality. He couldn’t keep his feet from dancing when he was at work backstage at English’s. Then one day he began to sing songs to himself. He found that he could about stop work of other members of the stage crew when he started to dance and sing his comic songs. Some months ago he had a chance to join Sully and Thomas, who were

Times Readers Voice Views

To the Editor: There seems to he quite a difference of opinion as, to whether our governor and attorney general violated the law by obtaining whisky for medical purposes. In the first place, what is law, and from where or by whom was it enacted? All our laws must Conform to a higher degree or be superior to the men who makes them. The decalogue upon which all our laws are based was given to us by God through Moses. Therefore they must conform to that same source. As to whether these State officials violated these laws is a question. The law of necessity is superior to any man made law and cannot be construed as a violation, as necessity is a law of itself, and is superior to all other laws. For example, Jesus and his apostles passed through a field on the Sabbath day. They took food from that field which did not belong to them. Was the law of necessity or any divine law violated? Surely not. The question then occurs, as to whether the procuring of the whisky by our State officials was an actual necessity. If the doctors contend it saved the lives of those persons there certainly was no violation. BERT F. MORLEDGE, Columbus, Ind.

r ' ¥>ut Brains

You will need a wide variety of knowledge and miscellaneous information to answer this set of questions. The correct answers are found on page 24: 1. How long is a surveyor's chain? 2. Who wrote “The Star-Sangled Banner?" 3. What is the purpose of “the Dawes Plan?” 4. What is the capital of New Zealand? 5. Who compiled “Poor Richard’s Almanac?” 6. In what part of the body is the bone called the femur? 7. What is “thermite?” 8. What writer is often called "the dean of American literature?” 9. Who is treasurer of the United States? 10. What two States of the Union have the greatest export trade? 11. How many hospitals and dispensaries in Indianapolis? 12. What is the valuation of the Federal Bldg.

then making a tour of this country. The fact that he is in London proves that he has made good. Several seasons ago; in fact, several, he got his first stage chance in "Chu Chin Chow.”

In London

Albert D. Leane Indianapolis is contributing to the entertainment of London, England, as Albert D. Leane of this city is there in a variety hall for ten weeks as a dancer and singer.

WSBF i *~s t Manager, J^:III-lfl **^** ~^,^l ™ , * ~, ** a ** , *** aS3 **^

LOOKING OVER NEW EVENTS AT THE PALACE The old-timers who entertained on the stage from thirty to forty years ago seem to have everything their own way on the current hill at the Palace. The old-timers Include Annie Hart, the Lombart brothers, Sam Johnson and John Burke. Over thirty-five years ago Miss Hart helped to popularize in this city a song, “Where Did You Get That Hat?” The men do the old-fashioned hard and soft shoe dancing, which helped to make the minstrel show what it was years ago. The act does not rely upon past glory to put it over. The old-timers are still there. They are appearing under the title of “Variety Pioneers.” Ti e Musical Conservatory introduces a number of musicians in blackface. Act has good comedy relief. It pleases. The dancing in the act of Jane Johnson is much better than the poor singing. E. J. Moore attempts to be a comedy magician. Rodero and Maley, with their travesty songs and comedy, really stop the show with ease. A real hit. The movie is “Upstream.” At the Palace today and Saturday. Other theaters offer: “The Last of Mrs. Cheyney” at Keith’s, “Is Zat So?” at English’s, “Peaches" Browing at the Lyric, “The Syarlet Letter” at the Circle, “Stolen Pleasures” at the Isis, “The World at Her Feet” at the Apollo, “Fast and Furious” at the Colonial, and “Senorita” at the Ohio.

. JUNE 3, 1927

Work (J, Caution in Analyzing Strength of Following Bid,

The pointer for today is: WHILE A FOLLOWING BID MAY BE MADE WITH LESS STRENGTH THAN AN INITIAL BID, IT SHOULD NOT BE MADE UNLESS THE HAND CONTAINS GREATER STRENGTH THAN ONE QUICK TRICK OF ITS EQUIVALENT. Below are the four West hands given yesterday. South lias bid one Heart, score love-all; what should West declare?

N0.9 NO. 18 4 K-TO-54-2 4 K-10-5-3-2 f 64 <9 M 4 8-7-5 4 A-7-5 47-5-2 47-5-2 NO. 11 NO. 12 ▲ K-16-5-3-2 ▲ K-18-5-3-2 9 5-4 9 M 4 R-7-5 4 K-7-5 47.5-2 4K-5-2

My answer slip reads: No. 9. West should pass. No. 10. West should bid one Spadafl No. 11. West should pass. ™ No. 12. West should bid one Spade. My reasons In support of these declarations are: No. 9. It is unadvlsable to make a following bid with a hand containing less than one quick trick or the equivalent. No. 10. The Diamond Ace supplies the “quick trick” and the Spade King supplies the “more.” No. 11. The two Kings may be said to be the equivalent of one quick trick, but are certainly not more than the equivalent. If anything, they are less. The bid Is tempting, but too dangerous. No. 12. With three Kings the hand has more than the equivalent of one quick trick and the Spade should therefore be bid. Today’s hands again are held by West, South having bid one Heart; score love-all, and the question is what West should declare in each case.

NO. 13 NO. 14 4 A-7-6-3-2 4 A-7-6-3-2 9 6-5 \7 K-o 4 7-4-2 4 7-4-2 4 8-41-3 4 8-6-3 ✓ NO. 15 NO. 16 4 A-7-6-3-2 4 A-7-6-3-2 9 K-5 4 K-J-5 4 K-7-2 4 K-7-2 4 A-6-3 4 A-6 (

Bridge Answer Slip for June 2nd No. 13.. West should No. 14. West should No. 15. West should No. 16 West should \\ hat does Jacqueline mean and how is the name pronounced? It Is a French given name for girls and means supplanter. It is pronounced “jockdeen." The “J" is soft with something like the soft “g” sound. How many languages are there? It is estimated that there are 3,424 spoken languages or dialects distributed as follows: America, 1,624; Asia, 937; Europe, 557; Africa, 276,