Indianapolis Times, Volume 39, Number 42, Indianapolis, Marion County, 29 June 1927 — Page 4

PAGE 4

The Indianapolis Times (A SCRIPPS-HOWARD NEWSPAPER) Owned and published daily (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.

Member of United Press, Scrippu-Howard Newspaper Alliance. Newspaper Enterprise Association, Nev.-ipuper Imormation Service and Audit Bureau of Circulations.

SCR t PPS • H OWARD

Let Him Talk Once more D. C. Stephenson, maker of Governors and once the dictator of government in Indiana, has declared that he is ready to tell about the corruption of politics in this State. That he could reveal such secrets is easily believ&oie. There was a time when his word was, as he boasted, the law in this State. There was a time when he stalked through the Republican State convention, a revolver strapped to his side, dictating every nomination of that convention with the single exception of that of Arthur Gilliom, now the Attorney General. There was a time when it was common knowledge that his wprd was more powerful in the Legislature than that of any other man and when in executive and administrative offices his indorsement for jobs found immediate response. It is also common knowledge that since last September when he first smuggled out his threat to produce documentary evidence of his political crimes, there has been a persistent effort on the part of officialdo mto prevent him from talking. It is true that he was once before the grand jury of this county and, so it is reported, refused to say anything. He might be excused for not taking advantage of such an opportunity, even if he had not changed his mind after one mysterious visit to that prison. For it must be remembereed that the grand jury before which he appeared branded itself in its final report when it called attention to unusual conditions which had existed within its own body. His latest threat comes on the eve of a meeting of the prison trustees to consider his application for a temporary parole. That appeal of Stephenson made some very charges of mistreatment, inside the prison, charges that he is being abused. The State Board of Charities was asked to make an investigation. That board followed the same policy which every official body in this State has pursued in regard to this unusual prisoner. It conducted its inquiries in secret and its report will be made public at the Stephenson hearing. The contents of that report are, of course, already known to those most interested. It may be predicted with perfect safety that it will say that Stephenson has not been mistreated. Were there nothing but the word of Stephenson to support his own statements that he could tell of corruption, were he just the ordinary prisoner who was yelling to obtain an audience and sympathy, perhaps there would be no need of any attention to his declaration. But the people of this State are convinced that Stephenson could tell if his lips were unsealed. They know that there went before the same grand jury which ended with a peculiar report witnesses who made statements that they had seen many documents to which the first Stephenson letter referred. One of his lawyers, a respected member of the bar, openly declared that he had seen these documents. A photographer and his wife, reputable citizens, declared that they had made copies of certain incriminating documents which he had in his possession when he was in the Noblesville jail. From that grand jury witnesses fled. Some left the State quickly and remained away. The battle of the public was an uneven one. So it; will not do to dismiss lightly as mere bravado his statement that he could and will now talk. It may be possible that that hour, which those who knew Stephenson predicted would come, has now arrived and that he is ready to talk and to tell. Does any one believe that he could not talk if he wished? Does any one believe that he does not hold secrets of deals with those in power and office which the public should know? The Silly Season of 1927 Washington is headquarters for most American reform movements, including that which resulted in prohibition. Perhaps this intimate view is one reason why prohibition has never taken hold among Mtarge numbers of the capital’s people. SL At any rate, the unregenerate have been having fun over the tribulations of a citizens’ ; ;, .Attation formed to dry up the town. body had its start several months ago when ■Jtist minister, a doctor and a former prohibiW agent looked about them and were shocked at large number of people still making, selling and Blinking liquor. W So they started the Church Service Association, Fcomposed of Bible class members. Its announced objective was a member in every block. It was to work like this: You, being a member,- suspected a neighbor of being a law breaker. You called up the association and turned in your tip and the former prohibition agent and his assistants would investigate. If they found the tip fruitful, they would report to the police. Strangely enough, there was considerable criticism. The organization found itself christened “The -Snoopers’ League” and its high motives were parodied in the slogan: “A snooper in every block.” People demanded to know why a church organization was turned to such purposes and a former postmaster of Washington indignantly resigned as a member of the Bible class body. So the Church Service Association quietly quit, to reappear a few weeks later, divorced from church connection as ‘“The Citizens’ Service Association for Law and Order.” But the Baptist minister was still one of its leaders. This led a prominent member of his flock to resign and challenge the minister to an open debate on the propriety of the movement. It has led also to renewed criticism, and the leaders voted only a day I or so ago not to give any more news to the newspapers. The latter, they said, had been making fun, Hjf the movement. H The wicked wets now have formed an opposition Iftciety, “The Liberty Boys of 1927.” John Philip Hill M Maryland is the first member and the announced ■B>gan is "Hold your breath—snoopers are near.”

BOYD GURLEY. Editor.

PHONE—MAIN 3500

“Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way” —Dante

ROY W. HOWARD. President. *

Alabama Cities Awaken The Industrial awakening of the South has been the subject of much comment. A leader among the States has been Alabama. But until last week it looked as though Alabama cities never would awaken to one great possibility that lies at their very door. Last week, supported by three neighboring cities, Muscle Shoals city presented to the United States Government a bid for a part of the power that flows over the Government’s great dam on the edge of the State. These cities, composing a single metropolitan area, close to the famous shoals, have decided that it is absurd for them to pay the high electric rates charged by the Alabama private companies, or company, since one corporation has practically a monopolyin the State. They have discovered that they could pay the Government a reasonable price for electric current, wholesale and sell it to their citizens at a fraction of the price charged by the private concern. The private concern gets a great par tof its current from the Government at Muscle Shoals. It pays a small price. These four cities find they could afford to pay the Government twice as much as the private company pays and still sell it to their citizens more cheaply: Muscle Shoals City proposes to give any home all the electricity it can use at a flat rate of $1 a month. A representative of one of the cities declares his monthly bill for the apartment in which he lives is now sl7 to s2l. He reports the case of another citizen who pays $64 a month for the electricity used in an eleven-room house. That’s what it can mean to householders. It can mean much to industrial concerns and big business institutions. These four cities have the advantage of being very close to the power source. But it is being demon-, strated'in many parts of the country that power can be carried a long distance and sold at a great deal less than the present average price. Any city in Alabama could have more and cheaper light and power, if it took advantage of the possibilities in Muscle Shoals. A great part of Tennessee, Georgia and Mississippi could share in this benefit. Now that the four small cities have shown the way, any town within a practicable radius of Muscle Shoals will be blind to its own interests if it fails to indorse this bid, while preparing to make a similar demand for itself. Correct this sentence: “I’m choosing this college because it excels in scholarship even if the football team didn’t win a game last season,” the young man told his parents. "Girl Sues Motorist,” says a headline. Ofttimes a miss in the motor is better than two in the tonneau. The question persists: Are the echoes very Lowden the Black Hills? A barber in New York was run over by his own caf. Well, that’ll give the poor fellow something to talk about, anyhow. With a score of women plumbers in New York, the trades are becoming so crowded the next thing they’ll be taking up probably will be ditch digging. With the fair sex turning more and more from furbelows to fags, we expect to read any day now the headline: Baby Born In Smoking Car. . . . m Some day a young miss is going to leave college with the intention of doing housework. She’ll be a heroine. Somebody steps up to predict the end of the world in August. Girls and boys, could a better time have been chosen? The soviet government of Russia has forbidden importations of razor blades. If it was lawn mowers that would be news. A woman who has had eight husbands attributes her matrimonial success to her cooking ability. We do not like to question her. Some day there’s going to be a tidal wave. Then some of those ladies on the beach are going to get wet. The G. O. P. has put the soft pedal on all thirdterm talk. Here’s a suggestion: Why not call it the non-stop presidential record. Twelve women were graduated as mechanics from an eastern school. The cotter pin, it seems, has replaced the hairpin. The trades are becoming so crowded with women that a man never knows whether he’s marrying a carpenter or a hod carrier.

Law and Justice by Dexter M. Keezer

A dry goods store in a town of 8,000 people staged a guinea hen chasing contest on the main street, offering possession of the birds and cash prizes for those who caught them. A large crowd assembled for the event. When the birds were released a 17-year-old boy took up the chase of one of them. He stumbled and fell. Six or eight others, also in pursuit of the bird, fell on top of him, breaking his leg and causing permanent injury. His parents sued the dry goods company for damages. They claimed that the staging of such a dangerous contest on a city street, where it tempted the youftgster to disaster, made the dry goods store liable for his injury. A jury awarded a verdict of $5,000 damages, but the company appealed on the ground that the boy was old enough to understand the risks of the game, that there was no pressure upon him to participate, and that he could easily have kept out of danger. HOW WOULD YOU DECIDE THIS CASE? The actual decision: The Court of Appeals of Kentucky decided that the dry goods company was not liable for the boy’s injuries. It said that in voluntarily entering the race he assumed the risks incident to it, and was old enough to be aware of that fact. V

W. A. MAYBORN. Business Manager.

WEDNESDAY. JUNE 29. 1927.

THE INDIANAPOLIS TIMES

M. E. t TRACY SAYS: You Find Less Difference in Passing From This Country to Canada Than in Passing From Canada to England.

Troops have been called out in two South Carolina communities to prevent the possible lynching of Negroes. Only a few days ago troops were called out for the same purpose in Alabama, and only a few days be—,re that in F~-rida. It is a disgrace to the intelligence and ideals cf this country that Ne-, groes cannot be accused of capital . crimes without the likelihood of being mobbed. Canada’s Jubilee Canada will celebrate her sixtieth anniversary on the first of July. This important British dominion and our close neighbor was organized as a confederation official of autonomous states two years after the close of the Civil War. The Canadian government was modeled largely on that of the United States. You find less difference in passing from this country to Canada than in passing from Canada to England. It is not reflecting on the Canadians in any way to claim that they have borrowed much from us or that their success in government is just one more proof of the practicability of the American plan. Promote World Peace Not only have both countries written anew chapter in national politics, but they have demonstrated how their political systems help international peace. They are separated by the longest and most important border in the world without forts. Speaking of international peace, Ambassador Houghton seems to have created quite a sensation by suggesting that the people be allowed to vote on war. The idea was advanced some ten years ago, but at a time when the country w r as in no mood to entertain it and when those sponsoring it were likely to be looked upon with disfavor. Among others, Colonel Lindbergh's father presented a resolution to Congress whiclt provided not only for a plebiscite on war, but for the machinery to hold itIn this respect he was no less a pioneer than his distinguished son. Japan’s Attitude The Geneva disarmament conference seems more likely to spoil what has already been accomplished than anything else. It was generally assumed that this conference would accept the Washington agreement with regard to capital ships and confine its work to lighter craft. England, however, insists that capital ships be discussed, which means a reopening of the entire question, and Japan is backing her up. Japan contends that she does this in the interest of economy, that the English plan includes further restrictions of capital ships and that this is desirable. It is not challenging Japan's good faith to suspect that what she really desires is to increase her ratio and that she is glad to help England reopen the debate on capital ships on the ground that it will pave the way for taking up that question. Details Overshadow Issue The idea of honest disarmament is being hedged about with so many technicalities as to be well nigh lost in the shuffle. Governments are sidestepping the issue of how large navies they should build by arguing about different kinds of ships and definite calibres of guns. If the conference runs true to form, details will presently, crowd out the main issue. But Fliers Change All One would be more discouraged over this prospect if it were not obvious that aviation will soon put a stop to the naval building craze, no matter what governments dedecide. The world has opened anew chapter in its history, has acquired an art which is bound to have a tremendous effect on transportation, especially with regard to war. The last few weeks have vividly illustrated the possibilities of flying. A disposition to be skeptical with regard to everything that promises profound change still causes most people to doubt the significance of what has actually occurred., In spite of Lindbergh and Chamberlin, in spite of the fact that a big Army airplane is now winging its way to Hawaii, in spite of the million miles that have been flown in comparative safety by mail carriers, many people are still content to scoff at the idea of aviation becoming a great factor in commerce and war. Progress Takes Time * It was a century after Columbus discovered America before Europe accepted the Atlantic Ocean as a great high road of trade and political expaftsion. It was twenty-five years after the first railroad had been put in operation before business men were willing to admit that it might be superior to rivers and canals. It was a decade or so after automobiles had been made safe ansi dependable be f :e people could think of them vcherwise than as vehicles of pleasure. Who is Gustav G. Schmidt? „ Gustav G. Schmidt is city plan commission president. He was named by Samuel L. Shank. He formerly was a city councilman. Schmidt owns several movie theaters.

Stocking Up to Celebrate Th eir Independence

Indianapolis Folks Have a Chance to See Splendid Art Collections at John Herron Art Institute

During the summer months when the schools are closed and many persons are absent from the city, there is a pause in the activities of the John Herron Art Institue. It is at this season that the permanent collection is displayed to greatest advantage. From September till June special collections, gathered from various sources and remaining for limited periods of time, are given first consideration in the galleries. Such exhibitions are heralded in advance and are urgently called to public attention during their continuance at the museum. They crowd the permanent collection into the background. But the objects of art permanently possessed by the art association are not always relegated to second place. This is the time of year when they come into their own. Gathered bit by bit, year after year through purchase and through gift, they have become a store of hoarded riches and they represent the discriminating taste of devoted art lovers whose dream is to make of the museum a worthy temple of the Muses, a splendid treasure house of the beauty that man's genius has produced. Every person in the community

t You can get an answer to any question of fact or information by writing to Tho Indianapolis Times Washington Bureau. 1322 New York Ave.. Washington. n. C. inclosing 2 cents in stamps for reply. Medical, legal and marital advice cannot be given nor can extended research be undertaken. All other questions will receive a personal reply. Uus‘gncd requests cannot be answered. All letters are confidential. —Editor.

How often has Suzanne Lenglen defeated Helen Wills at tennis? Lenglen won in straight sets, 6-3 and 8-6, in the only match they played, at the Carlton Tourney at Cannes, France, Feb. 1, 1926. Who Is the author of the aphorism, “It is the common fate of the indolent to sec their rights become a prey to the active. The conditions, upon which God hath given liberty to man is eternal vigilance; which condition, if he break, servitude is at once the consequence of his crime and the punishment of his guilt”? It appeared originally in John Phijpot Curran’s “Speech upon the Right of Election, 1790." What artist painted the historical scene in the rotunda of the Capitol in Washington, D. C., and howmuch was he paid? The eight historical paintings, each of which is 18 by 12 feet, are all by American artists. The four Revolutionary War pictures are by

City Manager Election as Seen by Others

(NEW YORK TIMES) Indianapolis, which has had more than its share of corrupt machine politics, has taken a step toward better government by voting to adopt the city manager system. ” Although the vote was A Good light, as is customary in special elecR tions. the odds for victory were overnegin- whelming—swelled by the fact that a Iling few days previously the Klansroan mayor, John L. Duvall, was. indicted for a conspiracy to commit a felony in connection with his campaign fund returns. Not until 1930 will the new system be installed, and certain changes in the State laws supervising city management must make their way through the politician-beset Legislature before a workable plan can be evolved. Also, the Klan politicians who control“the Republican city machine will make the same fight to elect,the seven city commissioners, who are to serve under the new plan, that they have made successfully In mayoralty elections; and the friends of good government who won the victory yesterday will have to overcome that obstacle when the rime comes. But even if they are balked in the Legislature in their effort to give wider powers to the city manager, ind then are defeated on the commissionerships, they will at least have the newer form of government and can work for victory later on. ll' the performances of recent Indianapolis

T If ‘

Vincent Lopez

Among the leading conductors of the modern orchestra in this country is Vincent Lopez. Lopez is appearing with his organization at the Circle all week.

should know the art treasures belonging to the art institute. They

Questions and Answers

John Trumbull. They cost $32,000. They are entitled: “Signing Declaration of Independence,” “Surrender of Burgoyne Saratoga,” “Surrender of Lord Cornwallis, Yorktown” and “Resignation of Wash-

Brain Teasers

The first five questions today were prepared by the American Nature Association. Answers to all the questions are found on page 16: 1. Can flies eat solid food? 2. Do both male and female frogs and toads croak? 3. What are the differences between rabbits and hares? 4. How far can rattlesnakes strike? 5. What animals in the United hibernate? 6. What is zymurgy? 7. From what State or States was land taken for the District of Columbia? B—ln8 —In what state is Mt. Vernon, Washington’s home? 9. What is the fixed mint value of a troy ounce of pure gold? 10. What state of the union has the least dense population? 11. How many miles of sidewalks in Indianapolis? 12. How many miles of asphalt streets?

are important among the assets of the city. They should be regarded with the same pride that characterizes the civic attitude toward architectural landmarks and parks and boulevards. Ranking in importance with the permanent collection are certain loans that are housed in the museums during extended periods. Such loans are usually the property of local collectors who are glad to share their interesting and valuable possessions with the public. The distinguished group of paintings owned by Frank C. Ball of Muncie has been enjoyed by visitors to the galleries for many years. The porcelain collected by Mr. and Mrs. Will H. Latta and the pewter belonging to Miss Anna May Johnson are other loans that have been generously appreciated. Indianapolis theaters today offer: “Icebound,” at Keith's; “Smilin’ Through.” at English's; “Rolled Stockings.” at the Ohio; “See You in Jail,” at the Indiana; “The Unknown,” at the Apollo; Original Horlick Family at the Palace; Fauntlcroy and Van at the Lyric; "Naughty But Nice," at the Circle and “Silver Comes Tru" at the Isis.

ington as Commander-in-Chief.” The other four are pictures of the early history of the country: “The Landing of Columbus” painted by John Vanderlyn in 1839 for which he received $10,000; “The Discovery of the Mississippi by De Soto,” by William H. Powell in 1850 for which he received $12,000; "The Baptism of Pocahontas,” by J. G. Chapman painted in 1836 cost $10,000; and “Farewell of the Pilgrims” (on the Speedwell) by P. W. Weir, painted in 1840, for SIO,OOO. What is the translation of “Quo radis, Domine”? The phrase is Latin and means “‘Whither goest Thou, Lord?” How should a letter to the Governor of the Territory of Alaska be addressed? Hon. George Alexander Parks, Executive Mansion, Juneau, Alaska. Why are birds not electrocuted when they cling to bare, electric, power wires? Because it is necessary for the wire to be grounded through them to receive an electric shock. How many calories are there In an egg? A large one rates at 100. The average egg has 80.

mayors linger in the minds of resentful voters until 1930, the citizens will be able to make their triumph complete. As usual, despite the efforts of respectable colored people in the city and from elsewhere to win members of their race over to the new idea, the Negro wards voted strongly with the machine. It is largely a Klan machine, but its klannishness is not directed against Negroes, and colored politicians have been kept in line for many years past. Since 1891, when the Negro influx to Indianapolis was first stimulated by Republican city politicians, the Democrats have held the mayor's office for a total of less than ten years. Among the Republican incumbents have been such personages as Lew Shank, the auctioneer, and the present executive, who was elected as the Klan candidate on a straight-out issue affecting that organization. His indictment has come on the charge that, with the connivance of his brother-in-law, another city official, the mayor omitted a large contribution to his campaign from his sworn statement. Though the city management plan .adoption is only th* beginning of the move toward better government for Indianapolis, with a population of hearly 400,000, and though it has many difficulties yet to surmount, it is the first move made by that city in recent years to escape from its morass of rotten politics. As such, it is heartening to the friends of selfgovernment everywhere.

JUNE 29, 1927

Why the Mi* - •S Talmsn Weather?

The “heat lightning” that plays along the horizon on summer evenings is merely the reflection of thunderstorms too far distant to be audible. Whether silent glow-Ukr discharges of lightning actually occur in the sky in some cases, or whether, on the contrary, all apparent “sheet lightning" is the reflection of ordinary linear or “streak” lightning is an unsettled question. "Beaded lightning” and "rocket lightning” are both - so rare that whenever either of them is observed it is generally reported at length In the scientific journals. The former resembles a string of glowing beads, while the latter is a form of streak lightning that shoots up Into the air at about the apparent speed of a skyrocket. One of the most spectacular forms of lightning (if It can be so called) occurs in the Andes and has occasionally been reported from other mountainous regions. At times the mountains seem to act as gigantic lightning rods, giving rise to more or less continuous diffuse discharges between themselves and the clouds. A few years ago American meteorologist thought they had found an example of this striking phenomenon in North Carolina, but the once mysterious “Brown Mountain lights” of that state have been proved to be merely the beams of distant locomotive and automobile headlights, or due to other human agencies. "Ball lightning” is a fact. but. as we stated a few weeks ago, its real nature is still a mystery. (All rights reserved by Science Service, Inc.)

Mr. Fixit Taxpayer Appeals for Signal at Danger Spot

A taxpayer today sought the aid of Mr. Fixit in securing a trait ic signal at a dangerous downtown corner. Dear Mr. Fixit: Another serious accident Sunday evening prompted us to ask you if you could help us obtain a traffic signal at Massachusetts and Col'ege Aves. and St. Clair and Noble Sts. Three or four have been killed and a number injured in the last nine months at this crossing. I noticed they have signals at less dangerous crossings. We are paying taxes here and sometimes must wait ten minutes to cross the street, and then at out own risk. Will you please let me know if we can expect protection at these corners. A TAXPAYER. Your-request is one among many received of the intersection. The board of safety would like to provide relief if it had funds. Claude McCoy, board secretary, promises the board will consider your complaint as soon as funds are available from next year's budget. Dear Mr. Fixit;' Is there anything that can be done about an open cesspool within seven blocks of Washington St.? It is a breeding place lor flics and typhoid germs. The beard ot health has refused to investigate my complaint. Will you do something for us? 700 HARRISON ST. Dr. Herpian Morgan , health board secrotary. has promised to inspect the place at once and order whatever steps arc needed. Hon is an oath or affirmation administered? Generally the person taking oath or affirmation stands and raises his right hand while the words are being repeated. There are several ways of taking an oath or affirmation, but the manner is not material. It is sufficient that the one taking it is capable of appreciating the nature and responsibility of an oath.

I^B^ EXCURSION FAR|S |Jojiei WortJierQ l lndiana resoot|

rkNLT SS.OO for round trip to Warsaw. Milford, Leesbuij;, or Milford Junction. Tickets on sale Saturday and Sunday—good returning until the latit can Monday night Take a real trip over the 4th. Enjoy the lakes at a minimum traveling expense. Call M Ain 4500