Indianapolis Times, Volume 39, Number 70, Indianapolis, Marion County, 1 August 1927 — Page 1

SCRIPPS-HOWARD

LINK NAME OF CONGRESSMAN WITH ‘STEVE’ Photograph of Contract Is Shown, With Rowbottom’ as Signature. DENIES HIS CONNECTION Letters Bearing on Electron and Patronage Also Are Disclosed. Copyright, 1927, The Indianapolis Times. Among the documents delivered to The Times at the request of D. C. Stephenson, former political dictator of Indiana, was a photograph of what purported to be a contract with “Harry Rowbottom,” congressman from the First District. If authentic, it was interesting as evidence of the claim of Stephenson that in dealing with those seeking office he made them “sign on the dotted line.” Congressman Rowbottom denied to The Times that he ever had signed such document and said further that he never had written any letters to Stephenson or signed his name “Harry Rowbottom.” His official signature on congressional letters is “H. E. Rowbottom.” Original Is Revealed The original from which the photograph furnished The Times apparently was made was in the “black boxes” when delivered to the prosecutors. Also within that box were several letters relating to matters of politics, patronage and election, all bearing the signature “Harry Rowbottom,” and apparently written in the same hand as that affixed to the document, the photograph of which was given to The Times. It is not a matter which interests the Marion County grand jury, as no crime is involved. The incident is more than two years old and has no relation to Indianapolis. Rowbottom Tells Story A staff man was sent by The Times to ffiqnsville on the day that this photograph came into its possession. When * questioned, Congressman Rowbottom talked freely to The Times and to a representative of the Evansville Press, another Scripps-Howard paper. The name of Mrs. Nellie Klenck appeared on the photograph as a witness, as did the name of Earl Klenck. Mrs. Klenck said she remembered an occasion about three years ago when Rowbottom came to their home and the Congressman talked for several hours with her husband. “Was Mr. Rowbottom at your home at the time he signed a paper for Mr. Klenck?” she was asked. “Yes. He and Mr. Klenck had been on the front porch talking about two hours before they asked me to witness the paper.” Asked what they were talking about, Mrs. Klenck said she could not hear them as she was inside the house sitting near a window which opened on the porch. “What was the nature of the document you signed,” the Times man ment you signed?” The Times man “It was about some appointments Rowbottom was to make.” Like One She Signed Shown the photograph of the alleged document, Mrs. Klenck was asked if that was the one she had signed. “I think it is,” she replied. “That certainly looks like my signature.” “Are you quite sure it is a copy of the contract you signed?” “I am not certain. The one I 6igned was very much like this, if not the same. That surely is my and the one above it is my husband’s.” She said that was the last time Rowbottom had been, to their home. “It is a forgery,” was Rowbottom’s vehement reply when asked about the purported contract. He went on to say that he had seen Stephenson only three times in ms life, and then before the former dragon of the Klan had gained political power in the State. Rowbottom was firm in denying that he ever had “dealt” with Stephenson. Denies Visit to Kleikck Rowbottom also denied ever having been to the Klenck home. He admitted that he knew Earl Klenck, but said he never had seen Mrs. Klenck and “wouldn’t .know her if she came in here now.” “Did you ever sign your name “Harry Rowbottom?” The Times reporter asked. "No. I always write it ‘H. E. Rowbottom,’ as appears on my congressional mailing frank.” The Congressman admitted that he had been questioned about the alleged agreement last fall by Klenck and a reporter for the Evansville Press and denied at that time any connection with the man who said he was “the law in Indiana.” Klenck, when shown the photograph given The Times by order of Stephenson, smiled and said, “That sure looks like my signature.” Then Klenck said that Rowbottom had signed an agreement for him personally regarding appointments in Pike and Gibson Counties, both in the First, district. As proof of his innocence, Rowbottom pointed out that Klenck had been against him In the primaries.

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The Indianapolis Times Generally fair and cooler tonight and Tuesday.

VOLUME 39—NUMBER 70

Out of the ‘Black Box 9

th Connie Os te IN)iMar6Ut* igeS sw* ** |

This is the photograph turned over to The Times by order of D. C. Stephenson, the original of which was found in the “black box” now in the hands of prosecutors.

LET TIMES HELP YOU ON TAX CASE

Every subscriber to The Times who may have a claim to a refund of taxes in 1919, 1920 and 1921 is invited to let The Times obtain for him the proper certified claim for that refund. Fill out the coupon printed in The Times today on Page 3 and The Times then will prepare a statement of your claim, search the records and obtain for you the proper certificate. When ready, The Times bureau will notify you to come to The Times and affix your signature under the notary seal which is necessary. This service was established by The Times because of the fact that taxpayers are being solicited to place their claims in the hands of lawyers and experts, who will ask a percentage or a flat fee for obtaining the necessary facts.

WILD BANK IS BEINGCHECKED State Commissioner Confers With President. BULLETIN A receiver must be appointed to wind up affairs of the J. F. Wild & Cos. State Bank, State Bank Commissioner Luther F. Symons declared today. State examiners have not determined how much depositors will lose, but they should be prepared to suffer some loss, Symons’ statement said. Examiners continued to work today on the check-up following the closing Saturday noon of the J. F. Wild & Cos. State Bank, 123 E. Market St. A conference,was.held this morning between State Banking Commissioner Luther F. Symons, who ordered the bank closed, and $ F. Wild, founder and president of the institution. It was announced by Symons that a joint statement of the bank officials and the State banking department would be forthcoming. Patrons having safety deposit boxes at the bank will be to obtain their contents soon,* Symons declared. The closing of the institution will in no way affect persons having valuables stored for safe keeping. ARMED BANDIT GETS sls Harry Peck Is Held Up in Front of Home. Harry Peck, 131, W. Morris St., today reported to police that he was held up Sunday by an armed bandit in front of his home and robbed of sls. Thieves entered the grocery store of Lawrence Poe at 1409 N. Missouri St., ransacked it and tried to knock the pay telephone off the wall with rocks. Poe found nothing missing. Miss Shirley Elkins, 510 E. Walnut St., reported to police that $lO was taken from her home Sunday afternoon.

BY VOLTA TORREY This is the story of Joseph Reese, artist. For eighty-nine years he lived in Indianapolis and Martinsville, studying the stage which men call the world, applauding the beautiful, and playing his own roles debonairely different. ' He watches it now, perhaps, from a better seat; but if it be true that every artist leaves a spirit ghost, his still wanders philosophically along

The tax refund still is in question. There is a muddle and uncertainty. But The Times believes that if any citizen is entitled to a refund of taxes, he should have all of it and not be compelled to pay a percentage to recover what is rightfully his. The Times believes that all of any refund paid should go to the persons who paid it and for that reason is undertaking to perform a service which offlicals seem unable to provide. The Times bureau was established Saturday. Just as an example of how it works may be cited by the first application. It came from Edward Barry of 449 N. Arsenal. The Times bureau immediately got the facts and prepared a claim which amounted to $96.14, if the refund is paid. For performing that same service those who seek a rich field in this mix-up would have charged at least sls. Times subscribers get this service for nothing. The tax situation is thrown into confusion and there may never be any refund. There may be another decision. There may be a delay. But citizens are being asked to file claims and many are paying fees in advance for this service. The Times proposes to make it possible for every member of its family to get everything that may be coming to him, without charge. Just send in your coupon with the necessary information and the bureau will do the rest. It Is not necessary for any subscriber of The Times to pay fees to any one. Let The Times protect you and give this service. BELGIUM CAN’T FORGET Whistles to Blow on Anniversary of German Invasion. By United Press BRUSSELS, Aug. I.—The anniversary of German’s invasion of Belgium will be observed on the day, hour and minute Thursday by ringing church bells and blowing factory whistles throughout the country. The German advance guards entered Belgium at 9:30 a. m., Aug. 4, 1914.

Artist Who Saw Beauty in Every Phase ofLife Is Laid at Rest

forest paths and city streets, and rests in the studio on Gteer St., where once he worked. His funeral was held Saturday night at the home of his son, Guido Reese, 1118 Bacon Ave., and the body was taken to Martinsville Sunday morning for burial. The friends who attended the holy rites were sad, but there was no unseemly mourning. Reese was not a church member, gor did He spend his fiife loosing

INDIANAPOLIS, MONDAY, AUGUST 1,1927

CHAMBERLIN FLIES FROM SHIPTOLAND Flight From Leviathan Shows Ocean Mail Time Can Be Slashed. MAKES 100-MILE JUMP Fokker Biplane Arrives on Shore One Hour and 16 Minutes After Start. Bu United Press CURTISS FIELD, N. Y„ Aug. I. ! The first demonstration of flight intended to show how two days can be cut off the traveling time between New York and Europe succeeded here today when Clarence D. Chamberlin land I In a Fokker biplane at 9:30 a. m. Chamberlin took off from the decks of the liner Leviathan 150 miles out from New York at 8:14 a. m. and flew through fog to Long Island. “I was In the air before I reached the end of the runway," Chamberlin told officials of the United States Lines, regarding his take-off. “I had no difficulties in reaching land, and the plane, after inspection, shows no ill effects from the take-off or the flight.” Chamberlin arrived at the field sooner than was expected. It was supposed he would not land before 10:14, two hours after Ills take-off. Announcement will ba made later by steamship officials of the exact effect Chamberlin’s flight will have on inauguration of ship-to-land service. “This certainly proves that a running take-off is just as good or better than a catapult aboard ship,” Chamberlin said. Takes Off From Top Deck By Radio to United Preaa ABOARD S. S. LEVIATHAN, Aug. I.—Braving a blanketing fog and light drizzle, Clarence Chamberlin in a Fokker biplane, shot down the runway on the top deck of the Leviathan at 8:14 a. m. today and zoomed away into a rainbow caused by the delayed sun. The Leviathan was almost exactly 100 miles east of Hasbrouck Heights, N. J. After a few stunts, barely perceivable through the fog, the biplane disappeared landward. Fear had been expressed that the plane, might skid on the wet sands of the 30-foot-wide runway, after a rain which had delayed the take off. However. Chamberlni decided to risk it and mounted into one of the cockpits. With the motor running at top speed, a quick maneuver of the control stick brought the tail of the plane to the runway with such a shock that the wheels were forced over the staying blocks and the plane bounded down the runway. The Leviathan was making approximately 24 knots an hour, which coupled with the speed of the plane, gave it the necessary take-off momentum. General A. C. Dalton, president of the Amergency Fleet Corporation, and officials of the United States Lines witnessed the take-off. Steamship officials predicted the ship-to-land service by air would cut down trans-Atlantic mail service at least 48 hours. TEST REDFERN’S PLANE ‘Tort of Brunswick” Will Be Christened Wednesday. Bn United Press DETROIT, Aug. I.—Paul Redfem, 25-year-old Savannah flier announced today that the plane in which he hopes to make the longest flight in history is ready for balance and load tests tomorrow. The plane will be christened “Port of Brunswick,” late Wednesday and Redfem hopes to fly to Brunswick, Ga., Thursday for the start of his flight to Rio De Janerio, a distance of more than 4,200 miles. LIGHT SCARES THIEVES Man Turns Switch and Robbers Flee From Garage. Paul Colvin, 101 Orange St., awakened by the noise of someone trying to run his car from the garage, merely turned on the garage light by a switch in his home and the alleged auto thieves took to their heels. He watched them run to another auto parked nearby and drive away. Police found no trace.

forward to a heavenly reward. “The church,” he said, “is all right for other people.” Even after his hands had grown so feeble that he could no longer play sweet music and his eyes so weak that he could not paint or sketch, he lived for love of the beailty that is in the world. He read the sporting pages of the newspaper, watched the verbal wars bf politicians, played with children in the street and spent long hours

SHOOTS WIFE, THINKING SHE IS BURGLAR: WOMAN WILL LIVE

Husband, Aroused by Noise, Fires One Bullet Into Mate’s Chest. Robert Fox, 38, aroused from his sleep by a noise in the dining room of his home, 2012 Caroline St., at 3:05 a. m., today, seized his revolver. Believing a burglar was looting the house, he fired at a figure he saw in the dim light, which raised an arm as he approached. It was his wife. The bullet from a .32-caliber revolver entered her right chest. She was taken to city hospital, where doctors said she would recover if complications do not develop. Mrs. Fox, 30, sleeping in a bedroom in the front of the house with her husband and four children, Robert Jr., 9; Albert, 7; Richard, 4, and Edward, 2, had arisen to go to the bathroom in the rear. Gasps; Rouses Husband As she passed through the dining room, she stumbled over one of the children’s chairs and gasped. Her husband evidently heard the noise and believed a burglar was in the house, Mrs. Fox said. He lifted Edward, the youngest child, from the bed in which *he was sleeping, placed him In the bed In which he thought his wife was, took his revolver and investigated the noise. “I just had stepped into the kitchen on my way back when from the dining room I heard a click which I thought was made by a burglar with a revolver,” Mrs. Fox said. “I called ‘Bob, Bob,’ Just as my husband shot and turned the dining room light on. “ ‘Oh, my God, what have I done!’ he cried when he saw me on the floor.” Fox, according to Sergeant Otto Petit, who investigated, said he saw his wife in the shadow and noticed her raise her hand. Believing he saw a burglar raising a gun to shoot him, he fired. Robert, Jr., 10, cared for their mother while Fox went for a doctor In his auto. Dr. Whitehead, 1561 Roosevelt Ave., gave first aid before Mrs. Fox was taken to the hospital. Had Celebrated New Job Fox had been unemployed and only last week went to work at the Madden-Copple Company garage. N. Capitol Ave. and St. Clair St,., his wife said'. “He did extra work Sunday to catch up on expenses and we were so happy Sunday night,” she said. “We sat on the front porch eating ice cream, celebrating, until after 11. “I want him and everyone else to know that I realize the shooting was accidental. He was so worried that I might blame him. We’ve been married eleven years and he is a wonderful husband and pal.” BOMB BLAST ROUSES NEW FEAR IN CANTON Death Intended for Judge Who Pushed Mellett Case, View. Bu United Press CANTON, Ohio, Aug. I—Officials today believed that the bomb which damaged the home of William G. Maxwell here last night was Intended for Judge H. C. Pontius, who backed the prosecution of the underworld murderers of Don R. Mellett, crusading publisher of the Canton Daily News. The Pontium home Is near by. ton Dally News. The Pontius home Maxwell home and broke windows in nearby houses. Maxwell and his wife escaped injury. A second bomb, which failed to explode, was discovered under the window of Maxwell’s bedroom.

U. S. POLICY RAPPED Action in Nicaragua Sinister; Says Argentine Paper. Bu United Press BUENOS AIRES, Aug. I.—'Thfl United States Nicaraguan policy which it characterized as “sinister,” “is disturbing the peace of the continent,” La Nacion said editorially today. The newspaper approved, however, the Argentine government’s action "in refusing the senate’s request for a statement on the Argentinian attitude toward the United States policy in Nicaragua. The government held that Argentina’s sovereignty was not involved., LADY LAUDER IS DEAD Wife of Comedian Followed Him On Ladder to Fame. Bu United Press GLASGOW, Scotland, Aug. 1. Lady Lauder, wife of Sir Harry Lauder, famous comedian, died Sunday. She had followed Lauder through the troubles and eventual triumphs of his career.

alone, fishing or walking through the woods. He usually wore an artist’s cape and a broad-rimmed hat. His long hair fell down around a peaked face, such as Shakespeare had. And people turned to look when he would pat a child's hair with his delicate, tapered hand. “Styles change,” he said, “but I am the same.” When he was young, fresh from the classrooms oi Franklin College,

Entered as Second-Class Matter at rostoffice, Indianapolis

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Mrs. Robert Fox, shot by her husband in their home at 2012 Caroline St. early today when he mistook her for a burglar.

LOWMAN IS ON JOB AS NEW DRY CZAR

Honest Enforcement Slogan of Andrews’ Successor as He Takes Office. BY JOSEPH S. WASNEY United Frei* SUIT Correspondent WASHINGTON, Aug. I.—Seymour Lowman of Elmira, N. Y., today officially became “dry czar” of the United States. Sworn in &s/ assistant secretary of treasury in charge of prohibition, customs and coast guard, Lowman declared, “My greatest job is to hold down the activities of the radical wets and the radical drys.” Lowman issued a formal statement, saying: “Temperance and sobriety are commendable virtues. We want a sober America. Wants Honest Enforcement “I am looking for honest, efficient enforcement of the prohibition law, just the same as other United States law’s are enforced. “Disloyalty will not be tolerated in the prohibition service. I have no policy except an orderly busi-ness-like carrying out of the mandates of Congress.” Lowman is a small town contractor, a New Englander who can drive a tight bargain and who Is strictly a business men. He has dabbled in State politics for many years and has always been known as an ultradry. Doran Is Career Man Dr. J. M. Doran, prohibition commissioner under him, is a “career man.” He started in with the Government twenty years ago as a chemist and worked up to his present post. Lowman’s first official act was to advise dry administrators to concentrate on all violators, large or small. While Andrews campaigned chiefly after sources of bootleg supply, Lowman will endeavor to end all law violations, arresting “hip-pocket flask toters” as well as bootleggers and rum smugglers. JACKSON HOME AGAIN *\ Have Nothing to Say’ Record Still On. Governor Jackson, back at his of-v flce today after attending the Governors’ conference at Mackinac Island, refused to comment on the latest developments in the political corruption and Stephenson probe. The Governor received newspaper men, but to questions on the probe gave his usual answer: “I have nothing to say.” He said he knew nothing of the statement of Governor Len Small of Illinois that Jackson would have a statement to make clearing himself of any connection with D. C. Stephenson as soon as he returned to Indianapolis. Rumors at the Statehouse. however, were that Jackson might issue a statement later today to morning newspapers. The Governor received calls from a number of department heads during the morning. Crude Oil Prices Reduced 71 PITTSBURGH, Pa., Aug. I. Pennsylvania and Bradford district crude oils were reduced 25 cents a barrel today, the Joseph Seep Purchasing Agency announced.

he made portraits #f famous men, sold paintings of birds and flowers to eastern art lovers, and burned the midnight oil over books of poetry. He painted Riley’s "Old Swimming Hole,” and did the pictures which hung in the old Holy Rosary Catholic Church at 526 Stevens St. The girl whom he married in 1854 died eighteen years ago, but he lived on to play what Shakespeare called the seventh role that falls to man upon the eash* ,

Copper Cupid By Times Special GREENFIELD, Ind., Aug. 1. —Save the pennies and the marriage license fee will take care of itself. After County Clerk Charles F. Reeves had Issued a permit to wed to Arthur Wilson of Indianapolis and Miss Bertha Sacks, McCordsville, they handed Reeves a bag containing 250 pennies, paying the $2.50 fee. The couple had made it a rule for some time to save all pennies which came to them in change.

JURY DIGS INTO EVIDENCEMASS Witnesses May Be Called to Back Steve’s Story. Investigation into alleged political corruption in Indiana entered upon its tenth month today, as the grand jury began to delve into 7,000 pages of testimony heard by two previous grand Juries. The Jurors will work for several weeks without the aid of prosecutors. William H. Remy, prosecutor; William H. Sheaffer, deputy, and John W. Holtzman, special prosecutor, have left on vacation. Emsley W. Johnson, special prosecutor, only other member of the staff, will leave Tuesday morning. Johnson was not to appear before the grand Jury today. Johnson said he believed the investigation would close In September, but refused to comment on possibility of indictments being returned. A report of the Jury’s findings must be submitted to Judge James A. Collins when the investigation closes. The grand jury is empowered to summon witnesses and may do so to corroborate D. C. Stephenson’s testimony. In the five hours that Stephenson spent before the jurors Saturday morning, he is known to have spoken freely. William J. Mooney, grand jury foreman refused comment. “Reports of grand Jury activities to be made public must come from the grand Jury room,” Mooney said. The jury will hold half-day sessions every other day unless something unexpected arises, Mooney announced after conferring with other jurors. Calling of witnesses is not contemplated, he said. COUNTY OFFICIAL DIES Aaron C. McPike, Monroe Treasurer, Succumbs After Operation. Aaron C. McPike, 57, treasurer of Monroe County, died early tday at St. Vincent’s Hospital following amputation of one of his legs. Infection started lrom an injury suffered several years ago while Mr. McPike was employed as a quarryman. He wa3 brought to the hospital here from his home In Bloomington last week.

Hourly Temperatures 6 a. m...... 68 10 a. m 78 7 a. m...... 70 11 a. m 80 8 a. m 72 12 (noon) ... 81 9 a. m 77 1 p. m 81

And his exit was amid flowers, after only a little suffering, while the three of his eight children who survive him—Guido R. Reese, Florence B. Reese, and Mrs. Ivy Graham of Chicago, stood at the back of the stage and bowed. His audience was small, but waiting In the wings were Francois Villon, Whistler and Homer, who loved beauty as he did, spent their earnings for a song, and died, leaving not, rich estates, bat rich memories be-<i

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CLASH BREWS OVER SCHOOL CHIEF CHOICE Miller Won’t Quit State Post Till Successor He Wants Is Appointed. THREE KNOWN IN RACE Dushane of Columbus, Ind., Boomed; Sherwood and Gladden in Running. Charles F. Miller, State superintendent of public instruction, will not resign to accept the offer of the supertendency of Indianapolis schools until a successor meeting his approval is named. This became known following a conference between Miller and Governor Ed Jackson today. Among callers at the Governor’s office today were Donald Du Shane, Columbus (Ind.) school superintendent, and Judge John Sharpnack of Bartholomew Circuit Court. Du Shane Is reported to be si candidate for the State superintendency, with Judge Sharpnack as a strong backer. Gladden Is Backed Bartholomew County is the home county of Lawrence J. Orr, chief eaxminer of the State board of accounts. Orr, however, is backing the candidacy of Fred Gladden, present assistant superintendent and formerly with the accounts board. Miller himself favors the appointment of Gladden, it is said. It was understood that Governor Jackson might appoint Henry Noble Sherwood, who was superintendent before Miller. The Governor supported Sherwood for renomination in the Republican primary a year ago, but Sherwood failed to get the nomination. Salary Is Higher. The Indianapolis superintendent receives $9,000 a year, the State superintendent’s salary is $5,000 a year. Theodore F. Vonnegut, school board preside*!*. doubt that Miller would etemually accept the more lucrative position. Vonnegut said he had not heard rumors that Miller would refuse to accept and that W. W. Borden, south Bend superintendent, would be named superintendent. Miller was elected by three votes to two for Borden. DEPOSE WILL ROGERS He’s Merely Mayor Emeritus cf Hollywood Now. Bu United Press BEVERLY HILLB, Cal., Aug. I. Today it was Will Rogers, mayor emeritus of Beverly Hills. The cowboy humorist from Oaklahoma and his cabinet composed of Elinor Glyn, Charlie Chaplin and Count Leo Tolstoy, were relegated to the ranks of political ha sbeens at midnight last night when Beverly Hills became a sixth class municipality. The head of the board of trustees took over the reins of government. SEA CAREER ENDsTsOON Captain Howell, Dean of Red Star Fleet, on Last Voyage. Bu United Press NEW YORK, Aug. 1.-When the Rod Star liner Belgenland sailed out to sea this morning it carried Capt. Thomas Howell on his last voyage in command of a ship. Howell is retiring to his estate In Wales after forty-six years at sea and twenty-eight years as master of ocean-going vessels. He Is senla captain of the Red Star fleet. Howell is 61 years old. He ran away to sea at the age of 13. ‘IT’S A LONG LANE—’ Tired Wife Home Late; Hubby Wave* Rolling-pin. Bu United Press ASBURY PARK, N. J., Aug. 1— Char ring that when she came home late from a hard day's work, her husband, who for the last ten years had done the housework and cared for the children, threatened her with a rolling-pin, Mrs. Ursula Dubois succeeded in having Walter Dubois sentenced to thirty days at hard labor.

A Year With No Summer This was to be the year without a summer. Is it? Herbert Janvrln Browne, famous long-distance weather forecaster, staked his reputation on the kind of weather we’d have this summer. Have his predictions been borne out? Well, he has his .view of It. And the U. 8. Weather Bureau has its view. Which is right? You be the Judge. But. first, read— WHAT ABOUT THE - WEATHER? or, Herbert Janvrln Browne vs. the Weather Bureau. It begins to THE TIMES TUESDAY.