Indianapolis Times, Volume 39, Number 146, Indianapolis, Marion County, 27 October 1927 — Page 1

SCRIPPS-HOWARD

PANIC, HORROR MARKS SCENE AS SHIPSINKS Rescuer Sees Shark Devour Survivor of Liner in Sea. CAPTAIN STICKS TO POST Hundreds Leap From Vessel Instead of Waiting for for Lifeboats.

Pit United Press BAHIA, Oct. 27.—A story of indescrible horror, of the screams of dying women and children, of maniacal panic, of heroic rescues, of a shark devouring a swimming man, was told here today by the commander of a French ship which brought to Bahia twenty-four survivors from the liner Principesse Mafalda, sunk off the Brazilian coast Tuesday night 'after a boiler blast. The story was narrated by Commander Privat, master of the Mosella. He refused to believe the optimistic reports that all but a handful of the Masada’s 1,256 passengers and crew were saved. “It is impossible,” he said, “absolutely impossible.” Fear Loss of Lives Heavy The terrible story told upon the arrival of the Mosella caused anxiety and fear here. Their stories jibed neither with thoee purporting to have come from rescue ships, struggling through a welter of crossing messages to radio their reports to shore, nor with official estimates of survivors. ,v Antonio Ferreirra, a passenger aboard the Mosella, told the United Press he saw a great shark advance toward one of the Mafalda’s company, floating in the sea, and devour him. Captain Sank at His Post The story of the sinking of the liner as it appeared to those aboard it was told to the United Press by •First Engineer Carlo Luiseto. The ship settled and sank stern first into the sea, with the captain and the chief radio operator at their posts. A few minutes before the members of the band had left, just in time to save themselves. “I left the Principessa Mafalda at the moment she hank, five hours after water had started to enter the ship’s compartments,” Luiseto said. “The passengers were uncontrollable. The panic continued until the boilers exploded, and then it became even worse. No Life Boat Delay “I deny absolutely accusations that Commander Simone delayed lowering the lifeboats. They Were in Good Condition “Captain Simone remained the post of honor on the bridge of the ship he loved until she sank. Probably he yet remains at his post. “Hundreds of passengers and members of the crew leaped into the sea, crazed bys panic. Lifeboats became uncontrollable. Many capsized due to the heavy sea. “Many women, however, jumped overboard, insane with fear. “I saw many passengers running frantically up and down the decks, carrying life preservers in their hands. “The Mosella arrived at the moment I left the Mafalda. “I was swimming a considerable time before I was picked up.

Sea Full of Humanity “The sea was dotted with mountains of humanity. Piling one on top of the other on fragments of lumber from the wreckage. “I am an old seadog,” said Commander Privat of the Mosella. “But the picture never will leave my mind of thee wreck scene. “We picked up the Mafalda’s S O S at 10 o’clock Tuesday night'. The sea was a revolting sight, contrary winds blowing, waves running high. "Ouh ship arrived at the scene off the rocky coast. The sea was full of people—in lifeboats and floating in life preservers.” Shaft Rips Hull Open “The cause of the disaster was a broken propeller shaft. Its flailing tore a hole in the shi£s hull. “Water rushed into the ship as if a live enemy. _ “The boiler room was flooded. The boilers exploded. "Even for me, who has seen the sea at its worst, the scene was terrifyng. I have seen many other disasters at sea, but none like that. “Man, I am old and hardened. But I still can hear the screams of the women and children—old women, young girls at the threshold of life, babies—as they went down in the sea to death.” Is your present listing in the Indianapolis telephone direAory satisfactoir? Changes should tap made prior to Nov. 10, at which time the mid-winter issue goes to press. INDIANA BELL TELEPHONE CO. —Adv.

One Hundred Dollars In Cash Prizes Are Offered In The Indianapolis Times Diana Contest. See Page 11 for Complete Details of This Interesting Contest

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The Indianapolis Times Mostly fair tonight and Friday; Continued mild temperature.

VOLUME 39—NUMBER 146

Scouts Post Fund Plea

9 If ' 'fft-C Jjr* & - %v^*

George Adams (left) and Robert Graham

Boy Scouts put up more than 4,000 community fund posters yesterday in an all-day canvass of the city, under the direction of Chief F. C. Belzer. One hundred and fifteen boys were paired in teams to visit all parts of the city.

MENBiIRG ILL; RUMGRSHUSHED German President Faints; Deny Stroke Report. By United Press BERLIN, Oct. 27.—1 t is learned reliably that President Hindenburg became ill Wednesday night and that he fainted this morning. Later he recovered. The government formally denied reports that th# 80-year-old president had suffered a stroke of apoplexy and asked newspapers not to spread the report. STATE GIRL IS HELD FOR HAULING LIQUOR Ft Wayne Woman’s Bond Set at SI,OOO by Michigan Justice. Bu United Press MONROE, Mich., Oct. 27.—Captured after an eight-mile chase, Miss Marie Edwards, 24, of Ft. Wayne, Ind., was arrested today on a charge of transporting twelve cases of beer and four cases of Canadian whisky in her automobile. Arraigned in justice court, she pleaded not guilty and was remanded to jail in default of SI,OOO bail. ZnDIANApoKs DANCER’S HUBBY PLEADS City Police Seek Hamilton Smith on Securities Act Case. Bu Times • Bnecinl BALTIMORE, Oct, 27.—A hearing will be held tomorrow afternoon in Baltimore city court on the motion of Hamilton Smith, husband of Fawn Grey, dancer, that he bg freed from jail on a writ of habeas corpus asked yesterday. Smith is ’held by Baltimore police on request of Indianapolis authorities pending arrival of extradition papers for him. It is understood he is wanted in Indiana for alleged violation of the State securities act. APPROVE AMENDMENTS City Typo Group Favors Elimination of District Unions. Indianapolis members of International Typographical Union No. 1, in a special election held at the secretary’s office in Castle Hall Bldg. Wednesday, voted in favor of six amendments to the international constitution, proposed at the convention held here last fall. The principal amendment was one abolishing trade district unions. This would eliminate the separate organization of mailers, to which printers in the union object as giving mailers greater privileges than other members. The matter was the subject of a hot fight in the convention.

‘DIANA,’ AMAZING VIDA HURST STORY, WILL START MONDAY IN THE TIMES

■—IIANA,” another great girl r\ story by Vida Hurst, author of “The Snob,” is to start Monday in THE INDIANAPOLIS TIMES. It is a story of a girl’s amazing experiment with love—an experiment that nearly cost her a home, happiness, and the real love she sought. It is written in the absorbing manner in which

George Adams of Troop 3 and Robert Graham of Troop 9 were in the downtown districts. The poster distribution is an annual event preceding the community fund, which will be held Nov. 4 to 14.

TARKINGTON IS ALMOST BLIND Hoosier Writer Has Partial Sight in One Eye. KENNEBUNKPORT, Me., Oct. 27. —Although he has only the partial sight of one eye, Booth Tarkington has received his doctor’s permission to continue writing the stories that have made him millions of friends. The famed Hoosief author, on a vacation*-as much as he ever takes a vacation—in his enormous white, farm-like mansion on a hill overlooking the Kennebunk River, told the United Press today that reports that he was losing his sight are in part correct—but only in part. “Dr. Newcomb (John Ray Newcomb, Indianapolis specialist),-came here recently to examine my eyes,” the writer said, “and while I am blind in my right eye and rather weak in my left, he expressed the opinion that my left eye would not Tail me completely and advised me to continue my literary work.” LOCATE MISSING BOYS Youth Who Failed to Deposit SIOO Found in Dallas. Three boys, 13, 11 and 8, who disappeared from their homes here Oct. 2$ after one of them had been sent to Fountain Square Bank, 1059 Virginia Ave., to deposit SIOO for his grandfather, were located today at Dallas, Texas. Chief Probation Officer Solon C. Vial received a telegram stating that the lads are being held by Chief Probation Officer Earl R. Parker at Dallas. The boys failed to make the promised deposit. It was learned one of them tfied to sell his bicycle a short time before the disappearance. Parents were arranging for the boys’ return today. CRASH; SUE AUTO FIRM Ask SIOO,OOO From Nash Company for Defective Steering Wheel. By United Press CLEVELAND, Ohio, Oct. 27.—The Nash Motors Company of Kenosha, Wis., was defendant today in two suits to collect SIOO,OOO for alleged defectiveness of an auto steering wheel. The plaintiffs, Sam Gutia and George Choban, both of Cleveland, charge they were injured when the steering wheel of their machine broke, causing the car to careen into -a telegraph pole. Will Provides Flowers on Grave B.u United Press NEW YORK, Oct. 27.—The will of Anna E. Downing, who died last month in her 103d year, disposed of an estate of $175,000 and provided that daisies, geraniums and coleus be planted in her burial plot.

only Vida Hjirst can write. Let us quote from the story: • • • DIANA and Louis were leaning against the rail of the Country Club porch. "Os course I am interested in Arthur,” she said, vehemently. “He is the most fascinating man I ever have known. And a GENTLEMAN!” Throwing back her head made her suddenly untouchable. Louis

INDIANAPOLIS, THURSDAY, OCT. 27,1927

TEACHERS TO GET PAY; SUIT TO FILED School Heads Prepare to Take Legal Action to Force Remy’s Hand. GET BANK COOPERATION Board of Education Tells . Attorney to Move as He Sees Fit. Arrangements to pay city school teachers at the regular time, Tuesday, were made by school officials today, as they prepared to take legal action to force County Treasurer Edward A. Ramsay to honor school warrants. On opinion of County Attorney Clinton M. Givan; Ramsay yesterday announced that he would honor no more civil or school city warrants signed by Mrs. Maude Duvall as city controller, and controller for the school city. The school board, at a special meeting todJfy, authorized Martin M. Hugg, board attorney, to bring any action he saw fit to force Ramsay to release school funds. Arrange With Banks Hugg announced that arrangements had been made with the Indiana Trust Company and the Merchants National Bank to insure that the teachers and custodians receive the nineteen-day pay due Nov. 1. The total pay roll amounts to $390,693. The law requires that Ramsay, as school city treasurer, and Mrs. Duvall, as school city controller, sign the checks. Ramsay has announced he will not sign the checks with Mrs. Duvall, on the ground that she is not holding office legally, because she was appointed by her husband, John L. Duvall, who says he is mayor, after Duvall’s conviction for corrupt practices act, convictions which prosecutors and other attorneys say makes it illegal for him to continue ter hold office. It is understood the teachers’ checks will be signed only by Mrs. Duvall and that the banks will hold them and get Ramsay’s signature and the money when the courts order him to do so, or the Duvalls are removed from office. The arrangements were made with J. P. Frenzel Sr., Indiana Trust Company president, and Fred C. Dickson, Merchants National Bank president. Will File Suit Hugg announced to school board members that he will file within a few days a mandate suit to seek to compel Ramsay to sign school board warrants. This suit also will settle the status of the civil city funds likewise tied up by the decision fcf County Attorney Givan and Ramsay that use of any more of the city money on Mrs. Duvall’s signature is illegal. The city will make no move to release its funds, without which policemen, firemen and all other city employes will go unpaid, Duvall said. Ramsay is to blame if the city employes go unpaid, he said. Sees No Reason to Act “Individual' employes can and probably will bring mandamus suits against the treasurer, in an effort to get their salaries, but I see no reason for the city to take the initiative,” Duvall said. “The city is willing at all times to pay the money It owes, but if the treasurer refuses to allow it to do so, I don’t see what we can do.” Corporation Counsel Schuyler Haas evidently at first intended to file a mandamus suit in the city’s behalf, for he made formal demand on Ramsay that he honor the city warrants. But after conferring with Duvall he said: “We’ll just let things go along for a while.” PULMOTOR SAVES BABY Five-Day-Old Girl Kept Alive 19 Hours, Until Lungs Function. Bu United Press CHICAGO, Oct. 27.—A fire department pulmotor squad worked for nineteen hours to keep a 5-day-old girl alive here, and today the baby’s paralyzed lungs functioned normally and physicians said she would live. The pulmotor squad started to work at 1:15 p. m. yesterday and kept pumping air into the infant’s lungs until 8:15 this morning. The baby was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Fitzgibbons.

stared. In her white gown, with her full, deep bosom, narrow hips and long limbs, she seemed "divinely tall.” Half girl, half goddess! • • • SOU’RE as cold as Ice,” Louis accused bitterly. . . . “No feelings whatever. I hope you really fall for Arthur Vane and he breaks your hqart.” Diana took his arm.

Greetings! Police Sergeant John Sheehan knows of anew hazardous occupation—talking to allnight filling station attendants. In the wee small hours this morning, Sheehan sauntered into a Standard Oil filling station at Eastern Ave. and Washington St., to talk to Donald Sharpe, the attendant, about a hold-up there a week ago. A Chevrolet coach raced into the driveway. A gray-suited man on the running board flourished a revolver. Spying Sheehan, his gun barked a pleasant greeting. A hole In the station wall marks the place where Sheehan was. The car sped away before Sheehan could give chase, but Sharpe recognized the driver and the man on the running board as his bandits.

RUTH ELBER IS GIIESTOFSPAIN Perfect Landing Made as Plane Reaches Madrid. BY JOHN DE GANDT United Pres* Staff Correspondent MADRID, Oct. 27.—“We11, this is the sort of landing we wanted to make in Paris,” said Miss Ruth Elder, American Girl trans-Atlantic aviator, as she stepped from a Junkers airplane at Getafe flying field here today. With her was George Haldeman, co-pilot in her dash for Paris from New York that ended in midAtlantic. The landing was perfect. Miss Elder, in her plus fours, sweater and skipper’s cap, was in high spirits. She showed no trace of the illness that attacked her yesterday at Lisbon, whence she and Haldeman took off this morning. American Ambassador Ogden H. Hammond and Mrs. Hammond headed a large, enthusiastic crowd, official and unofficial, that greeted the fleeirs at Getafe field. Major Frederick W. Manley, military* attache at the American embassy, Spanish aviation authorities and many officials and members of the aristocracy were present. Miss Elder and Haldeman were taken to the headquarters building at the field and toasted in champagne. * In DIANA polis

STATE PROBES FIRE Third Blaze in Five Days to Be Investigated. Deputy State Fire Marshall Albert Fowler, head of the arson division, today directed investigation of fire which for the third time In five days broke out ih a vacant two-story building at 322 E. Market St* Thursday afternoon. The building, owned by J. S. Lecklider, was condemned more than a month ago, George Stapp, investigator of the fire prevention bureau, said. All three fires started in the same place, in a bunch of rubbish on the second floor and were soon extinguished. The other fires broke out Tuesday and last Friday. Fireman Vernon O. Timmons suffered severe burns on his right hand Thursday when he attempted to smother a fire in an automobile at the Boyce Filling station, Meridian and South Sts. He was treated at city hospital. RECESS GRAND JURY City Council Quiz Halted; May Report Friday. The Marion count# grand Jury, which since Oct. 7, has been conducting an investigation of the city council, was not in session today. It was said that the jury recessed because of the death of a relative of John J. Madden, juror. With this move, only Friday remains as the day possible for the filing of a report of the extended Investigation, provided this is to be done this week, as has been predicted. It is known that the jury and prosecutors possess a special outline of possible indictments and that some already are drawn. Hourly Temperatures 6 a. m 58 10 a. m 72 7 a. m 58 11 a. m 77 8 a. m 63 12 (noon) .. 78 9 a. m 63 1 p. m 81

“How can he, Louis, when according to your own testimony, I ‘haven’t one?” ,■ “I-didn’t mean that,,” he added. “There’s fire underneath the ice. And some man is going to make you realize it.” • • • O THAT IS DIANA, in the eyes of her sweetheart, i—l Louis. A cold, unfeeling sort of a girl, yet with plenty of

Entered a* Second-Class Matter at Postoffice, Indianapolis

DUVALL WILL BE OUSTED FROM OFFICE AT SESSION TODAY, COUNCILMEN SAY Wife Also Will Be Removed as City Controller; Mayor Pro Tem. to Be Appointed for Ten Days at Called Meeting. EXECUTIVE IS DESERTED BY HIS AIDS Report Cones and Connell Called in for ‘Plotting;’ Both Flout His Orders, Attend Conference Where Move Is Planned. City council leaders this afternoon were ready to declare the offices of mayor and city controller of Indianapolis vacant and elect a mayor pro tem. to serve for ten days, until a mayor to serve perma-' nently could be elected. A call for a special meeting at 3p. m. was issued. The call specifically states the office of mayor and controller are vacant. It was reported that the council leaders had decided to name Council President Claude E. Negley mayor pro tem. The action is based upon a Burns’ Revised Statutes, 1926, which provides that in event the mayor’s and controller’s offices vacant the council shall fill the vacancy in this manner.

The council, it is understood, will declare the offices vacant upon the ground that John J. Duvall ceased to be mayor when he was convicted of violating the corrupt practices act Sept, 22, by a Criminal Court jury. The office of controller is to be declared vacant, it is understood, on the ground that Duvall named his wife, Mrs. Maude Duvall, controller after he was out of office. Claude F. Johnson resigned as controller to make way for Mrs. Duvall shortly after Duvall’s conviction. It is contended, it is understood, that the office has been vacant from the moment Johnson resigned as controller. , The sudden move, it Is believed, was decided upon to forestall reported plans oFDuvall to have Mrs. Duvall resign as controller and name Attorney Ira L. Holmes, who has been closely associated with him recently, in her stead. Would Name Holmes Duvall’s plan further is, it is reported, to resign as mayor, thereby permitting Holmes to move up to the mayor’s chair. This, it Is understood, would be designed to avoid the criticism attaching to member of Duvall’s family succeeding him as mayor, and at the same time put in the mayor’s office a man close to Duvall. Those behind the move of the council leaders are understood to be insisting that the mayor pro tem. be succeeded by a permanent mayor, acceptable to the majority of citizens. Negley Flies Call The meeting call, filed with Deputy City Clerk Margaret Inman at 11:30, by Jlegley, stated: “You hereby are notified that there will be a special meeting of the common council, held in council chambers, on Thursday, Oct. 27, at 3 p. m., the purpose of such special meeting to fill the vacancy which now exists in the office of mayor of the city of Indianapolis, by reason of the disqualification of John L. Duvall, and the resignation of Claude Johnson, city controller, to act as mayor pro tempore of the city of Indianapolis, Ind., until a permanent mayor shall be chosen, as provided for in section 10276, Burns 1926.” What Statute Profides Bums’ Annotated Statutes, 1926 Revision, section 10276 (8646), provides: “In the event of a vacancy occuring in an elective office of any city, except the office of mayor or councilman and city judge, by reason of death, resignation or other causes, or in case of disability of any such

fire underneath; fire that some day is bound to break through—and then—- • • • Little did Louis, in the heat of the moment, dream that his prediction was to come true. Nor did DIANA, reserved and aloof, dream that fire within was to change ner whole plan of living—and acting.

New Mayor?

rampr 5 > < MISBfc

Claude E, Negley

officer to perform the duties of his office, it shall be the duty of the mayor or acting mayor to fill such vacancies by appointment for the unexpired term, subject-to approval of the city council. “In <;ase a vacancy in the office of mayor, the city controller in all cities having such officer shall act as mayor: Provided, That such officer, while acting mayor, shall not perform any duties as controller, but shall select a suitable person as controller. “In the event of the death or disability or resignation of the city controller, the common council shall designate one of its members to act as mayor pro tempore until a special meeting of the council, to be held not less than ten days nor more than fifteen days thereafter,at which special meeting, the council shall elect a suitable person to fill out the unexpired term of the mayor.” Own. Aids Desert Him The machinery for the ousting of the mayor appeared to have been well set up and oiled. There were indications that several members of Duvall’s own administratino had de-, serted him. Frank Cones, president of the board of works, and Fred Connell, president of the board of safety, sat in a conference In the office of County Attorney Clinton H. Givan this morning,* from which Council President Negley departed with the call for the meeting. This gave rise to the report from authentic sources that the mayor had called Cones and Connell before him and accused them of "plotting” against him. It is reported that the department heads smijingly Informed the mayor

r—jN AMAZING GIRL,” Is A what the publishers have , * v l to say in describing this new character born of Vida Hurst’s vivid pen. “DIANA” is truly an amazing story, and you will want to read it every day In THE INDIANAPOLIS TIMES. “DIANA” starts MONDAY. Don’t miss the opening installment.

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that they no longer regarded him as mayor. Several days ago Councllmen Boynton J. Moore, Austin H. Todd, Walter Dorsett and Otis Bartholomew came to the conclusion that the council was the body to oust the j mayor, It was stated. They employed Attorney L. Ert Slack to guide them, slack is understood to have pxepared the papers. Slack visited the mayor’s office late Wednesday afternoon, after regular office hours, when there were few persons about. No explanation of this visit was given at the mayor’s office. Things Start to Happen This morning a group gathered at Givan’s office In the Fletcher Savings and Trust Bldg., and things began to happen. Among those In and around the office were Cones and Connell, the city officials; Harvey Grabill, former attorney for the mayor, who Is reported no longer to be attached to the mayor’s staff; Otis Dodson, Republican faction leader; Harry Dunn, county auditor, and several councllmen, including President Negley. Negley went to the city clerk’s office with the call for the special meeting from Givan’s office. Givan is the attorney'who Wednesday advised City Treasurer Edward A. Ramsay not to honor vouchers bearing Mrs. Maude Duvall’s name as city controller. Prosecutors Called in While the conference at Givan’s office was in progress, Special Prosecutors Emsley W. Johnson were invited there. Thinking that Givan might have some information regarding the city fund opinion, they responded. They said they we.v surprised at the purpose of the gathering. The confyees merely informed the prosecutors of their purposes, the prosecutors said. The prosecutor’s office is Interested in the maneuvers, if was stated, because of the long investigation into city hall affairs. Prosecutor William H. Remy declared that his office was In no way involved in the present moves and that no deal of any nature had been made. If the council goes through with the plans to declare Duvall’s office vacant, it is understood that whoever is chosen mayor pro tem. will march into the mayor’s office nnd take possession. It would be the plan to utterly ignore Duvall. Would Name Controller One of the first acts would be naming of a city controller. Then, it is ‘understood, the new controller would sign vouchers for payment of city salaries and bills. City Treasurer Ramsay would countersign, and thus the new mayor would be recognized legally. Duvall, although he had v learned of council’s intentions, refused to see reporters and make any comment. He arrived to city hall at noon and went ijito conference with administration leaders. He had been away all morning. $1,000,000 In Gems Shown By 1 lilted Press NEW YORK. Oct. 27.—Emeralds valued at $1,000,000, Including one of 3,500 karats worth $500,000 were exhibited at a hotel here by U. P. Master, Indian Jewel expert. Two Hindus stood guard over the gems.