Indianapolis Times, Volume 39, Number 249, Indianapolis, Marion County, 24 February 1928 — Page 1

WATSON BOOM LAUNCHED AS G.O.P. CHEERS POO Crowd Columbia Club to Hear Praise Chorus for Senator. VESTAL MAIN SPEAKER Candidates's Record Given in Full, Achievements Are Lauded. Senator James E. Watson's presidential candidacy was under new momentum today, 900 Republicans from throughout the State having jammed into the Watson-for-Presi-dent banquet at the Columbia Club, Thursday night to make the launching ceremony a spirited event. Formal announcement of Watson's candidacy was made, amidst cheers, by Albert H. Vestal of Anderson, representative in Congress from the Eighth district, who extolled the senior Senator's record of public service and described his fitness for the highest office in the land. John K. Ruckelshaus, local attorney, who presided, was first to couple Watson’s name with the presidency, and from that moment on, the packed ballroom took on the aspect of a mid-campaign political gathering. Leaders Speak Briefly E. Faye Kitselman, Muncie, State Republican chairman: M. Bert Thurman, Watson’s national campaign manager; J. Stewart Hopkins, Evansville, State campaign manager; Mayor Raleigh Hale, East Chicago: Miss Mary Sleeth, Rushville, v'ce chairman of the State committee: Ralph Kane, local attorney, and George Barnard, Newcastle, were introduced; some of them making brief speeches. Vestal's speech was broadcast over Station WFBM. Senator Watson, at Washington, planned to tune in on the oratory and probably heard the tumultuous ovation accorded him. The speaker related how Gen. Benjamin Harrison's presidential campaign was launched similarly forty years ago by the Columbia Club’s predecessor—the Benjamin Harrison Marching Club. Cites Watson’s Record “We present Senator Watson to the Republicans and to the Nation with a feeling of just pride,” he said. “For forty years he has preached the doctrine of Republicanism unadulterated and undefiled. His record of more than thirty years in the Congress of the United States is identical with the achievements of the Republican party. “The nomination and election of Senator Watson will bring to the White House a man of broad experience in public affairs, with a high conception of the public needs, a keen respect for the traditions of his party, and a sympathy, from long association, with the efforts of those leaders in Congress who are seeking to do constructive work." Declaring “this country of ours how stands at the threshold of a great constructive era,” Vestal said: “The great principle of the protective tariff, which is inseparable from national prosperity for both labor and capital, will need its defenders in the near future more than ever. Industry cannot go forward* without labor, and labor will languish \yhen American industry halts.” For Dry Enforcement Vestal stressed the importance of Senator Watson’s work as head of the Senate Committee on Interstate Commerce and as a member of the Committee on Finance. Although prohibition laws were hot mentioned by name, the Watson attitude on their enforcement was expressed when Vestal declared: “Senator Watson stands unequivocally for enforcement of all law. The Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the land, and its mandates should be upheld against all persons who seek to nullify its provisions.” Vestal then traced Senator Watson’s accomplishments with respect to outstanding legislation of the last thirty years. To Watson’s “skill and logic” he attributed enactment of the Watson-Parker railroad bill, characterized as “one of the most constructive and progressive measures ever promulgated in the cause of industrial peace.” Hits at League of Nations Cheering followed Vestal's recital of Watson’s opposition to the Covenant of the League of Nations. Watson was lauded for his efforts in behalf of equal suffrage and his sponsoring the McNary Haugen bill for agricultural relief. Vestal made a vigorous plea for party loyalty and adherence to Republican party principles. “With such a record of attainment in the last eight years, how can the Democratic party hope to gain control of the government in the coming election? What with the Democratic rooster having a Heflin wing on one side, an A1 Smith wing on the other, a wet bill, and a McAdoo tail!” Hourly Temperatures 6a. m,... 10 10 a. m.... 16 7 a.-m.... 10 11 a. m.... 19 8 a. m.... 12 12 moon). 20 9 a. m.... 16 1 p. m.... 20

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The Indianapolis Times Fair tonight and probably Saturday, continued cold; lowest temperature tonight 10 to 15.

VOLUME 39—NUMBER 249

BREAK IS BELIEVED NEAR IN SILENCE OF OIL MEN

Willing Kisser Is Given School’s Frosty Frown By United Press SPRINGFIELD, Mo„ Feb. 24.—The willing kisser is about as popular as las tyear’s straw hat, a majority of Springfield’s youngest generation believes. A questionnaire, circulated among 1 900 students of the senior high school here, disclosed that 1,156 students considered that promiscuous kissing was not a mark of popularity. A minority report from 742 youngsters expressed the opposite opinion, however. The question put to the students was: “Is the popular girl the one who permits the boys to kiss her?” Smoking among high school girls is not general, the questionnaire revealed. More than 800 said they had never smoked. Only seventyfour admitted they used cigarets “on occasion.”

STEVE MAY FACE JURY IN QUIZ ON TRUST CO. CRASH

MRS. COOUDGE MOTORS Well Enough to Go for Automobile Ride With Friend. By United Press WASHINGTON, Feb. 24. Mrs. Coolidge, who had been confined to the White House more than two weeks because of a cold, had so far recovered today that she took a forty-five minute automobile ride to Rock Springs, Md., and back with Mrs. Frank Steams of Boston. QUIZ REMUS IN RELEASE CASE Hearings Will Be Finished Next Week.* By United Press LIMA, Ohio, Feb. 24.—George Remus, once king of Cincinnati bootleggers, came back into court today to resume his battle for release from the State Hospital for the Criminally Insane here. The hearing in which Remus is fighting for freedom on a writ of habeas corpus would be adjourned late today until Monday. The case probably would be concluded by next Wednesday, court officials said. Testimony at Remus’ trial at Cincinnati for the murder of his wife was reviewed by State’s attorneys yesterday, with Remus on the stand. The former millionaire was questioned by Walter K. Siebald. assistant Cincinnati prosecutor, who recalled numerous threats Remus made during his trial. As each item was brought up, Remus said he believed he was justified in making the threats and carefully explained the motives behind them. Asked at one point why he said he would thrash Charles P. Taft (Cincinniati prosecutor) if he had him outside, Remus replied that “any red-blooded man would have said that.” BORAH TO QUIZ WATSON Dry Questionnaire Also Will Be Sent to Lowden. By United Press WASHINGTON. Feb. 24.—Senator Borah made known today that he plans to send a copy of his prohibition questionaire to Senator Watson of Indiana and probably to Frank O. Lowden of Illinois, next week. BIRGER LOSES LIFE PLEA Illinois Gangster Must Hang; High Court Rules on Appeal. By United, Press SPRINGFIELD. Ills.. Feb. 24. Charlie Birger, notorious southern Illinois gangster, must hang, the State Supvemc Court ruled today. The court denied Birger’s appeal irom his conviction of complicity in the murder of Mayor Joe Adams of West City. Execution was set for Friday, April 13.

Grab ’Em , Fans For the first time in Indiana basketball history, high school State sectional drawings will be broadcast by radio shortly before they are released by A. L. Trester, secretary of the State organization. Schedules for the sixty-four tournaments March 2 and 3 will be released in Indianapolis at 10 a. m. Saturday. And at 10:45 The Times has arranged to put the information on the air over WFBM, Indianapolis Lightand Power station. Blythe Q. Hendricks, Indiana's leading basketball announcer, will read off the drawings in a manner that will allow listeners ample time to jot down details. Get ’em while they’re hot, fans! % In addition to radio service, The Times sport page Saturday will carry a list of the official schedules.

Grand Jurors Expected to Meet on Kokomo Case Next Week. By Times Special KOKOMO, Ind„ Feb. 24.—D. C. Stephenson, life termer, may be brought secretly from Indiana State rison to testify before the Howard County grand jury some time next week. Homer Miller, prosecutor, said, after a long conference with Circuit Judge John Marshall koday, that plans for continuance of the investigation into the failure of the American Trust Company are secret and that the grand jury may not even meet in Kokomo. It may lawfully meet anywhere in the county. Stephenson several weeks ago indicated that he might be able to give the grand jury information about the bank failure. More than a dozen persons already are under indictment for the bank crash. They include Luther Symons, State bank commissioner; Thomas D. Barr, his deputy; and Ora J. Davies, former State treasurer. CITY RECEIVER FOUGHT Superior Judge Considers Demurrer in Suit. Superior Judge Byron K. Elliott today considered a demurrer filed by attorneys for the city in the suit for a receiver for the municipality. City legal department attorneys alleged the complaint filed by a group of citizens did not set out that Indianapolis citizens will suffer property or other loss; that city affairs are being conducted according to law, and that there is no proof that city finances are not sound. City Attorney Edward Knight contended in the demurrer that Judge Elliott has no jurisdiction authorizing him to name a receiver for the municipal corporation. M’CORMACK IS COUNT Irish Tenor Is Elevated to Catholic Peerage. By United Press LONDON, Feb. 24.—John McCormack, Irish tenor, has been elevated to the papal peerage with the title and dignity of count, the Catholic newspaper, the Universe, announced today. HOLD INDIANA SUSPECTS Girard (III.) Authorities Make Arrests in Slayer Hunt By United Press GIRARD, 111., Feb. 24. Two youths who answered descriptions of John Bums and Samuel Baxter, escaped prisoners sought for the slaying of two Lafayette (Ind.) deputy sheriffs are under arrest here today. Police awaited more complete descriptions of Bums and Baxter from Lafayette. The youths said they were John Anderson, 19, and George Williams, 17, both of St. Louis, Mo. ALLEGED BANDIT IS HELD Youth Is Bound Over to Grand Jury on Robbery Charge. Walter Sanders, 22, of 2005 Bluff Rd., was held to the grand jury under $3,500 bond today when arraigned in Municipal Court on charges of robbery and grand larceny. Charles Kinley, attendant at the Standard Oil filling station, Belmont Ave. and Washington Stidentified Sanders as the bandit that locked him in a closet and took $153 from the station on Jan. 9.

BAPTIST PASTORS ATTACK GOV. JACKSON DEMANDING THAT HE RESIGN HIS OFFICE

By Times Special VINCENNES, Ind., Feb. 24. Scathing denunciation of Governor Ed Jackson and request for his immediate resignation was contained in a resolution adopted here last night by the Union Association of Brotherhood Os Baptists. The Union consists of twenty Baptist churches in southern Indiana. The Rev. James Osborne of Bick-

INDIANAPOLIS, FRIDAY, FEB. 24,1928

Son of Biackmer, Missing Denver Witness, Called by Probers. O'NEIL TO BE SOUGHT / Think Man Who Returned Securities May Want to Clear Up Deal. fi t/ 1 nitnl Pn WASHINGTON. Feb. ”4.-Scent-ing a break in the stern silence of oil men which had kept the mystercus $3,080,000 Continental Liberty Bond deal, secret snice 1921. the Senate Teapot Dome Committee took a new tack today. Myron Biackmer, son of H. M. Biackmer, missing Denver oil man, and Robert Rae of the Dominion Bank of Canada, were called as witnesses for resumption of the hearing Saturday and announcement was made that Will Hays, former chairman of the Republican national committee, will be heard next week. Question Young Biackmer Young Biackmer is to be questioned about the strange admissions of his father, now hiding in Paris. Karl Schuyler, attorney for Biackmer. admitted to the committee that his missing client had taken $750,000 of the bond profits and that they were now secreted in a safety deposit box in a New York bank. Blackmer’s admission after he had escaped jurisdiction of the American courts surprised the committee. It may make him liable to civil suits from oil companies for recovery of the bonds and will set internal revenue agents on his trail to collect income taxes on the concealed profits. Enters Monastary Abroad James E. O’Neil, another missing oil man. is reported to have entered a monastery abroad. He turned back SBOO,OOO in bonds to his company after he became conscience-stricken. Efforts will be made to locate him in hope he may now desire to clear up the deal. The committee also intends to trace further the cash deposits of the Republican National Committee at the Continental and Commercial Trust Company, Chicago. Accounts in possession of the committee show that $300,008 was deposited in the month of November, 1923. Books of the party committee will be subpoenaed to find where this $300,000 came from and whether any part of it was advanced by the oil men in the continental deal. Cordell Hull Is Heard Cordell Hull, former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, told the Tea Pot Dome Committee late Thursday that he raised his party's campaign deficit of $186,000 after the 1920 campaign and that none of the money came from the Continental dealers. The committee also heard New York, Chicago and Boston bank officials regarding Republican National Committee deposits, but found no Liberty Bond deposits had been made.

ARM IN CAR DOOR, DRAGGED 12 BLOCKS

Robert Magee, 78. of 25 N. Beville Ave., was dragged for twelve blocks with his arm pinned in the rear door of a one-man W. Michigan St.

HOOVER ASKS DATE Question If He Will File in Indiana Primary. Possibility of Herbert Hoover, Republican presidential candidate filing in the Indiana primaries was being descerned today when it was learned Hoover's friends in Washington and New York had written friendly Republicans here, asking the last date for filing. In light of recent events in Ohio, where Hoover’s entrance in the primary race brought clashes with the forces of United States Senator Frank B. Willis, “favorite' son.” it was regarded improbable Hoover would file in Indiana. Senator James E. Watson’s candidacy as “favorite son” in Indiana would create a parallel situation, it was said. March 8 is the last day for filing candidacies with the secretary of State.

nell, Ind., is moderator and the Rev. H. M. Bell, pastor of the Baptist church, Fifth and Broadway, in this city, presided. The resolution was signed by President L. R. Dugan and Secretary Luther Johnson and reads as follows: “Whereas Governor Ed Jackson has proven himself utterly unworthy of the high office which he

FIRE SLAYER’S NAME, HIDING PLACE KNOWN “Can Nail Him Any Time/ State Police Captain Reveals. “BLUE BLOOD’ IS THEORY Man Who Killed Governess of Prominent Family, Belief. By United Press NEW YORK, Feb. 24.—Belief that New York and New Jersey authorities know the identity of the man who murdered Miss Margaret Brown by fire, became increasingly prevalent today. The theory that the slayer was connected with a prominent family, was a narcotic addict and that his approximate whereabout was known to police, also gained credence. Captain John J. Lamb of the New Jersey State police left the Morristown barracks at 9 a. m. today without announcing his destination. “Can Nail Him Any Time” “A real break will come today, probably before noon, and that break will come nearer to Somerville than Morristown,” he said. It was near Morristown last Monday night that the slayer soakei Miss Brown's body in gasoline and ignited it because, as he wrote in a letter to Bemardsville police. “I tried to take advantage of her and she refused.” Speaking of the murderer Captain Lamb said: “He won't check out of the place where is now for a while and we can can nail him at any time.” Believed in New York Hotel The suggestion was advanced that the slayer was in a New York hotel and that detectives were waiting for him to reurn to New Jersey before arresting him. In that way extradition proceedings could be avoided. Dr. Anderson Lawton, who performed the autopsy on Miss Brown, admitted today that his first public statement that there were no marks of violence on the body was erroneous. In his confession-letter the slayer told how he first had hit his victim. Dr. Lawton gave confirmation. Heavy Blow Struck “There was a prominent blood clot imder the lower lip and extending entirely across the mouth.” he said. “A pivot tooth was broken off and driven toward the center of the mouth. She was struck with considerable force and might easily have been made unconscious.” The murderer, he said, probably sustained bruised knuckles by the force of the blow. Inspector Carey of the local police homicide squad was understood to have assigned ten men to a hotel here. It was thought Lamb had been In telephonic communication with Carey before the former left his barracks.

car. according to report received by police early today. Magee had attempted to leave the car at Riley Hospital when the door closed on his arm. The motorman did not know of the accident until the car had gone a dozen blocks, according to police. Despite the fact that he had one foot on the step and the other dragging along the ground. Magee escaped without serious injury and was taken home. He was bruised and suffered from shock. PLEAD FOR GIRL'S LIFE Canadian Minister to Consider Clemency for Doris McDonald. By United Press MONTREAL, Quebec, Feb. 24.—A formal appeal for clemency for Mrs. Doris MacDonald, young American woma, who, with her husband, George, is sentenced to hang March 23 for the murder of Adelard Bouchard, today was before the mininster of justice of Ottawa. It was this appeal in which relatives of the young woman and social workers in the United States interested themselves.

now holds in that he has violated his oath of office, betrayed the trust of the party, lost the confidence of the people, consorted with the basest criminals, connived to abort justice, to thwart the will of God and the people, practiced personal dishonesty, lied about business transactions, offered bribes in order to get a more firm grip on the po - litical machinery of the State, made our State a stench in the nos-

Entered as Second-Class Matter at I’ostoffice, Indianapolis

MAGELLANS IN MAIL

Times’ Letters to Encircle Globe

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Postmaster Bryson holding two letters started around the world today by The Times.

Three-Ounce Missive Takes $1.75 in Postage for Entire Trip. llcw long will it take letters to go from Indianapolis around the world—both directions, utilizing | such air mail routes as are available? i Two or three months Irom now we'll all know. Postmaster Bryson started two letters on their way today for The Times. They left on the air mail route for Chicago. There the east-bound letter will be transferred to the transcontinental air mail route for ’ New York, arriving there early Saturday morning*in time to catch a boat for Queenstown and London. England. i During their travels they will fly ! over and stop in many strange , lands. Goes First to Seattle The westbound letter will go by air mail to Seattle, there to be transferred by boat westward to Yokohama. Japan. From London, the eastbound letter will travel air mail to Paris, thence southward, across the Mediterranean to Cairo. Egypt. The route from Cairo is by air to Bagdad, Iraq < Mesopotamia). Continuing by air, it will proceed to Basra. Iraq, on the Persian Gulf, and thence on the last leg of its foreign air trip to Karachi. India. At Karachi, it will be transferred to a steamer and go through the Arabian Sea to Bombay, India. The next stop will be Colombo, on the island of Ceylon, and from there through the Bay of Bengal and the Malacca Strait to Singapore. Goes Through China Turning north, the letter will sail to Hongkong, China, and on to Yokohoma, Japan, through the China Sea, Formosa Straits and Eastern Sea. From Yokohoma it will make the 4,500-mile ocean trip across the Pacific to Seattle. The homeward flight will begin by air mail at Seattle and in anotl*-* day and a half the letter will be delivered in Indianapolis. The westbound letter will follow the reverse of the eastbound route. Total postage required on the three-ounce letters is only $1.75 each. Os this amount, one dollar carries the eastbound letter by air to New York, by ship to London and by air as far as Karachi, India. Fifteen cents more takes the letter by ship to Seattle and an additional 60 cents pays its trip by air from Seattle to Indianapolis. WOMAN TRIES SUICIDE Takes Poison in City Hotel After Quarrel With Husband. Mrs. Lucille Mulholland of the Fairground Hotel, is in serious condition at city hospital as the result of poison taken in a suicide attempt. According to persons at the hotel, Mrs. Mulholland was visited Thursday night by her husband from N6blesville, and they quarreled.

trils of the Nation and confessed his guilt by hiding behind a technicality of the law; “Therefore, be it resolved that wc, the members of the Baptist Brotherhood of Union Association, do now demand the resignation of said Governor Ed Jackson and that he immediately relieve the exalted office of his odious presence and thereby set at ease the minds of the people of the State of Indiana.”

GOLD WEATHER WILL CONTINUE Forecaster Sees No Relief Before Sunday. The cold wave which brought ! the mercury down to 10 degrees i above zero, 19 degrees below nori mal, this morning, will continue to- | night and Saturday, according to ! Weather Man J. H. Armington. The low temperature tonight will be from 10 to 15 degrees and it will be only a Jew degrees warmer Saturday and likely Saturday night, he said. j The drop in temperature late J Thursday, not expected to come so j ! quickly, stopped a snow storm which j seemed likely to be the most serious j of the year. In spite of the sudden end to the snowfall at 6 p. m. the snow equaled the previous snowfall mark of the season. A total of 1.9 inches fell between noon and 6 p. m. The cold wave today extends over 1 practically the interior of the j United States, from the Alleghenies j to the Pacific States, Armington i said. Lowest temperature in the | country today was 18 below zero | at Duluth, Minn. GARAGE HEAD FIRED F. W. Biemer Replaces Siebert as City Superintendent. Ray Siebert, brother-in-law of Councilman Boynton J. Moore, today was discharged as superintendent of the municipal garage and Fabian W. Biemer, 1116 N. Pennsylvania St., named in his place, effective March 1, by the board of works. The post pays $3,00 a year. The board gave “efficiency” as the reason for the change. Mayor Slack directed the shift. Siebert was appointed last fall, at the time John L. Duvall, then mayor, was attempting to stave off impeachment by city council. Biemer has been in automobile repair work for fifteen years. For seven years he has been assistant manager of the Madden-Copplc repair shops, Capitol Ave. and St. Clair St. He never has been active in politics. GAS TAX BILL HELD VOID Illinois Supreme Court Reaches Lower Judge. By United Press SPRINGFIELD, 111., Feb. 24.—The Illinois Supreme Court today held invalid the 2-cent gasoline tax law passed by last year’s Legislature. The decision came on an appeal by the Chicago Motor Club Irom the decision of Judge John K. Newhall of Kane County Circuit Court, upholding the law.

‘We’ls At Top That authoritative magazine, “Books of the Month,” reports “WE,” by Col. Charles A. Lindbergh, as the best seller of the month among non-fietton books. That tribute to Lindy's life story only adds to the luster of “The Epic of The Air.” The Colonel is accalimed from another source. Plaudits gain volume. And you can read that very story, "the best seller of the month,” in The Indianapolis Times today.. Don't miss a single word. Start now.

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Out Hi Jo Marion County 3 Cents

TWO CENTS

HOOVER FOILS FOES’ TRAP ON FLOOD WORK Compromise Plan to Pay for Control Needs Is Given Committee. QUESTIONED BY WILLIS Secretary Urges Immediate Program: Survey of Year Proposed. BY PAUL IMAM,ON United Prris Staff Correspondent WASHINGTON, Feb. 24.-Secre-tary of Commerce Hoover presented to the Senate Interstate Commerce Committee today a compromise flood control financing scheme favored by President Coolidge. Thus he avoided the embarrassing position in which his political opponents had hoped to place him —either supporting or opposing the President's old plan of having States pay 20 per cent of control costs. The plan suggested by the President calls for a Federal commission to determine within a year how much the various flood-ridden States can pay and when. Meantime. Hoover said. Congress should authorize construction of control works, delay in which would be a calamity. The secretary was questioned fifty minutes by committee members, Including Senator Willis and Hawes, who had insisted upon his testifying.' Willis Declines Comment After the session Willis declined to comment on Hoover's testimony, saying: “That would not be nice.” Chairman Jones announced later that the committee would meet Monday to begin framing a bill. By that time it is expected Secretary of War Davis and Major General Jadwin, chief of Army engineeers, will have perfected the administration compromise measure on which they have been working several days. The Administration’s compromise j bill, drifted by General Jadwin, was submitted to the House today j through Representative Kopp ißep.), lowa, member of the House j flood control committee. | The measure carries a total of 1 $260,960,000, 80 per cent of the original appi-opriation proposed by Jadwin. “I believe the failure of action on flood legislation at this session of Congress would be a calamity not alone to the people in the flood territory, but to the counry as a whole,” said Hoover. “I need not recount to you the unprecedented character of the flood. Some 750,000 of our people were compelled to flee from their homes in jeopardy of their lives. The damage to their crops, farms and villages amounted to hundreds of millions of dollars. Problem Is Complex “It was only by the extraordinary co-operation and initiative of the people of the South with the help of the Red Cross and our Federal agencies that an enormous loss of life was prevented. The economic loss is not borne solely by Its direct victims. Evencitizen of the Nation has lost something from the destruction in the valley. “All of us realize the enormous loss and suffering and the difficulty of contribution at the present time by communities who have suffered greatly. “The whole question Is one of more complexity than might appear on the surface. It involves not only contribution and expenditure on actual construction, but involves the problems of rights of way. “Some of the works are within one levee district and yet partly for the benefit of another. Answers Hawes’ Question “The amount of money which the people in the South have already expended in construction of the existing work needs be taken into account. Losses from the last flood in its economic reaction in different communities must be studied. Hoover’s compromise plan was offered in answer to a question of Senator Hawes fDem.), Missouri, as to whether he favored the Jadwen plan of requiring States to pay 20 per cent of control costs. Hawes told Hoover the State already had paid out more than $400,000,000, and suggested it was unreasonable to expect them to pay more now. Work Needed Now Hoover had a second prepared statement ready for the expected question. “It would seem to me that the President's recent suggestion that a commission should be set up that would study all the factors and make its recommendation to Congress a year hence would be an admirable way by which to determine both the methods and do full justice in the situation,” he said. “It does not seem to me that such a plan need cause any delay for the works can be authorized and the necessary appropriations made o that the work can go forward.”