Indianapolis Times, Volume 39, Number 272, Indianapolis, Marion County, 10 March 1928 — Page 1

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NAMES MEN WHO KILLED MELLETT

WOMAN’S JAIL CROWDED; CAN HOLDNOMORE Ask Judges to Stop Sending Prisoners; Built for 144, Holds 205. RELIEF IS IMPERATIVE Institution Little Changed Since 1873; Work Farm Suggested. Judges throughout the State have been requested not to sentence more women to Indiana Woman's Prison, which is crowded almost to the point of inhumanity, Miss Margaret M. Elliott, superintendent, announced today. The prison, at Michigan and Randolph Sts., has accommodations for 144 women. It housed 205 today. One day last week there were 217. Mrs. Elliott said she had appealed to Governor Ed Jackson for relief and he is looking into the situation. It appeared likely that nothing can be done until the Legislature authorizes either construction of anew prison elsewhere or a substantial addition to the present aged structure. Oldest in World The prison is the oldest penal institution for women in the world, Indiana having blazed the way for sociologists when the institution was opened in 1873. The building stands today practically as it did then, although State population has increased enormously. “We have been compelled to set up cots between the regular beds and there is room for no more,” said Miss Elliott, “It is imperative that something be done to relieve the situation.” With the prison doors locked against prisoners, judges can continue to sentence women if they.like but sheriffs Will be' “ compelled ’to hold the women in county jails until Miss Elliott finds room for them, it w as pointed out. Work Farm Suggested Similar overcrowding has marked several of the State hospitals for the insane. At times county jails throughout the statehou.se dozens of insane persons awaiting admission to the hospitals. The psychopathic ward at city hospital was opened to relieve such a situation in Indianapolis. Recommenda ions that the State purchase a snv ,11 farm and establish thereon .*■ wrrking colony for the women prLo’iers had been made by the State board of charities, John A. Brown, the secretary said. “Steps to alleviate the present congestion at the prison must be taken.” The bill providing for the establishment of the women’s prison was passed in 1869. Since then an act has been passed providing that all prisoners having more than a thirtyday setence to serve must be sent to the women’s prison. This has imposed the strain on the accommodations.

New York Stock Opening March 10— Allied Chem 153 1 '2 Amer Can 83% Am Loco 111% Amer Steel Fd 64% Anaconda 55 % B. & 0 110% Retli Steel 159% C. F. & 1 73% Chrysler 61 % Com Products 7234. Dodge 18% Famous Players 120% Freeport 80% General Electric 132% General Motors * 160 Goodrich 82 Goodyear 56% Hudson Motor 94% Hupp Motors 43% Mack 94% Marland 3614 M,td Conti Pete 27% Mont Ward }36% N V Central 162% N Y. N H & H 62 % Nash 88% Pan-Amer Pete (B) 42% Pennsylvania 56% Packard 65% Pure Oil 22% Pullman ... 82 % Radio }}4. Rock Island 1121.’ Rears-Roebuck 87% Sinclair 21% So Pacific 119 V* S. O. California 56% S. 0., N. 39% Stew Warner 85% Studebaker 63% Texas Oil 52% Timken IJ9J* U. S. Rubber 1461a Willys-Overland 21 Yellow Truck 30% New York Curb Opening —March 10— American Gas 140 141 Aw’d Gas 47 47% Cities Service 58 58% Oont Oil 17% 17% Durant ,9% ?% Ford (Canada) 560 575 Humble Oil 63% 04 Imp Oil 58 3 b 59^8 Ohio Oil 61% 61% Prairie Oil and Gas 49 49% Prairie Pipe 209 212 Stutz 14% 15 Standard Oil, Ind 74-g Standard Oil, Kansas Ij% 16 Standard Oil. Ky 12 n ’; Vacuum OH ....142'% 143% Boys to Make Alfalfa Tests REMINGTON, Ind., March 10.— Alfalfa growing tests are to be made by fourteen Remington High School boyi on their father’s farms.

No One Wanted ‘Nobody’s Girl’, But She Battled Life Against Heavy Odds and Won—Read That Tale of Romantic Love in The Times, Starting Thursday

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The Indianapolis Times Unsettled tonight and Sunday. Probably rain. Wanner tonight, with lowest temperature above freezing.

VOLUME 39—NUMBER 272

By V nited Press COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 10.—Patrick McDermott, serving a life term in the State Penitentiary here for the murder of Don R. Mellett, editor of the Canton Daily News, has confessed that Floyd Streitenberger and Louis Mazer were the trigger men in the murder, Warden P. E. Thomas announced today. Streitenberger and Mazer are also serving sentences for complicity in the murder.

YOUNG TWIRLERS IN INDIANS’ CAMP SHOW FINE FORM

On His Way By Times Special MUNCIE. Ind.. March 10.— Mrs. Francis Brown, reporting to police an accident in which her automobile struck a man, said: “He cussed me and wouldn't tell me his name—l don't think he was hurt.”

TAXI DRIVER IS KILLEDJN CRASH Police Seek Negro Who Flees After Accident. All police were ordered to be on the lookout for Leslie Logan, Negro, janitor at 668 E. Eleventh St., wanted on a manslaughter charge as a result of an accident at TwentyFourth St. and Central Ave. early today in which James Hooper, 342 E. Norwood St., taxi driver, was killed and three persons injured. Logan’s speeding automobile crashed into Hooper's taxi, hurling the taxi approximately fifty feet and turning it over on the sidewalk, police charged. Hooper was killed instantly. Logan fled. Eight other Negroes were riding with Logan. Miss Anna Millikan. Negro, 727 W. Michigan St,. who suffered back injury: Robert West, Negro, 1218 Yandes St., a broken leg; Vertal Tall, Negro, 728 ’i W. North St., chest injuries, were sent to city hospital and held on vagrancy charges. Miss Louise Simpson. Negro, 815 Paca St., and Miss Louise Johnson, Negro, 817 Blake St., also were arrested. William Parks, 1954 Bellefontaine St., motorman on a Lexington Ave. car, was seriously injured and three street cars damaged badly shortly after midnight when Parks' car crashed into the rear of a Prospect car at Meridian and Georgia Sts., forcing the Prospect car into an English Ave. car. There were no passengers on the cars. Parks was taken to city hospital. Wilbert Spivey, 16. of 429 E. Michigan St,, whose bicycle was struck by a hit-and-run motorists at Ohio and Noble Sts. Friday night, is in city hospital suffering with a broken collar bone. BUY CAR FOR NOTABLE Noted visitors will be shown the city in anew seven-pasenger Marmon sedan, bought by the board of works Friday, according to Oren S. Hack, works board president. In the past the city has not had a suitable automobile to use on such occasions, Hack said. The Marmon will be available for the works and safety boards, plan commission and legal department for city business.

GENERAL MOTORS UP TO 160 IN TRADING

NEW YORK, March 10.—General Motors crossed over to 160 In the early trading on the Stock Exchange today for the first time in history. No reduction was seen in the enthusiastic buying of this stock, which has generated one of the widest bull movements ever witnessed on the exchange. The Street now talks of a goal of 200 for the issue. The first sale of General Motors did not appear on the tickers until eleven minutes after the market

HANDCUFFS PART BOY FROM BRIDE IN WEDDING BEFORE ALTAR OF JUSTICE

BY MILDRED SCHOEN “XirrHOM God hath joined toVV gether let no man put asunder.” Familiar words. But not often followed by the ominous click of handcuffs being fitted to a lean, boyish wrist. No soft lights—no flowers—only the cold north light streaming through the high window’s of the judge’s chambers in Criminal Court. A great human problem had been decided and Leonard Wilson.

Betzel Enthused With Performances of Swetonic and Boone. BY EDDIE ASH Timos Sports Editor PLANT CITY, Fla, March 10.— Improved form over last year displayed by Pitchers Swetonic and Boone during the current training of the Indians has moved Manager Betzel to wax enthusiastic, Swetonic picked up ten pounds over winter and he is not the frail twirier of days gone by. He classes as a smart ball player and Betzel believes the Pittsburgh youth is in for a good season. Swetonic memorizes what batters can or cannot hit and seldom makes the same mistake twice when doing mound duty. And he is swift on his feet and an excellent fielder. Just at present "Steve” looks as good as anybody in the Tribe spring training camp. Danny Boone, the Ohio lad, seems to have better speed than last year and the Indian bosses are confident he will come through to fulfill the promise he showed in the fall of 1926 when the club purchased him from Terre Haute. Danny has a sharp curve and all he needs in order to advance is more zip on his fast ball. He says his arm feels stronger than last spring and he confidently expects to return north next month ready to take a regular turn on the Tribe mound. Expert coaching by Johnny Corrtden certainly is helping the young twirlers camped at. Plant City. Johnny stands behind them when they pitch and corrects errors In their work. The Indians were to get another double drill today, winding up with a practice game between the divided squad. They will remain idle Sunday and on Monday open their exhibition schedule at Auburndale in a struggle with the Baltimore Internationals. Twelve contests will be staged while the team is in Florida and five m Indianapolis after the squad breaks camp at Plant City. Friday’s workout was the longest and hardest of the spring for the Indians. The pastimers took batting drill both morning and afternoon and nearly every pitcher here toiled on the mound. More summer weather prevailed Friday, with the heat more intense in the morning than in the afternoon. It was boiling hot a few hours. Fault has been found with Shortstop Warstlers throwing on fast plays, and much time is being given the lad in an effort to overcome the weakness. He is inclined to throw the ball into the dirt after the brilliant slops he often makes. The Rabbit is heavier than last season, but is as last ever ever. Hourly Temperatures 6 a. m.... 30 9 a. m.... 31 7 a. m.... 31 10 a. m.... 31 8 a. m.... 29

opened. The stock opened three ways due to the gigantic amount of orders piling up over night. The opening was 20,000 shares at 160; 5,000 shares at 160 Vi, and 100 shares at 160 3 i, up %, 1 A and 1 point, respectively. The first transactions involving 25,100 shares Involved an outlay of $3,017,225. A sale of Radio Corporation at the opening was made at 114, up 6t4 points. This involved 25,000 shares or $2,750,000.

19, walked haltingly away from his young bride Friday afternoon to return to tils cell in the county jail. Today Wilson was to return to Criminal Court to hear a sentence that may keep him away from his wife from one to ten years. When he walks out again from the shadow of the high walls of the Indiana State Reformatory, there will be a child waiting with the young wife whose love was greater than her fear of the fu-

INDIANAPOLIS, SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 1928

LIFER, CAOGHT IN 0. S. CHASE, FLEES PRISON Murderer of Policeman in Sensational Cleveland Case Escapes. OHIO GUARD SUSPENDED Whitfield Given Inside Aid, Taken Away in Auto, Officials Believe. United Press OHIO STATE PENITENTIARY. Columbus, Ohio, March 10.—John j L. Whitfield, life prisoner sentenced I from Cleveland in 1923 for the murI der of a Cleveland policeman, escaped over the wall here last night, ! Warden R. E. Thomas announced today. ! Thomas said he found Whitfield's i prison clothing hidden in a dormij tor}'The manner of Whitfield's escape ! and the delay in discovery of his ' absence led police to believe he was | assisted both from the outside and s Inside of the prison, j It was thought that after he • scaled the wall, he was picked up i in a waiting automobile. Following investigation by offl- | cials today. Oren Hill, guard assigned to Whitfield's dormitory, was | suspended. ! The investigation was continued to determine whether other guards i were implicated. Whitfield was conI victed of the murder. May 11. 1923, | of a Cleveland policeman, who ari rested him on a minor charge. Fol- | lowing the arrest he asked to be taken home. | He went, accompanied by an officer. Both disappeared and the body of the policeman was found a few days later in a shallow’ grave near Cleveland. A nation-wide search was made before 'Whitfield was captured in Detroit, tried and sentenced to life imprisonment. Sought All Over Nation CLEVELAND, Ohio. March 10.— John L. Whitfield, 43, Negro convict, who escaped from tire State penitentiary at Columbus early Friday, was perhaps the most sought after criminal in the nation after the murder of Policeman Dennis Griffin here in May, 1923. The hunt covered a score of States and finally wound up In Detroit, where Whitfield was arrested after he had taken a Job in a lumber yard. Once he w f as arrested in Madison. Wis.. but with the aid of a passing street car. which he used as a screen, after breaking away from police, he managed to escape. In 1923, Whitfield was placed under surveillance of Cleveland police when he was suspected of implication in spark plug thefts. On the morning of May 11, Whitfield was placed under arrest by Policeman Griffin, who first took him to his home, at Whitfield's request. Two days later, the nude body of Griffin was found in a shallow grave on the outskirts of Cleveland. Ashes of his uniform and a police club were found near by with the shovel that had been used to dig his grave. As the hunt for Whitfield began, authorities discovered he had maintained two homes here and that a young girl, Marie Price, with whom he had kept company, was missing. At the same time it developed Whitfield had drawn his funds from a downtown bank. It developed later that after the killing he had nonchalantly driven back to Cleveland, picked up the girl, withdrawn his money, and had fled before police succeeded in picking up his trail. The next heard of him was from Toledo, where he was reported to have stopped for breakfast with the girl. In his escape, he continued to pose as a spark plug salesman. Seek Cincinnati Bandits Here Police today were asked to be on the lookout for two men, believed to be on their way to Indianapolis, who held up a bank in Cincinnati, Ohio, and escaped with an undetermined amount of silver money.

ture. Someone else will be waiting, too—Wilson's elderly aunts—to whom he has been as a son since he was orphaned at the age of 2. a a a WHEN at Wilson’s trial about two weeks ago. a girl of 18 appeared and announced herself as the young man’s sweeetheart and an expectant mother, social workers were confronted with the problem of branding the child as illegitimate or as the child of an habitual criminal.

Waiting for St. Patrick

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NEA to? Angeles Bureau. It's only a week to St. Patrick's day, and here’s one girl who's ready. Nancy Carroll, of pure Irish descent, and star in “Abie's Irish Rose” of the movies, is shown with an unusual use of the shamrock as hat and shoulder decoration.

COOLIDGE SIGNS ALIEN CLAIMS BILL

Fright Kills By Times Special RENSSELAER. Ind., March 10.—" Death by fright” was the coroner's verdict in the case of Mrs. Rosie Richmond, who died shortly after a knock at the door of a bedroom in which she and her husband were sleeping at their home in Gibson Township. A passing motorist seeking a gasoline supply for his automobile knocked at the door.

PERJURY CASE UP Trial of ‘Drugless Physician’ to Open Today. Trial of Otis J. Briggs, 235 St. Joseph St., former head of the College of Drugless Physicians, on a charge of subornation of perjury, was to open today in Marion Criminal Court. Briggs is charged with aiding Henrietta Sing of Greensburg in swearing to an affidavit to obtain a State license to practice, after attending his school. The affidavit was false, the State will attempt to show. The Sing woman, who at that time posed as a Hindu magic worker, is now serving a 30-day sentence in Greensburg for practicing without a license. Briggs is also under Federal indictment for operating a “diploma mill” in his Indianapolis College of Drugless Physicians. FOLLOWS COP TO JAIL BALTIMORE, Md., March 10.— Curiosity killed the cat, but it cost Sylvester J. Shure, $2.45. After being directed to a street car by Patrolman Greiner, Shure insisted in shadowing the copper all over his beat. “Where you go, I go too,” Shure told Greiner. Greiner happened to be going to the station, so he took Shure along and the judge fined the would-be Sherlock $2.45.

Wilson readily admitted paternally and expressed a sincere desire to have the marriage ceremony performed even after he and the girl had been told that the circumstances would not affect his sentence. This was not Wilson’s first sentence. He has served two terms on the Indiana State Farm, and the last offense is vehicle taking, in spite of the fact that the devoted aunt had bought him an automobile. Confronted with the problem of

Authorizes Settlement for Properties Seized During War. By United Press WASHINGTON, March 10.— President Coolidge signed the Alien property bill today. The President made no comment on signing the bill, although he was represented Friday as being dissatisfied with certain riders attached to it which raised the ; salaries of legislative drafting clerks and certain treasury officials. The bill now a law provides for settlement of claims resulting from American seizure of alien property during the war. It provides full payment of claims less than SIOO,000 and in claims above that amount it provides for 80 per cent payment now and the remainder later. It authorizes payment of $100,000,000 for seized German vessels, but only $50,000,000 of this can be paid this year. The bill provides for the immediate return of 80 per cent of the German property, the remaining 20 per cent to be retained until settlement of claims by American citizens resulting from the World War. Austrian and Hungarian properties under the bill would be returned when those countries make arrangements for American claims payments. HOSPITAL BARS PATIENT Bloomington Boy With Smallpox and Appendicitis Treated at Home. By United Press BLOOMINGTON, Ind., March 10. —Stricken with appendicitis while ill with smallpox, Wallace Hanson, 8, son of Mr. and Mrs. Milliard Hanson was denied admission to a hospital on account of the contagious disease. He underwent the operation at his home. Dr. J. E. Moser, performed the operation, assisted by Dr. J W. Wiltshire and Dr. Ray Borland. The j appendix had broken doctors said, | but the boy's condition was reported as favorable today.

the expected child's future and the possibility of the marriage not lasting, welfare workers debated the question from every angle. They were loathe to see a marriage carried through when the chance of a speedy divorce seemed about ten to one. Then there was the added doubt of the future security of a child who must be branded at best. They were hampered by past experience, regard for conventions and wondered if any good could come of such a union.

Entered as Second-Class Matter at Postoffice, Indianapolis

GALE HOLDS RESCUE FLEET HELPLESS IN RACE TO SAVE 263 ABOARD GROUNDED SHIP Water PouriHg > in Through Hold of Steamer, Imperilling Lives of Passengers and Crew on Reef Mile Off Coast. RADIO IS SILENT SINCE MIDNIGHT Vessel Goes on Rocks in Worst Blizzard of Year; Coast Guardsmen Succeed in Effort to Launch Surf Boat. BULLETIN By 1 itnes Special BOSTON, March 10.—The Navy Department reported that the work of removing passengers from the wrecked steamship Robert E. Lee had started and that more than a score of persons had been taken to shore. BY LAWRENCE WRAY United Press Staff Correspondent MANOMET POINT, Mass., March 10.—A motley fleet of coast guard vessels fought its way to the side of tlie BostonNew York steamship Robert E. Uee today in the hope of saving the 263 passengers and crew whose lives were imperilled when the ship was driven hard and fast upon the jagged rocks of Mary Ann Reef. Water was pouring in through the steamer's hold. A seventy-mile an hour snow-laden gale blew the 5,000-ton ship off her course at 8 p. m. Friday. After several unsuccessful attempts coast guardsmen launched a surf boat at 8:45 a. m. today. It could be seen several hundred feet off short. The sea still was very rough. Officers felt confident it would reach the stranded vessel, although a rescue of any passengers was questionable owing to the heavy sea. It was not believed the passengers could be taken off this forenoon.

CLAIMS UPHAM BURNED BOOKS Ire Hipsley Testifies in Senate Oil Quiz. BY FALL R. MALLON I’ntted Pros* Staff Correspondent WASHINGTON, March 10.—The late Fred W. Upham, treasurer of the Republican national committee, destroyed his books just before the Republican national convention of 1924, his secretary, Irl Hipsley, told the Senate Teapot Dome committee today. Before Hipsley took the stand Senator Walsh of Montana announced that A. V. Leonard of Chicago, wanted as a witness, had notified the committee that he will appear Tuesday. Process servers previously had been unable to find him. Hipsley told the committee that Upham “decided the books were of no further value.” “Inasmuch as he was not going to be treasurer of the committee any more, he ordered all his books destroyed, except card index system, Hipsley said. He added he may have handled Continental Trading Company bonds for Upham, but could not recall. He handled all of Rpham's securities. but could not be certain Will H. Hays had turned over $60,000 of the bonds in Noevmber or De- : cember, 1923. PICK DORSETT JUDGE < M’Master to Preside: Young Named in Moore Trial. Attorney William McMastcr was chosen as special judge for the bribery trial of Councilman Walter R. Dorsett in Criminal Court today. Howard S. Young was chosen for trial of Councilman Boynton J. Moore, set for next Thursday. The State struck off Municipal Judge Dan V. White and the defense, Attorney Homer Elliott.

THE matter was decided on the obviously honest wish of the two to marry. Friday in Judge Collins’ chambers the ceremony took place in the presence of the girl's father and brother, Wilson's two aunts, the girl’s employer, welfare workers on the case and a few court attaches. “It may be the turning point in his life,” say the welfare workers. "At any rate, the child has a father and the girl will be taken care of until he comes back.”

NOON

Outside Marlon County 3 Cents

TWO CENTS

Among craft standing by in the -rough seas to give aid. Uliotild Ihe Leo’s position become worse, were the minesweepers Falcon and Mallard, the Navy tender Buslmell and the Coast Guard vessels, Tusearora and Redwing. Direct communication with the grounded ship ceased at midnight. At that hour the Robert E. Lee's rapidly fading radio signals indicated she was in no immediate danger, although her engines were ! water-logged. Her main radio set had been paralyzed by the force of impact when she struck the rocks. Aground Mile Off Shore Removal of the 150 passengers, who had left Boston at 5 p. m. Friday expecting to reach New York at 8 a. m. today, awaited abatement of the gale. The rocks on which the Robert i E. Lee went aground are about a ! mile off Manomet Point, six miles I below Plymouth on the inside oi ; Cape Cod Bay. At this point, howj ever, the bay is approximately I twenty-five miles wide. Captain H. W. Robinson, of the j Eastern Steamship Lines, in charge of the ship, is believed to have been attempting to steer a course as close as possible to shore to avoid ! the fury of the storm. I The coast guard station here recognized the ships peril and atj tempted to warn her by signal lights | as she nosed down the coast. The warning was too late. The Robert | E. Lee already was last upon the j rocks, and in a few minutes her ! emergency radio set above decks | was flashing out the first of the ! S. O. S. calls. Fleet of Busses Waiting k several thirty-foot life boats put j out from Manomet Point, but were driven back by mountainous waves. From the shore the lights of the Lee could be seen through the storm. Attempts to communicate with the ship by signal lights failed. Apparently the night-was so thick that the crew of the Lee could not sec the onshore lights. Once the vicious wind and snow storm abates, the passengers and crew may be taken off in small groups, perhaps twenty-live at a time. A fleet of busses was reported to be waiting at Boston for word that the passengers were being taken ashore. The busses would then proceed to Plymouth or Manomet Point. Late messages from the Lee indicated that her passengers wera calm and comfortable and the crew of 113 all had escaped injuries and would be able to assist in transferring passengers to another ship. In good weather the coastwise course between Boston and New York orders no more dangers than a Mississippi River trip. From Boston down to Plymouth the ships are exposed to the open sea, but the coast is dotted with lighthouses and the vessels are seldom beyond sight of 'and.