Indianapolis Times, Volume 39, Number 312, Indianapolis, Marion County, 26 April 1928 — Page 1

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WATSON HITS AT MELLON BY TAX BjLL VOTE Reverses 4-Year Position on Auto Levy, Sides With Democrats. MOVE OF RETALIATION Works for Defeat Because of Mills’ Plan to Speak for Hoover Here. BY RAY TUCKER WASHINGTON, April 26.—Senator Watson of Indiana has seized upon such an important administration measure as the tax reduction bill to retaliate against Secretary Mellon for the latter’s refusal to prevent Under Secretary Ogden L. Mills from speaking for Herbert Hoover in the Senator’s State. Within a few hours after he had warned Mellon that he could carry the fight to the Treasury head unless Mills was kept out of Indiana, Watson reversed his four-year position on the automobile levy and sided with the committee Democrats In voting for its repeal. Asa result, the Coolidge-Mellon demand that this tax be retained may be defeated by a close vote in the Senate. For four years Watson has helped to block every effort to eliminate this tax, but last Thursday he surprised his colleagues by publicly announcing a change of heart. Gives No Explanation He 'gave no explanation that satisfied Administration spokesmen, and his course mystified Democrats and Republicans alike until they heard of his heated interview with the Secretary of the Treasury. Though Watson is said to have told friends Mellon had agreed to ask Mills to keep out of the Indiana primary, the Senator’s action on the tax bill is taken to indicate he did not get much satisfaction at the Treasury. Washington does not expect Mellon or Coolidge to take any public notice of the Watson switch, but it is pointed out that he can hardly run as a stand-by-the-President candidate in the Hoosier contest. Thus the impression ! may get abroad that a vote for Watson is a vote to repudiate Coolidge, and the kind of fight Watson hoped to stave off by pleading with Mellon to keep Mills out may be the result. The committee would not have reported in favor of repeal but for Watson’s vote. Threat to Mellon It is understood that Senator King, Democrat, voted with the Republicans, Watson and Couzens with the Democrats. This made the count 11 to 10. The committee consists of 11 Republicans and 9 Democrats. Had Watson not flopped, the result would have been a tie. Thus the Hoosier statesman carried out his threat to Mellon, which was “I want to warn you that if you’re going to fight it out along this line, I’ll fight it out on this basis from now until convention time.” This is Watson’s second desertion of the Administration on a major measure. He made the opening speech on behalf of the McNary-Haugen bill, even taking precedence over Senator McNary, and with Vice President Dawes. He was one of the few who engineered it through to passage and possibly a hoped-for veto by Coolidge. Similar Tactics Before In 1924, Watson pursued similar tactics against Mellon for the latter’s refusal to appoint Bert Thurman, now his campaign manager, as Indiana’s prohibition commissioner. As chairman of the special Senate committee appointed to investigate the Internal Revenue Department, Watson let the inquiry lapse while negotiations for Thurman’s appointment were on. When this failed, he secretly sponsored Couzens’s renewed demand for the investigation, but resigned with public avowal of his administration sympathy. His maneuverings were understood clearly at the Treasury and White House, however, and it is said that Mellon, unlike Watson’s Senate colleagues was not surprised at Watson’s original announcement cn the auto levy or his committee vote. ADMITS TRYING TO ROB Negro Says He Needed Money to Attend Mother’s Funeral. When Joseph Summers, 19, Negro, Bowling Green, Ky„ was captured by the emergency squad trying to enter the Green Garage, 1431 N. Illinois St., early today, he said he was trying to get money to return to Kentucky for his mother’s funeral. Lieut. Fred Drinkut and his men surrounded the garage and Patrolman Harry Nagelsien found Summers hiding. He is being questioned regarding several recent burglaries in the vicinitl. He had formerly worked at the garage, but was discharged Tuesday. Hourly Temperatures •a. m.... 35 10 a. m .47 la. m.... 38 11 a. m 48 IS a. m.... 40 12 (noon).. 50 9 a. m.... 45

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The Indianapolis Times Increasing cloudiness, probably with showers tonight Friday; not much change in temperature.

VOLUME 39—NUMBER 312

Dead Dud ‘Corpse’ Gets Up and Runs When Coroner, Police Arrive.

A “dead” man came to life today when police and a city hospital ambulance, with one corpse already inside, drove up in front of a rooming house at 317 E. Vermont St. Called to a rooming house at 418 E. Ohio St., operated by Mrs. J. B. Peitz, police found Charles Fries, 35, relatives unknown, dead in a chair in his room. Mrs. Peitz had found Fries when she entered his room to clean it this morning. Coroner C. H. Keever pronounced death due to natural causes and a city hospital ambulance was called to take the body to city morgue. In the meantime a call had come to police headquarters that there was a dead man at the E. Vermont St. address, and the operator at headquarters relayed the call to the police at the Ohio St. rooming house. Police and coroner went directly to the Vermont St. rooming house with the ambulance. There Mrs. Mary Gayer, taking care of the place in the absence of the proprietress, led them to a room of the “dead” man. She had shaken him vigorously when she went into the room to clean it, and he showed no signs of life, she said. Police gave a few shakes, preparatory to removing the corpse to the morgue. The “dead” man jumped up, pointed to his ears, and ran. Police learned from other roomers that the man is deaf. BANK ROBBERS FLEE AT HOME Several Thousand Dollars Form Loot. By United Press HOWE, Ind., April 26.—Entering the Howe State Bank in the midst of a directors’ meeting today * bandits, heavily armed, lined directors, bank employes and three customers against a wall, rifled the cash boxes and escaped in an automobile. The exact amount of the loot was not known, pending a check, but bank officials announced that it would amount to several thousand dollars. A posse immed'’ately was organized and started in pursuit of the bandits. The posses determined that the robbers had passed through Shipshewana and had changed automobiles before reaching that town. Bank officials reported that, although the loot probably would run into the thousands, the bandits in their haste overlooked several thousand dollars in paper money in one compartment of a cash box.

Basket Baby Bit United Press ANNAPOLIS, Md„ April 26. —A motorist narrowly missed a market basket in the middle of the road here Wednesday night. Stopping, he found in it a blue-eyed, dimpled girl, aged 6 days, in expensive embroidered baby clothes. Authorities, suspecting the child was deliberately left in the path of automobiles, are searching for the parents.

BRIDGE PARKWAY URGED BY SLACK

Acquisition of property abutting the Delaware St. bridge at Fall Creek on the north was urged by Mayor L. Ert Slack in a letter today to the park board. Slack proposed purchase of the two blocks south of Thirty-Eighth St. between Talbott Ave. and Washington Blvd., to develop a wide ap-

DRY AGENTS ON RAID 5 Places Visited in Miami and Wabash Counties. Liquor raids were conducted today in Miami and Wabash counties by five Federal dry agents under George L. Winkler, deputy dry administrator. Agents held arrest warrants for John Kenworth, poolrom operator at Peru, and his employe, Tom Emory; Sam Cash, confectioner, Peru; Clarence Simpson, living five miles northeast of Peru; Mary Griffith, Peru, and “Irish” O’Brien, Wabash. Under-cover agents who procured evidence reported the 12-year-old son of Simpson, in the presence of several younger children, served them drinks of “white mule,” then drank a large glass of the fiery potion himself.

RELIEF PLANE TAKES FLIERS FROM ISLAND Ocean Airmen May Make One Stop, Then Hop to New York. HURRY FOR FUNERAL Crew of German Craft Hope to Attend Bennett Last Rites. By United Press NEW YORK, April 28.—Baron Von Huenefeld, Capt. Hermann Koehl and Maj. James Fitzmaurice will attend the funeral of Floyd Bennett in Washington, Friday, provided they arrive here early enough, Grover A. Whalen, chairman of Mayor Walker’s reception committee, said he had been informed today. Bremen Left Behind By United Press MURRAY BAY, Quebec, April 26. —Leaving behind them the Junkers plane Bremen, which carried them across the Atlantic from Ireland, the German fliers, Baron Huenefeld and Koehl, and their Irish comrade, Major Fitzmaurice, flew from Greenly Island today in a trimotored plane piloted by Bemt Balchen. The relief plane took off at 7:45 a. m. The plane presumably also carried Dr. Louis Cuisinier, technical expert, and C. J. V. Murphy, reporter of the New York World. The destination of Balchen’s plane was not announced, but it was considered almost certain that it would land at Seven Islands or Murray Bay, Quebec, as an intermediate stop on its way to New York. The better landing field for the plane, which is equipped with skiis, would be Lake St. Agnes at Murray Bay, a distance of approximately 645 miles. It was estimated the plane, carrying Capt Herman Koehl, Baron von Huenfeld and Maj. James Fitzmaurice, the crew of the Bremen, as well as the members of the New York World relief expedition, would reach Lake St Agnes between 4 and 5 p. m. Quebec Honors Bennett* By United Press QUEBEC, April 26.—'While his great Ford tri-motored plane winged .its way up the St. Lawrence valley carrying the air companions he strove to save, Floyt' Bennett’s body was started on th • road to Arlington national cemetery today, to rest among America’s honored dead. Simple funeral services were said at Jeffrey Hale Hospital for Bennett, victim of pneumonia after he had flown the Ford plane from Detroit to St. Agnes, en route to the stranded German-Irish fliers on Greenly Island. Planes flew overhead, their motors’ whirring a dirge for a martyred fellow flier. Governor-General, Viscount Willingdon, of Canada, sent a representative while American Consul Dennison of Quebec did America’s homage. A martial touch was lent by a detachment of the Twenty-Second Regiment. Flags were at half mast on the garrison and city hall. Commander Richard E. Byrd and Mrs. Bennett attended the simple chapel service.

proach and parkway on the north side of the bridge. The Mayor expressed the view that additional property be acquired south of the bridge to enlarge the approach. He voiced disapproval of issuing permits to erect filling stations or other business structuies on the corner properies. Asked $5,000; Given $750 By United Press TERRE HAUTE, Ind., April 26. Opal V. Dunn, plaintiff in a $5,000 damage suit against Louis Ott, Company, for personal injuries received when she was struck by a car driven by the defendant, was awarded $750 by a Superior Court jury.

THOUSANDS FLEE HOMES IN SOUTH AS FLOOD WATERS POUR OVER RIVER BANKS

Bn United Press ATLANTA, Ga., April 26.—Additional thousands of families fled their homes today as weather bureau officials predicted further rises in southeastern rivers, already at flood stage. Entire communities in the Tombigbee River valley of Alabama sought higher ground. That river became the most menacing of the swollen streams. A major portion of the rich cotton lands in Sumter, Choctaw and Marengo counties is under water

INDIANAPOLIS, THURSDAY, APRIL, 26,1928

Youngsters Aid in Clean-up Week

BEACH MOURNS IG* .• FOR LOCKHART / !bly 1 to Angeles

BEACH MOURNS FORJDCKHART Daytona Flags Half-Mast for Driver. Bn I nited Press BEACH, Fla., April 26.—Daytona Beach—center of the automobile speed world—was in mourning today for Frank Lockhart, 25-year-old race driver, who was killed Wednesday in an attempt to set anew world's record. All flags were at half-mast by proclamation of Mayor E. H. Armstrong. F. E. Moskovics, president of the Stutz Motor Company, was expected here today to take charge of funeral arrangements. The body probably will be sent to Los Angeles for burial.

Mad (K)night By United Press MILWAUKEE. April 26 Mrs. Evelyn Hoepfl filed suit for divorce here today, charging that her husband August removed the coverings off her bed one night to wrap them about his sweetheart, who had come home with him from a party. Mrs. Hoepf! charged the only wearing apparel he ever bought her was two pairs of stockings, which he later took away to give them to the other woman.

COOLIDGE SIFTS BILL May Act Within Day on Flood Control. Bit United Prcnn WASHINGTON, April 2G.—President Coolidge is studying the House changes in the Senate's flood control bill, and will submit a memorandum to Congress, probably tomorrow, outlining his suggestions for additional changes in the bill while it is before the conferees, Chairman Jones of the Senate Commerce Committee said today. Jones made his statement after conferring with the President. He said he anticipated little difficulty among flood bill conferees in whipping the measure into shape for presentation to Mr. Coolidge. Asked if he expected the President to sign the measure, Jones said, “It is tremendously important legislation and on that general principle I believe the President will sign, even though in some respects the measure does not conform to his opinions ” UPDIKE BACK IN CITY Returns From Washington to Push His Campaign. Ralph E. Updike, Seventh district Congressman, returned from Washington today to push his campaign for renomination on the Republican ticket against a field of six opponents. Updike was to speak tonight before the Indiana Woman's Republican Club at the Columbia Club, and at neighborhood meetings at 2337 Baltimore Ave. and 2443 Arsenal Ave.

and a further rise of ten feet was predicted before Monday. More than 5,000 were homeless and several thousand others ready to evacuate their homes in northwest Florida, where flood waters of the Chocowatchee River have taken six lives and caused property and crop damage estimated at more than $5,000,000. Thirty houses were washed away at Century, Fla., by the swollen Escambia River. Although further rises were reported in the Ocmulgee and Oconee Rivers, little additional

Youngsters are playing an important part in the Junior Chamber of Commerce's effort to have Indianapolis scrubbed and refurbished during “Clean -Up Week.” Above, left to right, are George Onstott, Philip Dalrymple and Leon Shaw, members of a committee from the Civic Club of Public School 9, Vermont and

PERJURY CHARGE MAY HIT STEWART

Senate Commtitee Orders Study of His Testimony in Oil Case. Bn t nited Press WASHINGTON, April 26.—An order was adopted by the Senate today directing the United States attorney here to inspect the Teapot Dome testimony of Chairman Robert W. Stewart of the Standard Oil Company of Indiana, with a view to seeking his indictment for perjury. This action was taken after Chairman Nye of the Teapot Dome committee had compared Stewart with Benedict Arnold, and Senator Norris. Republican (.Neb.) had said Stewart is “either a fool or a crook and everybody knows he is not a fool.” The order contained a report of Stewart’s testimony before the Teapot Dome committee on Feb. 1 and April 24. It carried a statement that the record was transmitted “with a view to having the district attorney determine if Stewart should not be presented to a Federal grand jury on a charge of perjury.” A second order w r as adopted vacating the Senate’s arrest of Stewart, effected Feb. 3, because of refusal to answer questions on his first appearance. The second order carried two amendments specifically directing that the later contempt Indictment in the Federal courts here be prosecuted vigorously. A protest was sounded by Senators Nye, Norris, Glass and Heflin against an original proposal submitted by Senator Walsh, Montana. Walsh would not have mentioned the pending indictment nor specified the reason why the Senate was sending the record of Stewart’s testimony to the United States attorney. The suggestion of perjury prosecution was adopted in an amend-

damage was expected, as the course they traverse to the Gulf is uninhabited swamp land. Cotton fields and melon patches in Georgia lay deep under silt and damage was expected to run into millions of dollars. The Alabama river at Montgomery was rising steadily, threatening communities below. It was believed, however, the crest would be reached today—probably forty-eight feet. After forty-eight hours under six feet of water, Brewton, Ala., gradually was assuming normalcy

Davidson Sts., who have the job of inspecting yards of pupils. Below is Dick Naylor, park board employe, contributing his bit by setting out some of the 13,000 pansy, English daisy and forget-me-not plants with which D- D. Morris of the Garfield Park greenhouse is beautifying University Square.

Hard-Hearted Bn l nited Prefin NEW YORK, April 26 Police Sergeant Patrick McGuire shattered a long-stand-ing suicide theory when he shot himself through the heart, was still alive and then put two more bullets into his heart. The policeman still had strength enough to shoot himself through the brain. Then he died.

ment proposed by Glass and accepted by Walsh. A provision that the Senate insist on Stewart’s prosecution “for the offense he committed against the Senate” was adopted as offered by Heflin. The Senate’s action was unanimous. Senator Glass (Dem.), Virginia, said Stew’art's testimony clearly indicated he had "lied to protect his partner in crime, Sinclair.” ITALIA LEAVES SUNDAY Nobile Plans to Resume Polar Flight in Dirigible STOLP, Germany, April 26.—General Umberto Nobile has decided to start for Spitzbergen Sunday, If weather permits in his polar airship, Italia. At Spitzbergen, he will make final preparations for his flight across the North Pole. STATE APPOINTEE QUITS Harvey Cushman Resigns From Post in School Department. Roy P. Wisehart, superintendent of public instruction, today announced that Harvey Cushman, auditor in the State aid department of Wisehart’s office, had resigned. The resignation is effective Monday.

today as the Escambia receded. The flood menace was somewhat alleviated in Misissippi as the Peal and Upper Tombigbee held their level. Railroads today sought to repair broken telegraph lines and replace roadbeds and bridges swept away by the waters. Scores of highways throughout the six States still were under water and traffic virtually was at a standstill. Flood .waters In Arkansas were moving steadily toward the Mississippi.

Entered as Second-Class Matter at Postoffice. Indianapolis

WAlfi, ON STAND, DENIES HE KNEW WEAVER FORO NOTES TO GIVE HIM CASH Never Had Knowledge of Other Frauds, Former G. 0. P. Chairman Declares;, Admits He Overdrew Accounts. FLUSTERED BY WARD’S BATTERING Witness Grows Confused as U. S. Attorney Pounds at Him; Dramatic Scene as Ex-Banker Testifies. BY CHARLES E. CARLL Times Staff Correspondent FT. WAYNE, Ind., April 26.—Clyde A. Walb, former Republican State chairman, today began his effort, to fight his way to freedom through a mass of evidence of defalcations from a small town bank which Government witnesses have heaped upon him in Federal Court here in the last three days. Since Valentine D. Weaver, former president of the First National Bank of La Grange, Ind., suddenly switched his plea to guilty Wednesday afternoon, Walb, former vice president of the bank, has stood alone in the trial upon charges of violation of and conspiracy to violate the national banking law. The Government rested Wednesday afternoon. Walb went on the stand this morning, as his attorneys were preparing a motion for an instructed verdict to be presented when the defense rests.

He denied in detail statements of Weaver that he knew Weaver had forged notes to cover the sums he took out of the bank’s assets and handed over to Walb to help Walb in various financial difficulties. The former State chairman said he heard rumors of forgeries in the bank before June, but could get no satisfaction about the matter from Weaver, who said everything was in good shape. Showdown Demanded He said at a directors’ meeting, June 25, 1927. he demanded that Weaver bring in all bad paper and Weaver did so, placing it in groups, admitting that it was forged, and setting out about $23,000 worth that Weaver claimed went to Walb. “There was another group that he said went to his company, the Better Service Company,” Walb said. “I asked him why he didn't tell me about his taking care of me and he didn’t answer. “I never knew of any other notes than those that he brought out that time until I came to the trial in this court. I never advised him to execute any notes for my benefit. He said the total of all forged paier in the bank was $70,000. Promise to Give Security “I told the board it was the first I knew of it. and I would be there two days later with legitimate security.” Walb said he was there with bonds and other notes to take the place of those that Weaver claimed were his. He said among the security was a note from Jack Lewis, collector of the State Republican committee. Walb asserted he entered the bank as stockl older and director in 1919 at Weaver’s request. He testified that in last four years he was In La Grange only one-fourth of his time. He stated that although his construction business was profitable, it was necessary to borrow money. He said much of his time was spent at Republican headquarters. “I overdrew my accounts several times in the last few years,” Walb admitted. “I talked to Weaver and other officers about overdrafts while waiting for money on construction business, and sent memorandums to the bank.”

Saw Note Signed Walb admitted he prepared a note of $12,000 and that he saw Emil Thewes and Neil Johnson sign the note. They have denied signing the note, paying they were in Florida. Walb testified they signed it before going to Florida. He said when they signed it the amount had not been filled in. The note was to raise money for his company. On cross-examination by Ward, Walb continued denying forgeries. Ward hammered question after question into the witness. As this continued, Walb became nervous and irritated. He ran his hands through his hair, talked fast and loud, and kept changing his position in the chair. Ward brought admission from Walb that his personal and company overdrafts would be on bank records. Ward then had Walb read entries for several months on overdrafts, getting the defendant to admit all were correct. Jurors smiled at this procedure. Walb admitted he knew Weaver was furnishing from $29,000 to $Bl,500 a month to him, but. denied knowing the money came from the bank. Weaver went on the stand for the Government after pleading guilty, and told how he and Walb arranged to forge names of wealthy citizens in and around La Grange to hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of notes to cover up advances of money to Walb, some of Walb’s companies and Weaver. The defense Is attempting to show that most of the forgeries were negotiated without Walb’s

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knowledge and that when Walb did find out that forgeries had been perpetrated he made efforts to straighten things out. Frank J. Dunten, La Grange attorney, and John W. Hanan, former Federal judge, took the stand Wednesday afternoon in Walb’s defense, explaining that a statement signed by Weaver Vas for the purpose of breaking down rumors that were in circulation about the bank’s condition in 1927, so Walb could gather $50,000 for his construction business. Denies It’s His Statement Weaver, in his testimony, said the statement produced in court was not the one he had signed. Hanan and Dunten said it was, and that Weaver read it over two or three times and finally approved it. The defense plans completion of its case by tonight, which, if there are no hitches, will place the case before the jury late Friday. Closing arguments by Defense Attorney Humor Elliott and prosecution counsel will oe made Friday, it is expected, along with the instructions of Federal Judge Walter Lindley. The Government rested Its case shortly after 4 o’clock Wednesday. This was done after Weaver testified. He was the last of forty witnesses for the Government. Just as Silas D. Weaver, brother .of the defendant, who Walb called “Valty,” when discussing forgeries and false entries with him, completed testifying, Weaver’s attorneys announced their client would change his plea to guilty. Weaver Sways and Nods In answer to the court's question directed at Weaver, the defendant came slowly to his feet and nodded assent to his attorneys’ remarks. He swayed slightly from side to side, gripping the table for support. Immediately, Walb's and prosecuting attorneys called hurried conferences and announced they were ready to hear Weaver. His hair that has turned white in the last few months glinted in the afternoon sun. The man who once was the idol of his community; who fathers pointed out to their sons; who belonged to every organization in the county and who was active in church work, now broken financially, physically, and in spirit, was ready to tell his story. One side of his mouth drooped slightly, the effects of a stroke of paralysis he suffered last week, brought on by worry and nervous strain. Weaver Tells Story Here is his story: Starting in 1922, Walb came to him and said there were many people of good financial standing in the county and that overdrafts could be covered by “dropping in” forged notes and making false entiles. Under questioning by Ward, he traced several fake notes and entries, reluctantly branding them forgeries. "There were many overdrafts in Walb’s personal and company accounts,” he said. “Forged notes were put in to even them up. I signed many of the false notes and so did Walb. “I made all the false entries. Time after time Walb came to me and mentioned names of wealthy persons in the neighborhood and suggested I sign their names to notes. And I did.” Weaver declared that Walb made several promises that fake notes would be replaced by good security in a short time. The witness said Walb told him he was going to procure a State deposit fund and that this would aid in putting the bank back to normalcy. “But he kept telling me to take care of overdrafts the same way and I used names of my friends to sign the fake notes,” Weaver said. “I told him the business was dangerous, but he said it would be cleared up. Walb and I continued this practice for four years, or maybe it was longer than that."