Indianapolis Times, Volume 40, Number 8, Indianapolis, Marion County, 21 May 1928 — Page 1

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DEADLY WAR GAS SPREADS FEAR IN CITY 11 Dead, Thousands Menaced When Tank Explodes in Germany. SOLDIERS FIGHT FOG Citizens Cower in Homes Terrorized by Poison Cloud. By Times Special HAMBURG, Germany, May 21. Eleven persons were reported dead today In a mysterious explosion of a tank of deadly phosgene gas, used in war, that was being taken through the populous suburb of Wilhelmsburg. It was reported that the dead included four firemen and five policemen, who, with Reichswehr troops, fought desperately with ammonia guns to dissipate the great gas cloud hanging over the city or to drive it into less thickly populated areas. The gas resisted all attempts to disperse it. Though soldiers succeeded in driving most of it across the Hose canal, it still lay close to the ground in a deadly mass. Populace in Fear The 200,000 inhabitants in the Wilhelmsburg district were afraid to stay in their homes for feir of being overcome beyond reach for help. The tank of phosgene gas was being driven through the streets when it suddenly exploded. The dangerous gas slowly seeped through the air. Hundreds saw the catastrophe and immediately started fleeing from their homes, shouting of the danger as they ran. Some were overcome before they could get away from the gas and later were found and taken to the hospitals. ReischweHr troops were called out and all police mobilized to fight the strange disaster. Fishermen Overcome As the cloud swept across the channel, several fishermen were overcome. They were in their boats in the canal and the noxious fumes blanketed them. Most of these fishermen were rescued. Some few people on the banks of the canal—awed by the gas and not knowing what it was—were overcome as the gas worked its way across the channel. The danger still was considered grave, even though the major portion of the gas has been sent out of the city. A sudden wind is likely to blow the gas in any direction. The streets of Vebbeland and Wilhelmsburg were crowded last night by residents who feared to retire, because the gas might be blown back to fill their homes. Panic in Hamburg Throughout Hamburg there was panic. People rushed into the streets, afraid of meeting death in their homes, beyond aid. During the forenoon a strong rain started, and a wind came up from the east. The gas, moving solidly, drifted toward an uninhabited heath west of the city, and the danger was diminished temporarily. Gas of Deadly Power Professor Fritz Haber, Germany’s leading poison gas expert, said today that one-half a gram of the deadly phosgene within a space of one cubic yard of air was sufficient to kill a human being in one minute, Professor Haber was mystified regarding the origin of the gas. He said it was produced in wartime in great quantities, but now is manufactured in Germany only in the smallest amounts, for use in certain dyes. Rain, he said, would destroy the phosgene’s power to harm. Professor Haber said he was unable to conceive how the Hamburg company obtained the gas, which was manufactured and stored under the greatest precautions. Officials of the company that owned the gas, after hours of silence, said that it was destined for industrial war. The gas had been stored for seven years, it was said, and during that time small quantities of it had been sold, some to United States dye companies. Eye Hurt in Crash Edson T. Wood, Jr., 34 E. FortyThird St., is in St. Vincent Hospital with a badly cut eye as the result of a crash betwen his automobile and street car in the 3700 block on S. Pennsylvania St. this morning.

FIE ST CALL RENTED ROOM—11TH, E., 729 Furnished connecting front rms.; College car. Ri. 5962. _ Mrs. John Cutshaw, 729 E. 11th St. ordered the above “Room for Rent” ad in The Times for 6 days. On the second day she called and cancelled the ad. She rented the room the first day the ad appeared and to the first party that called. You, too, can get results like this If you write a good ad and place H before more than 250,000 daily Times readers. Call MAln 3500 S-Une Room for Rent Ad, Days Only SI.OO

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The Indianapolis Times Partly; cloudy and somewhat coolertonight; Tuesday mostly fair

A 7 OLUME 40—NUMBER 8

GOTHAM SLEUTHS TRAIL GANG LEADERS’ SLAYERS

Guitar-Playing Hi-Jacker Is Shot by 'Jury’; Second Victim Stabbed. Bli United Press NEW YORK, May 21.—New York’s crack detectives took up a trail of clews through the underworld today, hoping to solve the murders of two of the city’s most notorious gangsters. Pat Mitchell is dead with six bullets in his brain. The genial, round-faced hijacker, who strummed a guitar and fondled pet doves after his night’s work along “speak-easy row,” was over faced a “murder jury” of gangland and paid with his life for some unknown breach of the underworld code. Leo Boyle is dead, too. Somewhere a mysterious woman is in hiding, evading police who seek to question her concerning Boyle's fatal plunge from the roof of a building into a West Forty-Ninth St. courtyard. Rookie Cop Wins Fame The woman and Boyle were seen entering the building. Two hours later police went up the bloodstained stairs, finding a broken milk bottle on one landing and a penknife on the next one. Boyle, a criminal with a long record and a leader in gang circles, apparently had been beaten, stabbed, robbed and thrown from the roof. Mitchell’s death brought fame to a rookie policeman and terror to rival gangs, members of which were arming today, fearing swift retaliation. Patrolman Arthur Schultheiss, who got out of the police school only four days ago, was walking his beat on Sixth Ave. when he heard the crack of pistols. James Russell ran out of a W. Fourth St. speakeasy, hurling a revolver into the gutter. Gangster Is Captured Schultheiss caught Russell after a short chase, picked up the discarded pistol and led his prisoner back into the speakeasy. There lay Mitchell—“ Mitchell the Link.” The rich carpets of the elaborately furnished speakeasy were stained with blood. Someone had thrust a pistol into Mitchell’s hand, apparently to create the impression that he had taken his own life. Russell and others who were in the speakeasy denied any knowledge of the shooting. Police believe Mitchell, who was the last survivor of the Hudson Duster gang, was lured to the speakeasy to face a “murder jury.” The “murder jury” is the means gangdom takes of squaring its account with the squealer, the stool pigeon and the doub’e crosser. Called Before Jury. He probably was called before the “jury,” heard the charge against him and then was given sixty seconds to pray before pistols were placed against his forehead. Powder burns indicated that the revolvers which killed him could not have been more than two inches from his temple. Mitchell had all the color and personality of the old-time gangster. When at work he wore flashy clothing and large diamonds, but in his leisure hours he dressed in excellent taste, cultivated his grammar and played golf. He died without realizing his greatest ambition—to be a “gentleman.”

MURDER TRIAL ENDS Mittrach Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter. Upon agreement of defense and prosecuting attorneys, first degree murder charge of Paul Mittrach, 33, R. R. 4, was changed to manslaughter, and he was sentenced to from two to fourteen years in Indiana State Prison upon a plea of guilty in Criminal Court today. Mittrach was held for the death of Fritz Hess, 68, a neighbor truck farmer, who was killed with a shotgun Feb. 4, 1928. It was said that the pair had quarreled over alleged attentions of Mittrach to Mrs. Hess, 50. Special venire of fifty jurymen was called and the murder case got under way before Criminal Judge James A. Collins this morning. After thirty minutes of questioning of prospective jurors a recess was asked and the compromise reached by attorneys. SCOUTS TO SEE AFRICA Three Eagles Selected for Camera Exploring Trip. By United Press NEW YORK, May 21.—Three 15-year-old Eagle Scouts were selected at Boy Scout headquarters here today to accompany Mr. and Mrs. Martin Johnson, explorers, on a camera exploring trip in South Africa. The scouts who will make the trip are Robert Douglas, Greensborough, N. C., a great-grandson of Stephen A. Douglas; ( David Martin Jr., Austin, Minn., and Douglas Oliver, Atlanta, Ga. Held for Stabbing Husband Charged with stabbing her husband, Richard Haynes, 29, Mrs. Billie May Haynes, 25, Negro, was slated at the city prison on assault and battery with intent to kill charges today. The fight is alleged to have taken place at the home, 1332 Fayette St

May Queen Is Chosen

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Miss Althea Miller; 1840 Mansfield St., who was elected May Queen by popular vote at the Riverside Civic Association dance Saturday night at Municipal Gardens. Miss Viola Westlake was second i the popular vote. A mesh bag was presented Miss Miller. Mrs. H iy Smith and Mr. and Mrs. William Kaylor were in chargge of the program. Miss Miller is widely known as a golfer and basketball, player.

ROMANCE OF NEWS IS TOLD IN MOVIE

Wires Hum Appeal for U. S. Girl Captive in China; ‘lnside’ Shown. By United Press CULVER CITY. Cal.. May 21. For the first time in the history of motion pictures, a producer has turned to the newspaper and a world-wide news service business to supply drama for a feature picture. “Telling the World,” a photodrama soon to be released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, is a thrilling romance depending for its high moments on a graphic exposition of the news transmission facilities of the modern world. The picture, just completed, opens in an American newspaper office and shows, incidental to its continuity, how news is gathered, edited and printed. It carries the action to the interior of China where the heroine is involved in a dangerous situation, such as to make necessary an instantly around world wide sentiment and immediate measures to save her. The hero is a United Press correspondent. The picture then shows how a wireless flash dispatched by the correspondent, speedily penetrates the farthest reaches of the globe, and through the medium of the United Press and newspaper, brings home to readers everywhere the plight of the American girl. Within an hour newspapers are on the streets with extras in forty different countries and nineteen different languages. Airplanes are used in “Telling the World,” bringing the picture to a thrilling climax. The story was written by Dale Van Every, formerly a staff writer of the United Press. The picture was produced under his supervision, at the Culver City studios of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Muneic Student Heads R. O. T. C. By United Press BLOOMINGTON, Ind., May 21. The Indiana R. O. T. C. next year will be headed by Karl Thornburg, Muncie, as cadet colonel. Thornburg will be assisted by Fred C. Tangemant, as cadet lieutenant colonel; Charles Mount, Connersville, as cadet colonel this year and Ralph Pinnick, West Baden, cadet lieutenant colonel.

BERNARD SHAW WANTS SIOO,OOO TO COME TO U. S.

■By United Press LONDON, May 21.—Bernard Shaw would charge SIOO,OOO to go to Hollywood to direct production of a film based on one of his plays, he told Adolph Menjou and Catherine Carver, American movie stars honeymooning here after their marriage in Paris. Shaw paid Menjou and his bride the compliment of calling on them in their flower banked suite at the Carlton Hotel. Men-

INDIANAPOLIS, MONDAY, MAY 21, 1928

SUBWAY FARE STAYED Gotham Seven Cent Charge to Remain Until Oct. 2. Bp United Press WASHINGTON, May 21.—The United States Supreme Court today granted a of the seven cent Interborough Rapid Transit' Company Subway fare in New York City. Chief Justice Taft announced the appeal would be argued Oct. 2. No opinion accompanied the stay. STEVE CAN'T TALK Not Permitted to Discuss Politics With Lawyers. Attorneys for D. C. Stephenson are only permitted to discuss “ordinary business matters” with him in the presence of a prison guard, Lloyd O. Hill and Paul Newman, counsel for the onetime Klan dragon, stated today. They spent several hours in conference with Stephenson in his cell at Indiana State Prison Saturday. The prisoner Is not allowed to talk politics, past, present or future, they said. The Saturday conference dealt largely with civil suits, Newman stated. He also affirmed the statement of prison authorities that Stephenson is not in the prison hospital. He is ill, however, was running a fever Saturday and receiving medicine from the prison doctor, according to Newman. STORES TO BE PROBED Chain Systems Will Be Subject for U. S. Quiz Soon. By United Press WASHINGTON, May 21.—The Federal Trade Commission announced today it soon will start investigation of chain stores, as provided in the Brookhart Senate resolution. It will consider marketing and distributing methods of the chain stores, their growth and questions of possible regulation or antitrust prosecution of them if found warranted.

jou greeted Shaw nervously, and asked him to go to the United States. “They would go crazy about you,” he said. “I’m too old,” replied Shaw. “Besides, what’s the use? All nice Americans come to see me here. Charlie Chaplin once called on me .rang the bell and then went away, frightened. He is the only genius in the films today.”

FIRE IN MINE BLOCKS FIGHT TOJAVEISO Rescue Crews Are Driven From Their Positions to Surface. 44 BODIES ARE FOUND More Than 200 Workers Trapped by Explosion in Coal Shaft. * BY HARRY CAMINS United Press Staff Correspondent MATHER, Pa., May 21.—Fire broke out in the workings of the Mather mine this afternoon temporarily halting rescue workers in their efforts to locate nearly 150 entombed miners. The fire started about a half-mile from the foot of the shaft, 300 feet below the surface of the earth. The relief crews were forced to flee from their positions to the surface. With the use of fire extinguishers the flames were brought under control without any injuries reported. Five more bodies of victims of the explosion were removed from the workings shortly before noon today, bringing the known dead to 44. The men were found nearly two and a half miles from the shaft entrance to the mine. Walter H. Glasgow, State secretary of mines, who arrived here Saturday night, has settled on a total of 210 for the number of men originally trapped by the blast. Fourteen men were rescued alive. Glasgow hopes some of the main group of miners in butt 14, where it was thought the gas exploded, might yet be found alive in their working rooms, 300 feet underground and thousands of feet from the shaft entrance. Rescue Progress Rapid The progress of the rescuers has been rapid because the main shaft machinery was not harmed by the concussion. The fan apparatus also was started soon after the blast, forcing air into the gas-ridden workings. The relief squadrons pressed forward in two long main drives, one division hacking in from the foot of the main shaft and the other striking from the bottom of an air shaft on the Marianna road. Butt 14 was the objective of the relief crews. Mine officials said approximately 100 men of the night shift were working in the compartment, taking their positions only five minutes beiore the blast. Miner Tells Story At some points the relief crews had gone back into the mine as far as two and one-half miles. Cornelius R. Beatty, one of the men who escaped from the mine uninjured, gave the United Press his impression of the blast. “There were three of us, Cliff Benjamin, my buddy, and a digger by the name of Joe Plinks. “When the blast came it knocked us down onto the floor, but it didn’t hurt us. “We started to make our way out when we ran into a lot of smoke and fallen timbers. We back tracked to the room where we were when the blast hit. “We waited there the whole time fearful of our outcome. We could tell when the fans started running and we headed for the air shaft. Saved by Air Shaft “If that air shaft hadn’t been there we never would have gotten out, because the way to the main entry was blocked. We didn’t pass any bodies on the way. There were no other men between us and the air shaft. “We walked out standing up. I had a respirator that I used when running the cutting machine and I used that for an improvised gas mass, ‘We were just lucky that was all.’ ” OIL BOSSJS SHOT Mexican Workman Kills American Superintendent Bp United Press MEXICO CITY, May 21.—F. F. Nolden, American superintendent of the Campania Latino American, was shot at Alamo by a workman, a Tampico dispatch said today. Nolden was killed at an oil field of his company. He w r as the second American killed within a week at Tampico. Superintendent Wilson of the Union Oil Company was found dead in the wreck of his automobile and several thousand dollars he was thought to have been carrying was missing.

“TTtTE always thought you were VV sarcastic and stern, but you’re not,” Menjou said. “It- pays” said Shaw. "If you have- the reputation of being sarcastic, you can behave naturally in private life.” “I am considering making a film in England,” Menjou said. “Why not my “Arms and the Man?” asked Shaw. “I’d be only to glad to have you go to California and discuss it,” said Menjou.

Entered as Second-Class Matter at Postoffice, Indianapolis

13 Children Wife Asks Court to Aid in Fight on Bearing More.

B,y United Press BRIDGEPORT, Conn., May 21. —After bearing thirteen children in ten years, Mrs. Edward Cromwell, whose husband is said to be an advocate of bigger families, has appealed to authorities for relief. Cromwell is held on a charge of “technical breach of peace,” while alienists examine him. Connecticut authorites before have never been asked to intervene in so personal a matter or to set a precedent for the size of families in their jurisdiction. Prosecutor James C. Shannon, however, said he believed there was some statue under which Mrs. Cromwell could be given protection. She is only 35 years old and says that physicians have warned her that further child bearing might imperil her life. * u OF the thirteen children that Mrs. Cromwell has borne, only five are now living and the youngest is a cripple. The crippled child has been taken under city care. Mrs. Cromwell and the other four are being cared for by the Family Welfare Society. Cromwell has been examined by Dr. Daniel C. Grin, city alienist. The results of the doctor’s observations probably will be announced when the defendant is arraigned Thursday. Cromwell was employed as a teamster. Discussing the case today. Shannon said Cromwell had been warned by a physician that his wife's life was in danger. “Properly interpreted, there is a law on the Connectcut books that will apply to any case brought before a judicial tribunal,” the prosecutor said. halTrecowt TRIALDELAYED Case Is Postponed Until Wednesday. Trial of the Marion County ballot recount suit of Archibald M. Hall, defeated candidate for the Republican nomination for Congressman, was postponed until 2 p. m. Wednesday upon agreement of attorneys in Circuit Court today. Motion to postpone was introduced by M. L. Clawson, attorney for Congressman Ralph E. Updike, one of the defendants who was nominated. He asserted that he had not had time to prepare briefs supporting contention that service made on Updike at Washington was illegal and desired time to do so. Wilbur Royse, Hall’s attorney, stated that postponement would meet with his approval provided Updike would finance the twenty-four hour guard that is being maintained over the impounded ballots. This was agreed to and Judge Harry O. Chamberlin set the new trial date. No question had been raised as to the service on the other five defendants: John W. Becker, William T. Quillin, James R. Norrell, Earl Dill and Wallace A. Robertson. A similar suit, asking for a recount in the race for county surveyor nomination, is pending in Circuit Court, having been brought by the incumbent loser, Henry Campbell, against Paul Roscoe Brown, winner. NO TRACE OF PLANE Balloon Is Believed Source of Crash Report. An airplane reported by several citizens as having been seen “plunging to earth in flames” about 5:30 p. m. Sunday was thought by local aviators today to have been a baloon used in an ascension at Riverside Park. A Negro living at Thirty-Third St. and Arsenal Ave., notified police he heard the engine sputter, then saw the plane go into a nose dive, crashing to earth in flames and leaving a trail of dense smoke. Except for the "sputtering engine,” the report fitted description of the deflated balloon. Pilots of two Army planes from Ft. Benjamin Harrison, who flew over the territory for forty-five minutes, reported no trace of the airplane. Hourly Temperatures 6a. m.. ..61 10 a. m.... 71 7a. m.... 64 11 a. m.... 70 Ba. m.... 68 12 (noon*.. 74 ■" 9a. m.... 72 Ip. m.... 76

“But that would cost you SIOO,000 for my fee,” said Shaw. “Still it w'ould be worth considering,” said Menjou. Shaw rose to depart. , “Aldolph, you’ll never look that young at 72,” said Mrs. Menjou. “What you say that now?” asked Menjou. . “Why we’ve only been married four days.”

CONVICT DENIES GUILT IN GIVING DETAILS OF SLAYING ’ TWO LAFAYETTE DEPUTIES John Burns, Captured After Nation-Wide Search, Says He Saw Wallace McClure and John Groves Shot on Trip to Prison. TRACES FLIGHT IN WEST AND SOUTH Tells Police His Pal, Samuel Baxter, Did Not Aid in Killing by Mysterious Trio; Were j _ Sentenced to Five Years for Burglary. By Times Special LAFAYETTE, Ind., May 21.—John Burns, captured here* today in the Nation-wide search for the of Deputy; Sheriffs Wallace McClure and John Groves last February denied any connection with the actual murdering of the two officers. Subjected to severe grilling by police, Burns related a disconnected story of the ill-fated ride with the deputies and the killing, but clung to his denial of the slaying. The two officers disappeared last Feb. 7 after leaving here to take Burns and Samuel Baxter to the State Reformatory at Pendleton. The bodies of the deputies were found several weeks later in a woods near Foster, lnd., forty-five miles south of here.

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Above, John Burns, captured after long hunt for slayers of Lafayette deputies; below, Samuel Baxter, suspect still at large.

D. S. JURY CONVENES 100 Cases to Be Opened by Group. The Federal grand jury convened today to begirt investigation of 100 cases involving’- about 150 persons. This is the first grand jury impanelled under the new law creating two Federal Court districts in Indiana, Indianapolis being center of the southern district. Liquor cases were taken up first. Among witnesses were Sheriff Omer Hawkins and several deputies, police officers and prohibition agents. Members of the grand jury are Glen McKinney, Wingate, foreman; Okra T. Blemker, Connersville; Sanford Mattox, Livonia; Saul Munter, Indianapolis; Enoch Murphy, Linton; Arthur Ottinger, Carmel, Charles Renner, Mahalasville; Otho Simpson, Kokomo; Zera Smith, Lebanon, Alonzo Smock, Columbus; Lawrence Wood, Greenfield; William Fisher; Omer Brown, Winchester; Charles Bruce, Crawfordsville; J. W. Dazey, Newcastle; Alonzo H. Gladden, Scottsburg; Joseph L. Hertz, Madison, Clyde Holmes, New Albany; C. E. Houghland, Franklin; Harry B. Ivy, Clinton, and John Jacklin, Cortland. ‘SAND PILE’ BOY FOUND Body Recovered From River After Five-Day Search. Bp United Press CHICAGO, May 21.—The search for 8-year-old John Pyrek, variously reported to have been kidnaped, buried under a huge sand pile and drowned in the Chicago River, has ended. His body was found floating on the surface of the river Sunday, bearing out the third version of his disappearance given by Bruno Bogdon, 9, a playmate. Thousands of police and volunteer workers spent five days searching for the boy. A mountain of sand was removed in the belief he was buried in the pile.

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After more than three months of liberty since the crime, Burns was surprised early today at the home of rel atives in West Lafayette. He submitted to arrest without a struggle. Burns showed a willingness to tails today after repeatedly being charged with the crime. Always in his talk there was the denial that Baxter and he killed the officers. Bums’ story: “Baxter and I were handcuffed when we left here for the Reformatory on Feb. 7. We drove out of town and nothing happened for several miles. But suddenly a large car pulled alongside of us. It carried three men. Two of them with drawn guns stood on the running board and forced McClure to the ditch. “McClure and Groves were forced to surrender their guns and two of the unidentified men got in with us, telling Groves to drive on. Guns were held on the two officers, who were in the front seat. Says McClure Fired “I noticed McClure fumbling in the seat behind him and suddenly he wheeled with a gun and started shooting. “It was a bad play because he was covered and filled with bullets before he even started, though he did fire a few shots. Groves was shot, too, and the automobile stopped. “Both officers were still alive and I was told to drive the, car. “The other automobile remained behind and I drove nearly to Veedersburg. There the deputies’ bodies were transferred to the other automobile and Baxter and I were told to ‘beat it.’ I don't believe Groves and McClure were dead at the time. That’s the last time I saw them.” Escape to Illinois Burns said he and Baxter drove from Veedersburg to Danville and thence to Decatur, 111., where they left the officers’ automobile. “Then we went to East St. Louis, Kansas City, Parsons, Kas., Muscogee, Okla., McAlester, Okla., and then to Atoka, Okla. There we were arrested and spent thirty-six days in jail for carrying firearms. • “When we got out we walked to Tulsa and parted. I haven’t seen Baxter since. I went to Montoe, La., and worked until May 15. I wanted to come home and got back here Sunday morning.” It has been the supposition here that in some manner the prisoners freed themselves and attacked the two officers from the back. A State-wide search was begun sos the officers when they failed to arrive at Pendleton. Scores or posses were organized and attempted to trace the car from here. Federal Search Started A Federal search was instigated when indictments were returned against Burns and Baxter at Indianapolis for violation of the Dyer Act in transporting a stolen car across the State line and for other auto thefts. In the national search that followed, a number of suspects were arrested, but of no ayail. A farmer tramping through a woods near the Illinois-Indiana State line stumbled onto the bodies of the two missing officers. Both officers had been shot to death and concealed in the underbrush under a blanket. Destroy Raided Beer Twelve hundred quarts of beer were destroyed by police following a raid on an unoccupied house at 515 Lansing St., late Saturday. The beer was packed in cardboard cartons. Patrolmen Spinks and Spears who conducted the raid, could not, learn who rented the house. PLATE LUNCH, 35c. NOON AND evening specialty. FLETCHER CAFETERIA, basement Fletcher Trust Bldg. 10:30 a. m. to 7:30 (t, m.—Adv^-tisement.