Indianapolis Times, Volume 40, Number 96, Indianapolis, Marion County, 11 September 1928 — Page 1

HUNT KEY MAN IN THREE-CITY GANGJULLINGS New York Racketeer Sought After Shooting of Two in Gotham. LOMBARDO LINK SEEN Connect Deaths With Rum Rivalry of Chicagoan and Frankie Uale. (Head the first article on page 8 of a fceries written by .tames P. Kirby, telling of the growth of racketeering in Chicago ■nd its spread over the nation into the ®lass of “Big Business”.) Bn Ulilted Press NEW YORK. Sept. 11.—With two men shot to death and another seriously wounded today, police were seeking Little Augui Pisano as the man who could unravel a series of shootings and gang feuds that has terrorized three cities for the last ten days. Joseph Percella and Michael Vi tello fell dead in the Bronx shortly before dawn when tour gunmen walked up quietly behind them and emptied their pistols at close range. John Percella, uncle of the two dead men, fell wounded as the gunjnen fled. Police proceeded upon the theory that the murder was connected with the deaths of Frank Uale, Brooklyn gang leader, and Tony Lombardo, Chicago racketeer, said to have been rivals for the bootlegging monopoly in New York. Pisano has disappeared, and police came upon his luxurious headquarters in the east side—a fourteenroom suite, richly furnished. The apartment was unoccupied, as was Pisano’s home in Brooklyn. It was Pisano who bowed his head over the coffin of Uale and vow'ed vengeance on the slayers of his leader. Banked against the coffin was a tier of white roses with this threat worked on it in red roses: “We - ll see them, kid. ’’ Guns Bark m Philly Bv United Press PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 11. While the grand jury speeded its investigation, designed to rid Philadelphia of gangsters and racketeers, one man lay dead today and another was seriously wounded as the result of the latest underworld sued. Patsy Levoyu, proprietor of a bottling plant, was the only man able to tell the story. He said four men and a girl drove up to his office late Monday night, seized S4B and jewelry and warned him to ‘ come across any time we decide to shake you down.” As they walked out the door, Levoyu said he seized a pump gun and opened fire. Aelio Scaramo fell dead and James Flora dropped to the sidewalk with bullets through both arms. The other two men and the girl opened fire at Levoyu and fled in their automobile.

View Slain Chief Bit United press CHICAGO, Sept. 11.—The expenisive metal casket of Tony Lombardo tvas banked high with flowers today, as a throng filed through the gang leader’s home for a last glimpse at him pribr to the funeral ceremony. Detectives intimated some of the pieces were from his enemies in a rival gang, sent as peace offerings by Lombardo’s enemies. The gang leader and Joseph Ferraro, his bodyguard, were shot down last Friday. Behind the bronze and silver casket stood a floral heart eight feet filgh. It bore a card reading: “From £1 Capone.” Tl: -uneral of Lombardo was expected to be one of the most elaborate in the history of Chicago gangland. COOLIDGES HOMEBOUND Left Summer White House Monday Night, Bn United Press CHICAGO, Sept. 11.—The train bearing President Coolidge and his party back to Washington passed through Chicago today, stopping only long enough to switch from one track to another. , The party left the summer White Hoiise in Wisconsin Monday night. REALTORS TO GARY City Delegates Will Attend Convention Wednesday. More than thirty Indianapolis delegates to the Indiana Real Estate Board convention at Gary, will depart Wednesday morning in an automobile caravan. The motorists will meet at Thirtieth St. and Lafayette Rd. at 6:15 a. m. Wednesday. Confesses Inheritance Fake HARTFORD, Conn., Sept. 11.— Patrick J. Driscol, disabled war veteran, has confessed the story he told a local newspaper of inheriting $2,000,000 from a rich Arizona uncle on his 29th birthday was a fake—except he added, “it really was my Jbirthday.

Complete Reports of UNITED PRESS, The Greatest World 'Wide News Service

The Indianapolis Times Probably showers or thunder storms tonight and Wednesday; slightly cooler tonight.

VOLUME 40—NUMBER. 96

Kansan Is Class A Air Race Victor Rowland Finishes Ahead of Competing Machines at Los Angeles. Bn United Press MINES FIELD. LOS ANGELES, Sept. 11—One of the greatest air programs in the history of the United States continued today, awaiting arrival of three sets of airplane racers. The class A race has finished with Ea\ - 1 Rowland, the Wichita iKan.i pilot of a Cessna monoplane, apparently the winner. He arrived Monday ahead of his class, and it was estimated he had

made the flight from New York in twenty-two running hours. Meanwhile, the j racers of Class b! started final of their flight from ‘ El Paso. Racers of the nonclassifled group, who will make non-stop flights from Roo s e velt

field to Los Angeles, awaited on Long Island for the starting gun Wednesday. Rowland, on the final Class A lap from San Diego to Los Angeles, was several minutes ahead of Robert Dake, Pittsburgher, who flew an American Moth. Unofficial computations said probably the men who would share prizes in the Class A event were: Rowland, Dake, Tex Rankin, Portland, Ore., in a Waco 10; W. H. Emery, Bradford, Pa., in a Travelair; Theodore Kenyen, Boston, in a Challenger. Twenty-two of the thirty-seven planes that left Roosevelt field last week finished. There was no serious accident on the journey across the continent. DARINGJLIER DIES Stunting at Air Race Program Ends Fatally. Bn United Press MINES FIELD, LOS ANGELES, Sept. 11.—Lieut. J. J. Williams, 25, perhaps the most daring of Army fliers, died early today from injuries received when his fast plane crashPd while he was stunting here Monday night. Williams’ death was the first of the 1928 air races.

STUDY CITY CLAIM TO GAS COMPANY

Board of Trade to Examine Contract Transferring Ownership in 1930, President Mark H. Miller today wasauthorized by the Indianapolis Board of Trade governors to name a committee to study the Citizens Gas Company contract which r>rovides that the utility shall become a municipally owned institution in 1930 under certain conditions. The Board of Trade leaders Informally discussed the possibility of municipal ownership at the Monday night session and authorized the investigation of the contract’s provisions. “There is some sentiment in Indianapolis to save at least one publice utility from control by outside capitol and the board has decided to review the situation and sound out public feeling in the matter," William H. Howard, board executive secretary said. Mayor L. Ert Slack has not committed himself oh whether the city will seek to obtain the# control. Corporation Counsel John W. Holtzman, who has favored municipal ownership of the utility, was mayor in 1905 when the contract was executed. The agreement with the city provided that stock shall pay 10 per cent dividends for twenty-five years, the city having the privilege of taking over the concern at that

808 GROVE IS SLATED AGAINST YANK WRECKERS

Bu United Press NEW YORK, Sept. 11.—New York was baseball wild today, although early morning skies indicated the important New York-Philadelphia Athletics game would be played under a heavy cloud blanket. But it will not deter the crowd. Throughout yesterday fans by the hundreds visited the Yankee offices on Forty-Second St., demanding tickets to this game that may decide whether Philadelphia still has a chance at the American League pennant. Bob Grove, the lanky southpaw, Philadelphia’s most effective pitcher, probably will bear the burden for Connie Mack’s men. Through the entire year Bob has lost only six games, but, strangely enough, five of those were defeats administered early in the season by the

PHAYER’S PALS RALLY TO BALK HOLDUHRIAL Broadmoor Suspect Takes Case to U, S. Court in St. Louis. TESTIFY TO ‘ALIBI’ Underworld Characters Say He Was in Illinois at Time of Looting. Pals of Charles Phayer, 40, alleged member of the Broadmoor Country Club robbery gang, today rallied in an effort to prevent his extradition from St. Louis, Mo., to Indianapolis for trial on an automobile banditry charge. Underworld characters of East St. Louis, whom Phayer is said to nave led, went into Federal Court at St. Louis and testified that Phayer was in East St. Louis May 30, the night 150 Broadmoor guests were robbed of more than SIOO,OOO in jewelry and money by a gang of six or eight men. Four victims have partically identified Phayer as one of the gang. . Requisition Honored Phayer, beaten in Jefferson City, Mo. Monday when Governor Sam A. Baker honored the extradition papers Governor Ed Jackson had issued for local police last week, appealed to Federal Court In a habeas corpus petition. First he tried the petition in the Court of Criminal Corrections at St. Louis, but the judge threw it out. The judge also refused to reduce Phayer's SIOO,OOO bond. On the ground Phayer is a citizen of Illinois, held in Missouri, Tom Rowe and James Rennick, Phayer’s high-priced lawyers, rushed to Federal Court. St. Louis authorities stood by Detective Donald Tooley of Indianapolis in the battle against Phayer. Under Heavy Guard Phayer was removed from the police headquarters jail to the St. Louis city jail under heavy guard Monday. The city jailer, the sheriff and Tooley were defendants in the habeas corpus hearing. The officials supplied Tooley with a city lawyer and were represented by their own counsel. The hearing was begun this morning before Federal Judge Charles Davis and continued until this afternoon upon motion of the Government.

Rowland

Aw Shoot! Bn United Press BRIDGEPORT, Conn., Sept. 11.—Tired if life, John Sweeney drank a can of canned heat and lay down across railroad tracks. A railroad officer who found him told him the tracks had not been used for three years.

time. There are no stockholder, the stock being held by trustees ana investors holding certificates It is likely that the corporate city will make a fight to buy the plant in 1930 whe nthe contract expires. The gas company property has been estimated at $15,000,000 valuation and is said to have a $7,000,000 indebtedness. Capitalist swho have been buying the $25 par value certificates at higher prices are expected to contend that the agreement with the city is invalid since the Public Service Commission issued an indefinite permit to operate. JAPAN ACCEPTS PACT Gives O. K. to Anglo-French Naval Agreement. TOKIO, Sept.. 11.—Japan has notified Great Britain that she accepts the Anglo-French naval agreement “in principle,” it was announced today after a meeting of the cabinet.

Yankees. He has defeated New York only once. • Against Grove, Miller Huggins probably will send in young Henry Johnson, who has been well lately and in his last time out defeated the Washington Senators, permitting them only five hits. Huggins is elated with the way his men played Sunday, when they trimmed the Athletics twice. “The way the boys snapped into it when the crisis came amazed even me,” Huggins said. “That’s the kind of ball team you are proud of.” The Athletics can not go into first place. Victory for them still would leave New York a half game in the lead, and another victory for Philadelphia tomorrow would tie up the contest as tight as it was when this present series started.

INDIANAPOLIS, TUESDAY, SEPT. 11, 1928

John Works Bn United °ress NEW HAVEN, Conn., Sept. 11—A dozen reporters, a few photographers and a crowd of curious gathered today to watch an embarrassed young man go to work for the New York, New Haven and Hartford railroad. Accompanied by William Wood, a secret service man assigned to watch the president's son wherever he goes—John Coolidge walked down to the yellow building, headquarters of the road, this morning. He arrived at 8:20 —10 minutes early. John blushed when he saw the crowd. Wood followed him to his office. He will continue to follow as long as Coolidge is president.

SI 0,000 HOLDUP IN SOUTH BEND Four Bandits Rob Express Truck and Escape. Bn United Press SOUTH BEND. Ind., Sept. 11.— Four bandits today held up an American Railway express truck here and escaped with approximately SIO,OOO. W. U. Clover, 38. South Bend, driver of the truck, said four bandits in a large touring car forced him and Henry Bowe, bank messenger, to the curb and escaped with three sacks containing the money. Officials here said the money was for the Chicago clearing house. According to rumors, a large touring car answering the description of the one used in the robbery was seen traveling rapidly on U. S. ltd. 20, direct rout to Chicago.

HIT GUNMAN AGAIN Seek Life Term for Wright as Habitual Criminal. An affidavit charging Homer Wright, 27-year-old St. Louis gangster and booze ring leader, with being an habitual criminal, was filed in Criminal Court today by John L. Niblack, deputy prosecutor. If Wright is found guilty of the charge he faces a life term in prison. Wright now is held in county jail under SIO,OOO bond on a charge of being an ex-criminal in possession of a gun. WHEAT SOWING TOPIC Indiana Millers Meet Tuesday at Board of Trade. What variety of wheat Indiana farmers should sow will be the topic for discussion at the annual convention of the Indiana Millers’ Association, which convenes at the Board of Trade next Tuesday morning. Among the speakers will be Charles M. Yagar, Chicago, president and editor of the Modern Miller, and Dr. W. H. Stroud, of the National Soft Wheat Millers’ Association, Nashville. SUNFLOWER IS GIANT Fifteen-Foot Plant Has Seventeen Huge Blossoms. Indiana apparently is out to steal the title, “Sunflower State,” from Kansas. In the yard of Mrs. Pearl Kinsey. Shelbyville, is a sunflower hard to beat, even in Kansas. It is fifteen feet tall; the stalk it nine inches in circumference; the plant has seventy-two blossoms and seventeen huge flowers. BEBE NOT TO MARRY Film Actress Denies Betrothal to Noted Polo Star R'l United Press _ , NEW YORK, Sept. 11.—Bebe Daniels, motion picture actress, denied today that she was engaged to marry Thomas Hitchcock, Jr., international polo star. “There is absolutely no truth to the rumors,” she said. “We are friends but nothing more than that.” TOW SHIP TO PORT Schooner Reported Safe After Collision Near Cape Cod. Bn United Press BOSTON, Sept. 11.—The threemasted lumber schooner Lincoln, reported in distress after colliding with the Boston collier Sewall’s Point six miles south-southeast of Cape Cod. was en route to Boston in tow today. Radio advices said the coast guard cutters Burrows and Active had the Lincoln in tow. STOCK SEATS” HIGHER Berth in Wall Street Exchange Brings $410,000. By United Press NEW YORK, Sept. 11.—Stock exchange seats went to anew recorl price today when arrangements for a sale were announced at $4lO 000. The previous sale was at $375,000 and the previous high $398,000. Hourly Temperatures 7 a. m— 70 11 a. m— 75 8 a. m.... 71 12 (noon. 77 9 a. m.... 72 1 p .m.... 80 10 a. m.... 73

G. 0. P. INNER BY 2 TOIIN MAINE VOTE Greatest Victory in State’s History Claimed by Republicans. PARTY CHIEFS ELATED Important Effect Expected on U. S. Elections in November. BY KENNETH G. CRAWFORD United Press Staff Correspondent PORTLAND, Maine, Sept. 11.— Republicans claimed today the greatest vttcory in State history in Maine’s “barometric” election. Latest returns indicate that the G. O. P. ticket had been carried into office by a margin of more 2 to l. With only forty-nine out of 633 election precincts missing returns gave: For Governor. William Tudor Gardiner, Rep.) 144.108; Edward C. Moran, (Dein.) 66.228. For Senator: Senator Frederick Hale, (Rep.) 142,772; Herbert Holmes, (Dem.) 65,448. Majority Near 80,000 Mindful of the political tradition attached to these September elections—"as Maine goes, so goes the Nation”—Republicans were elated Party leaders felt that the G. O. P. showing in this State would have a decidedly important effect in the November election. Indications were that the Republican majority would exceed 70.000 votes, and some predicted it would be nearer 80,000. In 1924, the Republican margin of victory was only 36,000, and in 1926 the majority dropper to 20,000. Although political leaders had forecast the heaviest vote ever recorded in Maine, it appeared the total would not equal that cast in the State election of 1924, the last presidential year. Indications were that the Democrats would not carry any of the State’s sixteen counties. One Contest Close Os the four congressional contests, only one, that of the Second district, had been expected to be close. Returns from 128 out of 145 precincts In that district gave Wallace H. White, Republican incumbent, 29,182, compared with only 12,195 for his opponent, Albert Beliveau. In Androscoggin County, the one county which Republicans believe they might lose, Beliveau had a majority of only two votes with one precinct to be heard from. SEIZE WAREHOUSE ” ‘MILKED’ OF WHISKY Government Takes Another Step in Famous Case. Bn United Press ST. LOUIS, Mo., Sept. 11.—Prosecution of the Jake Daniels Distillery Company cases here reached anew point here when Federal district court authorized the government to seize a warehouse from which 40,495 gallons of whisky had been “milked." Sam Motlow, George Remus, convicted Cincinnati bootleggers, and numerous others were Indicted at the time of the “milking.” Several convictions were followed by penitentiary sentences. Prosecution of Motlow, Remus and fifteen other defendants was dropped. KILLED REPAIRING TIRE Milwaukee Youth Hurt Fatally on Road Near Hammond. Bu United Press HAMMOND, Ind., Sept. 11.— George Meng, 17, Milwaukee, was injured fatally when he was struck by a truck while repairing an automobile tire at the side of a road near here early today. He died a short time after he was taken to a Hammond hospital. Mike Yesh, Gary, was held on a charge of manslaughter. It was claimed he was traveling at an excessive rate of speed.

There’s Reward for Yon If You Know Aviation What do you know about aviation? In this age of flying it would seem that almost everyone could answer simple questions about it. But can you? If you can’t now’s the time to brush up on the subject. For one thing everyone really ought to know the answers. And for another, to stimulate your interest in looking up the answers and getting yourself properly informed, this newspaper will offer theater tickets for the first answers to reach this office for the next week. The new big First National Pictures, Inc., production, “Lilac Time,” starring Colleen Moore, begins a week’s engagement Saturday at the Circle theater. “Lilac Time” will thrill you and also give impetus to your interest in flying. You’ll want to be able to answer any question in regard to aviation. So beginning today The Times prints, on its aviation page, five questions everyone should be able to answer about aviation. And to each of the first ten readers to get correct answers to the Lilac Time Contest Editor, each day, this newspaper will give a pair of seats for "Lilac Time,” opening Saturday at the Circle theater. Remember —speed counts. Mail your answers now. Watch these columns for other questions daily, for answers and for lists of ticktet winners.

MORE COSTLY STOLEN CARS, PEDDLED BY RING, FOUND BY STATE POLICE

Yields to Law With Grin

Edward A. Traugott. part owner of the wrecked Traugott clothing store, was genial as he surrendered at the United States marshal's office late Monday for arrest on a warrant charging him with conspiracy to handle stolen automobiles in interstate transportation.

ASK DISMISSAL OF SKEEN DEATH CASE

Motion to Take Trial From Jury Is Filed After State Rests. Asserting that there is' no analogy between the Carl Skeen murder case case and that Os a “certain other case in which the State triumphed because a doctor was not called,” Earl Cox, defense attorney, argued a motion to have tiic case dismissed by the judge in Criminal Court this morning. Skeen, 22, of 417 N. Jefferson Ave., is charged with pushing Mrs. Pearl Jarboe, 24, of 613 E. North St., fro mhis car. The State rested at 11:07 a. m. Cox Immediately filed his motion asking Judge James A. Collins to discharge the defendant. The jurymen were excused while the motion was being argued and the argument continued this afternoon. Although not citing the D. C. Stephenson murder case by name, Qox constantly referred to it in his argument and at one point declared: “This case seems to be patterned after another murder case of more prominence, but there is no comparison between the two. There is no comparison between a boy and a brute.” Skeen is charged with first degree murder. He is alleged to have shoved Mrs. Jarboe from his car at Colorado Ave. and Sixteenth St., June 13. He was arrested in Denver, Colo. State witnesses this morning included police officers who went to the scene of the accident: Detective Patrick J. Flneran, who returned Skeen from Colorado and secured

Entered as Second-Class Matter at Postoffice, Indianapolis

Fallen ‘Angel’ By United Press ATLANTA, Ga„ Sept. 11.Some of tht missing gold from coffers of the Southern Baptist Home Mission board was showered on two movie-struck girls by Clinton S. Carnes, missing treasurer, police believed today. Thomas Howell Scott, one of the receivers for Carnes’ interests, said that two contracts, found in the treasurer’s private safe, stipulated that Carnes was to finance the quest of Sonja Noricja and Mamie Lois Griffin for moving picture honors. In return, when success was theirs, the two girls were to pay him back, plus interest. Themissing churchman paid Miss Griffin $5,133, Miss Norida $3,721 and Mrs. Louise Pope, chaperon of the girls, $4,304, police said.

his written confession; and Dr. O. H. Bakemeyer, deputy coroner, whoperformed the autopsy. The latter attributed death to skull fracture. She was picked up unconscious. The woman's husband, Joseph Jarboe, testified as to her good character, but admitted knowing nothing about the event which caused her death. Should Judge Collins refuse to rule favorable on the motion to discharge the defense is preparing to show that Mrs. Jarboe, as a waitress, was friendly with men and often drank. She will be pictured as a woman who became moody when she drank. KILLED IN HOTEL FALL Nurse Drops Fourteen Stories From Window in Chicago. Bu United Press CHICAGO. Sept. 11.—Ethel Jo Brown, nurse, formerly of Royal, Neb., fell from the fourteenth floor of the Alantic Hotel here today and was killed when her body struck the roof of the hotel annex, five floors below.

BASEBALL TODAY

NATIONAL LEAGUE (First game) New York... 101 Boston 000 (N. Y.) Scott and Hogan; (Bos.) Cantwell and Spohrer, Taylor. (First game) Brooklyn .... 100 Philadelphia.. 101 CBkn.) Elliott and Gooch; (Pha.) Willoughby and Davis. AMERICAN LEAGUE Boston and Washington, not scheduled. ■ "*

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Outside Marloo Courty 3 Cents

TWO CENTS

One LaSalle Machine Is Recovered Here, Another in Lbuisville. ON TRAIL OF OTHERS Thirteen Autos Restored in Probe of Interstate Theft Clique. State police today recovered two more high-priced automobiles stolen by the interstate auto theft ring of which Edward Traugott, Harry and Elmer Sussman, free on bond, have been branded as leaders. Both machine were La Salle sedans and their recovery boosts to thirteen the number of stolen cars recovered. An important development in the investigation of the explosion which Aug. 26 w'recked the W. Washington St. clothing store of Traugott and Harry Sussman also was promised for this afternoon by State arson investigators. Prosecutor William H. Remy questioned six persons today in his probe, of the explosion and fire. Four were said to be underworld characters, one an automobile dealer and the sixth was Mrs. Josephine Fairhead. former city hall telephone operator and Twelfth Ward Republican worker. “The investigation is leading to everything,” Deputy Prosecutor John L. Niblack, who is aiding Remy. said. One of the cars recovered was found at Louisville in a garage. | where it presumably was hidden when the auto theft gansters learned police were on their track. It was returned here today by State Policeman Charles Bridges, who went to Louisville to check operations of the gang there. Expect More Recoveries Whenever it was impossible to sell the high-priced cars stolen in Chicago and Cleveland here they were taken to Kentucky, Bridges and Robert Humes, State police chief, believe. At least another thirteen stolen cars will be recovered as the check of the theft ring activities is continued, Humes said. The second car recovered today was found in possession of an Indianapolis man. Names of the persons who purchased the machines at low prices are being kept secret until after the Federal grand jury probe of the ring. Many of then* will be taken before the jury. The car found here was stolen in March from I. Walden, Chicago, and the other machine from A. J Deutsch, Cleveland. Freed on Bond With Traugott and the two Sussmans under arrest on Federal auto theft charges and at liberty under $25,000 bond each, the Federal grand jury, which began its session today, was expected to consider the evidence against them and probably return an indictment. The present grand jury session is to close Saturday, however, and if Albert S. Ward is unable to prepare his case for the jury before that time a special jury session to consider the Traugott case may be called later. Ward refused to discuss his plans. Traugott, sought since Saturday when an affidavit against him was filed by the Department of Justice, surrendered to Federal authorities Monday afternoon. Harry Sussman, Trougott’s partner in the W. Washington St. clothing store which was wrecked by an explosion and fire two weeks ago, and Elmer Sussman, Harry Sussman’s cousin, were arrested Saturday. United States postal inspectors also are probing possible connection of the alleged Traugott gang with the safe robbery at the Pettis Dry Goods Cos., several months ago. Some postal funds were taken in the robbery. Prosecutor Remy, in his questioning of underworld characters, also was to seek to quiz persons mentioned as “Peggy,” “Doc.” and “Steve” by Harold Libowitz in his delerium. In Serious Condition Libowitz, charged with arson in connection with the fire, was found, his clothes aflame, back of the store immediately after the explosion. He is under pc !ce surveillance at Methodist Hospital and is said to be in very serious condition. Although exact reports of his condition have been kept secret by his family, it is understood the pain temporarily, has at least deranged his mind and that he is near death. Frank S. Feeser, automobile dealer, also conferred with Remy today and viewed Harold Wright, St. Louis gangster, against which a habitual criminal charge was filed today, in an effort to identify him in connection with some thefts. Feeser failed to IdeAjfc* Wright, however.