Indianapolis Times, Volume 40, Number 154, Indianapolis, Marion County, 17 November 1928 — Page 1

FIND 12 GUILTY IN ‘NOT CAR' CASE

WOLF, GLENN TRIAL OPENS IN U.s. COURT Selection of Jury to Hear Stolen Car Evidence Is Begun. BARGAIN PRICE PAID Say Title Was Investigated With No Hint Machine Was Hot. Selection of a jury in federal court for the trial of Frank R. Wolf, vice-president of H. P. Wasson and Company, and Michael J. Glenn, Long Island, N. Y., former Indianapolis traffic inspector, was begun today. Wolf and Glenn were Indicted in September on charges growing out of the finding in Wolf’s possession of a Lincoln coupe, stolen from the Fisher Brothers Company, Cleveland, Ohio. The car had passed through Glenn’s hands to Wolf. The indictment charges both men with transporting, concealing, purchasing and possessing the stolen car, and with conspiracy to violate the national motor theft act. Deny Knowing Car Stolen While the government charges Wolf and Glenn knew the car which Glenn bought at $2,000, a bargain price, and passed along to Wolf for the same figure was a stolen car and took steps to conceal its identity, going so far as to get a certificate of title issued in another s'tate, the two defendants insist that they had no knowledge whatever that the car was stolen until state police took it from Wolf. Glenn returned to Indianapolis from Long Island as soon as he heard the government was investigating the car, and he and Wolf immediately made detailed explanations to federal agents. Price on Car Low Glenn declared that he met a man who said his name was“ Frank Moore,” an ex-bootlegger, in the Claypool lobby while here on business last March. In the course of their conversation, according to Glenn, Moore” said he was trying to sell a Lincoln coupe which he and his partner in a southern state had been using to run liquor. HRe explained that he and his partner had split, that he was angry with the partner and would like to dispose of the car and “gyp” the partner by not giving his half of the proceeds. The $2,000 price placed on the car was such a bargain, Glenn said, .that he naturally was attracted to lit, but was not in financial circumstances either to buy or keep up such a fine car. So, Glenn said, he mentioned the bargain to his friend Wolf. Like any business man, Glenn said, Wolf was interested in a chance to get a $5,000 automobile for $2,000, but being prudent Wolf did not care much to deal with the ex-bootleg-ger. Probed Title of Car Suspicious that the car might have been stolen, Glenn said he went to the secretary of state’s office and investigated the certificate of title and talked with both state and city police and could find nothing to indicate that the ex-boot-legger did not have a clear title to the car. Eventually Wolf decided to take the bargain as Glenn said but they decided it would be best to take steps to insure protection against the ex-bootlegger’s partner in case he ever showed up and attempted to make trouble. So Glenn bought the car and went to Florida and got a certificate of title issued to.himself on it there. Then he returned to Indiana and transferred the title to Wolf. Then they had the car repainted and the locks and some hardware changed.

ENVOY QUITS U. S. Argentine Ambassador on Way Home Not to Return. Bn United. Press BUENOS AIRES, Nov. 17.—Dr. Don Manuel E. Malbran, Argentine ambassador to Washington, will not return to the United States after the trip he now is making to Buenos Aires, the United Press learned from an official source today. CUSTODIAN IS KILLED Ara G. Clary Knocked Down by Auto Friday Night. Ara G. Clary, 45, of 411 North Denny street, assistant custodian of Washington high school, was killed when he was struck by an automobile driven by Lester Kersey, 24, of 5819 Dewey avenue, late Friday. Kersey was arrested on a technical manslaughter charge. The accident occurred at Denny and Wash-, ington street. CHARLEY’S RESTAURANT open for Sunday dinners, 5 to 9 p. m. 130 East Ohio St.—Advertisement,

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The Indianapolis Times Cloudy and colder tonight and Sunday, with rain probable tonight; strong shifting winds.

VOLUME 40—NUMBER 154

Face Sentences for Automobile Conspiracy

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W. Lee Smith (left), Indianapolis attorney and former grand dragon of the Ku Klux Klan in Indiana, and Edward Traugott, merchant, were two of the twelve persons found guilty by a federal court jury today of being members o ft he itnerstate automobile theft ring conspiracy.

CHIEF OFFICER OF VESTRIS TO TESTIFY IN U. S. PROBE TO FIX DISASTER BLAME

Two Radio Operators Tell of Distress Signals at Hearing. BY HARRY FERGUSON United Press Staff Correspondent NEW YORK, No". 17.—The highest ranking survivor of the crew of the steamship Vestris today will be called upon to tell a United States commissioner what he knows about the sinking of the South American liner. Charles H. Turtle, United States district attorney, has succeeded in subpoenaing Chief Officer Frank W. Johnson, next in command to Captain William J. Carey. Johnson has not been accessible since the survivors arrived earlier this week. Tuttle has a wealth of detail upon which he may question Johnson, detail brought out by the two days hearing. He can ask concerning the seaworthiness of the craft, whether the port door was open, concerning a collision the Vestris had just before she sailed one week ago today, how the lifeboats were manned and whether Captain Carey received any instructions from Lamport & Holt, the owners, before he sent out the S O Sand ordered passengers into the life boats. • Shatter Hero Story The commissioner, Francis O’Neill, already has heard testimony concerning all of these points—the great bulk of which came when four members of the crew testified at Friday’s dramatic and sensational session. One interesting feature Friday tame when Michael J. O’Loughlin, radio operator who flashed the SOS, was stripped of his hero role by two mates. The shipmates said that O’Loughlin, instead of waiting at his post and going down with the vessel, had left the little radio shack some thirty oar forty-five min-

In the Air

South wind, 20 miles an hour; barometric pressure, 29.85 at sea level; temperature, 65; ceiling and visibility unlimited. Hourly Temperatures 6 a. m.... 60 8 a. m.... 61 7 a. m.,.. 59 9 a. m,... 65

utes before the big vessel finally submerged. Previously it had been assumed that O’Loughin, like Captain Carey, had chosen death at sea. The sum total of Friday’s session was: That on Monday morning a “CQ” (or ships stand by) call was sent out between 8 and 9 o’clock. That the lifeboats began filling with water as soon as they were low'ered. That at least three radiograms passed between Captain Carey and officials of Lamport & Holt before the ship finally submerged. That an SOS call was sent out some time after 9 a. m. Monday, but neither the second nor third radio operator could recall the exact time. Witness Evasive The four witnesses Friday—who told of that tragedy which took 114 lives—were Charles Verchere, an 18-year-old radio operator on the Vestris; James McDonald, another radio operator; Arthur J. Costigan of the Radio Corporation of America, and Alfred Hanson, the pantryman, who thought to use his camera, and take scenes that were purchased by a New York newspaper. Verchere was described as an evasive witness. His favorite answer was: “I don’t know.” “Is that the formula you adopted before you went to the stand?” Tuttle, exasperated, demanded, at one point. Later the district attorney warned against any one tampering with witnesses. McDonald testified he had been in th shack had left O’Loughlin and that they both had left some thirty to forty-five minutes before the Vestris foundered. Produces Radiograms Costigan presented the three radiograms he said his company had transmitted between ship and shore just before the sinking. He was advised to make further searches of the files in an attempt to ascertain whether any other messages might have been sent. The three messages he read: From Carey: “Hove to since noon yesterday. During night developed 32 degree list. Starboard deck under water. Ship lying on beam. Impossible to proceed anywhere.” This had been in answer to one sent by the company, which read: “Wire us immediately what your trouble is^ji

INDIANAPOLIS, SATURDAY, NOY. 17,1928

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WALL STREET RUNS WILD IN NINE DAYS OF HECTIC TRADING

Phenomenal Dealings Break All Records; Average 5,000,000 Shares. BY ELMER WALZER United Press Financial Editor NEW YORK, Nov. 17.—Nine hectic days on the New York Stock Exchange, in which 45,703,700 shares have been traded in the so-called “Hoover market,” left brokers asking today: “When will the break come?” These men, overworked by handling the record transactions have learned by experience that what goes sky-high has a habit of coming dwon at least part way. And stocks are sky high now. Ever since Herbert Hoover was elected President Wall Street has run wild. Only once before did Stock Exchange trading reach 5,000,000 shares. Yet the average since Nov. 6, even including last Saturday’s halfsession, has been 5,078,077 shares daily, with this week’s average 5,560,040 shares. In the avalanche, principal trading stocks have smashed all altitude records.' Drastic Reaction Predicted Market observers say there is a great element of risk in ''anything, but the seasoned dividend paying issues which they say will continue in demand. They predict a drastic reaction that will have a sobering influence on public participants in the market. Bankers have advised agaihst speculation for a long time and now appear tired of making further observations public.* Those who sought advice and were told to stay out of the trading except in the best of issues, have been the stocks they wished to purchase swept to sensationally hihg levels. Gains they could have made were taken by others with some courage. The public therefore is skeptical of “cold water” advice. As one broker said, the buyers cannot be steered. His company raised its margin ' requirements and let the buyer beware. Money Is Plentiful Almost every stock from the lowliest to the best has had its inning. Now, it is pointed out, comes the critical period when advances will b% based on intrinsic value rather than on speculation. Friday’s market was a good example of that trend. The “blue chips” made the best showing. Stocks selling at S2OO, S3OO and S4OO were bid up ten to twenty points, whereas the little fellows with nothing much to cause buying, barely moved. The surprising thing to Wall Street is the vast amount of money being thrown into the market daily. That brokerage loans rose only $1,849,000 for the week ended Nov. 14 caused Friday’s sensational advance. The Street had a right to expect a far wider advance. Out of town telephone calls cost little. Basic rate to Chicago, only $1.05. —Advertisement.

DYNAMITE COLLIERY Mine Warfare Breaks Out Again in Pennsylvania Field. By United Press PITTSTON, Pa., Nov. 17.—The slope engine house and air compressors of the Butler colliery, near here, were wrecked today by dynamite apparently set off in a warfare of miners. Fighting, which has been sporadic for a year, caused the murder of Jacob Loyack and the wounding of his brother, Michael, Thursday. The Butler colliery is owned by the Hillside Coal and Iron Company. FLEE AFTER CRASH r Police Trace License, Arrest One Man; One Hurt. Two men fled, unhurt, after their automobile collided with another car on White river boulevard near Tenth street Friday night, and plunged down a fifty-foot embankment. Police traced the license number of the abandoned car and arrested Joseph Yove, 19, of 5055 West Fourteenth street, on charges of driving while intoxicated and assault and battery. His companion, whom Love said was driving, has not been arrested. Love’s car struck the machine of Roy Robbins, 1721 Milburn street, overturned it, and then crashed over, the flood wall and down the embankment. It did not overturn in the downward plunge. Norman Kassenbrock, 20, of 1638 Rembrandt street, was the only one injured in the accident. He was riding with Robbins. Kassenbrock suffered minor bruises, and was taken to city hospital.

TAGGART CELEBRATES HIS SEVENTY-SECOND BIRTHDAY

Thomas Taggart, veteran Democratic chieftain and former United States senator, passed his seventysecond birthday anniversary quietly at his home, 1331 North Delaware street, today. Because of his precarious health, the occasion was observed simply with his family. Congratulatory telegrams came from Taggart’s friends in all parts of the country while his nearest associates here extended their greetings by telephone and letter. On Nov. 5, Taggart was removed to his home, from Methodist hospital, where he was under observation for five weeks. Under physicians’ advice, he did not go to the polls election day, much to his disappoint. His condition has improved slowly. Friday, he walked about the house for a short time. ,

TRAUGOTT AND EX-KLAN CHIEFS AMONG DOZEN CONVICTED BY U.S. JURY

Football Schedule

Important football games today in all sections of the country follow: East Yale vs. Princeton at Princeton. Missouri vs. New York U. at New York. Detroit vs. Fordham at New York. Cornell vs. Dartmouth at Ithaca. Syracuse vs. Colgate at Syracuse. Harvard vs. Holy Cross at Cambridge. Columbia vs. Pennsylvania at Philadelphia. Georgetown vs. West Virginia at Washington. Lafayette vs. Penn State at Easton. Williams vs. Amherst at Amherst. West lowa vs. Wisconsin at lowa City. Carnegie Tech vs. Notre Dame at South Bend. Chicago vs. Illinois at Chicago. Indiana vs. Northwestern at Bloomington. Minnesota vs. Haskell at Minneapolis. Michigan vs. Michigan State at Ann Arbor. Missouri Valley .. Pittsburgh vs. Nebraska at Lincoln. Kansas vs. Oklahoma at Lawrence. South Georgia Tech vs. Alabama at Atlanta. ' Vanderbilt vs. Tennessee at Nashville. Kentucky vs. V. M. I. at Lexington, Ky. Maryland vs. Virginia at College Park. Far West Stanford vs. Washington at Palo Alto. California vs. Nevada at Berkeley. Southern California vs. Washington State at Los Angeles. Oregon vs. Oregon Aggies at Corvallis. New York Stock Opening —Ncv. 17— Am Loco *2} ' 2 Am Steel Fdry Canadian Pac *** Chrysler *2l .A Gen Motors . Hudson Motor “•j'* Inspiration .37" Kenn Cop •' I’L? Marland Mid Conti Pete 39 ; Missouri Kans & Tex .J3y Mont Ward Nor Pac I* 2 '/" Pan Amer Pete B “S • Radio 3 g° St Paul 35V* Sears-Roebuck I ;JJ7 Un Carbide k Carbon. *®<Vi Union Pac 230 , U S Cast Iron Pipe 45% U S Steal *72% Willys Over 28 Yellow Truck i- 30 * New York Curb Opening —Nov. n Open. Am Oas loS 3 '* Continental OH 20 Int Pete 51 S O Indiana 87% S O Kentucky 174 Vacuum Oil . N E Power 55 7 ,. Pantepec i* 3 General Bf-klng Elec Bond and Share *-.1£3 Elec Investors 74 Gulf OH 145 V* Hudson Bay 21'/b Pox T 28% Serv El *3 h Stutz Motor y Cities Service Com 73% Trans Cont A T 19% Marmon United L & P A 28',* United Gas and Imp 173 France Plans Diptherla Campaign Bn Vnitrd Press . PARIS, Nov. 17.—The ministry of labor and hygiene today announced the organization of a campaign from Jan. 10 to 20, for countrywide activity against diptheria.

With him at home are Mrs. Taggart and their daughter, Miss Lucy Taggart, of New York. Two other daughters reside in Indianapolis; Mrs. D. Laurence Chambers, wife of the vice-president of the BobbsMerrill Company, and Mrs. W. Richardson Sinclair, wife of the vice-president of Kingan & Cos, Inc. Taggart was bom in County Monaghan, Ireland, Nov. 17, 1356, coming to the United States When 5 years old, with his parents, who located in Ohio. He has been a resident of Indianapolis since 1877, and for half a century a leader in Democratic politics. His influence in national Democratic politics during the last twenty-five years has earned him the title of the greatest political strategist in his party.

Entered as Second-Class Matter at Postoffice, Indianapolis

Three Are Cleared of Auto Theft Conspiracy; Charge; Verdict Is Delivered at 9 o’Clock. SET SENTENCES NEXT SATURDAY] Libowitz and Store Owner Not in Court at Time Set by Judge; Draw Rebuke; Original Bonds in Trial Stand. Edward Traugott, Indianapolis merchant; W. Lee Smith, Indianapolis attorney and former grand dragon of the Indiana Ku-Klux Klan, and ten other defendants in the interstate automobile theft conspiracy ease were found guilty by the jury, which reported in federal court at 9 this morning. The jury found William Jones, 5502 Winthrop avenue; his wife, Mrs. Pink Jones, and Wolf Sussman, Indianapolis jeweler, not guilty.

The others found guilty were: Harry Sussman, partner of Traugott and son of Wolf. Elmer Sussman,* salesman, cousin of Harry. Robert F. McNay, Hendricks county farmer, former Indianapolis attorney and former Indiana titan of the Kin. Dr. Fred Binzer, Terre Haute, Ind., optometrist. Ted Baldwin, Chicago, one of the alleged ring leaders and a brother of Leo Baldwin, alleged brains of the gan, who fled to Canada. Miss Lloyd Harrison, Chicago, captured in a stolen car with Ted Baldwin, attractive former actress in an A1 Jolson show. William Laffey. Indianapolis soft drink parlor operator. Jaitob Wohlfeld, Indianapolis furrieV Mortimer Wohlfeld, son of Jacob. Bertram Libowitz, Indianapolis electric appliance salesman, brother to Harold Libowitz, who was fatally burned in the Traugott store explosion of Aug. 26. Sentences Next Saturday Judge Robert C. Baltzell announced he would sentence the twelve convicted defendants at 9 next Saturday morning. He released those under their original bonds of $25,000 each. Each is subject to a maximum sentence of two years in federal prison and SIO,OOO fine. The jury got the case at 9:45 p. m. Friday evening after arguments which had lasted since about 2:30 Friday afternoon. The verdict was reached at 2:45 this morning and sealed until court opened at 9 a. m. Immediately after the verdict was read, Judge BMtzcll flashed this warning: •‘Now we want no 6how of emotion in the courtroom.” The deefndants sat impassive, excepting the attractive actress Miss Harrison, whose lips, rouged into a cupid's bow, formed an almost audible “Oh.” Miss Harrison’s mother, seated beside her, gripped her arm. Two Not in Court Traugott and Libowitz were not in the courtroom when court opened and Judge Baltzell flayed Ira M. Holmes, their attorney, for their absence. “Very funny, no other defendants absent but yours. I think we ought to forfeit those bonds,” he said to Holmes. He ordered capiases prepared for their immediate rearrest, but just then the two men appeared and meekly admitted they knew they were to have been in court at 9. The judge ordered tiiem seated in the front of the courtroom and ordered the marshall to keep an eye on them. Attempts Apologize Holmes stepped forward to apologize. “Traugott started to leave his car on the street. I told him he was too optimistic he should put it in the garage,” explained Holmes. “I thought they had time. You see my watch is slow, and he exhibited his tardy timepiece.” < District Attorney Albert Ward interposed: “I’m not sure but what Traugott's bond ought to be raised, anyway.” “Well, there’s another case hera against him and I have in mind that we can set another bond in that case,” said Judge Baltzell. Later he decided to let the original bond stand. Held Under Bond Then turning to Traugott and Libowitz the court lectured them again with “When I set a time here we start at that hour. You see how nearly you came to getting your friends i ntrouble?” (referring to the bondsmen.) “I was up until midnight last night and you see I got here on time.” After discussing the bonds the Judge remarked: “I thought I ought to take those

NOON

Outside Marlon Couuty 3 Cents

TWO CENTS

men (pointing to Traugott end Libowitz) in charge, but I will not. I want all you men on tomd in court at 9 o’clock next Saturday morning. Tell the defendants who have bonds they are excused.” All were under bond except McNay, Baldwin and Miss Harrison, who weer taken back to jail. AUTO VICTIM ROBBED Purse Stolen From Woman Lying Injured After Crash. While Miss Mabel Gibson, 2025 College avenue, was lying, injuied, at Twenty-seventh and Meridian streets after an automobile accident Friday, a thief robbed her purse, which contained $3, before police arrived. She was taken to city hospital suffering severe cuts and bruises. PHYSICIAN ARRESTED Dr. John M. Rhoades Charged With Illegal Operation. Dr. John M. Rhodes, 51, of 802 South West street was under arrest today at city prison, charged with performing an illegal operation. Rhodes was arested Friday night by detectives Charles Gollnisch and Robin Taylor who have been searching for him since Sept. 9, the date of the death of Mrs. Helen Walsh Ball, 30, 854 College avenue, at city hospital. Rhodes told the detectives he had been to California on a vacation trip. Coroner C. H. Keever ordered his arrest. Rhodes, according to Keever, faces a similar charge in criminal court which has never been called to trial. GET S6O IN 2 HOLDUPS Filling Station Attendant Told to Falsify Report to Police. Two Negroes held up Louis Greenwood, 1332 North Capitol avenue, at a fruit stand owned by Louis Elkvites at 1305 North Capitol avenue, at 2:30 a. m. today and took $lO. They fled on foot. Howard Vaught, attendant at a Standord Oil Company filling station at Noble street and Fletcher avenue, was held up by a bandit Friday night. The bandit took SSO: and ordered Vaught to tell police he was held up by two Negroes. Ex-Berengaria Captain Dies Bn United Press LONDON. Nov. 17.—Commander Charles A. Smith, former captain of the Cunard liner Berengaria, died here today after several weeks’ illness. Indiana Bride Killed tfu United Press FRANKFORD, Ind., Nov. 17.—0n her way to Florida to spend her honeymoon with the Rev. Charles R. Haines, Mrs. Allie K. Haines, 70, was killed in an automobile accident near Griffin, Ga„ according to word received here. The Haines were married here Thursday.

Special Inducements Leading Used Car Dealers, who want to clear their floors before winter, have united with the Times in staging the greatest city wide co-opera-tive Fall Clearance Sale ever held in Indianapolis. Greatly reduced prices, smaller down payments and more liberal Credit terms than have ever before been offered locally are announced in the “Sale offerings” listed on the want ad pages of tonight’s Times. Make your seelction now.