Indianapolis Times, Volume 40, Number 181, Indianapolis, Marion County, 19 December 1928 — Page 1

Spoiled! Cunning Sherlocks Thwart ‘Master Crime’ of Office Boy.

Bu United Press CHICAGO, Dec. 19.—Sherlock Holmes and Craig Kennedy always got their man but Robert Eveler, 18, an office boy whose parents live in Washington, D. C., didn’t think Chicago detectives were as shrewd. After two weeks of studying the weak points of Holmes’ and Kennedy’s victims, Robert started a blackmailing scheme which he thought would be the “perfect crime.” But, like the crooks of fiction, he overlooked a detail or two, and today was waiting for his parents to do something about his beng in jail. Robert typed a letter to Benjamin Ritholz, president of the firm for which he worked, demanding $3,000, under penalty of exposing some vague scandals in Ritholz’ past. The letter said to entrust the money to his faithful office boy, Robert Eveler, who would see that it was delivered. Ritholz, never having heard of Robert and recalling no past scandals, consigned the letter to the waste basket. Robert sat all day in the outer office waiting for a summons to the president’s office that never came. He wrote another letter, boosting the price to $3,500 and making even more dire threats. After several days came the longlooked for invitation. Ritholz called the youth. Would Robert take this package of $5,000 in bills to the union station and deliver it to the extortionists? Robert would, and went to the station. After loafing around the lobby a few minutes, smiling to himself about the stupidity of the local police, Robert retired to an alley to count his newly acquired fortune. The package was filled with wrapping paper, cut to currency size. At the same time Captain William Schoemaker and Sergeant Robert Bennett appeared and in lieu of Sherlock Holmes and Craig Kennedy arrested Robert. ‘Dead’ Son Returns Itu United Press ■myriLWAUKEE. Wis., Dec. 19.—A IVI middle-aged man was trying today to re-establish himself in the hearts of a family who had lived for twenty years in the belief that he was dead. Fred Lederer was reported to have drowned while swimming at Chippewa Falls in 1908. The body was recovered and buried. Today the Lederer family, including the 80-year-old mother, were questioning a stranger here who says he is the youth who had been supposed drowned. He told the Lederer family that the accident at the river had taken the life of an Indian who was swimming with him. In boyish fear he said he believed he would be blamed for the death of his Indian companion and so ran away. He wandered over most of the country, he said, before daring to return to his family. The family admitted at first sight that there was striking resemblance, but there will be close questioning before the “son” is accepted into the household. It has been suggested that he may be an imposter trying to obtain a portion of Mrs. Leder’s SIOO,OOO fortune. \ 0. K. to Smoke on Cars THERE is no city ordinance prohibiting smoking in a street car. Police found that out today, but only after Robert Miston, 21, of 1633 North Capitol avenue, arrested on that charge and spent an hour in city prison. Miston was arrested at Market and Illinois streets this morning on complaint of F. W. Hessler, who gave his address as the Pettis Dry Goods Company. He lighted a cigaret while he was on the back platform as he was about to leave the car at that corner, Miston admitted. Hessler, standing near, according to Miston, ordered him: “Blow that smoke straight up, don’t blow it ahead.” An argument followed and Hessler called Ray Gish, traffic officer, and demanded the youth’s arrest. William A. Boyce Jr., city clerk, and Herbert Spencer, deputy prosecutor, were informed of the arrest and began a search of law books, but find no ordinance covering the case. Miston was released. OIL TRUCK -OILED UP’ Police Find Tank of Whisky Instead of Crude. Bit United Press WOONSOCKET, R. 1., Dec. 19 When an oil truck plunged over an embankment and was wrecked, police discovered that instead of “oil” it’s tank contained several thousand dollars worth of high grade holiday whisky. abandon liner Celtic Impossible to Salvage Ship Aground ' off Irish Coast. Bii United Press QUEENSTOWN, Ireland, Dec. 19. —Salvage work on the White Star liner Celtic which went aground here last week, was abandoned definitely today. It was decided l* would be impracticable to save the ship. The liner probably will be sold to ship wreckers to be disman- • tied for what she will realize. Must you go to DETROIT? Why not use Long Distance? Basic rate pnly sl.3s.—Advertisement.

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VOLUME 40—NUMBER 181

STEVE STARTS NEW BATTLE FORJIBERTY Files Petition for Writ in Supreme Court, Claiming Evans Plot. LIFE PERIL IS CHARGED Declares Hamilton Circuit Court Used as Klan ‘Vengeance’ Agent. D. C. Stephenson today began a new, desperate effort to win freedom from Indiana state prison for life, where he was sentenced for the murder of Madge Oberholtzer of Indianapolis in 1925. His newest attorney, Felix Blankenbaker of Terre Haute, filed in state supreme court a petition for a writ of corum nobis, alleging, among other things in a fifty page brief, that the Hamilton circuit court, where Stephenson was tried, was used by Hiram Wesley Evans, imperial wizard of the Ku-Klux Klan as “instrument of vengeance” to destroy Stephenson, once Indiana grand dragon. Feared to Testify The brief alleges Stephenson feared to testify in his murder trial because of danger to his life. The petition amounts to a plea that the trial to be re-opened because of new evidence. He asks that hearing be held on the proposed writ, which would permit introduction of new evidence, such as contained in the brief, on Jan. 5, 1929. Affidavits from Stephenson make these charges: That fraud was practiced on the trial court, substantial justice was defeated, mob violence supplanted due process of law, threats of dea'h kept the defendant from testifying, hired gfinmen, caused demonstrations in the courtroom, and, although not guilty, Stephenson was not permitted to talje the stand. Charged With Plot Evans is charged with conspiring against Stephenson with W. Lee Smith, Eobert W. Lyons, Joseph M. Huffington, Rollie Granger and Frank L. Dobbs. The brief attacks Evans in sensational language. It alleges that Stephenson did not kidnap or assault Miss Madge Oberholtzer, for whose murder he was convicted. It alleges that Asa Smith, who aided the prosecution as a witness and was counsel for the Oberholtzer family, tried to settle with Stephenson for money. Tells of Quarrels That Prosecutor William H. Remy knew of the conditions keeping Stephenson from taking the stand, as did his own attorneys. That his attorneys made no attempt to stop Remy from using that against him in the closing argument. The brief itself is accompanied by two appendages from Stephenson, one setting forth his quarrels with Evans during the time he was with the Klan and the other being an impassioned i)lea for freedom. Blankenbaker first served notice of his appearance as attorney in the corum nobis procedure on Attorney General Arthur L. GiJliom. He then brought the affadavit of Stephenson, restricting his appearance in the suit to the corum nobis action unless written consent is given by the defenant, to the supreme court clerk’s office. Next he secured permission from the court to introduce, the motion for corum nobis hearing and the briefs. The move will be opposed by the attorney general. Denies Political Power Gilliom announced that he will send copies of the briefs to Prosecutor Remy, Ralph Kane and Charles E. Cox. The latter two were Remy’s assistants in prosecuting Stephenson. Stephenson denied his alleged political power in the 1925 legislature in the brief and declares that Lyons created the slogan attributed to him. "I am the law in Indiana.” Lyons did this to discredit him, 'he alleges. He also denied any orgies at his Irvington mam ion. The brief contends that Evans came to Noblesville and personally aroused mobs against Stephenson. Stephenson makes a ringing appeal in his old klan address manner in appendage two filed with the brief. Makes “Stirring” Appeal “If I am guilty of the hideous, repulsive charges purported to have been proved against me, then no punishment is adequate to the crime,” he contends. “If I am not guilty, then indeed, it would be the blackest smirch ever placed upon the name of Indiana to permit this conviction to stand.” In closing the statement he says “Stephenson ,the politician is dead—but tfie individual has a right to live.” Congress to Recess Saturday By United Press WASHINGTON, Dec. 19.—Congress will adjourn Saturday for the Christmas holidays and will reconvene Jan. 3 The house joint resolution proposing these dates was adopted to - day by the senate without debate.

BLACK BICKNELL! WHERE TOYS ARE MYTH

2,500 Children Refuse to Lose Their Faith in Old Santa Claus

Candy One Piece —ls a Thing to Be Cherished and Hungry Tots Dine on Soup Made From Potato Peelings. INDIANA’S TOWN OF HOPELESSNESS Babes Unable to Nurse at Mother’s Breast Must Exist on Bottles Filled With Watered Canned Milk in Mine District. BICKNELL’S CHRISTMAS CHEER FUND Why you should give: To bring Christmas to 2,300 children in Bicknell. What to give: Food, fresh fruit, toys, nuts, candy and money. Where to give: Money contributions should be sent to William Dobson, vice-presi-dent of the United Labor Bank and Trust Company, or The Times. Other gifts will be received at the fund’s headquarters at 137 North Meridian street. The headquarters will be open daily at 9 a. m. Mrs. Hugh 11. McGibeny is in charge of the Meridian street headquarters of the fund committee Dr. Ernest N. Evans, executive secretary of the church federation, is chairman of the committee. BY ARCH STEINEL 'JpiIERE’S a city in Indiana—a city of stove-huddlers —where 2,500 children pray for Santa Claus to fill their stockings on Christmas morning and praying know their prayers will be unanswered. The city is Bicknell. Black Bicknell! Black from its coal dust roadways that end at mine tipples, black with the despair in its heart at the knowledge that 2,500 of its children are calling—calling upon a Santa Claus that may not come. Twenty-five hundred pleas—many unspoken—asking for a bit of candy, a doll maybe, a pair of gloves for hands chapped by poverty, on the birthday of the Christ-child.

For twenty-two months many of the fathers of the 2,500 coal miners—have beeti unemployed. Last Christmas the 2,500 were forgotten by Santa and so they’re losing faith in the old fellow. Losing faith in tlie only genuine memorial a smug world celebrates in the 365 days of each year. While you Indianapolis shoppers hide toys away for your youngsters the children of Bicknell hide their tears, choke a bit, but go on playing on coal-heaps near railroad tracks. Penciled Plea to Davis For the coal-heaps won’t go back on them as Santa’s done —and —and —you can always hide your heart in them—for they came from God’s heart. Out of a penciled letter to James J. Davis, secretary of labor, by a Bicknell mother of four, came the announcement of the conditions in that city. Conditions that showed 2,500 men and women of the morrow would be put to bed Christmas night with the warning, “There’ll be no Santa Claus.” The letter written on cheap note paper pleaded with Secretary Davis f one day of happiness—just one day—for the 2,500. She had read the Life of James J. Davis and she believed—“believed he was a good man”—and would send Christmas back again to Bicknell. Potato Peelings Soup But in Bicknell they haven’t her sublime faith in the things that books say men can accomplish. Months of using potato peelings, bacon rinds and table scraps to eke out an insipid soup doesn’t make ingredients for faith in humanity. Even the houses know their chimneys won’t be used this year as they topple toward each other and one askew chimney whispers to another; “Mrs. Smith’s children haven’t any underskirts; Mrs. Brown’s no stockings.” You may wander at any corner in Bicknell—the Ridge View district—or on out by the Indian Creek mine and you’ll find hopelessness. Toys Are Myths Chalk-white faces of youngsters—disillusioned faces—thinned by the ir ager larder from the mine union’s commissary, stare out of windows as you pass. Stare at your own comfortable self. Shame grips you. You’d like to run for your faithlessness to tads, who one day lived in a world where they weren’t told Santa Claus would not come. Babes unable to nurse at a mother’s breast, suck from bottles filled with watered canned milk. Two dime cans of it are issued weekly by the commissary for a family of three. Toys!—why toys are myths to the 2,500. A doll’s torso in this shambles of a house, a battered homemade wagon made of spools, there. The 2,500 are toys—toys of life—put to bed on stomachs that ache for something else besides beans and potatoes, potatoes and beans. Candy Is Cherished And candy—why! candy’s something to be cherished, to be held 'close in dirty little hands and looked at. Looked at a long time—before it’s eaten. One who didn’t realize had only cough-drops to give, and they—a few of the Three Thousand—thought it was candy. Then this: * “She came into my shop,” related a brusque merchant with a choked voice, “just 5-year-old. Asked me for a piece of candy. I gave it to her. She came back the next day. I gave her another piece. The third

INDIANAPOLIS, WEDNESDAY, DEC. IS), 1928

day she came again saying, “Givegive me a piece of—candy—l won’t come back no more.” I did. She never came back—.” Fresh fruit—oranges—are wonder things to the 2,500. They never tirt of rubbing their noses against the sooty panes of Bicknell groceries, on their way home from school. Talking of Christmas “What’s those big yellow things?” shouts a peaked one pointing at a window of grapefruit. Diamonds to them. On they go past the gilded boxes of candy in drug stores, the bags of nuts in groceries to spend the fagend of a day playing in 111-kempt back yards, on coal piles—and talking— Talking of days when Christmases were Christmases and life was good to children. The talk stops. A wraith of their parents’ whispering of: “There’ll be no Santy this year,” envelops' them. A weaker one whimpers—whimpers for a drum—for anything—for—- “ What do you want Santa to bring you, sister?” She looks at you. Her eyes call you “a fool to ever ask such a question.” and then slowly, unbelieving, “A 1-i-t-t-l-e c-an-d-y.” Receive Large Gifts Large gifts received by the Bicknell Christmas Cheer Fund committee up to noon today included 583 cases of canned soup from the co-operative-employe firm, the Columbia Conserve Company. The gift of the company is approximately 28,000 cans of soup. Upon distribution it will average about twenty-four cans to each Bicknell family. The Marion county building and trades council gave SSO in cash to care for several families in want in the Bicknell district. Toys, fruit, candy, and food are needed —and needed now. “We’ve got to hurry,” averred Dr. Ernest Evans, chairman of the committee,” if we hope to bring Christmas to the 2,500 children in Bicknell.’’ PLAYS MUSIC; DIES Son of Carrie Jacobs Bond Kills Self After “Perfect Day.” By United Press LAKE ARROWHEAD, Cal., Dec. 19.—Near a phonograph on which rested a record of his mother’s most famous song, Fred Jacobs Smith, son of Carrie Jacobs-Bond, the composer, committed suicide by shooting himself through the head. The spring on the machine had run down and a dulled needle rested in the center of the disc which bore the title “A Perfect Day,” written by his mother in 1910. / ENTOMBED Tn MINE Rescue Crews Fight to Save Lives After Explosion. By United Press DRAKESBORO, Ky„ Dec. 19. Rescue crews fought valiantly today to reach six men entombed by an explosion in the Black Diamond Coal Company mine near here dur - ing the night. The blast occurred on the 4,000 foot level apparently when a shaft ceiling collapsed, and the friction ignited a gas pocket. Christmas Shoppers Buy Early By Times Special NEW YORK, Dec. 19.—New York shops reported Christmas shoppers had adhered to the shop early slogan this year and accredited much of it to the fact that there is only one more weekly pay check before Christmas.

warm spot for them! Then don't

Like children? You and a warm spot for them! Then don’t read this, just look at Fern King, 2, (left) and her sister, Margaret, 3. Fern’s not sure whether Santa is coming to her house. Margaret, older, knows different. She won’t tell Fern that they’re two of the 2,500 youngsters in Bicknell, who may not have filled stockings on Christmas day.

KING HOLDING OWNJN FIGHT Maintains Slight Improvement in Illness. By United Press LONDON, Dec. 19.—King George today maintained the improvement in his condition which began Sunday. Os the last seven bulletins issued by his physicians, only one—issued Monday—is considered to be unsatisfactory. The monarch passed a restful night and the slight improvement in his condition Sunday is being maintained, an official bulletin issued by his physicians this morning said. • The hopeful attitude Tuesday after the series of bulletins noting a continuance of improvement, today became a mild optimism, although it was emphasized that the optimism under similar circumstances last week was quickly dispelled when the king had a relapse. HIT BY AUTOIST Woman Suffers Knee Fracture; Left on Street. A hit-and-run driver struck Mrs. Ella Shirley, 54, of 2306 Woodlawn avenue, at St. Paul street and Woodlawn avenue, this morning and left her lying on the pavement with a compound fracture of her left knee. She was taken to Methodist hospital. Witnesses told police the car was a large new sedan. They were unable to give the license number or describe the driver. LIVES UP TO HIS ‘REP’ Youth Steals After He’s Accused of Theft He Didn’t Commit. Bu United Press HARRISON, N. Y., Dec. 19. Rocco Gianattosio, 18, was accused wrongly of stealing money by his parents. He told a judge that was the reason he went out and stole a motor car.

‘FIND WHO’S BOSS,’ JUDGE TELLS HUBBY

“npAKE your wife in charge. A Find out who is boss.” Municipal Judge Paul C. Wetter ordered Henry Friedman, 3216 Park avenue, today. The wife, Mrs. Hazql Friedman, 34, on trial on charges of reckless driving and failure to stop after an accident, thumbed her nose at a motorist into whose machine her car had bumped, witnesses had testified. At the conclusion of evidence, Judge Wetter called Friedman, who had been sitting quietly in the rear of the courtroom, by his first name and summoned him to the bench. “Henry,” said the judge, “You want to take your wife in charge.

Entered as Second-Class Matter at Postoffice, Indianapolis

TRUCE REACHED IN SENATE DEADLOCK ON ANTI-WAR PACT

Cast Your Vote for World Peace “Get the Peace Pact Out of the Senate by Christmas!” Ratify Kellogg Treaty as America’s Gift to the World Vote “Yes” if you favor this. Yes No Name Address Send to The Indianapolis Times Peace Editor.

Leaders Agree to Vote on Navy Cruiser Bill First. BY PAUL R. MALLON United Pres* Staff Correspondent WASHINGTON, Dec. 19. A cloakroom truce was negotiated today by senate leaders to end the deadlock over the Kellogg anti-war treaty and the naval cruiser building bill which have been struggling for precedence on the senate calendar. The truce provides that the naval bill shall be taken up as soon as pending matters are disposed of on the senate floor and that consideration of the treaty will go over until after the holidays. Chairman Borsh of the foreign relations committee in charge of the treaty’s fortune assented to the agreement when he became confident, he said, “there was nothing to be gained by taking the treaty up now.” Borah :aid neither the treaty nor the naval bill could be passed before congress adjourns Saturday for the holidays. He indicated, however, he did not intend to let the naval bill pass and permit the treaty to be indefinitely postponed. His announcement came after he had submitted thp favorable report voted by his committee on the treaty, for the executive calendar of the senate. A further consideration which persuaded Borah to enter the truce was a secret poll of the senate that

I can’t see this thing of her thumbing her nose at people. I don’t know who is boss at your house, but you want to find out who is boss before Dec. 29. I will take this case under advisement until Dec. 29.” C. W. Fleetwood, 2104 East Michigan street, and his wife, had testified that Mrs. Friedman drove her Auburn car into the rear of his machine, Nov. 15, when he had stopped on Washington street to permit persons to get on and off a street car at Hendricks place. Mrs. Friedman tried to run over Fleetwood, called him “a damn liar” and speeded away.

showed only ten votes against the treaty at the present time. The truce means the navy fight will be opened formally either late this afternoon or Thursday, when the senate votes on the pending Hawes-Cooper bill proposing restrictions on materials produced by convict labor. WAIT 0. K. ON DAM Boulder Measure May Go to Coolidge Today. By United Press WASHINGTON, Dec. 19.—Advocates of Boulder dam were confident today President Coolidge will sign the measure once It goes through the formal channels of proceedure after reaching the White House. The bill is expected to reach Coolidge’s desk either late today or Thursday. It then will be referred to the interior department and budget bureau for final approval or possible recommendations. APPROVE FARM AID Measure to Help Hurricane Regions of South Reported Out. WASHINGTON, Dec. 19—The Smith bill authorizing appropriation of $15,000",000 for hurricane relief to farmers of south Atlantic states was favorably reported today by the senate agricultural committee.

driving around the left side of the street car, Fleetwood and his wife testified. G. F. Gerlack, 5233 Burgess avenue, testified that three blocks back Mrs. Friedman had crowded his car into the curb and that his wife, holding her baby, had been thrown against the side of the machine. All the witnesses testified Mrs. Friedman had thumbed her nose at Gerlach at she drove 1 away. Mrs. Friedman admitted bumping into Fleetwood’s car, but said he stopped suddenly without giving an arm signal. She admitted saying to Fleetwood: “What’s the matter with you, are your arms cut off?” ,

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GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA TO FACE INQUIRY Impeachment Appears to Be Inevitable for Henry S. Johnston. COALITION IS FORMED Irreconcilable Democrats Join G. 0. P. Minority in Legislature. BY GAYLORD P. GODWIN, United Prem Staff Correspondent OKLAHOMA CITY, Dec. 19. The impeachment of another Oklahoma Governor appeared inevitable today. The downfall of the Henry S. Johnston administration before the onslaught of the twelfth legislature seemed certain v/hen nine Democrats, irreconcilable to the administration; agreed to join with the Republican minority and by overriding the will of the slender Democratic majority, name the committee that will investigate the governor’s office and all state departments. Forty-seven Republicans are pledged to vote as a unit in investigation and Impeachment. The addition of nine Democrat’-, therefore, will insure the naming of a committee of inquiry that will be strongly anti-administration in sympathy. A Republican caucus voted lo back a change in the house rules by taking from the speaker of the house the power to designate membership of committees and giving that power to a committee on committees, selected by the house The democrats, without the nine who will vote with the republicans will be outnumbered by a vote of 56 to 48. FILES WEST PROTEST Norris Strongly Opposes Appointment as Interior Chief. By United Press WASHINGTON, Dec. 19.-Sena-tor Norris, leader of recent campaigns against the hydro-electric power groups, forwarded a letter to Chairman Nye of the senate public lands committee today protesting against the nomination of Roy O. West as secretary of interior. Norris charged that Samuel Insull, Illinois public utilities magnate with whom West was associated as attorney, has ten applications for $300,000,000 worth of power sites before the interior department. PUT NEW LAW ON AIR Police Lieutenant to Explain Traffic Ruling on “Mike.” Lieutenant Frank Owen, head of the police accident prevention bureau. beginning tonight will speak over WFBM, Indianapolis Light and Power Company raido station, explaining the provisions of the new traffic ordinance, Police Chief Claude M. Worley announced today. The talks will continue from 6:20 to 6:30 p. m. each evening until ah the new ordinance has been explained, Worley said. The ordi nance goes into effect Jan. 1. ARRESTED: SET FREE Dismissed on Charge of Keeping Slot Machine. Although he condemned slot machines as a “menace to the city,” Municipal judge Clifton R. Cameron today declared the law gave him no other course, and discharged Robert Baker, 2412 English avenue, on a charge of keeping a gambling device, and returned to Baker a slot machine seized from him in the police raids last week in which nineteen were arrested. The defense proved that police had taken the machine from a private rear room where it was not in use and had no search warrant. TOO MUCH - NURSE—JAIL’ Sick Man Confides He’s United States Agent; Wanted in Texas. James Arthur Cordeal .alias Charles Tucker, 32, New York, confided too much in his nurse, according to police. Cordeal, staying at the Claypool, told a nurse who tended him when he became ill that he was a postal inspector, according to detectives, and borrowed $5 from her. He , earlier had told hotel officials was a department of justice agent. According to police he is wanted*, at Sanderson, Tex., on a three-year-old motor theft charge. MEAT MARKET ROBBED Thieves Get 37 Cents and Supply of Fresh Meat. Burglars took 37 cents from the cash register at his meat market, 1715 Southeastern avenue, Leonard Unvprsaw reported to police. They also took a side of beef worth $23, beef steaks worth sl7, cheese worth $7.50, 120 pounds of bacon worth $24 and a case of eggs) sl4. Hourly Temperatures 6a. m 32 10 a. m 34 7a. m 32 11 a. m 34 Ba. m 32 12 (noon).. 35 9a. m..... 33 Ip. m,.... 35