Indianapolis Times, Volume 40, Number 248, Indianapolis, Marion County, 6 March 1929 — Page 1

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DEATH COMES TO THOMAS TAGGART

KNIGHTS OF OIL POLISH LANCES ON JOUST EVE John D. Victory Claimed in Thursday Showdown With Stewart. MORALITY VS. PROFITS Churches Back ‘Sir Galahad’ in Fight to Oust Colonel. BT EARL J. JOHNSON Cnitfd Prfss Staff Correspondent CHICAGO, March 6.—Plumed knigtits 01 big business polished their a v rnor today for the proxy battle at Whiting. Ind.. Thursday which will decide whether the Rockefellers still weild enough power to control the billion dollar Standard Oil Company of Indiana. Supporters of John D. Rockefeller Jr., were prepared to ride into the fray carrying the banner of “morality in industry” while the backers of Colonel Robert W. Stewart, whon\ Rockefeller seeks to depose as a director in the company, unfurled a flag bearing two words: “Honest profits.” Outcome Known Tonight On the eve of the conflict which will be decided by the 58,000 shareholders in the concern at their Whiting meeting, the Rockefeller group’s claims of victory were much louder than Stewart’s. Although admitting that Stewart may poll a larger number of individual stockholders, Winthrop W. Aldrich, head of the Rockefeller proxy committee, insists that his side already had pledged 60 per cent of the actual shares which form the units of voting strength. “The fight is not over until the ballots are counted.” replied Albert L. Hopkins. Stewart's personal attorney. Final proof of which side controls the greater strength may be obtained tonight, however, after the last of the proxies have been checked with the company books. Aldrich has promised to make known tonight just how many proxies he brought out with him from New' York, providing the Stewart forces will reveal their true strength at the same time. Churches Boost John D. Rockefeller, who is inspecting the tombs of ancient, but less prosperous rulers in Egypt while the fight reaches a climax here, gained support from the Federal Council of Churches for the “Sir Galahad” role he has sought to play in ousting Stewart. The church council issued a statement branding as false the report that Rockefeller’s motive in fighting Stewart lies in his desire to keep the Standard Oil Company of Indiana from taking business away from other Standard Oil companies in which he owns big blocks of shares. Stew'art insists that his acquittal of contempt of the senate charges, after he had refused to answer certain questions about his connection w'ith the mysterious Continental Trading Company, clears his record. Claim Victory by Million Much of his support toward retaining his directorship comes from shareholders who are satisfied that his administration is responsible in the main for the enormous profits the company has paid in the last few years. Big eastern estates and tfie numerous charities and institutions to which Rockefeller has donated Indiana stock, however, may prove to be Stewart's undoing. Aldrich today reiterated his claim of victory by a margin of 1,000,000 shares. The Chicago Journal of Commerce estimated that Rockefeller would poll 4.500.000 shares of stock in the Whiting meeting against 3,250,000 for Stewart. All Set for Showdown Plans for the shareholders meeting were completed today, the last 'telegraph wires installed to make the affair more like a national political convention than a meeting of inv^tors. The meeting will be called to order at noon by Colonel Stewart, as chairman of the board, in the Community Memorial building, which was erected in Whiting in 1923 with funds donated by the Rrtplfpfpllpr.v After reading his annual report Stewart will vield the gavel to President E. G. Seubert who will conduct the election of £ new board of directors. WAR CHIEF TAKES OATH WASHINGTON. March 6.—James W. Good of Chicago, w'as sworn today as secretary of war, succeeding Dwight W. Davis of St. Louis, before a group of army notables and congressional friends. Colonel John B. Randolph, assistant ehlef clerk, who has been administering oaths at the department since 1903, officiated today.

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The Indianapolis Times Partly cloudy to cloudy tonight and Thursday; colder tonight with lowest temperature about 25 by morning; much colder Thursday.

VOLUME 40—NUMBER 248

Gone A-Rye! Business Men Tricked by Fair Salesman Taking Liquor Orders.

ANOTHER argument in favor of prohibition spent two weeks in Indianapolis recently. s he is pretty and young and has gone away from here. With her has gone a purse filled with cold cash. She left behind & quantity of pink slips, receipts for part payment on rare whiskys, brandies and gins. A group of disappointed, disillusioned business men who ordered liquor from her and paid deposits on their orders, also are left behind.

The woman, a Miss Madden, %aid she represented the Guggenheim Products Corporation of Baltimore, Md., and guaranteed prompt, safe delivery of “stuff right off the boat.” She reaped a golden harvest. Today a shame-faced, .ordinarily shrewd, business mairconfessed he had written thft products corporation—and learned there wasn’t any

GASOLINE TAX BOOSTVOTEB 4-Cent-a-Gallon Levy Approved by Senate. Indiana motorists will begin paying a four cent a gallon tax upon gasoline, instead of the present three, this summer, it was made certain today when the Indiana senate passed the gas tax increase bill by vote of 35 to 13. The bill now goes to Governor Harry G. Leslie, w'ho indorsed an increased tax in his inaugural speech. Senator William. 1 A. Hodges of Gary protested the increase futilely. Rumor had it that passage of the bill lends assurance that a change will be made in the highway department personnel which will handle the increased funds. Increase is estimated at between $4,000.000 and $5,000,000. Change in the administration would mean the ousting of Director John D. Williams, focal point of criticism launched against the department.

EX-SENATORJS DEAD Moses Clapp of Minnesota Passes at 78. By United Press WASHINGTON. March 6.—Former Senator Moses Clapp of Minnesota died in his home at Accottink, Va., today. He was 78 years old and had been in failing health for more than a year. Clapp served in the senate from 1901 to 1917. He was from St. Paul, Minn. COLD WAVE ON WAY Temperature Thursday to Be 20 Degrees Lower. Much colder Thursday, is the prediction of J. H. Armington, United States weather bureau head. Thursday’s temperature will average 20 to 30 degrees lower than today's reaching a low point of about 20 degrees above zero, Armington said. Southerly winds will warm up the atmosphere today, but the winds will shift to the west and northwest by night and the mercury drop will to about 25 above tonight, he said. Today's 7 a. m. temperature of 38 at 7 a. m. was 2 degrees above normal and the low mark for the night was 34 at 2:40 a. m. Hourly Temperatures 6 a.,m.... 36 10 a. m.... 50 7 a. m.... 38 11 a. m.... 53 Ba. m.... 41 12 (noon).. 55 9 a. m.... 46

WHO KILLED HANDSOME HARRY?’ YOUR SOLUTION MAY WIN A CASH PRIZE

WHO killed •‘Handsome” Harry Borden? And why was he killed? That is what The Indianapolis Times wants to know. And w* are w filing to pay cash prizes of $25 for your ideas on the solution of the crime about which all Indianapolis is talking. The solution to this mystery is in “The Black Pigeon,” Anne Aus-

MAJOR BATTLE WITH MEXICO REBELS NEAR Decisive Conflict Expected Near Monterey Within 48 Hours. 'MASS FEDERAL TROOPS Forces of Revolution Leader in Vera Cruz Stage Mutiny. By United Press NOGALES, Ariz., March 6.—Rebel leaders in Sonora predicted today that a major conflict of the present Mexican revolution would take place south of Monterey with forty-eight hours. General Francisco Boroquez said that General J. Gonzalez Escobar commanded 5,000 men, a force sufficient to overcome the federal group in battle. Boroquez indicated that he believed that the climax of the entire revolt would occur in or near Guanajuato, within a few weeks. He said the present troop movement would throw the main bodies of the rebel and federal forces together in that district. General Boroquez, in command of troops in Nogalez, said he received information indicating that General Escobar, leader of the uprising, expected to contact federal forces within that time. The situation was generally quiet in the state of Sonora today with all cities except San Luis held by rebels. San Luis was controlled by federal of Governor Abelardo Rodriguez of Lower California, who still maintained allegiance to the central government. Mass Federal Troops Bn United Press MEXICO CITY, March 6.—Federal troops were massing from all directions today in a double drive on Monterey, capital of Neuvo Leon, captured by rebels. General Juan Almazan, who left Monterey originally to direct the Vera Cruz campaign, was returning to his headquarters with a brigade in an attempt to drive out the rebels and recapture the city. Beside Amazan’s advance, another was being undertaken by loyal forces from the state of Tamaulipas. under the command of General Eulogio Ortiz, who is now' establishing communications along the San Juan river. Meanw’hile, federal troops in Sonora were reported to be impeding the advance of Francesco Manso from Navojoa, by wrecking communications and at the same time maintaining contact with rebel advance patrols.

Mutiny in Vera Cruz By United Press WASHINGTON, March 6.—Rebel troops in Vera Cruz mutinied against General Aguirre at dawn today and are occupying half the city, Consul Myers informed the state department today. Other sources reported that troops in Vera Cruz were sacking stores and that the situation was serious. The mutinous troops were members of the third batallion. General Aguirre proclaimed rebellion at Verr Cruz on Saturday afternoon and since then had held the city. Revolt Hits Jaurez JUAREZ. Mexico, March 6.—General Marcelo Caraveo, governor of Chihuahua, has joined the revolution, he told the United Press today. Belief that the garrison of Juarez would submit to the will of General Caraveo and join the revolution was expressed by rebel sympathizers. General M. J. Limon. Juarez commander. however, announced today he "intends to stick by the government.” Second Auto Theft Alleged By United Press EAST CHICAGO. Ind.. March 6. —Herman Young, 18, of East Chicago, after serving one yet-r of a sentence for automobile oneit. was free, came home the next day and stole another automob'le, it is charged. While driving to Rensselaer. Young parked the car at a roadside to take a nap and was arrested.

tins serial story. running in The Times. If you have been reading the “Black Pigeon” every day, as you were advised to do. several weeks ago. when first announcement of this prize award was made, then you probably have picked out the murderer of Harry Borden. If you have not been reading the story, then you can start to-

INDIANAPOLIS, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 1929

A Great Man Is Dead

This photograph of Thomas Taggart, Democratic chieftain, who died here today, was one of the last characteristic snapshots taken of him before illness confined him to his home. The photograph was taken by Miss Virginia Edwards, Times staff photographer, a few months ago during a gathering of Mr. Taggart’s closest friends at his home. He was smiling the famous Taggart smile when the picture was taken.

HOUSE PASSES 2 PLAZA BILLS Measures Now Ready to Go to Governor. The way was paved for Marion county and Indianapolis to acquire two church properties on. the War Memorial Plaza when the state house of representatives today passed two senate “enabling bills” under suspension of the rules. In contrast to their course in the senate, where opponents denounced the manner in which the war memorial project had been developed, the bills found, clear sailing. Not a dissenting vote was cast. They now go to the Governor. Four other bills were passed by the house at the morning session. One, the absent voter measure, lacked four votes of attaining a constitutional majority, but may be called down again., The senate bill substituting the American men’s table of mortality for the experience table in writing insurance was passed by the house, as were bills prohibiting possession of "American hashheesh” and permitting constables of Center township, Indianapolis, to appoint deputies if the township advisory board appropriates funds for the purpose. Representative Frank E. Wright, Indianapolis, told the house there was no occasion for passing the Moorhead senate bill, giving the Governor wider latitude in the appointment of trustees for the Knightstown Soldiers and Sailors’ Orphans home, but the bill passed 81 to 3 and now goes to the Governor.

LOCKED IN BY BURGLAR Struggles With Negro Intruder Who Loots His Home. Abe Axelrod. 30. of 1032 South Illinois street, was locked in a rear room of his home by a Negro he surprised looting the house at 9:40 a. m. today. He had to break open the rear door to escape and give an alarm. SAVES BOY IN WELL Lad Rescues Playmate, c\ From Cistern. When he Yell into an open cistern in the rear of 1420 North Meridian street Tuesday, Leon Moulten, 8, of 1440 North Illinois street, was rescued by his chum, Eugene Lewis, 13, of the same address. Only a slight dept of water was in the cistern, and the boy was bruised severely. The chum helped him climb out.

day. with the synopsis, and still enjoy the thrills of the mystery. From now on in the story the identity of the murderer becomes more apparent. Start today forming your opinion of the correct solution of the mystery. Then write out your solution neatly and mail it to “The Black y. / ' ' ■ f ‘fe-'V ■■

DRYS YIELD TO HOOVER PLAN Not to Oppose Enforcement Program, By United Press WASHINGTON. March 6.—Dry leaders made their first concession today in accordance with the President’s plans to enforce prohibition. , F. Scott Mcßride superintendent of the Anti-Saloon League and other dry leaders who called on the President today said they would not oppose Mr. Hoover’s plan to transfer the enforcement machinery from the treasury to the justice department. The dry force heretofore have opposed such a shift in authority. McBride pointed out, however, that if the transfer were made the whole machinery instead of part of it, would have to be changed. The delegation, representing thirty-one national prohibition and law* enforcement organizations indicated they would leave the program entirely in the hands of Mr. Hoover.

‘DING-DONGS’ GONE! Cops Labor to Enforce New System. Indianapolis traffic police today took up the task of teaching downtown pedestrians and motorists a new traffic system. The “ding dong” system giving pedestrians an exclusive period to cross the streets at the intersections of Illinois. Meridian and Pennsylvania streets with Washington street was abolished today by order of the board of safety. The plan already in effect on other downtown corners went into effect. Pedestrians must obey the “stop” and “go” signals of the semaphore and walk with traffic.

13 DIE IN MLANCHE Many Injured When Snowslide Hits Village. By United Press ERIVAN. Russia, March 6.—Thirteen persons were killed and many injured in an avalanche in the Armenian village of Bangizur, advices received here today stated. A number of houses were destroyed by the avalanche, winch was reported due to heavy snowstorms in the region.

Pigeon Editor” at The Indianapolis Times. AFTER THE APPEARANCE* OF CHAPTER 44 ON MARCH 21. But all letters must be in The Times .office BEFORE THE APPEARANCE OF CHAPTER 46 ON MARCH 25. • In other words, letters containing the solution of the mystery must be mailed after mi^ught,

DEMOCRATIC PARTY CHIEF SUCCUMBS AT HIS HOME TO ILLNESS OF MONTHS Complication of Diseases Ends Career of Man Who Served His City, State and Nation at Every Opportunity and Won Enduring Fame POWER IN POLITICS FOR THIRTY YEARS Family at Bedside as End Comes; Funeral Services Are Set for Friday; Cheerful to Last, Despite Bitter Suffering Over Long Period

(Tributes to Mr. Tamart on Pore One, Section Two.) Thomas Taggart, for more than three decades the most powerful Democrat of Indianapolis, for twenty yeih-s the unchallenged head of his party in Indiana, and one of the three or four men who shaped the national destinies of Democracy, died today at his home, 1331 North Delaware street. Death occurred at 10:30 a. m. A lingering illness of kidney disorders, complicated by heart disease, caused death, Dr. J. A. MacDonald, attending physician, announced. Mr. Taggart had been unconscious for forty-eight hours before death peacefully took him away. His last conscious moments were typical of his great fighting heart, relatives said. He was uncomplaining through his long, distressing illness and interested in the goings and comings of his family to the last. His interest to the end in his robust grandchildren gave added pathos to his passing. Beside Mr. Taggart when death came were Mrs. Taggart, Miss Lucy Taggart, Mrs. W. R. Sinclair, Mrs. William Young and Mrs. D. L. Chambers, daughters: Thomas D. Taggart Jr., a son, and D. L. Chambers, son-in-law. Dr. Mac Dorn-Id had gone, announcing that the end was only a matter of time, leaving nurses in charge. Drs. W. M. Wishard and H. G. Hamer had been consultants in Mr. Taggart’s illness. His health had been failing for the last several years, but his'' condition became alarming last June, Dr. MacDonald said.

Funeral Services Friday

Funeral sendees will be strictly private at the residence at 2 p. m. Friday. Bishop Joseph M. Francis of the Episcopal church will conduct the services, which will be the brief Episcopal rites, both at home and grave. Burial will be In the Taggart family grounds in Crown Hill cemetery. The grave will be slightly east of the James Whitcomb Riley mound. The family announced that the body will be accessible for public view at any time. So widespread was the populality of Mr. Taggart in both his own party and among leading Republicans, as well as business leaders who took no active part in politics, that his death was a loss felt by the entire state. Flags on public buildings were ordered at half staff. Richard Lieber, director of the state conservation department, on request of Governor Harry G. Leslie, ordered all flags at state parks at half staff, in token of respect for the former United States senator and ardent supporter of conservation measures. Mr. and Mrs. Taggart returned from their summer home at Hyannisport, Mass., early last fall and Mr. Taggart entered Methodist hospital Oct. 1. Unable to Vote He was removed to his home the day before the presidential election, Nov. 6, with the expectation that he would be strong enough to vote. He could not stand the trip to the polls, to his great disappointment. Since then he had been at the residence, rallying occasionally to the point

March 21, and before midnight, March 24. The subject of your letter must be “Who Killed Handsome Harry Borden and Why?” Answers must be written on one side of the paper only. Letters may be long or short, as desired. It is not necessary to name the same murderer as is named by

Entered an Second-Class Matter at Postoffice, Indianapolis

that he was able to take short automobile rides Thomas Taggart was born in County Monaghan, Ireland, Nov. 17, 1856, the son of Thomas and Martha (Kingsbury) Taggart. When only 5 years old he was brought to the United States by his parents. The family located at Xenia, 0., where the boy Taggart received his early education in the common schools. His first employment was that of cleaning out the depot lunchroom

Sorrow Voiced by A1 Smith By United Press NEW YORK, March 6. Tom Taggart was a great personal friend and I hear of his death with much regret,” former Governor Alfred E. Smith commented when informed of the death of the noted Indianian. T used to see Tom a great deal when I went to French Lick Springs, in his state. He has many friends in the east who will join with me in mourning his death.”

at Xenia and beating an oldfashioned gong when the trains pulled in. “He was just a plain, uninteresting, freckle-faced youngster, when the freckles could be seen under the foreign substance,” John B. Stoll has written in a biographical sketch. One thing, he freely admitted, that he was far from caring whether his face ever was washed.” Young Taggart scrubbed the lunchroom under the eyes of a stem proprietor, and it was there and then, his biographer has written, that Taggart learned the virtues of cleanliness that were carried out scrupulously in his hotel undertakings in later days. Forced to devote much of his time to his work, education of the schoolroom variety was relegated to second place. But a kindly young school mar’m gave him part of her evenings for study and recitations.

Praised by Mentor

When Taggart had grown to manhood and became United States senator, one of the first letters of congratulation to reach him came from his old teacher. It received a warm and prompt reply. From the mops and brooms, Taggart became proprietor of the depot lunchroom and in 1874, at 18, he was sent to Garrett and three years later sent here to become manager of the Union depot lunchroom. The depot was a rendezvous for politicians and it was here that Taggart’s interest in politics was awakened. Successful and ambitious, Taggart. opened the Grand hotel, which became Democratic headquarters for many years and proved a highly successful business undertaking. In 1886. Taggart, with little effort on his own part, became the Democratic nominee for auditor of Marion county. He was elected and handled affairs of the office so well that precedent was broken. He was renominated and re-elected in 1890 for a second four-year term. The opposition was bitter. This “young

Miss Austin. But whatever person is named as the murderer you must convince the contest editor that that person committed the crime. The solution must be logical, it must be clear, and it must be convincing. Turn to Page II now and read today's installment of “The Black Pigeon.” . , .

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Democratic upstart” •was becoming uncomfortably powerful. Iu 1888, Taggart had been made Marion county Democratic chairman. In 1892 he was made Democratic state chairman. While serving his second term as county auditor, he became a candidate for mayor of Indianapolis and resigned the county post to make the race. Encountering the most vigorous opposition from Republican ranks, he was elected mayor in 1895. His path beset, with all the obstacle# political opponents could strew m his way, he was re-elected in 1897, and again, for his third two-year term, in 1899. He was Seventh District Democratic chairman twelve years.

Goes to French Lick

During all of this time, Taggart’s business interests were retained and prospered under his direction. His Indianapolis residence, while lie was mayor, where the Kahn Tailoring Company’s building now stands Upon termination of his tiiird term as mayor, he made no ejcrt to remain in political office, but- took over the French Lick Springs hotel properties which have added to his fame and increased his personal fortune. His success was startling and forms one of the most remarkable chapters in hotel annals. His opponents were cheered at the prospect of Taggart’s passing out of the political picture. But they were disappointed when he proved an even more formidable opponent in his party’s counsels thait on the candidates’ line. He held every office in Democratic organization work from precinct committeeman to national chairman. In 1904 he was an outstanding figure at the national Democratic convention at St. Louis. He incurred some lasting enmities because of his opposition to many candidates whom he believed would be less desirable to the voters of the nation than Alton B. Parker, .who was nominated. Again in 1908 Taggart waa the recognized leader of the Democratic national convention at Denver, when John Worth Kem was nominated as the running mate of William Jennings Bryan. At the Baltimore convention in 1912, Taggart’s political generalship was demonstrated once more. William F. McCombs, generally accredited with engineering the nomination of Woodrow Wilson, has given the Indiana Democratic chiefta’n the credit.

The Real General

At the French Lick hotel, McCombs once pointed to Taggart’s little office and remarked: "There is the real general who made Woodrow* Wilson president and Thomas R. Marshall vice-president. I was there and I ought to know. “I was given lots of credit for nominating Wilson, because I had carried on the fight long be tore the convention met. Without the seasoned generalship of Tom Taggart in the convention it never might have happened as it did. He knew when and how to make the move and turn.” Marshall acknowledged the debt of gratitude he owed Taggart as soon as Taggart came home from the convention. Crossing to Taggart’s table at the Denison hotel, Marshall, then Governor of Indiana, shook hands with Taggart and two delegates who were dining with him and said: “I want you to know. Tom Tagagrt, that I know and fully appreciate that you nominated me for vice-president; that it was your work alone that placed me on the ticket, and I want to thank you most heartily.” Marshall’s entrance into politics as the Democratic nominee for Governor of Indiana was due to Taggart The effort had been to nomito Page 6.) -