Indianapolis Times, Volume 40, Number 255, Indianapolis, Marion County, 14 March 1929 — Page 1

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GHERE ADMITS FIRING SHOT TO KILL HAAG Offers Guilty Plea for Life Sentence; State to Rest McDonald Evidence. WANT PAIR IN CHICAGO Gunman Declares Fatal Bullet Was Accident in Holdup. The state was to rest its case this afternoon against Rupert McDonald, 22-year-old Chicago youth, charged with the murder at the Green Mill barbecue in May, 1926, of Wilkinson Haag, Haag Drug Compafoy official. Evidence with which the prosecution hopes to send McDonald to the death chair or life imprisonment were put before the jury today. Lawrence Ghere, who also is under indictment for the Haag murder, has confessed that he fired the shot which killed Haag, Prosecutor Judson L. Stark announced today. Ghere has offered to plead guilty and accept life imprisonment, it is understood. He is expected to repeat his offer before the opening of his trial and if he does so it likely will be accepted, it was learned. Denies Intent to Kill Ghere denied intending to shoot Haag and said his gun was discharged when Hagg hit a weak wrist which had been sprained. The state contends McDonald was Ghere’s companion in the holdup at the Green Mill and planned to steal Haag’s $l,lOO diamond ring. Forest C. Huntington of the state bureau of criminal identification, who at the time of the murder was a Pinkerton detective agency operative, was the principal prosecution witness today.

The defense prevented the state’s effort to get into the evidence that Pinkerton detectives were hunting Ghere and McDonald at that titne as members of a $250,000 national jewelry theft ring.. Wanted in Chicago Two capiases against McDonald and three against Ghere charging jewelry robberies in Chicago were received by the prosecutor’s office today with the request they be served if the state fails to secure life imprisonment sentences here. Huntington told of finding a slip of paper bearing the addresses of several Haag drug stores and Haag’s home in grips left in a room at the Lincoln "which others have said Ghere and McDonald occupied at the time of the slaying. He also found three bullets, with lead similar to the ones which killed Haag, and clothing marked “Ghere” and “McD.,” Huntington said. He also described an Englewood N. J.) bank book which later led to Ghere’s arrest in the east. Officers on Stand C. J. Cook testified that the two men who had occupied the room left May 17, said to be the day of the slaying, leaving behind an unpaid hotel bill and their grips. Other witnesses were Dr. William A. Doeppers, city hospital superintendent; Police Captain Leonard Forsythe and Detective Charles Jordan and Mrs. Harry Smith, Thirty-seventh street and Parker avenue. Mrs. Smith told of seeing the car in which the murderers escaped drive away from the barbecue.

GIRL GOES TO JAIL FOR JEALOUSY KILLING Starts Term for Slaying- Street Car Conductor Who Jilted Her. By United Press CHICAGO, March 14.—Dry-eyed but pale, Florence Stokes, the girl who murdered a street car conductor because he forsook her for another woman, left Chicago today for Joliet, where she must serve from one year to life in the state prison. Florence wore a simple black dress, blue sweater and black shoes when she boarded a Chicago & Alton train in custody of a jail matron. “Have you anything to say?” she was asked. “No,” Florence replied. “Not a thing to say.” She was convicted in a sensational trial of the murder of James Glennon, her sweetheart. She testified that Glennon advised her to kill herself. TOWN GIVES FREE RENT Illinois Community Also Furnishes Transportation to Comers. By United Press NOKOMIS, 111., March 14.—One month's rent free and transportation of household goods is offered any family that will move to Nokomis and live here for one year, by the Merchants’ Association. The association is disturbed over the many unoccupied residences since the closing of the Uliuois Coal Corporation here two years ago. Several families already have ac.cepted the offer and moved here.

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The Indianapolis Times Partly cloudy and colder tonight and Friday, but with temperature somewhat above freezing.

VOLUME 40—NUMBER 255

Hook or Crook! By United Press TORONTO, March 14.—Miss Emily Brown, a Toronto school teacher, today told about a little boy whose coat was so difficult to fasten that she went to his assistance. As she tugged at the hook, she asked: “Did your mother hook this coat for you?” “No,” was the reply, “she bought it.”

THREE HURT IN TRAINWRECKS Freights Leave Tracks Near Stillwell. By United Press STILLWELL, Ind., March 14. Three trainmen were injured, one seriously, near here today, when eleven freight cars and a locomotive were demolished in a peculiar accident. * An east-bound freight train hit a derail, tossing the locomotive and four cars onto a parallel track, blocking it. A few moments later a west-bound freight plowed into the wreckage. Then the emergency blakes, applied on the west-bound train, caused it to buckle, pulling six more cars from the track. Traffic was tied 'up and tracks damaged. Ed Erwine, Battle Creek, Mich., engineer of the east-bound train, was injured seriously. TAKE HIT-RUN DRIVER Motorist Hurls Flagman in Path of Engine. Police today arrested Harry Simpson, 60, of 601 North Capitol avenue, the alleged hit-and-run driver who struck Joe Parrish, 72, a railroad crossing flagman, and hurled him into the path of an approaching switch engine at Missouri and Maryland streets Wednesday. He was charged with leaving the scene of an accident and failure to stop at a railroad crossing. Parrish was warning traffic of the engine’s approach, when the speeding car swept on the tracks, struck him, and sped on. The engine was halted within a few feet of Parrish’s prostrate form. The flagman, who suffered severe cuts and bruises, was treated by a private physician, and today was reported much improved. Mrs. Orphia Walls, 455 Madison avenue, witnessed the accident and gave the police accident prevention bureau the license number of the car.

PUPILS STRIKE Superintendent's Removal Causes Walkout. By United Press MANKATO, Minn., March 14. One hundred high school students returned to their books today after one of the shortest school strikes on record as parents of the revolutionists indicated they would ask for the resignation of Principal L. R. Kresensky because he assertedly called the leaders of the movement “hoodlums.” Under the leadership of Jack Morgan and Allan Day the 100 boys and girls walked out'of their classrooms Wednesday in protest over the dismissal of Superintendent Harry D. Kies. IN CHICAGO Population of Over Four Million Predicted for 1950. B,v United Press CHICAGO, March 14.—Chicago’s population will be 3,320,000 next year, and 4,500,000 by 1950, the Chicago regional planning commission, whose duty is to figure where to put the newcomers, estimated today. The present population is more than 3,000,000.

BANKER-CONVICT QUIZZED IN SHELBURN CLOSING CASE

By United Press SULLIVAN, Ind., March 14. Prosecutor Jess Bedw r ell, back from Michigan City, today announced he had interviewed Jessup P. Bolinger, former president of the defunct Shelburn State Bank and now serving a sentence in the state prison for forgery “I went to question him about some things connected with the Shelburn bank failure,” Bedwell said. “I found part of the information 1 wanted, and Bolinger then refused to answer further questions. He said he would give his information to the grand jury when

THE TIMES OFFERS THE REAL BROADCAST OF STATE BASKETBALL CLASSIC

THIS basketballing business is everybody’s business right now as far as Indiana is concerned. The eyes of Hoosierdom will be turned Friday and Saturday to Butler university field house, where the sixteen survivors - - ,* -i- <r

LESLIE BEGINS CLEANOUT OF COFFIN MEN William A. Edwards Is First to Get Ax at Statehouse. OTHERS WAIT BLOW Dozens of Henchmen of Boss Start Looking for Jobs. Governor Harry G. Leslie today began the long promised “clean-out” of the statehouse of appointees and henchmen of George V. Coffin, Republican boss of Marion county. The signal for the general exodus of Coffin appointees, it was believed, was the serving of notice upon William A. Edwards, chairman of the first ward in Indianapolis and one of Coffin’s key men, that he loses his job as director of service for the public service commission Friday evening. The post pays $3,000 a year. Ernest A. Diller, an Indianapolis Coffin precinct committeeman, was the second to feel the ax. He loses his job as a field auditor. No one has been named* to succeed him. Edwards will be succeeded by Virgil O. Shephard, Vincennes, now a commission accountant. DeWitt Wilber, Aurora, Ind., will take Shephard’s job. Clifford Baughner, Lafayette, will succeed Wilber, now an assistant accountant. Governor Leslie has declared he has no interest in the local political situation. Spokesmen for the administration, however, have repeatedly declared that the statehouse cleanup would start right after the close of the legislature. Leslie adherents did not desire to “muddy the waters” while the assembly was in session. The ouster notices were being served by John W. McCardle, public service commission member, after conferences with Bert Fuller, who was campaign manager for Leslie. Dozens of other cogs in the Coffin machine who have statehouse jobs are convinced they will be out within a few weeks and have started casting around for other jobs. Coffin, through his courthouse connections, can place some of them.

OUSTER WAR LOOMS Leslie Prepares for Fight Against James Jackson, Preliminaries to Governor parry G. Leslie’s battle to oust James G. Jackson, brother of former Governor Ed Jackson, as superintendent of the State School for Feeble Minded Youth, at Ft. Wayne, were seen in a conference in the Governor’s chambers today. Mayor William Geake, Ft. Wayne, and Harley Somers, Ft. Wayne banker and trustee of the institution, called on the Governor and discussed, it was believed, prospective appointments for two vacancies which will occur in the board of trustees this spring. Superintendent Jackson serves at the pleasure of the trustees. Governor Leslie can accomplish his removal by appointing trustees to carry out his will. SNOW 10 FEET DEEP Wyoming Towns Buried by 2-Day Storm. Bn United Press LARAMIE, Wyo., March 14. Wyoming today began digging its way out of ten foot snow barricades thrown up by winter’s last stand against advancing spring. After raging for nearly two days, the storm ended with nearly twentyfour inches of snow on the ground.

it is recalled into session before the end of this court month.” The jury has adjourned for a few days and no indictments will be returned at this time, the prosecutor said. So far, Richard Kirk, cashier of the Shelburn bank, charged w'ith bankers’ embezzlement, is the only persofi arrested as a result of the recent investigation. Bolinger, apparently in the best of health, works in the prison clothing factorj in the day time and teaches school at night. Edgar D. Maple, Sullivan banker, was found shot to death at the time the Shelburn bank was closed.

of two week-ends of tournament play will vie for the state high school basketball championship. More than 15,000 rabid fans will witness every game of the tournament to decide the winner of Indiana’s biggest scholastic athletic

INDIANAPOLIS, THURSDAY, MARCH 14. 1929

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Doris Dawson Will Tell You How

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Doris Dawson Every girl desires to make herself attractive. Every girl wants to dress and act and use cosmetics in a manner that will develop her real beauty and make her personality stand out. But how? Doris Dawson, youthful, titan-haired beauty of the movies, gives the answer in four interviews written by Dan Thomas, Hollywood correspondent for The Times and NEA Service. 1. How Doris happened to get into pictures and what she has c.one to attain her present success. 2. Doris gives advice on how girls should dress to make themselves most attractive. 3. Doris reveals some of the facts on the right and wrong use of makeup. 4. Doris explains why girls should take particular care of their hands and hair. A series that will interest every woman —beauty hints by one of the prettiest and most attractive young stars of the movies, whose directions are simple and easily followed. It starts exclusively in The Times Friday.

GASOLINE TANK EXPLODES; WORKMAN BURNED; $4,000 LOSS CAUSED BY BLAZE

Flames Leap 50 Feet. Into Air; Rush Employe to Hospital. An explosion and fire at the bulk plant of the Plaza Oil Company, South Belmont and Oliver avenues, in which one man was burned, today threatened destruction of more than 100,000 gallons of gasoline and a possible serious explosion. Bravery and quick work of firemen and Pennsylvania railroad employes stopped the flames. Flames Leap 50 Feet The man burned was Beryl Edwards, 32, English hotel. Edwards is a Plaza Oil Company employe. A short time before the explosion, C. J. Bixler, Pennsylvania yard clerk, saw gasoline running over from the 800-gallon loading tanks on a platform in the Plaza company plant. As Bixler and other men in the Pennsylvania yard office a quarter of a mile north of the oil company attempted to telephone the oil company office, they saw Edwards running to the overflowing tanks.As he reached the tanks there was an explosion and the gas running from the tanks and spreading over the ground burst into the flames. Burned, Edwards ran out on Shelby street. A passing motorist took him to the Methodist hospital suffering with burns on his hands and face. His condition is not believed serious. Damage Is 54,000 As the flames roared 50 feet into the air, Barnes Holding, yardmaster and Louis Collins, assistant road foreman, ran a switch engine onto a loading switch near the tanks and pulled out a tank car holding 10,000 gallons of gasoline which was threatened by the spread of the fire. One hundred thousand gallons of gasoline in underground tanks also

event and tickets for the feature presentation are at a premium. The Indianapolis Times, as in past years, will broadcast every game of the tournament over WFBM, the Indianapolis Power and Light Company station. Ex-

was threatened by the flames, according to F. A. Chapman, oil company manager. Edwards, the only man at the plant at the time, probably was pumping oil from the underground tanks to the loading tanks, Chapman said. Defective wiring probably started the fire, he said. He estimated the damage at $4,000. Firemen directed by Assistant Chief Herbert Fullmer kept the flames from the underground tanks with eighty gallons of Foamite chemical extinguisher, sent for by Fullmer as soon as he arrived at the scene. REVISE AIR MAIL TIME Additional Hour Given Under • Summer Schedule. The new summer air mail schedule will go into effect Friday on the Cincinnati - Indianapolis - Chicago route, operated by the Embry-Rid-dle Company. Cincinnati, Postmaster Robert H. Bryson announced today. The new schedule will give Indianapolis business men an additional hour and a half in which to send air mail letters. The departure hour on the flight to Chicago from here will be changed from 4 p. m. to 5:15 p. m., while the closing hour for air mail at the postofflee will be changed from 3 p. m. to 4:30 p. m. A. GrCANDLER^BURIED Flags at Half-Mast as Dixie Financier Is Laid to Rest. By United Press * ATLANTA. Ga., March 14.—Flags of Atlanta hung at half-mast today as Asa G. Candler. "Coca Cola King” and pioneer builder of Atlanta, was buried at Westview cemetery. The 78-year-old millionaire died Tuesday after a long illness, at Wesley Memorial hospital, which he founded.

perts will describe every move of the players in every struggle. WFBM will go on the air at 8:45 Friday morning, fifteen minutes before Kokomo and Horace Mann of Gary teams take the floor for the opening battle of the tourney. Blythe Q. Hendricks, regarded

Entered as Second-Class Matter at Postoffiee, Indianapolis

TORNADO KILLS NINE; VILLAGE IS WIPED OUT Strikes Out of Clear Night, Levels Homes and Stores. HITS ONLY AT ONE SPOT Score Injured as Twister Hits South Carolina Community. By United, Press LIBERTY, S. C., March 14.—A tornado, touching but one point, practically obliterated what is known as the Six Mile community, six miles west of here Wednesday night. Nine persons were killed and a score injured. Physicians and volunteer relief workers reported finding the ten bodies when they visited the town today in response to calls for aid. Most of the homes of the village were demolished. The school building, a church and the village store were razed. The twister, emerging without warning, from a calm night, whipped through the village at 7:30 p. m. and cut a swath that leveled houses and stores. It then wrecked five farm houses. Two families were virtually obliterated by the storm which cut telephone lines into the community and delayed reports of the damage until today. The dead: Deputy Sheriff G. N. Garrett, his wife and three children; B. Tilman Garrett, his wife and two children. A baby girl member of the Tilman Garrett family was found 300 yards from her demolished home, only slightly bruised. All of the victims were trapped in their homes. Timbers from several of the demolished houses were hurled hundreds of yards. Occupants of one demolished farm house escaped injury entirely.

LINDY OFF TO 0,5, Leaves Mexico City With Air Mail. Bn United Press MEXICO CITY, March 14.—C01. Charles A. Lindbergh left here today, flying the regular air mail to Brownsville, Tex., at the close of his vacation spent in company with his fiancee, Anne Spencer Morrow, and her family. He landed later at Tampico, a regular stop on the air mail route. KING'S PHOTO ON AIR British Listeners-In Get Picture of Monarch by Radio. By United Press LONDON, March 14.—More than 1,000 British listeners-in, equipped to receive still pictures by radio, today were the pleased and 'proud possessers of a photograph of King George seated in his invalid bath chair at Bognor, Sussex, England. The high-powered Daventry radio station broadcast the picture and reports said it was picked up in Austria. Germany, France and in many parts of England. Hourly Temperatures 6a. m 53 10 a. m 60 7a. m 53 11 a. m..... 64 Ba. m 55 12 (noon).. 65 9a. m 57 Ip. m..... 67

CITIZENS GAS COMPANY DECLARES TWO DIVIDENDS

Besides the regular annual common stock dividend of $253,333, another dividend of $125,250 listed as payable March 15, 1929, is Included in the 1928 annual report of the Citizens Gas Company filed today with the public service commission. Questioned regarding this by commission officials, the gas company executives explained that this is the last of the accrued dividend payments on stock failing to pay dividends prior to 1915. Under this method of paying back dividends, the company in the past has been able to pay the 10 per cent limit and as much more on back payments as tnelr funds permitted. They declared today that this will end back payments and wipe the slate clean of the certificates of indebtedness issued to the Milgrim Coal Company for unpaid dividends. It was disclosed two years ago that current and accrued dividends had reached such a size that the

as the king of all basketball announcers, will be in charge of the microphone. As in former years, he will be assisted by a group of experts, among them being many of the most famous figures in the basketball world. Saturda-v WFBM will

Stork Wins By Times Special COLUMBUS. Ind., March 14. —When the case of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bowers, Indianapolis Negroes, charged with having secreted mortgaged property, was called in Bartholomew circuit court here, Judge Julian Shaprnack granted a continuance when Bowers announced the birth of the nineteenth child in his family.

BANK ROBBERY YIELDS $2,500 Third at Linngrove in Recent Years. By United Press LINNGROVE, Ind., March 14. Two unmasked bandits walked boldly into the Bank of Linngrove today, forced the cashier, Murel Lybarger, against a wall, obtained approximately $2,500 and escaped in an automobile. The cashier was alone in the bank. He said one of the men entered first, saying “Hello,” and then drawing a revolver, forced him against the wall. Then the other man entered. They scooped up the cash in a drawer and forced Lybarger to open a safe where additional currency was taken. This is the third robbery of the bank in recent years.

HARMON TO PASS ON Another Man to Get Public Service Berth. Harvey Harmon, Princeton, appointed to the public service commission by former Governor Ed Jackson, is not slated to succeed himself when his term expires May 1, according to reports at the statehouse today. Who the Democrat will be to take Harmon’s place as one of two minority members of the commission was not indicated by Governor Harry G. Leslie, who has the appointment to make. The position pays $6,000. John W. McCardle, Indianapolis, veteran Republican commissioner, will be reappointed by Governor Leslie when his term expires, on the same date, it was said. He is likely to succeed Frank I. Singleton, Martinsville, as chairman when the commission is reorganized. •hunTboyjTnow Lad Lost in Blizzard; 250 Search. By United Press GORDON. Neb., March 14.—A snowstorm which has raged in this section for more than two days hampered today the work of 250 searchers for Willie Reeves, 6, who went out into the blizzard to find a pair of mittens. With snow almost two and a half feet deep, search for the youth was abandoned temporarily. Snow was still falling today. REAPPOINTED BY LESLIE Named Again as Trustee of Village of Epileptics. Governor Harry G. Leslie today reappointed Rush G. Budd of Newcastle, Ind., Democrat, to the board of trustees of the village of epileptica Budd’s four-year term was to have expired Friday, March 15.

company was paying such a large percentage on its capital stock that public service commissioners oidered a rate reduction. Gross revenues of the company decreased from $1,430,056 in 1927 to $1,060,561 In 1928, according to today’s report. Net fell from $746,336 to $381,121, largely through a drop in nonoperating revenues. In 1927 these totaled $290,943 and in 1928 but $45,807. They include the funds derived from the sale of coal, coke and other by-products. Total operating expense was given as $4,761,872 as compared with $4,934,381 in 1927. Total operating revenues $5,776,626 and $6,073,494 in 1927. Net operating revenues were $1,014,754 and $1,139,113. Interest deductions from gross revenues were $212,179 and $21?,794; other deductions, $467,260 and $467,925. Dividends in 1927 totaled $370,000 and a surplus of $376,336 was listed. The 1928 report lists a surplus of only $2,537.

go on the air from the field house at 8:15. All the color, all the features, all the action of this big basketball tournament will be brought to you by The Times over WFBM. Tune in for the biggest basketball event of the year.

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CLOSE IN ON MEXICO REBEL STRONGHOLDS Federal Troops to Attack City of Torreon From Three Sides. BIG BATTLE IS DUE Additional U. S. Troops Ordered on Guard at Border. By United Press MEXICO CITY, March 14.-6uc-cessful at every point as it advanced into rebel territory, the powerful main Mexican federal army drove steadily toward Torreon today for the major battle of the present revolution. Columns of cavalry and infantry converged on the rebel forces of General J. Gonzales Escobar at Torreon from three sides as Minister of War Plutarco Calles directed another federal force toward the capital of the rebel state of Durango. Loyalist troops at Naco, on the northern Mexican border, dug trenches about the city in preparation for a rebel attack to regain that area which now separates their far western and central forces. President Portes Gil reiterated his assertion that the revolt was collapsing and that the last signs of resistance probably would be wiped out within two weeks. Three hundred additional American troops were ordered to protect the water works of Bisbee and Naco, Ariz., from damage in the fight expected just across the border from Naco. Rebel headquarters at Juarez claimed insurrecto victories in two engagements with federals Wednesday near Saltillo and somewhere near San Luis Potosi, but these claims were discounted somewhat by American airmen who flew over the terrain and saw government troops marching uninterruptedly toward the north. I. M. Vasquez, Mexican consul _ Nogales, Ariz., invited rebel chiefs to a “peace meeting” with federal leaders today and supported President Portes Gil’s prediction that the insurrection would die out within two weeks.

COUNTERFEIT SUSPECT FACES NARCOTIC COUNT Admits Possessing Drug; Says He Is Addict. Wiiliam J. Cleland, Kokomo, tC of the four men arrested at Kokoffi several weeks ago on charges, today was held to the federal grand jury under SI,OOO bond by John W. Kern, United States commissioner, on a narcotic charge. Cleland, with the three others, already was under SIO,OOO bond on the counterfeiting charge. The other three include Harry E. Powell. Kokomo; James Ganor and Samuel Ball, Chicago. Ganor has been released on bond. Cleland admitted possessing fifty-nine grains of morphine. He said he had been an addict. LIGHT FIRM SUES CITY Welsbach Company Asks $13,000 for Lamp Costs. Suit for $13,000 damages was filed against the city today by the Welsbach Street Lighting Company of America In superior court four. The company supplies and maintains street lights. It is alleged an average of about 900 lamps daily were maintained for the city since December, 1926, but the city failed to pay for the service. A contract was entered into by the company with the works board providing for payment of $14.32 for each light maintainew. Refusal to pay the costs have caused breach of the contract, it is alleged. ACT IN ROAD EXTENSION Estimate of Kessler Improvement Cost to Be Asked Today. The park board -this afternoon was expected to order an estimate of costs of extending Kessler boulevard from Keystone avenue to Millersville over Fifty-ninth street. The board has considered the plan for some time and is understood to be ready to proceed with the improvement. Park Engineer J. E. Perry said the boulevard will cost about $165,000. EINSTEIN GETiTToUSE Scientist Honored by Berlin on Birthday With Free Residence. By United Press BERLIN, March 14.—The city of Berlin today bestowed upon Prof. Albert Einstein the privilege of life-long free residence in a house in the beautiful suburbs ot lie u. Cladow The gift marked the eminent scientist’s fiftieth birthday anniversary and it was a material recognition of his contributions to the world of science. \