Indianapolis Times, Volume 41, Number 238, Indianapolis, Marion County, 13 February 1930 — Page 1

OXNAM AGAIN IS SCORED BY D. A. R. HEAD De Pauw President Charged With Dodging Issue on Prison Address. PARROT FEVER’ ANSWER Educator Says Psittacosis Afflicts Mentally as Well as Bodily. I? is the usual custom for public i makers of doubtful loyalty to say that they have been quoted Incorrectly.” Far from feeling apologetic regarding her attack on Dr. G. Bromley Oxnam's speech at Pendleton Sunday, Mrs. Electa Chase Murphy, Muncie, national defense chairman of the Indiana Society, D. A. R„ today was more militant than ever as a result of a lengthy explanation of the address from the De Pauw university president, issued Wednesday night. The explanation was the result of Mrs. Murphy’s letter to AttorneyGeneral James M. Ogden urging that he prevent such speeches as Oxnam gave at the Indiana state reformatory Sunday. She termed the address outrageous and inclined to make the prisoners traitors and Communists. First in Service Her charges were based on newspaper accounts in which Dr. Oxnam was quoted as advising that .America First” should mean first in world service and not merely first into Mexico to steal oil lands. Dr. Oxnam at first declined to reply but late Wednesday issued s statement. It outlined the Pendleton address, pointed out that Mrs. Murphy's opinion does not represent the Daughters of the American Revolution generally, that misinterpretation was brought about by condensation, in the newspaper accounts and that it was under Coolidge that this country's attitude of hostility toward Mexico, because of oil laws there, was changed to friendship. “Too many persons are suffering today from patriotic psittacosis,” Dr. Oxnam declared. •Parrot, disease seems to be a mental as well as physical ailment, and not a few well-meaning persons, in the interest of what they think is patriotic, parrot-like, repeat what they hear without understanding the meaning of the words and with the resultant embarrassment that sometimes follows parrot talk.” Matter Closed The matter will close with his statement, Oxnam said, “unless it be Mrs. Murphy cares to state she acted hastily and that her letter misrepresented one who is trying, according to his own lights, to serve his country.” Mrs. Murphy today made this answer: “Dr. Oxnam tried to justify his speech before the state reformatory on the grounds that he has made the same charges against the government before teachers conventions and elsewhere. "It is the usual custom for pubMc speakers of doubtful loyalty to claim that they have been quoted Incorrectly I notice, however, that Dr. Oxnam did not deny having used the objectionable term of ‘America first' in stealing Mexican oil lands.’’ GIRL SOBS 87 HOURS Young Woman Afflicted by Strange Malady Near Recovery. Bv United .Pres .* ATTLEBORO. Mass., Feb 13. Miss Violet Michael. 18-year-old jewelry worker, who has been sobbing Convulsively for eighty-seven hours, was believed today to be nearing recovery from her strange malady. While the patient still was subject to spasmodic sobbing spells, coming at thirty-minute intervals nd continuing for several minutes, the attacks were becoming less and less violent, her doctor reported. TAFT MUCH IMPROVED ' ermer Chief Justice Spends .Another Comfortable Night. United Presn WASHINGTON, Feb. 13.—Former Chief Justice William Howard 'aft spent another comfortable ught and seemed much improved his morning, attendants at the home reported. His rest was undisturbed during the night, they said.

Step in Style Styles in dancing, like styles in music and dress, have changed. The new glamorous glides mat are smart today are described by Arthur Murray, noted dancing instructor, in a fine new series which starts in The Times Friday. WATCH FOR IT!

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

The Indianapolis Times Mostly cloudy and somewhat colder tonight and Friday; lowest temperature tonight, 20 to 25 degrees.

VOLUME 41—NUMBER 238

New Charges of Neglect Hit City Fire Department; Time Coverup Is Alleged

Delay in Answering Alarm Due to ‘Pulling’ of Wrong Box; Battalion Chief in Defense Statement. BY DICK MILLER ■While buildings of Che American Foundry Company, 531 .South Warman avenue, were burning to the ground with a half-million dollar loss early on the morning of Jan. 25. city firemen were engaged ;r> several activities, the direct fruit of none of which was extinction of flames. Company 18. the first dispatched to the Are, spent some time in its engine house after receiving the alarm, nearby residents affirm. Pumper Company 18, also sent on first alarm, spent several minutes after reaching the foundry attempting to maneuver the pumper truck into position for connection of a large suction hose with the fireplug. Its effort ended with a busted hase. Similar attempt of another company w r as abandoned on suggestion of a water company representative, who urged firemen to use a smaller hose, more mobile than the big tube Battalion Chief Oscar Hupp, Distric t3, traversed almost the same distance to the foundry fire that a predecessor covered five yeras age when the Chandler-Taylor Company burned, but while the former dash was made and a second alarm sounded in four minutes. Battalion Chief Hupp absorbed eleven minutes. Huff Defends Self After reading initial charges of inefficiency in The Times Wednesday, Battalion Chief Hupp today declared in his own defense that he struck the second alarm within six minutes after the first alarm was turned in. Records in the Gamewell office apparently were changed, he charged. By whom, he did not know. “I complained to Chief Voshell,” Hupp said today. “He told me that Charles Myers, president of the board of safety, had investigated the records and they still stand. It is a serious reflection on me.” Thirteen fire companies visited an alarm box four blocks from the foundry before reaching the blaze. There was an alarm box on a comer within a few feet from the foundry office. Operator Makes Blunder The first alleged blunder on the part of firemen in handling the largest fire in the city in more than a year was by a Gamewell system operator. The foundry watchman turned in an A. D. T. alarm at 5:17 a. m. Chronologically, the following dates appear on records of the fire department: 5:17 A. M. —A. D. T. alarm received. Truck Company 18 sent from 1915 West Washington street. 5.18 A. M.—Box 426 (located four blocks from the foundry), rung from fire headquarters, dispatching 6, 9, 13 and 18 pumper companies to travel over several extra blocks of rutted, frozen, unpaved streets before reaching the fire. 5:29 A. m.—Second alarm sent Companies 1,7, 10 and 19, also to box 426. 5:33 A. M.—A resident of the neighborhood of the fire pulled box 486, at the foundry office door. 5:34 A. M.—Box 486 pulled again. 5:43 A. M.—Box 486 pulled again. 5:45 A. M.—Third alarm ordered by Fire Chief Harry Voshel, and again headquarters sent fire equipment to box 426. Companies 4,5, 11 and 19 were dispatched. 5:53 A. M. —Box 486 again pulled. One Copy Torn These figures were copied from a book in the Gamewell alarm office; one volume was tom so badly that reading of the figures was impossible. but another book is kept in the office, and contained the log of alarms. Although the book reveals that twelve minutes elapsed between the original alarm and the second alarm ordered by Battalion Chief Hupp, reports filed by department officers after the fire give the alarm times as: First, 5:17; second, 5:24, shaving five minutes from Gamewell records. Captains and lieutenants, before making reports after a fire, ordinarily call the Gamewell office to ask what time they were sent to the fire. Why they’ were told 5:24 instead of 5:29, as the office’s book shows, has not been learned. The board of public safety today held secret conference with Fire Chief Harry Voshell, following a story Wednesday in The Times, charging inefficiency in the city fire department. What conclusions the safety board reached in the conference were not made known. However, Charles Myers, president, said: "The board will not let a statement Uke that carried in The Times pass without investigation.” Mayor Reginald H. Sullivan’s only comment was: “If there Is anything wrong with the fire department, there will be some changes: if not, the personnel probably will remain as it is.” Hourly Temperatures 6 a. m 32 10 a. m 32 7a. m-.... 32 11 a. m 33 Ba. m..... 32 12 (noon).. 33 8 a. m..... 32 Ip. m....* 33

CENTRAL / NO/ANA HOSP/r/\L NON r 1 k. S' on I, vr 1 _ ’ v 8/6 4 At I l ' ' < S >r H 1 W ID A, ST, § * S § Ii VIC TO R.l A _ _ Sr_ • * y <486 AMERICAN I o £ Foundry I • ■FIRE Pi-uCS

Much of the half-million dollar loss might have been averted, it is charged, had firemen worked efficiently before the blaze got beyond control.

TONNAGE SLASH IS ADVOCATED BY JAPAN AT PARLEY

Bu United Press _ . LONDON. Feb. 13.—France issued a memorandum today outlining its view on naval reduction. The memorandum said that in case a battleship building “holiday” until 1936 is agreed on, France would accept a total of 105,000 tons of battleships. LONDON, Feb. 13.—Reduction of tonnage of battleships and a replacement holiday until 1936 were advocated today in a memorandum Dy the Japanese delegation to the naval conference. The memorandum outlining the Japanese position for the first time, proposed reduction of the size of battleships from 35,000 tons, as provided by the Washington treaty, to 25.000 tons. It also advocated reduction of guns to fourteen-inch caliber and extension of the age of battleships to twenty-six years. A maximum individual tonnage for six-inch gun cruisers was advocated between 7,000 and 7.500 tons. Japan proposes to maintain its existing force of submarines and advocates an, age-limit for submarines of thirteen years, the memo-

WOMAN KILLED IN AUTO WRECK Driver Arrested on Drunk, Manslaughter Counts. Miss Viva Brown, 22, of 516 North New Jersey street, was injured fatally and three others less seriously when an automobile crashed into a warning signal light standard at Madison avenue and the Belt railway early today. Miss Brown died at city hospital as result of a fractured skull suffered in the accident. Harry Clark, 29, of 3916 East Washington street, held in the city hospital detention ward under charges of intoxication and driving while intoxicated, was charged also with manslaughter charges as a result of the accident. He was driving the car. His left ankle was broken.

Guide Destinies of Five Great Powers at Sea Parley

Dynamic, egotistical, combative, Prem.er Andre Tardieu, head of the

Tardieu was a tion, is the “gogetter” of the conference. Tardieu was a power in French politics when the World war broke out. He enlisted as an infantryman, was wounded. gassed, and became a major, commanding the famous Blue Devils. He is 54. an author, has

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Tardieu

held a number of diplomatic posts, and is one of the best dressers at the conference.

INDIANAPOLIS, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1930

randum said. Japan now has sixtyfour submarines and is building seven.

Girls Equipped With Police Whistles May Foil Gas Hawks

THERE’LL be a chance for “The Whistling Brakeman” on the board of public safety if Mayor Reginald H. Sullivan yields to an Irvington woman’s

suggestion for curbing gas hawks. For whistles with a distinctive tone, to distinguish them from the common garden variety, would be the adjunct of every woman’s vanity bag, the guardian of her honor and her means of succor in distress. Citing the increased dangers threatening women who are on the streets alone, Mrs. Adolph Schmuck, 5808 East Washington street, wrote Sullivan suggesting her plan for protecting Indianapolis women and girls from kidnaping and attack. The city, Mrs. Schmuck believes. should buy a large quantity of police w’histles and sell them to women and girls of the city at cost. Wide publicity should be given to the plan, she suggests, and every woman urged to “carry her whistle and use it when in danger.” Women would blow the whistle “only when in distress,” the distinctive tone being recognized at once as a signal of distress. The complex system would prevent any one from using the signal ex-

Reijiro Wakatsuki, chief Japanese delegate to the naval con-

. 1

Wakatsuki

scribes wine; ior stomach trouble, whisky.

2 SHOT DOWN AS VENGEANCE IN LOVE THEFT Gangsters Work With Cool Efficiency of Hangman, Killing Man. Woman. BROKEN CODE BLAMED Dance Hall Hostess Slain on Run; Garage Worker Sole Eyewitness. Bn United Cress NEW YORK, Feb. 13.—Four selfappointed executioners who wwked with the calm efficiency of a hangman, shattered the silence of the Bronx early today with nine pistol shots that left a luxuriously dressed woman and her male companion dying on the sidewalk. The man and the woman, identified as Carmine Barrelli and May Smith, a dance hall hostess from Wilkes-Barre, Pa., died before the four men could get back into the automobile from which they had alighted to do their killing. In the murk of this wet, foggy morning there apparently w’as only two eyewitnesses to one of the most methodical murders committed here in recent years. One w’as the fifth member of the band that did the killing, a man whose task it w r as to idle the slayer’s car along the street until his companions had poured the contents of their pistols into the victims. Once that task w’as over, the four men crawled back into the car and the five escaped. The other eyewitness w r as Leroy Barrett, a Negro garage attendant, who told how r he stood at the window of the Sherman garage, where Barelli had just parked his car for the night, and watched the killing. The only theory that detectives had evolved so far is that Barrelli w’as guilty of the one unpardonable breach of the underworld code in attempting to steal another man’s sweetheart. Presumably the other man was one of the four gunmen. It w T as pointed out that robbery could not have been the motive, for Miss Smith's rings were unmolested.

A section of the map of Indianapolis showing the vicinity of the American Foundry Company plant, destroyed by fire lan. 25. Fire headquarters dispatched thirteen companies to Box 426, indicated by arr ow center right, instead o f B o x 486, shown at lower left, causing delays on each of three alarms. Location sos fire plugs surrounding the plant also are shown.

cept in emergency when “frightened” by providing a fine be assessed against any one blowing her whistle under false pretenses. “This alarm,” Mrs. Schmuck wrote, “would frighten the culprit and enable the person in danger and others in the vicinity to obtain the license number of their auto in event they used a car.” “You may have a better plan to protect women,” her letter concluded, “but I wish you'd consider my plan.” The mayor acknowledged receipt of the letter. But city hall wags and minions of the law continued their speculations. They had visions of hasty “runs” with screaming sirens to all parts of the city on the day of the whistle distribution when fair stenogs on their way to work and housewives en route to market venture practice blasts. They wondered if “fright” and “distress” would require definition by council ordinance or safety board rule.

SEEK INDUSTRY FUND C. of C. Teams Continuing Drive for $170,000. Forward Indianapolis workers in the Chamber of Commerce fund drive today reported subscriptions totaling $13,823, a total of $29,243 subscribed to date. With the $15,445 subscribed Wednesday, the Chamber of Commerce today continued its drive for the $170,000 yearly goal for the next three years for industrial, commercial and civic advancement of Indianapolis.

Dini Grandi, the Italian government’s chief delegate to the naval

ference, is a spe- 1 cialist in taxation problems and an expert financier. At school, he was a champion at jiujltsu, archery, rowing, tennis and baseball While premier his career was threatened because his photo was taken while practicing clad only in a common kimono. For a cold he pre-

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tailors admit the black and white combination looks well on Signor Grand!, r

conference, is a most colorful figure. Grandi causes a sensation in sartorially perfect London society every" time he appears. Below his wing collar and white tie, he often sports a black shirt mark of the Fascist. Although startled, Bond street

Grandi

Entered as Second-Class Matter at I ostoffice. Indianapolis

Nanette Guilford

form an insurmountable ob.stable to marital happiness? Should one of the contracting parties sacrifice his artistic ambitions that the other may pursue his untrammeled? Miss Guilford tacitly says so in deciding to seek a divorce from the violinist-husband on the grounds of incompatibility.

KILGORE SET FOR PLAYGROUND POST; M’CLURE WILL GO

David S. Kilgore, Butler university graduate and former Shortridge high school athlete, was to be named recreational director of the city park department in a meeting of the park board this afternoon, it was learned. Jesse B. McClure has held the position. McClure is a Republican and Kilgore a Democrat. Salary of the position will be cut from $3,500 to $3,000 annually and anew position, that of assistant, paying $2,500 annually, will be created Mrs. Julia Landers, prom-

And how about varying degrees of alarm? Should there be first, second and third degree fright, with appropriate blasts for the respective offenses?

'

“There’s the prospect,” said one, “we may find a whistle in the gutter now and then that wasn’t dropped accidentally.”

MENINGITIS FLARES WITH JAIL DEATH

Partial quarantine of the county jail, with possible full quarantine, was ordered this morning by Dr. Herman G. Morgan, city health commissioner, following death of a jail prisoner from cerebrospinal meningitis. Prisoners bound over from municipal courts to grand jury will be confined in the state reformatory ct Pendleton pending removal of the quarantine, Judge Thomas E. Garvin said today, following a conference with Governor Harry G. Leslie. Other prisoners, sentenced for short terms by municipal judges, will be sent direct to the penal farm, the two judges announced. Trials of two men in juvenile

Premier Ramsay MacDonald, 63, of Britain, “host” of the London

naval parley, is a self-made man. Born of humble fishing folks in Scotland, he received scant schooling and went to work in London addressing envelopes at $3 a week. MacDonald opposed the World war and was defeated for parliament because of his views.

MacDonald

He has been called “Labor’s greatest intellectual asset.” He was toe i first and second labor premier. ,

Divorce Is Sought by Opera Star Much-Debated Problem of Artistic Temperament Is Removed. NEW YORK, Feb. 13.—Incompatibility covers a multitude of marital clashes, is the attitude taken by winsome Nanette Guilford, who first gained fame by scoring a triumphal debut at the age of 18 with the Metropolitan Opera company. Miss Guilford, of Lucy Stone League beliefs, is the wife of Max Rosen, concert violinist,' and has revived the old debate over the much-mooted question of temperament in marriage. After a year or more of less connubial bliss with Rosen, Miss Guilford charges that she and the violinist are unsuited to conquer, together, the trials and tribulations of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Do the exactions required by devotion to any of the arts

inent In the city Democratic speaking campaign, as assistant director in charge of women’s activities. Kilgore spent a year at the national recreational school conducted at New York university by the American Playground and Recreational Association of America. He has held recreational positions in several cities. Other changes scheduled to be made by the park board were: Miss Mildred Grayel, Democrat, stenographer to replace Mrs. Opal Mohler, Republican; David Morris, | Democrat, for twenty years chief florist at Garfield park, assistant park superintendent to succeed George A. Morgan, Democrat; Mrs. | Katherine Jofter, Democrat, stenoj grapher to replace Mrs. Grace Kost- | enbader; Howarce Powers, Demoi crat, chairman of the Fourteenth ward, inspector to succeed Edward E. Kuhn, Republican; George A. Featherstone, Democrat, tree expert to succeed Elbert Moore, Republican. R. Walter Jarvis, park superintendent, was not to be replaced at today’s meeting, but a successor will be named soon, it was understood. There are some 300 minor positions as park custodians, watchmen, recreation supervisors and instructors which will enable the Democrats to reward many of the precinct workers who have been “plugging” daily for a job at city hall. Stair Fall Proves Fatal Injured in a fall downstairs at his home Monday night, Martin Platnick. 45, of 721 North Haugh street, died at Indiana Christian hospital today. Coroner C. H. Keever is investigating.

court today were continued, since the prisoners could not be taken from jail into court. Absolute Isolation of forty-six prisoners, in the ward with Charles Clark. 23, of Flemingburg, Ky., prisoner who died from the malady, was ordered by Dr. Morgan. Cultures will be taken of the 261 prisoners in the jail. Clark, day night, died at 11:30 p. m. at city hospital. He was awaiting grand jury action on burglary charges, having been caught while allegedly serving as “lookout man” for another man who was robbing the White Castle lunch room on Massachusetts avenue.

Secretary of State Henry L. Stimson, chief of the American delega-

tion, is known as a peacemaker for, his notable workl in Nicaragua anal the Philippines. | After grad-j uating from Yah I and Harvard lawl school, he entered Elihu Root’s lawl firm. A daring I feat of horseman-I ship performed by I Stimson pleasec I President Roose-' velt and he made

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the young lawyer United States attorney for a New York district. Stimson heads what perhaps is the most powerful group of statesmen aligned in one delegation.

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HUGHES RANKS ALARMED BY WALSH SHIFT Montana Senator Deserts, Lending Influence to Opposition. LEGAL ETHICS ASSAILED Supreme Court Confreres Draw Fire for ‘Going Beyond Law.’ Bn United Press WASHINGTON. Feb. 13.—The opposition to Charles Evans Hughes continued to gather strength in the senate today in such a fashion that for the first time since debate began three days ago, there was some doubt that he could ultimately be confirmed. While the opposition has not ye 4 attained a majority and Republican Floor Leader Watson again expressed confidence that he could keep his votes, it was learned that Senator Thomas J. Walsh (Dem., Mcnt.), one of the outstanding Constitutional lawyers of the senate, has decided to join the opposition. Walsh voted for Hughes in committee. Walsh said privately that Hughes once had changed his mind about an important proposition and that he thought he, too, would do so. Effects Others Because of his legal standing, ; Walsh was expected by the opposi- | tion leaders to carry several votes j with him. If he does, the strength j of the opposition will be such as to i put the outcome of the contest in j doubt. This development came while the lobby investigating committee was ascertaining that Hughes wrote the contract which the American Cyanimid Company proposed to the government, for Muscle Shoals. While there was no allegation that Hughes’ action was improper, there has been a strong sentiment among the Democrats and independent Republicans against leasing Muscle Shoals to private interests. The matter w r as expected to be called to the attention of the senate later in the day by S ~>ator Black (Dem., Ala.). v Fight on New Lines Meanwhile the attack upon the appointment continued in the senate along new lines. Senators La Follette (Rep., Wis.), Nye (Rep., N. D.) and Glass (Dem., Va.) contended that the majority of the supreme court as now constituted and as proposed to be constituted, if Hughes is confirmed, has gone beyond interpretation of the law. Nye also touched upon Hughes’ political activities. He quoted from what he said were Hughes’ own words in refusing to be considered as a presidential candidate in 1912. “The supreme court must not be dragged into politics.” Nye said Hughes said at that time. The westerner, for the first time in the debate, questioned Hughes’ legal ethics. He said it was of doubtful ethics for Hughes to appear before the supreme court as counsel after having served as a member of the court. Nye pointed out that President Taft refused to take up law practice after he left the White House because he had, as President, appointed so many judges. Charges Usurpation Senator La Follette (Rep., Wis.) said the issue was “transcendental” involving the “power which federal judiciary has usurped” to invalidate laws of congress. It was the same question that his famous father. Fighting Bob, fought for so many years, advocating limitations of the court's power to hold laws unconstitutional. Taking cognizance of the overnight change in the senate, Watson admitted that he might not be able to carry out his threat to keep the senate in session tonight until it votes. Wednesday he said he had the votes to do it. “But make no mistake about it, we will confirm him when we get to a vote,” Watson said.

FIND SLAIN MAN’S BODY Identity of Victim Shot Through Chest, Sought by Police. Bn United Press DETROIT, Feb. 13.—The body of an unidentified man, shot through the chest and a shoe lace knotted around his throat, was found in a street here today. The killing was the second mystery murder in two days. Stanley Hood, 23, tax: driver, was found shot to death Wednesday. Feminine finger prints on the cab door and a small caliber revolver bullets found in his body led police to believe he was killed by a woman whose motive was not robbery PERSECUTION OPPOSED British House of Commons Awaits Report on Russia. Bu United Press LONDON. Feb. 13.—Arthur Henderson, foreign secretary, told the house of commons today that the government is awaiting the British ambassador’s report on religious persecutions in Russia. Answering a question asked from the floor, the foreign secretary sajd Britain would uphold religious liberty.

Stimson

Outside Marlon County 3 Cents