Indianapolis Times, Volume 41, Number 251, Indianapolis, Marion County, 28 February 1930 — Page 1

SCRIPPS—HOWARD

DR. SNOOK, TO DIE IN CHAIR AT SUNDOWN, KEEPS CALM AS LAST HOURS PASS AWAY Former University Professor Jokes as Doom Approaches; Last Hope of Reprieve Fades as Governor Refuses Clemency. CO-ED SLAYER BREAKS SILENCE Repudiates Parts of Testimony in First Public Statement Since Trial; Leaves Death Row at 4 This Afternoon. BY HARRY WILSON SHARPF United Press Staff Correspondent OHIO STATE PENITENTIARY, COLUMBUS, Feb. 28. —Dr. James Howard Snook, former university professor, who killed his illicit sweetheart, Theora Hix, because she was “too dominant,” saw his last dawn today, unless some miracle prevents his execution tonight. Denied clemency, despite frantic eleventh-hour pleas, the ex-veterinary mentor, who philandered and turned killer, arose this morning as usual. He ate heartily, exercised vigorously and otherwise showed that he could be calm in the face of death. Snook may break before sundown when he is to be strapped in the electric chair, but Warden P. E. Thomas and his cellmates will remember him for his ability to joke with those about him in the face of death.

His last hope of reprieve or commutation failed Thursday when Governor Meyer Y. Cooper, after a joint conference with E. O. Ricketts, chief of Snook’s counsel, the county prosecutor and members of the state board of clemency, refused to intervene. Earlier, Helpn Marple Snook, his wife and mother of his 3-year-old baby girl, made a personal, but futile, plea to the Governor. As the Governor’s decision was being handed down, Snook, in his first, public utterance since his trial, repudiated parts of his testimony, which portrayed Miss Hix in a sordid role as was suggested by an alienist. He also denied a third party was implicated in the girl's murder, and assumed sole blame. Under Nervous Strain "I make this .statement,” he said, "because I want an unsympathetic public to know the facts. I did not intend to kill her. "I was under a great nervous 6train and in a weakened physical condition and I cracked. I make this statement, fully knowing that it will not stay the hand of the thing they call justice, but instead to correct a wrong impression that an infuriated and incensed public had had of those involved. I repudiate absolutely the confession, wrung from me by third degree methods. Snook's trial, climaxed by his admission he had performed a delicate operation upon himself, dealt almost entirely with abnormalities, so sordid and off-color that grim-lipped attorneys blushed. Excitant drugs played a prominent part in testimony as the state sought to prove that Snook gave Theora sandwiches containing them. Snook, in his own testimony, said Miss Hix, a co-ed in the college of medicine at Ohio State and wellversed in medicines, taught him use of the drugs. To Leave Death Row With this part of his confession repudiated, Snook admitted that his sole reason for killing the girl, whom he met at the university three years ago, was her nagging, her alleged insistence that he forsake his wife and baby, and her constant demands that he remain with her. The final episode in the sordidly kaleidoscopic story was to begin at 4 p. m. today when he leaves death row, bathes, shaves and enters a tiny chamber adjoining the death house, site of the electric chair. He will don anew blue serge suit, with white shirt and black tie. For his last meal, served at 4 p. m„ he may choose any delicacy he may want. Thereafter, he will be alone, except for the ever-vigtlant death watch, until executed. An hour this morning was set aside for final farewells. M:?s Hix was slain June 13, 1929. Her mutilated body was found on the New York Central rifle range the next day.

Papa Jolly By United Press MT. VERNON. Ill., Feb. 28.— The telephone rang at the S. T. Jolly home "It's a boy!” proudly announced Carl Jolly. “Now. isn't that jolly!” exclaimed the grandparent. Again the telephone rang: “It’s a girl!" burst out Gus Whitson. “How jolly," the grandparents weakly replied to their son-in-law. And again the telephone rang. “It's a boy!” shouted Nelson Jolly. “Golly! Another Jolly!” breached grandfather. "Three in a row in one day. Well, long live the jolly Jollys."

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The Indianapolis Times Mostly cloudy and warmer, with rain tonight and Saturday.

VOLUME 41—NUMBER 251

BANDIT RETURN PROVES FUTILE

Payoff Is Postponed at Plundered Hosiptal. | B v Unitid Press DETROIT, Feb. 28—The bandit who stole the $5,000 mid-month pay roll of Providence hospital, Feb. 15, returned again today, threatened a nun with a revolver and escaped when he was tol<f that today's pay-off had been postponed. Sister Mary Rosario, who struggled with him on his first attempt, was the first one to face him again today. He waved the gun in her face and demanded the pay roll. "We had a feeling you’d be back,” said the nun. "We have no money today.” The gunman turned and ran from the building. Bu Unitrd Press NEWARK. N. J.. Feb. 28.—A policeman guard today stood his ground as bandits attempted to rob a bank messenger of $19,000 before the Port Newark National bank. Returning the bandits’ fire, patrolman Bennett covered the retreat of the bank messenger into the bank. The officer was wounded, but the messenger and his funds were saved. U. S. PRISONER ESCAPES Leaps From Train While En Route to Atlanta Penitentiary. COLUMBUS. 0., Feb. 28.—Federal i officers swarmed through railroad ! yards and the industrial district | here today seeking Clyde Irwin. 31, Burlington. Vt.. federal prisoner who escaped from a passenger coach in which he and other prisoners were being taken to Atlanta penitentiary. Irwin, convicted of counterfeiting and rum running and sentenced to seven years, jumped from the car when it was shoved onto a siding to await departure of a southbound train, today. Hourly Temperatures 6 a. m 31 10 a. m 38 7 a. m 31 11 a. m 41 Ba. m 33 12 (noon!.. 42 9a. m 36 !p. m 46

Governor Harry G. Leslie missed a point of vantage for the entertainment which clined to attend because of the “doubtful Republicanism” of Frederick Landis, Logansenlivencd the "beefsteak dinner ” honoring veteran Columbia Club members Thursday port editor, one of the speakers. night at the club. The chair sat empty, next to Landis, throughout the jubilee. Landis was an opThe vacant chair, indicated by the arrow, was intended for the Governor, who de- ponent of Leslie in the Republican gubemitorial primaries in 1928.

Razzberry Rahs Rend Air at Cage Meet

Alquina, 23; Brookville,

"Up and at. ’em, Shortridge. Wait’ll we get to you, Shortridge.” With this verbal combat, screaming voices, razzberry "rahs,” and hair askew the Marion county basketball sectional tourney was fought today at the Arsenal Technical high school gymnasium.

TAFT SINKS SLOWLY AFTER FITFUL AND RESTLESS NIGHT

Bii United Press WASHINGTON, Feb. 28.—Life slowly ebbed from William Howard Taft today and after a fitful, restless night the former President was reported weaker. At noon, Taft’s doctor, Francis Hagner and Thomas Ciaytor, issued the following bulletin: "The former chief justice is slightly weaker. He is able to take little nourishment. There is no decided change in his condition since Thursday. Many distinguished visitors called today at the three-story house on quiet Wyoming avenue, where Taft's remarkable stamina has LIKE THEIR WARDEN Convicts Want to Contribute for Lawes’ Silver Cup. By United Press OSSINING, N. Y., Feb. 28.—Several convicts wanted to contribute when they learned a loving cup was to be presented to Warden Lewis E. Lawes in commemoration of the completion of-his twenty-fifth year in state prison service. Only members of the warden’s staff were allowed to contribute. Wrong Address Given Address of 1515 North Alabama street, given by Gus Overtree, expoliceman and former federal undercover man. arrested recently in connection with a filling station robbery, was false, according to Frank Lyons, who lives at that address.

Governor Leslie Passed Up Chance to Get a Complete 'Earful’

INDIANAPOLIS, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1930

A photographer, from a safe vantage point, caught these scenes of the rabid rooting conflict on the sidelines as balls bounced off the backboard to the tune of a referee’s whistle. In the upper left photo, Miss Louise Shirley of New Bethel, doesn’t need strong lungs to use her mammoth "meggie.”

warded off for days the ravages of long illness, grief and overwork. Thursday night was a fitful one. The former President is ill on the second floor of the house and during the night lights flickered on and off in the window, showing constant attention to the tired old statesman and jurist. Justice Edward T. Sanford of the supreme court was one of the first visitors. He was followed by George SEEKS BENCH AGAIN Judge DunJavy Files to Succeed Himself. Candidacy for the Republican nomination to sieceed himself was announced today by Judge Wililam O. Dunlavy of Marion superior court three. Judge Dunlavy was born in Putnam county, attended Central Ncrmal college and Valparaiso university, and took his law degree from the Indiana law school. He practiced law there until his election as judge in 1926. "The administration of Justice always is a solemn and responsible duty,” Judge Dunlavy declared, announcing his candidacy. “I have performed that duty without fear or favor. A judge on the bench should be able at all times to forget his personal ideas and decide every case upon the law, the evidence and justice.”

Top right photo: Miss Thelma Roller, 2301 Garfield drive, of Shortridge, helping defeat Ben Davis, 26 to 19, with arm and lung exercise. “It won’t be long now,” shouts Miss Evelyn Willsey of Tech, in the lower photo, as she forecasts what Tech will do to Shortridge later in the tourney.

Wickersham, chairman of President Hoover’s law enforcement commission, and David S. Ingalls, assistant secretary of navy. There was more traffic in the neighborhood than usual, but every effort was used to make the final hours of Taft’s life as restful as possible. A patrolman was stationed in front of the house, cautioning against any congregating, and other squads of police diverted heavy traffic and the resultant rumble of heavy vehicles. A paving gang near by ceased work out of consideration for the dying man. GREATHOUSE IMPROVED Democrat Secretary Is Recovering From Heart Attack. Charles A. Greathouse. 4326 Washington boulevard, secretary of the national Democratic committee for the last six years and former state superintendent of public instructions, is improved at Pas Christian, Miss., after a severe attack of heart disease. His condition was critical for some time, according to word received by officials of the state Democratic committee here. He was stricken while vacationing at Biloxi, Miss. Apoplexy Causes Death SHELBYVILLE, Ind., Feb. 28.— The body of Charles Burl Bates, 62, was found in a pasture near Elue Ridge, by relatives searching for him. He had been chopping wood and died of apoplexy.

Entered as Second-Class Matter at Postoffice, Indianapolis

H. S. Results Over State AT INDIANAPOLIS Shortridge. 25: Ben Davis. 19. Manual. 33: Castleton. 19. Lawrence. 13; Broad Ripple, ft. AT BOONVILLF Rockport, 27: Gentrvville. 18. Lynnville, 23; Grandview. 17. Newburg, 25; Richland, 35. AT BLTJFFTON Rock Creek. 52; Pleasant Mills. 7. Liberty Center, 29; Bluff ton, 19. Berne, 30; Lancaster, 16. A- CONNERS VILLE Connersville. 53; Harrisburg, 7. Everton, 22; Fairview. 21. Alquina, 23; Brookville, 15. AT CLINTON Green Township. 24; Tangier, Ift. Newport, 17; Hillsdale, 16. Mecca, 38; St. Bernice, 26. AT FT. BAYNE Nortbside. Ft. Wayne. 23; Woodbum, 15. Monroeville, 29; Lafayette Center, 13. AT GARY Horace Mann. 21; Roosevelt. Gary. 4. Washington (East Chicago), 14; Roosevelt (East Chicago). 10. Hobart, 37; Griffith, 13. AT GARRETT Auburn, 16; Butler, 14. 1 Spencervllle, 36; Salem Center, 29. AT GREENSBURG St. Paul, 27; Jackson, 24. Greensburg, 40; Clarksburg, 10. AT HUNTINGTON Warren. 18; Roanoke, 17. Huntington Township, 21; Lancaster, 18. Huntington Township, 21; Lancaster, 18. AT HUNTINGBURO Holland, 33; Du Bois, 8. Sturgeon. 36; Cuzco, 20. AT LOGANSPORT Onward, 20: Metea, 8. Galveston, 23: Washington Township, 17. AT LAFAYETTE Lafayette. 16; West Lafayette, 15. Romney, 20; Monitor. 17. AT MADISON Du Pont. 31; Saluda. 17. Lovett, 33; Lexington, 3. Deputy. 29; San Jacinto, 15.

LESLIE SNUB FAILS TO CLOUD DINNER

Public announcement by Governor Harry G. Leslie that he would refuse to attend the annual beefsteak dinner of the Columbia Club Thursday night, because the club had invited Frederick Landis, Logansport editor, to speak, was followed by a record attendance at the event. -The large banquet room overflowed and many were sent to the regular dining room as those who had failed to send reservations flocked to the dinner. However, many statehouse figures, loyal to Leslie, refrained from attending. Landis was an opponent of Leslie for the Republican nomination for Governor in the 1928 primaries. If there was any expectation that Landis would take notice of the public denunciation by Leslie, who challenged the Republicanism of Landis, it was not satisfied. Landis paid tribute to the Republican leaders of other years and

MANUAL AND SHORTRIDGE ADVANCE IN CITY TOURKEY AS BROAD RIPPLE LOSES Ben Davis Bows to North Side Indianapolis Five in Opening Contest of Local Sectional Tournament. SOUTH SIDERS BEAT CASTLETON Lawrence Downs Suburbanites by Unloading Determined Drive in Last Half of Contest.

Sectional Net Lineup Bhortridge (26) ....I !) A. M. Fri. iShortridge ! Ben Davis (19) I 1 8:30 A. M. Sat. (..... I Castleton (19) .....! I ! 10 A. M. Fri. ! Manual Training . Manual Training(33)| ) 2:30 P. M. Sat. - | Broad Ripple (8)... | 11 A. M. Fri. (Lawren ee .1 Lawrence (13) .....! | I 9:30 A. M. Sat. I I Southport I 2 P. M. Fri. I New Augusta I Oaklandon [ 9 T. M. Sat. 3 P. M. Fri. I .1 Fatter Milts I l 10:30 A. M. Sat. [ West Newton ( 4 P. M. Fri. I Washington I . „ _ „ _ . 3:30 P. M. Sat. New Bethel 1 7:30 P. M. Fri. Technical ! 11:30 A. M. Sat. Acton ) 8:30 P. M. Fri. I Beech Grove ...I

(Other details and summaries of Indianapolis sectional games on Fage *6.) BY DICK MILLER Indiana today pinned its interest and attention on basketball as the state’s 760 teams swung into action in sixtyfour sectional tournaments over the state. The tournaments today and Saturday will reduce the tournament field to sixty-four teams. A week from Saturday, the survivors will meet in sixteen regional meets, four teams to each tourney. The ultimate winners will journey to the Butler fieldhouse here on Friday and Saturday, March 4 and 15, to vie for the state high school crown, Hoosierdom’s highest scholastic sports honor. In Indianapolis today, two local quintets advanced to second round play, while a third city team went down to defeat at the hands of a county aggregation.

In the opening game of the local tourney this morning Shortridge eliminated Ben Davis, Marion county champion, 26 to 19, after a hardfought struggle. Ben Davis staged a plucky battle in the opening half and was lead-

forgot all living leaders, including Leslie. At the conclusion of an eloquent tribute to Lincoln and an appeal to keep the faith of the first Republican President, the audience rose to its feet and cheered. Private comment by club members showed resentment at the attitude of the Governor, and Landis received a warm reception as practically every member filed past the speaker's table to shake his hand at the conclusion of the address. Colonel Lawrence Whiting, head of stone interests, and a Chicago banker, gave an optimistic analysis of business conditions and predicted better business for Indiana. Remarkable activity in the building industry, which he called the stabilizer of employment, was predicted. Ex-Judge Louis B. Ewbank acted as toastmaster. The event was given in honor of sixty members, who have paid dues for more than a quarter century.

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ing, 13 to 12. at the completion of the initial period. The local north side team spurted in *ie last half and swept to the iront. Manual Easy Victor Manual trounced Castleton in the second game of the day. 33 to 19, after leading at the half, 13 to 9. Armour and Stuart led the M&nualites to victory. Lawrence scored the first upset of the city event, downing Broad Ripple, 13 to 8. The suburbanites presented a powerful defense, but were unable to hit the hoop with any marked degree of accuracy and a determined drive by Lawrence in the last half decided the victory. Houston looped in two long ones ir the closing minutes that settled the game. In this afternoon's contest. Southport was to meet New Augusta at 2 p. m., Oaklandon was to clash with Valley Mills at 3 p. m. and Washington scheduled to oppose West Newton in the last afternoon encounter at 4 p. m. Expect Hard Game Technical, the heavy favorite In the local meet, will swing Into action tonight at 7:30 against New Bethel with Acton and Beech Grove rounding out the first-round game* at 8:30. On the basis of this morning’# performances Shortridge and Manual should wage a terrific struggle In their second-round game Saturday morning. The north siders, by virtue of a more impressive season record, loom as slight favorites, although the last contest between the two city rivals at the north side gym ended in a one-point victory for the Blue. Technical should encounter little difficulty In reaching the final round of play and is expected to sweep through to the sectional championship in the final game of the tourney on Saturday night. Morning games today were well attended and enthusiasm was at a high pitch as the two city teams advanced into the second round of play.

SENATORS DISCUSS OIL Crnde Petroleum Tariff Question la Floor Debate r pic. Bv United Press WASHINGTON. Feb. 28.—The subject of oil monopolized senate attention today, both on the floor, •where the tariff bill continues under debate, and in the lobby committee, where an investigation of the petroleum obby was started. Request of southwestern senators for a tariff duty of $1 a barrel on crude petroleum was to be the principal topic of debate on the floor. FALL MAY BE FATAL Building Wrecker Seriously Hurt in 35-Foot Drop. Falling thirty-five feet from a roof at 510 South Harding street while working on wrecking of the building. Lylen Miller. 23, of Mar* Hill, suffered possibly fatal injuries. He sustained broken ribs, internal injuries, a broken arm and a possible fracture of the skuU. He was taken to city hospital.

Outside Marion County 3 Cents