Indianapolis Times, Volume 42, Number 188, Indianapolis, Marion County, 16 December 1930 — Page 1

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JUDGE RULES OUT PRYORS ‘CONFESSION’ Defense Wins Fight When Collins Strikes Out ‘Murder Admission/ DURESS CLAIMS UPHELD Martinsville Man Takes Stand and Tells of County Quiz. The defense scored a signal victory today uj the murder trial of Ernest Pryor of Martinsville, when Pryor’s purported confession to the poisoning of his young wife four months ago was ruled out of the trial by Judge James A. Collins. After a two-hour wrangle between attorneys this morning over admissibility of the alleged confession, Collins ruled that it was invalid because Pryor made it under duress. Prosecutors’ objections fell on deaf ears despite their pleas Pryor made the confession at his own suggestion. The criminal court jury which has been hearing evidence in the case for seven days was excluded from the courtroom most of the morning while the arguments progressed. Recalled to Stand Pryor was recalled to the witness stand when court convened this morning to narrate the alleged maltreatment he sustained after his arrest by Sheriff Albert Lucas on a first-degree murder charge. He was on the stand several hours on Monday afternoon as the state began its attack on the alleged confession. Pryor testified that he was grilled for four days, most of the time without food. He was set on a stool in the center of a cell in the Morgan county jail, and was subjected lo rigid cross-examination by a "swarm of men," he testified. He was knocked off the stool once and was hit with a blackjack during the questioning, he testified. State's Attorneys William R. Ringer (Marion county) and William Bray (Morgan county) countered after Pryor left the stand with denials of Pryor's charge by authorities who participated in the grilling. Witnesses Deny Duress On the witness stand for this rebuttal was Sheriff Lucas, James Woods, a spectator at the grilling; *Mrs. Helen Lucas, wife of the sheriff, and Garret Richard, Morgan county deputy sheriff. The witnesses individually denied Pryor was maltreated or that he was prohibited from eating. Mrs. Martha O’Neal, friend of Pryor's, who visited him several times in the jail "because I felt sorry for him," she said, w'as the only defense witness to the alleged maltreatment, except Pryor. Her testimony was that she saw the small town lover “with a bump on his head th size of an egg." She witnessed no other improper treatment, she testified. Bray Given “Clean Bill" Prosecutor Bray, who had been accusal of helping on the grilling, offered to take the stand to refute Pryor’s charge that he (Bray) beat Pryor. Collins ruled that Bray had been given “a clean bill" and had no reason to testify. After he had excluded the purported confession from evidence, Collins was forced a short time later to warn Prosecutor Ringer that he was guilty “of the most discourteous thing that ever happened in this court.” Upholds Defense Objection Ringer had taken the confession and from it read partial statements for violation by Deputy Sheriff Richards. At the end of each question the defense objected and the objection was sustained by Collins. Ringer then entered the matter into the trial record, making an offer to prove. Jurors did not hear the offer. Ringer rose about seven times to make his offer to prove, and spectators laughed each time. Ruling but the statement, Collins sustained Attorney John Royse’s objection on the ground that it was incompetent, inadmissable, and was obtained under duress. The statement was taken after Pryor has been indicted by the Morgan county grand jury.

Jlp When you buy presents for a child at Christmas time, the biggest part of the job usually consists of making up your mind which of the many toys you ought to select. If you put your shopping off to the very last, this trouble is intensified—and, like as not, you get something that sonny wont , really care much for. | If you do it now, you'll have Mime to make a careful choice.

Complete Wire Repor t s of UNITED PRESS, The Greatest World-Wide News Service

The Indianapolis Times Fair and slightly warmer tonight, with lowest temperature 15 to 20-; Wednesday increasing cloudiness and warmer.

VOLUME 42—NUMBER 18S

Hoax Cost Her Love

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Last January Alex Kozeken, young San Francisco butcher, disappeared from home and left a note for his wife, Josie, saying that he was going to drown himself in San Francisco bay. Police found on the edge of the bay an elaborate cross, erected by Kozeken, shown at the right, and Mrs. Kozeken mourned her husband’s death. The other day, however, Kozeken reappeared, saying that he had faked the suicide in order to test his wife's love. But Mrs. Kozeken (above) said the test was too great and refused to let him enter the house. Now he has gone away again.

Poor Rich Girl Woman in $25,000 Home, With Two Cars, Forced to Ask Charity.

By United Press Philadelphia, Dec. is.—Although she lived in a $25,000 well-furnished home in the fashionable Drexel Hill suburb, and had two automobiles in a garage at the rear, Mrs. Madeline Schulze and her 10-months-old daughter were forced to accept aid from the Upper Darby Relief Association today, fuel to heat the home and food to sustain herself and the baby. The woman's husband. Edward J. Schulze, 65. is in the Delaware county jail where he was sentenced for an indeterminate term for failure to pay his wife S2O a week for the support of herself and,her child. Schulze claims he lost nearly $1,000,000 in the stock market. The house, automobiles or furnishings can not be sold for the government holds liens against them because Schulze is alleged to have failed to pay his income tax. GOLD BUSH GROWS Nevada Tent Village Now Numbers 1,000. By United Press SCOSSI’S CAMP, Nev., Dec. 16. —This tent village, five days old, looks like a western movie set, minus only the hard-riding bandit horde. “Founded'’ last Friday, when word leaked out that high-assay gold had been discovered, the tent village has grown until its population numbers almost a thousand and its “town limits’’ extend five miles in every direction. As in the old days, the first establishment opened was a tent saloon. WARMER WEDNESDAY Mercury Drops to 12 Above Zero, but Will Not Go So Low Tonight. A cold wave in grip of which Indianapolis found itself today, probably will vanish within twenty-four hours, the United States weather bureau forecast this morning. Sinking rapidly Monday night, the mercury went to 12 degrees -early today. Lowest temperature expected tonight is between 15 and 20 degrees, with rising temperatures predicted for Wednesday. DOCTOR IS ACCUSED Ft. Wayne Physician Is Held for Offense Against Pat.cnt. By United Press FT. WAYNE. Ind., Dec. 16.—Dr. Kent L. Seyman, prominent Ft. Wayne physician, was arrested here today and freed under $2 ( 000 bond, charged in an affidavit with assault an dbattery with intent to commit a statuatory offense. The affidavit, filed by a patient, the wife of an executive in a large local industry, charged the alleged attempt at attack was made in the doctor’s office.

YOUTHS OF SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS TO CARRY MURDERED GROCER TO GRAVE

SIXTEEN young men gathered this afternoon at the bier of Lewis Davidson, 40. of 419 Harvard place, to mourn and carry to his grave a man who for years Instilled in them their religious ideals. Davidson, manager of a Standard grocery ab'l24 East Twentythird street, was murdered by an unseen gunman as he left his store Saturday night. The mystery of the slaying continued to baffle police today, and they had but one clew, a lead slug from a large caliber revolver, found near the scene of the murder.' t Tile youths who bore Davidson's caskg from Royster & Askins

POINCARE LIES NEAR DEATH French Statesman Stricken With Paralysis. By United Press PARIS, Dec. 16. Raymond Poincare, war-time president of France and veteran statesman, lay half paralyzed and near death today. Increasing danger for uremia threatened Poincare's life. The same affliction caused the death of his war-time collaborators. Marshal Foch and George Clemenceau. Poincare lost the use of his right arm when he suffered a first stroke of paralysis Saturday. A second stroke Monday completely paralyzed his right side. Physicians said that his condition was due to overwork. Poincare was warned several months ago that he must give up either his writings or his political activity. He chose to continue writing, but was drawn into politics by the recent cabinet crisis. Poincare was criticised for not speaking in the senate, as supporters of Andre Tardieu believed that he could have saved the Tardieu cabinet from being overthrown, but it is easily understandable now that Poincare felt he did not have sufficient strength for an oration and a subsequent return to active politics. SHOT BY STATE TROOPS Driver of Auto Containing Liquor Wounded in Textile Area. By United Press DANVILLE. Va„ Dec. 16.—Lockwood Pickett, 24, was shot and wounded critically today when he failed to halt his automobile at the command of state guardsmen in the Danville cotton mill strike area. Sixty gallons of liquor were found in Pitckett’s car, but no connection was established between him and strike disturbances which caused the stationing of troops here. A girl who also was in the automobile slipped away during the confusion. FIRE MARRIED WOMEN General Electric Taking Widows and Single Women for Jobs. By United Press LYNN, Mass., Dec. 16.—The local plant of the General Electric Company is discharging 100 married women and replacing them v ith widows and single women. Husbands of the 100 married women are able to support them, company officials said. Banker Feeds 3,400 Jobless By l ni'ed Press NEW YORK. Dec. 16.—A breadline of 3,400 unemployed is being i fed by Edward F. Hutton, banker . and sportsman, at a free lunch room under Salvation Army direction at Old Bethany Congregational church. Agriculture Bill Presented By United Press WASHINGTON. Dec. 16.—The agriculture department's supply bill for the coming fiscal year calling for appropriations of $213 043,702 was reported to the house today. The amount asked is $51,516,663 more than last year, but is $875,338 less than the budget estimate.

undertaking establishment to the grave in Crown Hill cemetery’— less than a city block from the grocer's home—were his charges in the Daniels Boys' Sunday school class at the First Baptist church since they were small lads in knickers. Funeral services were conducted by the Rev. Frederick Taylor, pastor of the church, who married Mr. and Mrs. Davidson five years ago. a a a WHILE police, admitting they had no information on which to work, were striving for a trace of the murderer and considering several possible motives for the slaying, Mrs. Davidson

INDIANAPOLIS, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1930

HOUSE JOINS REBELLION ON RELIEFPLANS Hoover Informs Mutineers in Senate He Will Take Issue to Public. ‘GAG’ RULE BLOCKED G. 0. P. Leaders’ Attempt to Bury Drought Aid Measure Fails. By United Press WASHINGTON, Dec. 16. The house has renewed the congressional rebellion against President Hoover’s drough relief program just as Democrats and progressives goaded the senate toward greater insurgency upon employment. At the opposite end of Pennsylvania avenue, Mr. Hoover contemplates battle with the mutineers and has so informed Republican senate leaders. If congress insists on flouting his proposals Mr. Hoover will make a fight of those issues and let the public judge. legislation Is Tied Up House and senate conferees on the $118,000,000 emergency employment bill today decided to force the senate to vote again on disputed points. House conferees refused to accept the amendment of Senator Robinson (Ark.), Democratic leader, which would deprive the President of authority to allot the money to building projects in whatever way he deemed would provide the most employment. Meanwhile drought relief legislation w’as tied up in the house, where Democrats Monday thwarted efforts of Republican leaders to'bury without a vote the senate’s $60,000,000 measure in favor of a $30,000,000 bill acceptable to the President. Garner Assails Mellon The house agriculture committee met to consider the senate measure but failed to reach any agreement. Republican members refused to vote to set a time for a committee vote on the $60,000,000. Representative John N. Garner (Tex.) Democratic leader of the house, accused Secretary of Treasury Mellon of misrepresenting to the nation the amount of corporation tax refunds granted during his administration. Garner, in a vigorous speech today in the house, said Mellon had represented the refunds as amounting to only 2.8 per cent of taxes collected, but that in the total he had included consumption and other taxes on which there could be no refunds. *

Hoover Aids Defeated Actually, Garner asserted, the refunds totaled three or four times as much as Mellon said. Speaker Longworth, Majority Leader Tilson and Chairman Snell of the house rules committee led the administration shock troops to defeat Monday. They are annoyed and showed it today. The usually docile house smashed the leaders’ plans to meet Mr. Hoover’s wishes on drought relief. Democrats said the house was being gagged. What Longworth and the others sought to do was bury the politically dangerous senate bill to expend $60,000,000 for drought relief. That project would have permitted loans for the purchase of human food as well as feed and hay, gasoline and oil for livestock and tractors. Relief Jeopardized Few are anxious to vote against that proposal and for the $30,000,000 relief bill of the house leaders which makes no provision for the hungry. President Hoover is against the food provision and says $25,000,000 would be sufficient. Tilson tried to give the house a chance to beat the $60,000,000 bill without having actually to vote against it. The Republicans-needed a twothirds majority to prevent consideration of the senate bill and they got only 205 votes to 159. One Democrat, Black IN. Y.), joined the Republicans. Sixteen Republicans deserted to the Democrats. GOVERNOR UNDER KNIFE Leslie Resting Easy at Hospital After Sinus Operation. Governor Harry G. Leslie was resting well at the Methodist hospital this afternoon, after undergoing a sinus operation earlier in the day. He probably will be taken to his home later today or Wednesday.

was confident her husband was the victim of a bandit. Twice they had been held up, she said, and once her husband could have used a gun on the bandit if he had possessed one. "I don’t want to use a gun on any one.” he told her. she declared. She told The Times today her husband had not owned a gun since the World war, when he served with the British Royal Medical Corps, and with the East Lancaster Hussar regiment She had entered the automobile of a friend, who drove her home from the store Saturday night, when the shot that lulled her husband was fired. 1L * She looked around to / \

Police Trial Quiz Opened by Woodcock By United Press WASHINGTON, Dec. 16,-Unable to silence the growing storm of protest on Capitol Hill by routine letters, Amos W. woodcock, prohibition commissioner, today launched his own private inquiry into the scandal surrounding the Indianapolis police indictments. After having held the position for more than a W’eek that everything about the case was in strict conformity with the law. Woodcock today called upon J. F. J. Herbert, district prohibition administrator at Chicago, for a report upon the entire case. Whether this report will be made public will depend upon the nature of the background revealed. Herbert was directly in charge of the men who built up the trap around the Indianapolis policemen. Although Herbert sent a general report to national headquarters here, Woodcock’s assistant said, it did not disclose that a former convict had been employed with government funds to assist in the undercover work. When this fact was presented to Woodcock by Congressman J. Charles Linthicum of Maryland, Woodcock determined upon his own inquiry. COUPLE STARTS TEST OF ‘TRIAL BETROTHAL’ Girl’s Father Halts Elopment, Takes Fiance Into Home. By United Press FREEPORT, L. TANARUS., Dec. 16. “Companionate betrothal,” an idea which embodies a milder twist of Judge Ben B. Lindsey’s theory, was given its first test today in the home of Ray Barker, prospective father-in-law, following an attempted elopement. Into the Barker home moved a new boarder, Daniel Granger. 19, who says he will prove his ability to shoulder the obligations of a marriage with Charlotte Barker, 16. He will live with the Barkers six months, acting as a “fiance-brother" and at the end of that period, if he is holding a good job and they still are in love, they will be allowed to marry. ONE DRINK AND AGED MAN LANDS IN JAIL Farmer Forgets Where He Got Liquor When Judge Demands Answer. By United Press CADILLAC, Mich.. Dec. 16.—One drink of Whisky has cost Frank Harrand, 60-year-old farmer, his liberty for the last six weeks and it may mean still further imprisonment for him. Harrand was arrested in November on a drinking charge. At his trial, Municipal Judge E. J. Millington called upon an alpjost forgotten law and demanded Harrand tell Who provided him with the liquor. “I can’t tell when I don’t know," said Harrand. “I’m not satisfied you’re telling the truth," said the judge, “and you’ll stay in jail until you do tell.’’ Meantime, on Harrand’s small farm, his 28-year-old wife is doing the chores and caring for her three small children, the eldest of whom is 5.

FIRES DAMAGE HOMES Loss Estimated at SI,BOO in Two Blazes in City. Fire from an overheated furnace damaged the home of M. D. Buser, 960 West Thirty-fourth street, more than S3OO early today. Buser was alone in the house, discovered the blaze, and turned in an alarm, firemen said. When flames started' by a defective flue damaged the home of Charles Hansing, 22 South Arlington avenue, to the extent of $1,500 Monday, they spread to the roof of the home of Frank J. Richman, 26 South Arlington avenue, and caused SSO damage before they were extinguished. PROBE 60 FOG DEATHS y Belgian Cabinet Decides to Appoint Board of Experts in Quiz. By United Press BRUSSELS, Dec. 16.—The cabinet decided today to appoint a commission of physicians, engineers and meteorologists to study conditions of the Meuse valley, where more than sixty persons died recently during a mysterious fog. HELD - FOR '3X ,- MURDERS New York Police Grill Extorionist About Maniac Slayings, By United Press NEW YORK, Dec. 16.—With the arrest of John Murphy charged with impersonating a policeman to extort money from “petting parties” in lonely sections of Queens, police announced he is being questioned in connection with the maniacical “3-X” killings of last summer.

running and thought he had been frightened. Davidson reached the porch of a neighbor and died. a a a TO ease her mind, the friend turned the automobile around and drove past the scene of the shooting, and although she observed the alley from whence the sound came, she saw no one. Neither did she see her husband lying on the porch at Delaware and Twenty-third streets. She was convinced the report she heard was an auto’s backfire. Davidson had no enemies, his widow said this morning. She could not accept any theory other than jobbery attelnpt aS-b€ingL£ e ' gsponsible for the slaying.

Entered as Second-Class Matter at Postoffice. Indianapolis, Ind.

POSSES KILL TWO BANK BANDITS, CAPTURE ONE, AND HOLD TRIO IN TRAP

Tim’s Back! Your old friend is coming back. Once again The Times takes pleasure in announcing that the Pink editions, starting Wednesday, will carry a series of sparkling, witty stories of the prize ring, written by that master of story tellers, Tim McGrath. Tun McGrath needs no introduction to readers of the Pinks. His series last winter proved one of the biggest hits ever presented by The Times. Tim has more tales than a centipede has corns. There will be thirty articles in the new McGrath series in the Pink editions only. Don’t miss an one. If you started on him last winter, w T e know you won’t.

KILLS PARENTS; LOOSE IN HILLS Hunt Southern Indiana Man for Murders. By United Press NASHVILLE, Ind., Dec. 16.—Paul Brown, Purdue university graduate, who became crazed suddenly after menths of study on a radio invention, killed his parents, wounded a hired man and set fire to his home, was believed roaming in the hills of southern Indiana today, armed with an automatic pistol. A previous theory that Brown perished in the ruins of his home, was abandoned today. The parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lee Brown, who operated a large orchard and were considered among the wealthiest residents of the county, were shot Monday in their home, as was Chester Bunge, 24, laborer at the farm. Bunge was wounded in the abdomen and in his arm, and crawled to his own home to summon help. Bunge was improved at noon today and it is believed he will recover.

DRUGS CARGO SEIZED Morphine Worth $1,000,000 Found by U. S. Agents. By United Press WASHINGTON. Dec. 16.—Seizure in New York harbor of 1,100 pounds of morphine, said to be the largest shipment of smuggled goods ever taken by United States customs officers, was announced today by Seymour Lowman, assistant treasury secretary. The narcotics, valued conservatively at $1,000,000, were taken Monday night after being brought to New York from Turkey aboard the French steamer Alesia. Customs agents had the ship under surveillance ever since it first docked at Providence, R. 1., more than a week ago, Lowman said. The contraband was transported in twenty-four cases labeled as furs. MAYOR ON HIS FEET Walks From Hospital Bed to Rocking Chair, Aided by Nurse. Mayor Reginald H. Sullivan almost walked ten feet Monday afternoon. For the first time since his confinement in St. Vincent’s hospital seven weeks ago, Sullivan, with assistance of nurses, was moved from his bed to a rocking chair. He sat in the chair for two periods of an hour each. MAYR FIGHTS FLAMES Trip Delayed as Heater in Car" Catches F'ire on Road. Hurried trip of Frank Mayr Jr., secretary of state, from South Bend to Indianapolis was delayed today when a heater in his car caught fire, burning a hole through the floor. Mayr was forced to beat out the fire with his gloves north of Kokomo. Buddy Rogers Is Improved By United Press - TOLEDO, Dec. 15.—The condition of Charles (Buddy) Rogers who is recovering from an appendicitis operation was “greatly improved” today, hospital attendants said.

A large sum of money he was carrying to the company's downtown office was not touched, and there was no evidence to indicate the gunman was closer to him than twenty or thirty feet. a a a STANDARD Grocery Company has offered a SI ,000 reward for information leading to conviction of the murderer. A strange telephone message in the neighborhood in which the slain grocer lived puzzled police today as they attempted to determine whether it had any connection with tfife shoqting. Miss Louise Allison, 423 Harvard place, Sunday night was

Six Desperadoes Flee With $7,000 Loot Ftont Clinton; Brought to Bay in Illinois After Long Chase. FIGHT PURSUERS WITH MACHINE GUT* Dana Garage Man Critically Wounded by Fugitives; National Guard Planes Join in Gigantic Hunt Over State Line. Another Clinton (Ind.) bank bandit was captured by a posse about three miles east of Danville, 111., this afternoon. This raised the check to two bandits killed, two captured, one of whom is wounded, and two others still at large. By Times Special CLINTON, Ind., Dec. 16.—Two bank bandits were killed, one was wounded and captured, and three others were surrounded by authorities and posses near Sided, 111., thirtyfive miles northwest of here, at noon today, after a spectacular chase following the robbery of the Citizens State bank here this morning. From Danville, 111., came confirmation of the report that the fleeing bandits were ambused four miles north of Sidell, 111., routed, and $5,000 recovered from the $6,000 to $7,000 obtained in the robbery. Two Indiana national guard planes, from the One hundred thirteenth observation squadron, Indianapolis, had augmented the scores of auto loads of armed sheriff's deputies, city and state police, and citizens’ posses that trailed the

fleeing bandits from Clinton. While telephone wires hummed with conflicting reports, Claude Robinson, sheriff at Rockville, Ind., informed Indianapolis detectives at 12:45 that the remaining bandits were headed toward Indianapolis on State road 36 in a large sedan. The report conflicted with the Danville information that the trio was surrounded. At least one of the pursuers was wounded critically by the bandits' machine gun fire. He is Joe Walker, Dana garage man, who was rushed to a Terre Haute hospital. Three Enter Bank The bank holdup was perpetrated by three men who entered, drawing weapons, while three others waited outside in their car. Five bank employes and one customer were made to go into the back room and lie on the floor. The trio tried to make Lawrence Jackson, assistant cashier, open the vault, but it had a time lock, thwarting entry. Knocking him out with a pistol blow on the head, they scooped up all ready money from the counters, and, when he regained his senses, forced Jackson to open a small safe in the rear of the bank. Then they dashed to their car, overlooking several thousand dollars on a table in the rear of the bank. Citizens Aid Chase As word spread of the holdup, Police Chief Helm of Clinton set out close on the heels of the fleeing bandits. Citizens grabbed revolvers, and shotguns and took up the pursuit. At the edge of town, the bandit car “blew a tire,” the sextet stole another machine, transferred their three machine guns to the second car, and resumed their flight in a northwesterly direction. State police and police from nearby towns joined the pursuit, and in less than an hour the highways through Vermillion county’s hill region swarmed with cars. Pursuers several times drew close to the bandit car, but were repulsed by machine gun fire. Eluding pursuit momentarily near Dana, the bandits came upon F. W. Gilbert, livestock buyer, and took his Chervolet truck, in which they set up their machine guns again. Pursuer Shot Down Clinging to the side of an automobile manned by deputy sheriffs, Walker fired a revolver at the fleeing bandits, then driving truck they had stolen from Gilbert. The bandits opened fire with two of the machine guns, the bullets ripping through Walker's body, majority of them striking him in the stomach. The car, driven by Omer Hann, deputy sheriff of Vermillion county, gave up the pursuit after Walker was injured and aided in getting him to St. Anthony's hos-

summoned to- the phone, where a woman’s voice queried: “Are you going out tonight?” “Why, no,” Miss Allison answered. “Well, don’t.” “Why . , . what’s wrong?" “I'm just warning you, that’s all/ The receiver clicked. a a a MISS ALLISON, a teacher at school No. 62, could not identify the voice, or explain any reason for the mysterious call. Police could see no obvious connection of that message with the Davidson murder, but were forced to consider it becausf of the proximity of Miss Allison’s residence to that of the grocer.

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pital at Terre Haute, where his condition is critical. Reports reaching Dana said the bandits abandoned the truck near Scotland, a few miles from Dana, and stole an auto. Persons in Dana said Hann, citizens and other deputies picked up the trail of the bandits west of Dana. Because of the direction the fugitives took from Clinton, authorities felt certain they had made their invasion from Chicago underworld haunts. Unable to make much speed in the truck, the sextet sought to elude pursuers in the hills, notorious for the illicit stills that have brought scores of dry agents there in the last year. In the pursuing army were state policemen from Crawfordsville, Terre Haute, Gary, Carbon, Veedersburg and Sullivan, dispatched by the new state police chief, Gover C. Garrett. It was Garrett who appealed to Adjutant-General Manford G. Henley for national guard planes. In the first to hop off from Mars Hill airport shortly before noon were Lieutenant Matt G. Carpenter, pilot, and Lieutenant Rex Risher of Garrett’s office. In the second plane, leaving a few moments later, were Lieutenant Robert Taylor, pilot, and Carlos Lane, Times correspondent. Neither carried machine guns. They were expected to be helpful in tracing the bandits’ flight.

BLAME INCENDIARISM FOR FIRE AT BEACH Search Begun for Group of Squatters at California Colony. By United Press MALIBOU BEACH, Cal.. Dec. 18. —Fire which swept the exclusive motion picture colony here and caused a loss of about $400,000 may have been of incendiary origin, investigators declared today, as search was started for a group of squatters who have been frequenting the beach section. For several years this section has been the scene of a “war” between Mrs. May K. Rindge, owner, and squatters who claimed the property was open to homesteading. Fact that the fire started in the unoccupied residence cf Elizabeth J. Graham indicated the presence there of unauthorized persons, authorities believed. Among the fifteen homes destroyed were those of Louise Fazenda and Marie Prevost.

STATE BOARD SIGNS BRIDGE CONTRACTS Work on Ohio River Span to Start at Once, Last 300 Days. Three contracts, totalling $1322,245, for construction of the Evansville bridge over the Ohio river, were signed by state highway commissioners Monday. Work will start immediately and is expected to be completed within 300 days. Five main piers will be built by the Kansas City Bridge Company for $466,800; American Bridge Company, the steel superstructure and main cantilever bridge, $675,945, and the Reith-Riley Construction Company, Goshen, the substructure of the approach spans, $179,500. Several other contracts wiil be needed to complete the bridge at an estimated cost of $2,500,000, cost to be divided by Indiana and Kentucky. Hourly Temperatures 6a. m 12 10 a. m 13 7a. m 12 11 a. m 2g Ba. m 13 12 (noon).. 24 9 a. m 17 1 p. m 27