Indianapolis Times, Volume 42, Number 203, Indianapolis, Marion County, 2 January 1931 — Page 9

Second Section

LAW MAKERS WILL PROVIDE EXCITING DAYS Legislature to Open Next Week May Be Most Stirring in Twenty Years. MANY ISSUES INVOLVED f Tax Reduction, Age Pension and Reapportionment Important Matters. BY BEN STERN What many persons so facetiously refer to as “the biennial Indiana calamity’’ is due for a recurrence beginning Thursday when 100 state representatives and fifty state senators assemble here for sixty-onc days. Inasmuch as there is no way of i forestalling the convening of a general assembly, the people of Indiana will cower in their homes, close their cars against the howling of embryo statesmen and pray for the best. There can be little doubt that the session will prove more exciting than any in two decades. The menu served up for legislative action will cover a wide field and includes reducing the tax burden upon real property, an old age pension bill, reapportionment, sales, tobacco and malt taxes, doubling the automobile tax, reorganization of political parties and repeal of the direct primary for all offices, a state-wide referendum on prohibition, repeal of the Wright bone dry law, free school text books, and a proposal for a state-owned cement plant. 5 Several Probes Likely Investigations arc expected to be made of alleged extravagance and mismanagement of the state highway commission, gasoline tax frauds, operation of the fire marshal's office. A probe of the conservation department may also be asked by Representative H. H. Evans of Newcastle. That the highway department is expecting close scrutiny is seen in the action of its heads in sending the 1929 and 1930 annual reports to all members of the assembly. Evidence that Governor Harry G. Leslie foresees much trouble in the offing is indicated in his attempt to win the support of the G. O. P. state organization from which he has been estranged for some time. Leslie this Week appointed John Kidd of Brazil as insurance commissioner to succeed Clarence Wysong, who has been under fire for some time. Kidd is the father of Linn Kidd, Fifth district chairman, and is reported to have had the support of the state committee. Ignored Former Aicl But in appointing the Brazil man the Governor further widened the breach which has existed between him and Bert Fuller, his manager in the 1928 campaign, who was an aspirant for the post. Asa prelude to all this excitement comes the caucuses of both parties Wednesday night when friends of Representative Walter Myers will attempt to obtain his election as speaker of the House in the face of opposition from supporters of Earl Crawford,- Milton; Dclph McKesson, Plymouth; Fabius Gwin, Shoals; David Byers, Vincennes, and William McClain of Evansville. If credence can be given the claims of the Myers men, he is already elected. Despite the widespread belief that Crawford has the support of the Indiana Farm Bureau Federation, it was authoritatively stated today by farm leaden that the federation is taking no hand in the speakership fight. It is recalled that Crawford joined John J. Brown of Monon and others in organizing a grain co-operative in competition with that of the federation. Opponents of Myers are expected to get behind either one of their number or possibly George L. Saunders of BlufTton, veteran legislator and publisher, who was minority leader in 1927-1929. The Republican twenty-five representatives indicate they will nominate James M. Knapp of Hagerstown. 1929 Speaker, as their leader. No opposition is expected. Fight for Senate Gavel The Republican senators, however, will be embroiled in a bitter fight for president pro tern. But fifteen votes are necessary to obtain the election and it is believed that the. veteran Senator James J. Nejdl of Whiting, three times president and several times a formidable contender, has a lead. Nejdls wet stand may injure him, unless the action of Senator John J. Niblack. Indianapolis, in urging for a prohibition referendum, is indicative of the trend of thought among senators. In that event the Lake county man is expected to win. Opposing him are French Clements of Evansville, who is no cub, and I. Floyd Garrott of Battle Ground, who has been working for the post for some time. Senators Chester A. Perkins of South Bend, and Walter S. Chambers. Democrats, are candidates for senate minority leaders. Perkins is knowm to be a wet and Chambers has long been in the dry column. Incidentally Perkins has just announced a reapportionment plan providing for eleven congressional districts with Marion county in a district composed also of Hancock, Hamilton and Madison counties with a population of 539,097. This district would elect two representatives. Such a plan is a radical innovation and may get lost in the scramble. Senator Joe Rand Beckett's proposed bill for making precinct committeemen the all-powerful unit in the party and for the abolition of the direct primary lor all officials is not meeting with much favor. Party leaders have for a long time felt that the committeemen are too powerful as it is and are reluctant to leave all nominating power in their hands.

Foil Leased Wlra Service of the United Press Association

SHE PAYS TO PLAY S2OO Weekly Cost of Screen Job

SET RITES FOR DR, JJ. FICKE Hiccoughs Are Fatal to City Physician. Funeral services will be held Saturday morning at 9 for Dr. John J. Ficke, 876 West Drive, Woodruff Place, who died Thursday at St. Vincent's hospital. Death was due to hiccoughs. He was born in Albany, N. Y., in 1901, coming to Indianapolis about ten years ago, and was a graduate of Indiana university school of medicine. Dr. Ficke was a member of the Marion county sanitary board and for several years had been attending physician for drivers at Indianapolis Motor Speedway races. He was a member of Nu Sigma Nu medical fraternity and of the Indianapolis Medical soicety. Surviving him are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Ficke of Chisholm, Minn.; the widow, Mrs. Elizabeth Burgess Ficke; a daughter, Mary Ann; three sisters, Mrs. E. W. Dobbs and Miss Catherine Ficke of International Falls, Minn., and Miss Helen Ficke of Chisholm, and four brothers, Steven, Andrew. William and Michael Ficke, all of Chisholm. New Police Chief Chosen By Times Special GREENFIELD, Ind., Jan. 2.—M. E. Wiggins has been appointed by the city council as police chief, succeeding Jesse West.

Starts New Year Right

i .. life

If there’s a better way of “starting tne new year right’’ than getting home from the hospital. Mayor Reginald H. Sullivan would like to hear about it. The picture was taken at St. Vincent’s hospital Wednesday as the mayor ended ten weeks’ treatment for injuries he received to his spine in an airplane accident at South Bend. Left to right are Dr.

ALLEGED SLANDERER FACES $20,000 SUIT

Muncie Woman Defendant in Case Filed by Girl. / 7’ mc* Spfcial MUNCIE. Ind.. Jan. 2.—Damages of $20,000 op allegations of slander and libel are asked by Miss Mary Vinning. 19. in a suit against Mrs. Edna Postel, widely known Muncie resident. Mrs. Postel and her husband, among the most wealthy persons in the city, came into the limelight a few months ago when she filed suit for an accounting and a receiver for property of herself and husband. £ Shortly afterward Postel filed suit cor divorce. The suits have been

The Indianapolis Times

June Mac Cloy

BY DAN THOMAS NEA Service Writer TTOLLYWOOD, Cal., Jan. 2. -*■ It's a real privilege to play in the movies, thinks June Mac Cloy, blond newcomer to the screen. In fact, it’s such a privilege to her that she’s paying S2OO a week for it. The young girl has made only, two pictures to date, “Reaching for the Moon,” with Douglas Fairbanks, and “June Moon.” But her work in each has been outstanding. She would make her presence in a picture felt no matter how small her part might be. Miss MaeCloy’s entrance into pictures is more or less a tribute to her determination. She was under contract to appear in a New York stage show at the time she was offered a contract with Paramount. The stage producer refused to release her from her contract with him. but stated that he would sell it for $5,000. But when June offered to buy the contract, paying for it at the rate of S2OO weekly, the producer refused her offer, saying that he wanted spot cash. However, she literaly forced him to accept her terms. So, although she now is enjoying her work in pictures, she is paying S2OO a week for that privilege and will continue to do so for another two months. Bloomington Child Dies By Times Special BLOOMINGTON. Ind., Jan. 2. Funeral services were held today for Mary D. Mngnusson, 9, a victim of a spine disease for a year. She leaves her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Magnusson, and a brother, Roy.

Thomas L. Sullivan, the mayor's brother; Mayor Sullivan, an inch taller thaij when he entered the institution; his nurse, Mrs. Mary O'Connell and his secretary, Walter Watson. The mayor will remain at his home, 503 North Capitol avenue, until about Feb. 1, when he is expected to return to his office in city hall.

merged and it is planned to try them in Delaware circuit court this month. The wife blames Miss Vinning in filing of the divorce suit. Miss Vinning. in her case, alleges that Mrs. Postel circulated false reports concerning her and Postal. She was employed in the couple's home nine months during 1929. Among the alleged false statements attributed to the wife is one that Postel was planning erection of a SIO,OOO mausoleum in which he said only the bodies of himself and Miss Vinning would rest. It is also alleged that after her discharge from the Postel home. Miss Vinning was unable to obtain work elsewhere. charging Mrs. Postel conducted campaign of slander by telephone.

INDIANAPOLIS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 2, 1931

6RABILL WINS IN FIGHT FOR COUNTY POST Coffin Slap Seen in Choice of Board Attorney by Commissioners. ASSUMES DUTIES TODAY Former Jailor Is Appointed Courthouse Custodian; Others Chosen. Harvey A. Grabill, instructor at Benjamin Harrison law school and practicing attorney in the city more than fifteen years, today assumed his duties as Marion county attorney succeeding Clinton H. Givan. Elected Thursday by county commissioners, Grabill will hold the most lucrative cf about 100 appointments made by the board with Dow W. Vorhies seated as the new Democratic member. His salary is $4,500 a year. Grabill received the votes of George Snider and Vorhies, while John E. Shearer, Coffin member of the board went down in defeat in his fight for the reappointment of Givan. New Custodian Named Commissioner Snider at Thursday’s session was elected president of the board. Grabill’s appointment is regarded as a decisive victory for the “new deal’’ county G. O. P. organization over the faction controlled by George V. Coffin. After balloting showed Grabill’s election, Shearer refused to cast his vote for any of numerous other appointments made by the board. Roland Snider, son of the commissioner and retiring jailor under the old G. O. P. order, was named courthouse custodian to succeed Albert J. Middleton, G. O. P. ward chairman. Carter Reappointed Institution heads renamed by the board arc John Carter, poor farm superintendent; Benjamin Morgan, superintendent of the hospital for the insane; Mrs. Emma Duvalle, head of the colored orphans’ home, and Mrs. Sara J. Pray, head of the juvenile detention home. Other reappointments affirmed by the board include Leor-"-d Korfel, garage superintendent; James McConnell, commissioner’s court bailiff; Hans Clausen, county maintenance , Man; Dr. Fred Mayer, county health commissioner; Robert Hathaway, weights and measures inspector; Charles W. Mann, county highway superintendent, and J. E. Colwell, county yard foreman. Others Keep Posts Miscellaneous reappointments include that of Miss Bertha Bush, county health clerk; Miss Helen Meredith, county health nurse; C. L. Wundrum, county dentist; Dr. Walter Stoeffler, health clinic physician; J. M. Crittenden, assistant courthouse custodian; Marrie McQuay, matron, and Elmer E. Hart-, man, yard man. Appointments of district road superintendents under Mann will be made within the next few days.

OHIOAN TAKES OFFICE IN MISSION SOCIETY Cleveland Minister Succeeds the Rev. Stephen J. Corey. Duties as first vice-president of the United Christian Missionary Society were assumed today by the Rev. I. J. Cahill of Cleveland, 0., who was elected at the convention in Washington in October to succeed the Rev. Stephen J. Corey, who was named president. Cahill held the position of secretary of the Ohio United Christian Missionary Society for twenty years prior to his election to the vicepresidency. Arrangements are being made for a reception in his honor, with the Rev. H. B. Holloway, secretary of the society, in charge of the arrangements.

INCENDIARY FIRES CAUSE $7,000 LOSS

Structures Burned on Two Pike County Farms on Holiday. By Times Special PETERSBURG, Ind., Jan. 2. —Loss of $7,000 was caused by incendiary fires on two Pike county farms Thursday. A residence, garage, bam and two outbuildings were destroyed at the farm of Oscar Reed, three miles south of Winslow, and at the farm of Chester Russ, his neighbor, a bam was burned. Livestock was turned from the barn before fires were set, with the exception of a RAIL CHIEFS PREDICT PROSPERITY RETURN By Uni led Press CHICAGO, Jan. 2.—A return of prosperity to the United States by the latter half of 1931 was forecast today in a consensus of twenty-five raliway executives whose own lines’ revenue depends on loaded freight cars and full passenger coaches. The executives, with few exceptions, agreed that railway traffic during the first half of 1931 will be smaller than in 1930, but larger in the second half. “Most of them,” said the Railway Age. w’hich conducted -the symposium, “anticipate mat total freight business during 1931 will be larger than last year. Some of them express a hope ttf&t passenger business will show n* further decline.”

Little Hoovers Romp at White House

B ik.

The holidays have been happy days for the three grandchildren of President and Mrs. Hoover. And here you see them in an unusually interesting por trait study—s-year-old Peggy Ann at the left, the rarely photographed baby Joan in the center and 3-year-old Herbert Hoover 111. They arc little guests of honor at the White House in Washington while their father, Herbert Hoover 11, convalesces at Asheville. N. C., from a lung infection. .

SEEK JURY FOR BANDITRY TRIAL Two Accused as Clinton Bank Robbers in Court. By United Press NEWPORT, Ind., Jan. 2.—Questioning of a special venire of eighteen persons began in Vermillion circuit court today for the selection of a jury to hear the trial of James Clark and Walter Dietrich, two survivors of an alleged band of bank bandits which robbed the Citizens State bank of Clinton of nearly $15,000 two weeks ago. Lang and Dietrich were captured near Sidell, 111., by a posse which had followed the bank bandits on a spectacular chase across western Indiana and eastern Illinois. Three other alleged members of the bank robbers’ gang were killed in the fight with the posse in a cornfield near Sidell. , ' WET YEAR PREDICTED BY ONION FORECASTER Bay State Cobbler Says January, February and March Will be “Cold,” By United Press MARSHFIELD, Mass., Jan. 2. — Ewald Benesch, cobbler, who forecasts the weather with an onion, predicted today that 1931 wall be an unusually wet year. At six months’ intervals, Benesch make a weather forecast by examining the twelve layers of tissue in an onion. Each layer represents one month and the condition of the tissue is Benesch’s guide, January. February and March will be colder than usual, the cobbler said. Heavy rainfalls will occur in April, May, September, October. November and December, he said, while June. July and August will be moderate. For many years residents of Marshfield have accepted Benesch'r, forecasts with unwavering, faith. DRAMA GROUP TO ELECT Municipal League to Choose New Officers Tonight at Fark. Officers of the Municipal Drama League will be elected tonight at a meeting at the Brookside Community house. Constitution and bylaws of the recently organized group also will be adopted.

hog at the Russ farm, which was killed. The fires were started at the same time. The garage belonging to Russ was ignited by setting fire to loose straw. An Investigation will be made by the state fire marshal's office. $15,000 Loss at Atlanta By. Times Special ATLANTA, Ind., Jan. 2.—The most disastrous fire here in thirtynine years caused a loss of $15,000. Structures destroyed were the residence of Mrs. Rosa Pherias, barber shop and lunch room of Garland McNew and the Church of the Nazarene. Origin of the fire, which started in the rear of the McNew place, has not been determined. Rushville Loss $30,000 By Times Special RUSHVILLE. Ind.. Jan. 2.—Loss of $30,000 resulted when the Callaghan dry goods building burned Thursday. Glenwood Store Burns By Times Special GLENWOOD, Ind., Jan. 2.—The John Ritter general store was burned and fire damaged the residence of William Springer, causing a loss of $17,000. Remodeled Home Razed By Times Special ’ MARION, Ind., Jan. 2.—The recently remodeled home of Earl Koldyke, a milk dealer, was destroyed by fire with a loss of $5,000.

Death Forecast NOBLESVILLE, Ind., Jan. 2. —Mrs. AHce Pfaff, 66, widow of Jacob Pfaff, made a prediction to the members of her family a week ago that she would be buried on New Year's day. Her funeral was held Thursday. She was stricken with heart disease ten days ago when her brother, Frank Parsley, was buried. Several years ago Mrs. Pfaff’s son Nelson was drowned, and two years ago another son, James, and a grandson were killqd when an interurban car struck the automobile in which they were riding.

NUT MARGARINE OFFICIAL DEAD George Sonnich Succumbs to Pneumonia Here. George Sonnich, 54, of 260 West Forty-fourth street, president of the Standard Nut Margarine Company, died early today at his home after a week’s illness with pneumonia. Mr. Sonnich was a native of- Denmark, born in Sonderho, and came to the United States at the age of 30. The family moved here in 1919, when Mr. Sonnich became one of the incorporators of the company which he headed. He is survived by the widow, Mrs. Kristine Sonnich; a son Ei-ic, three daughters, Misses Ellen, Esther and Ruth Sonnich; two brothers, Jens and M. P. Sonnich, and four sisters in Denmark. GOVERNOR POSTPONES COURT APPOINTMENT Wetter Will Remain on Bench Until Leslie Acts Next May. Governor Harry G. Leslie will adhere to his “indefinite postponement” policy in dealing with the Marion county municipal judgeship, it appeared today. Term of Judge Paul C. Wetter expired Thursday, but the Governor decs not intend to reappoint him or name a successor before next May, it was learned. “Why throw away my club?” the Governor is reported to have told certain petitioners who want the matter dealt with now. Leslie neither has appointed, nor dismissed the state purchasing agent, fire marshal and printing board secretary, all of whose terms have expired long ago. Wetter will remain on the bench until the Governor acts. Foreign Envoy’s Body Arrives By United Press NEW YORK. Jan. 2.—The body of Gerritt Diekema. United States minister to the Netherlands, arrived on the liner Deutschland today.

STATE WOODLANDS IN BAD CONDITION

Lieber Urges Reforestation as One Solution to Economic Ills. Decrease in the number of county and township units, public acquisition of large forests and suitable highways to afford access to the tourist, sportsman and woodworking industry are contributions toward solution of Indiana economic problems offered today by Director Richard Lieber of the state conservation department. Lieber incorporated his ideas in his annual report to the Governor and conservation commissioners. It deals at length on the problems of reforestation. “Today Indiana has 2,750,000 acres of wrecked woodlands,” the Lieber report states. “The better species have disappeared and overmature and defective weed trees occupy their places v “Forest fifes have damaged prom-

Second Section

Entered as Second-Oast Matter at roatofflce Indlanapolla

DEMOCRATS IN COUNTYOFFICES Hundreds Swarm Courthouse to Greet Chiefs. Offices and desks were banked high with floral offerings of friends and admirers today as sixteen new Democratic county officials and judges figuratively settled into the traces to guide Marion county affairs for at least two years. • At inaugural ceremonies Thursday, hundreds of persons swarmed courthouse offices to greet the incoming officials. All were elected in November. Numerous barrels of apples were distributed to the new administration's well-wishers, while the newly elected were at their posts to greet friends and to receive the congratulations of the retiring officials. The new judiciary includes: Judg2 John W. Kern of superior court one. Judge Joseph R. Williams of superior court two. Judge William A. Pickens of superior court three. Judge Clarence E. Weir of superior court four. Judge Russel J. Rvan of superior court five. Judge Frank J. Baker of criminal court. Judge Smiley N. Chambers of Probate court and Judge John F. Geckler of Juvenile court. Administrative officials entering office include: Prosecutor Herbert Wilson. Sheriff Charles Sumner. County Clerk Glen Ralston.! Bruce Short, surveyor; Ira P. Haymaker. recorder, and Dow W. Vorhies, county commissioner.

Wins Post

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Harry A. Grabill

Another defeat for the forces allied with George V. Coffin, for mer Republican boss, was seen today in the appointment Thursday of Harry A. Grabill as Marion county attorney. Grabill succeeds Clinton H. Givan.

ising young stands and grazmg has depleted woodlots until dense, vigorous forests are the exception, while open stands of unmerchantable trees are the rule. “Erosion has taken away milions of dollars’ worth of surface fertility, leaving the hillsides gashed with deep gullies. Thousands of acres of southern Indiana hill lands look yellow and sick. “It is a grave economic problem confronting us when we import $32,000.000 of lumber each year, a large part of which at least should be grown here, while hundreds of abandoned farms total over 1.000,000 acres of waste, idle and eroding land. Entire counties not only are unable to assist the state government. but require aid to maintain standard schools. “Reforestation of waste land, forest protection, prevention of soil erosion and development of private and state owned forests is unquestionably an existing problem of both state and national welfare and will go far to place the nation on a firmer financial ba|b.”

1,000 WILL GO BACK TO WORK IN FOURMINES Pits in Sullivan Field Wilj Resume Operations at Early Date. SALES PLAN EVOLVED Columbus Company’s Products to Get Attention of 20,000 Stores. BY CHARLES C. STONE, ] State Editor. The Times The outstanding development in ! Indiana industry and business for j the week ended today was an- : nouncement that 1,000 men will be 1 given employment through re-open-ing of four coal mines in the Sullivan field, and that a sales plan .has been developed for the Carl H. Becker Company of Columbus by which its products will be called to the attention of 20,000 stores throughout the United States. Mines to resume operations arc the Glendora, Baker, Peerless and Ebbw Vale. The first three named had been operating on a curtailed scale due to labor differences, but these have been settled. The other pit had been idle about one month. The Becker company, manufacturing enamel, floor paint and top dressing, is expected to greatly increase its business through the national hook up with the stores, ao cording to Carl H. Becker, president, who said it is possible that his factory may become the leading industry of Columbus. Noblesville Factory Busy Full time operation of the Union Sanitary Manufacturing Company factory at Noblesville will be started soon, Albert Ludlum. manager, announces. He says orders on hand feasts Steady work until spring at. Anderson s newest industry, the H?.nson-Van Winkle-Manning Company will begin operations next week. It manufactures polishine: equipment. W C. Redmon, head basket and furniture factories at Peru, expresses confidence that steady operation of the plants will continue. . Employment for 200 men in the Union City Body Company plant was assured with booking of an order from the Chevrolet assembly Jactory at Indianapolis. It is believed the order will assure work for the next six months. Work of extending underground cables of the Indiana Bell Telephone Company in Marion, a $25 - 000 project, will be started soon ment ald rclieving un employBcdford Provides Job* Several men are being employed in erection of anew pumping station at Bedfords municipal water mno 111(5 Contract pricc Muncie business leaders are optimistic for better conditions during 1931 They express a belief that no buyers’ strike exists but that curtailed purchasing is due to lack of money. Full time operation of the Wood Pioducts Company has been resumed at Spencer, with fifty persons employed. It had been idle since fall. City officials at Ft. Wayne are planning a program of public work which would cost nearly $10,000,001). The work proposed is anew filtration plant, a combination storm and sanitary sewer and grade crossing separations. An improvement program being carried out at the Ft. Wayne plant of the VirginiaCarolina Chemical Corporation will cost nearly SIO,OOO. Bank Buys Industry RuiJcangLiland stock of the Great Western Manufacturing Company at Laporle have been purchased by the Indiana Harbor National bank acting for mortgage holders. In the stock sold were 3.604 dish washing machines, made to sell a,t sls each, which brought only 40 cents each. They will be converted into watering troughs, as they were not successful for their original purpose. The bank paid $116,175 for the company's property. The park board of South Bend plans a SIOO,OOO bond issue for a park expansion program. Practically all Vincennes factories are operating on full time, includ- ’ ing those of the Vincennes Bridge Company, Blackford Window Glass Company, Indiana Board and Filler and Corrugated Paper Company and the Brown Shoe Cctrpany Work 1 of clearing the site for the George ' Rogers Clark memorial is under way. Mayor Appoints By Times Special ANDERSON, Ind., Jan. 2.—Appointments announced by Mayor J. H. Mellett filled two vacancies on the city planning commission. The new members are William C. McLain. automobile sales agency proprietor, and Francis C. Ryan, real estate dealer. They succeed Barlett H. Campbell, who assumed the bench in Madison superior court Thursday, and Charles E. Borsr ' apartment owner, who resigned. Farm Term Imposed By Times Special MUNCIE. Ind., Jan. 2.—Lee F, Howell, who, while intoxicated, threatened to kill his mother with a butcher knife and fired a shotgun at Sheriff Fred Puckett and his deputies when they attempted to arrest him, is under sentence of six months at the state penal farm. Howell pleaded guilty before Judge I L. A. Guthrie in circuit court to a. j liquor law violation charge. In] addition to the farm sentence he wa sM fined SIOO. . viSs 42 Intoxication Charges Jj By Times Special fe GOSHEN, Ind., Jan. 2. the 184 arrests made by Goshen pcfl lice during 1930, intoxication lharg* caused m-