Indianapolis Times, Volume 42, Number 216, Indianapolis, Marion County, 17 January 1931 — Page 1

CITY URGED TO KEEP ACCUSED COPS ON JOBS plea Made to Safety Board Head by Maryland Congressman, PRY ‘FRAME’ CHARGED Convictions Can Not Stand, Declares Linthicum. \ in Telegram. BULLETIN Five Indianapolis policemen, recently connoted in federal court for conspiracy to violate the federal prohibition Jaw, were discharged today by the safety board. They are: Martin O’Brien, Thomas Gray, David J. Curran, Ralph Lambcr and Claude Reidcnbarb. _ BY LAWRENCE SULLIVAN Times Staff Correspondent WASHINGTON, Jan. 17,—Again Expressing his firm belief that the Indianapolis police convictions “can Hot be sustained,” Representative J. Charles Linthicum (Dem., Md.) today carried his fight against, the Illegal entrapment to the city hall Indianapolis. Through a telegram to Charles Myers, president of the safety board, the Maryland congressman directed the attention of the board to facts uncovered In his own investigation of tho case He expressed the hope that these findings might provide a basis for the board’s retaining the officers on |hc force, pending their appeals. Cites Ilis Evidence "Without presuming to inject myfeelf into the deliberations of your board,” Linthicum’s telegram said, *'l am taking the liberty of bringing to your attention my remarks before the house of representatives concerning the methods employed In obtaining the conviction of certain members of the Indianapolis police force.” He then cited Page 1,620 of the Congressional Record for the present session, which carries “the results of my owh inquiry into this case.” A copy of the Congressional Recbrd was sent to the board by special delivery air mail Friday night. Linthicum's investigation was centered upon the speakeasy operated by federal agents at 1213 East Twenty-second street. Methods Declared Bad His summary of the inquiry cited In particular the case of patrolman Martin O'Brien, one of the five whose cases are pending before the pafety board. Federal Judge Robert C. Baltfcell, before whom the case was tried, Is quoted in the congressional Record as having described some of the methods used against O'Brien ps “inexcusable." Again. Baltzell is quoted in Linthicum’s summary as having stated from the bench that the prohibition agents “bought a lot of liquor there—a gallon, two gallons.” T never thought it was necessary.” the judge is quoted as saying', “that it was necessary to spend out money in that way. a gallon or two gallons at a time.” Lured Into Crime i In summarizing, Linthicum said Indianapolis officers were “lured land enticed into commisison of the crime.” “Since the evidence points Clearly to political blackmail,” he Continued, “I feel justified in bringing the matter to the attention of (congress. “The charge is made openly, and pever has been denied by Prohibition Commissioner Amos Woodcock or any of those involved in the Indianapolis case, that the prohibition operatives, in co-operation with the district attorney at Indianapolis, deliberately set about to build up a sensational police scandal by establishment of a ‘speakeasy’ in that city. "Government funds were used to finance tills illegal venture which bbviously was operated solely as a place of entrapment.” Linthicum planned to resume his fight on tile floor today, during debate on the prohibition unit’s appropriation bill, now under consideration.

How the Market Opened

JSy United Press NEW YORK. Jan. 17.—Leading Stocks dipped fractionally at the opening on the Stock Exchange today while the remainder were Steady to firm in quiet trading. United States Steel opened at 140 s *, off 4: Westinghouse off 4; Atchison. 1884, off 4, and American Can. 109. off 4. Oil shares were arm with Standard of New Jersey up 4 at 474 and Texas Corporation unchanged at 214. Coppers were irregular uith Anaconda unchanged at 324 and Kennecott off 4 at 244. Motors moved narrowly. Utilities were steady. Mail order shares rose in the mercantile section. In the railroad group New York Central rose \ to 120 and Pennsylvania held unchanged at 60 4. Auburn Auto dipped nearly a point to 1044. Bethlehem Steel .eased fractionally to 484. on further talk pf a dividend reduction. During the early trading prices were irregular in dull trading. Steel held around . the opening. Can dipped further, while Westinghouse rallied slightly. The list, lacked feature.

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The Indianapolis Times Unsettled, with probable ra in tonight and Sunday; not much change in temperature; lowest tonight near freezing.

VOLUME 42—NUMBER 216

Clara Bow's Booze and Gambling Bills High , Daisy Tells

Ex-Secretary’s Version of Filrrt Star’s Private Life Heard in Court. By United Press HOLLYWOOD, Jan. 17.—There is no truth in a report that Clara Bow will leave the screen because of recent publicity given her. B. P. Schulberg, west coast production manager of Paramount studios, declared today. Miss Bow has withdrawn from the cast of a forthcoming picture with Gary Cooper because her physician decided she needed a rest, Schulberg said Sidney Sylvia was substituted in her place. BY RONALD W. WAGONER United Press Staff Correspondent LOS ANGELES, Jan. 17.—Details of the private life of Clara Bow were written into the records of Los Angeles county today in words as flaming as her famous red hair. Daisy De Voc, the screen star’s former secretry, had promised she would “tell all” when called upon to testify at her grand theft trial—and she kept her word. Among the things Miss De Voe charged with appropriating Miss Bow’s money to her own use, revealed, were: Clara paid SIO,OOO for an engagement ring every one thought one of her men friends had given her. Liquor Bills Ran High She bought a $4,000 watch and locket for Dr. Earl Pierson, a young Texas physician. She favored Harry Richman, New York night club king, with a $2,000 diamond-studded watch. She celebrated the birthday of Lotnar Mendes, film director, by giving him a~s9oo star sapphire ring. Clara’s hair was not red when she was a little girl in Brooklyn, but Daisy made it that way by using liberal applications of henna. The star’s liquor bills ran into big figures. Clara loves to gamble and her losses sometimes were very large. After Miss De 'Voe had expanded on many of her declarations, Judge William C. Doran recessed the trial until Monday, when Miss De Voe will continue her recital. Miss De Voe sat forward in the witness chair and looked intently at Nathan O. Freedman, her young attorney, as he questioned and she answered. She Was working in a Hollywood studio as a hairdresser about two years ago when she met Miss Bow and received the offer of a job as the film star’s secretary at a salary of $75 a week, she said. Writes all the Checks ‘‘What were your duties in your position?” her attorney asked. “My duties were to take care of all bills and not to bother her with them because she never wanted anything to do with bills,” Daisy replied. “I was to write all checks, make payments on the mortgage on her house and lot, pay all salaries, including my own and her father’s, and pay all of her liquor bills. I had to bleach her hair and then henna it, give her manicures and take the lines out of her face so she could appear before the camera.” Miss De Voe declared she paid for liquor many times and recalled one bill which was “about $275.” “She liked to play poker, and we would stay at home just in order to do that as much as six times a week when she wasn’t working on a picture,” Miss De Voe said. The former secretary said she paid off when Clara lost, and remembered debts ranging from $5 to S2OO. Miss Bow never paid the debts herself, Daisy declared, Clara Not in Court “Did you ever pay debts outside of the city?” asked Freedman. “Yes.” Miss De Voe answered. “I paid debts in New York, Texas and Calneva.” Miss Bow was not in court to hear herself described as being extremely careless with money and inclined to scold Daisy for keeping things straight. “Whenever she would find me at work on the check stubs, she would grab them and strew them on the floor,” Daisy told the jury with just a trace of a pout. “She would tell me there were other things she wanted me to do, and not to waste time on such foolishness.”

Loves Prince

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Mary McCormic

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Eleanor Merry

By limes Special LOS ANGELES, Jan. 17. Eleanor Merry, film dancer, has been defeated in her efforts to collect damages against Loren Mendel, endurance flier. Miss Merry’s suit for $27,769 for injuries she said she suffered when Mendell’s plane crashed while she was a passenger has been dismissed. The suit was filed shortly after Mendel and Fete Reinhardt landed with their 247-hour endurance record.

TRIAL DATE FOR SCHROEDER SET Baker to Hear Torch Car Death Case Feb. 23. __ Harold Herbert Schroeder, central figure in the High School road torch car murder mystery, will be trieck before a jury on a first-degree murder charge Feb. 23, Criminal Judge Frank P. Baker said today. The alleged Mobile (Ala.) murderer's trial date was fixed Friday, following conferences between Baker and Prosecutor Herbert Wilson. Held in the Marion county jail without bond since last June, Schroeder is charged with the murder of an unidentified man, May 21, 1930, burning the body in his automobile at a lonely place in the road, west of Indianapolis. Baker indicated no further postponement of the trial will be granted for any reason. The trial originally was set for*Nov. 10, 1930. Schroeder’s case, one of the most baffling with which authorities have been confronted in many years, will be presented to a jury by Floyd Mattice. chief deputy prosecutor, and William R. Ringer, deputy prosecutor. They will charge that Schroeder lured the unknown man into his car, burning the car and the man as a scheme to lead police to believe the victim was Schroeder. ATTACKED 81 KNIFER Man’s Forehead Is Slashed in Street Assault. Leaving a girl friend’s home in the 200 block South Holmes avenue Friday night, Jerry Downer, 71 North Holmes avenue, was attacked from the rear by a man who slashed his forehead with a knife. Downer’s wound was slight. In the Air Weather conditions in the air at 9 a. m.: Southwest wind, seven miles an hour; barometric pressure, 30.25 at sea level; tempertaure, 33; ceiling unlimited; visibility, one mile; field good.

MARRY A EUROPEAN FOR REAL ROMANCE, SAYS MARY M’CORMIC

BY MARY KNIGHT United Press Stiff Correspondent PARIS. Jan. 17.—Mary McCormic, Chicago’s colorful opera singer, who insists that she and Pola Negri’s Georgian prince. Serge Mdivani, are going to dash into wedlock just as soon as the Paris cfftorce court grants the papers, paused in her whirl of Paris today long enough to deliver a ukase about American men. • The male of the American species, according to Miss McCormick, is a fine, lovable fellow, but all he thinks about is drinking, and be can not come up to the

INDIANAPOLIS, SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 1931

COURT BACKS CITY’S RIGHT TO GAS FIRM Way Prepared for Taking Over Company by U. S. Bench’s Ruling. WAIT FURTHER APPEAL Decision Upholds Baltzell Wt\en He Declined to Enjoin Public Operation. The city today prepared to take over the Citizens Gas Company following affirmation of the city’s right under the 1905 franchise Friday afternoon by the United Slates circuit court of appeals at Chicago. Although attorneys for plaintiffs in the original cases, that were appealed from the federal court here, today would not state whether they might carry the litigation to the United States supreme court, city officials were paving the way for immediate acquisition of the utility. No normal action will be taken by the trustees and directors of the municipal utility district until after plaintiffs’ attorneys study the ruling of the appeal court and announce their decision on further court moves. Upholds Baltzell Ruling The utility district under which the company, when owned by the city, will operate was formed in the 1929 legislature. Trustees and directors have been elected and all that remains to be done is for the officers to confer on the time and procedure in acquiring the company, should no further appeal be pressed. The decision upheld Judge Robert C. Baltzell’s decision given May 29, 1930, when he declined to enjoin the deiivffl'y of the gas property to the city, asked by stockholders in their suits. Mayor Reginald H. Sullivan said there will be a meeting of attorneys for the city within a few days. Frederick E. Matson, chief attorney for the plaintiffs, said he would make no comment until he and other counsel had studied the ruling. Bonds to. Coyer Purchase Under the 1905 franchise, the city will pay $3,050,000, face value of the common and preferred stock, plus a $50,000 premium payable on the preferred shares if called before maturity. The common capital stock carries a value of 52.000.000 and the preferred issue $1,000,000. Under the law, the utility district is authorized to issue bonds covering the purchase. In the ruling appeal court judges stated: “Appellsfhts claim the city now is without power to acquire the gas plant because such acquisition has ►pot been approved at an election and authorized by the public service commission. “The Indiana statutes, in our opinion, do not require such authorization of the conveyance which the directors of the company are commanded by the articles of incorporation. Litigation Pending Two Ye"s “It is not a purchase by the city. The acts of the city in connection with the operation of the plant, after the directors have performed their charter duties, are matters with which the certificate holders are not concerned. When they are paid off, as providsd, their interest is at an end.” Litigation attacking the acquisition has been pending nearly two years. The first suit was filed by Newton I; Todd, investment broker, and the second by John J. Cotter of New York. Trustees of thet city’s utility district are Thomas C. Howe, Sterling R. Holt. George J. Marott, A. D. Hitz and William J. Mooney. Directors are Henry L. Dithmer, Broadhurst Elsey. Edward A. Kahn, Eli Lilly, Almus G. Ruddell and Guy A. Wainwright, PORK MARKET HOLDS STEADY AT CITY PENS Cattle Market Nominal; Vealers 50 Cents Lower. Porker prices today at the Union stockyards were generally steady with Friday’s average. The bulk. 100 to 300 pounds, were selling at $7.65 to $8.35. Receipts were estimated at 3,000. Holdovers 154. Cattle market mostly nominal with not much change for the week. Receipts 50. Vealers were steady to 50 cents lower, selling generally at $10.50 down, some odd heads reported at sll. Receipts were 1,000. Sheep and lambs strong and mostly steady, good choice lambs sold at $8.50 to $8.75. Early top sold for $8.75. Receipts were 200.

European as a model husband, an ideal soul-mate and suave lord of the house. tt n m “T WOULD rather marry fifty Europeans in my life than one American,” Miss McCormic said. “They have more romance in their little toes than American men have in their whole bodies. “They are full of romance and respect' for woman, and yet they are capable of taking care of her as only they know how she should be taken care of.” After one has lived in Europe ten years it is almost impossible v’

Slayer for Handful of Dimes' Is Sentenced to Death in Noose

By United Press LOS ANGELES, Jan. 17.—Benjamin Franklin Brown, who confessed he killed Mrs. Merle Ells for a handful of dimes, must hang on April 10 for the slaying. Superior Judge Marshall McComb pronounced sentence'late Friday after Brown had withdrawn a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity and

WOMAN IS CLUBBED TO DEATH; HUSBAND HELD

Gravel Company Official to Face Quiz in Mystery Killing of Mate. Detectives holding the husband for questioning, today found only shreds of clews in the mystery murder of Mrs. Mary Jane Phillips, 64, in her kitchen at 1337 South Meridian street, Friday. With robbery as the only motive thus far indicated, she was clubbed with a heavy bludgeon, two purses rifled of $37, and the woman left dying on the kitchen floor. Alva Phillips, the husband, who found the bedy there when he returned from work about 3:30 p. m., is held at city prisqif under SIO,OOO bond as a material witness. Detectives Clifford Beeker, Arthur Schultz, William Brickley and Omer Larsh this morning were assigned to tho case. Mrs. Phillips was struck down while she was eating mush. Obviously she had been eating peacefully when the slayer, standing behind her, delivered the first of three crushing blows against the back of her head, Coroner Fred W. Vehling said after examination this morning. Doubt Burglary Theory In holding Phillips for questioning, detectives admitted they were considering improbability of a burglar entering the house so stealthily that Mrs. Phillips would not have been disturbed. Only two doors admit to - the house. On 6 is in the well-windowed kitchen, in which the attack took place. The other opens from a porch into the living room. The door fits badly, and is opened only with great difficulty and noise. Either the murderer managed to enter in some way and uecnifcr himself until he could spring upon her from behind, or the murder was committed by some person to whose presence she was accustomed, detectives this morning speculated. Neighbors said they saw a man whom they believed to be Phillips leave the house about 7 or 7:30 a. m. Relatives Find Door Locked Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Galvin, 1311 Kentucky avenue, brother-in-law and sister of the slain woman, knocked at the Phillips door about 9*a. m. Mrs. Galvin told police she thought she saw Phillips inside, but after beating at both doors and finding them locked, she and her husband concluded they had been mistaken and left. Substantiating the robbery theory. Phillips said there often was S4OO or SSOO in the house. He is a partner in the Speedway Gravel Company. “My wife always took ycare of all our bills and financial matters,” the husband said. They had been married eighteen years. She was a native of Indianapolis. and had lived all her life on the south side. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic church. Besides Mrs. Galvin, two sisters, Mrs. C. E. Brooks, 1326 Nordyke avenue, and Mrs. George W. Gilligan. 1265 Kentucky avenue, survive her. Gravel Employe Quizzed Another witness quizzed by detectives was Curtis Frazier, employe at the gravel plant, vho said he hauled one load, returning about 9:45 a. m. Phillips was not there then, he declared, but when he came back from another trip shortly after noon Phillips had arrived. The husband said he came home 3 bout 3:30, found the kitchen door unlocked, and entered, halting abruptly at the ghastly scene. He ran to a neighbor's home, from where police were called. Search failed to disclose the weapon used in the murder. SAY YOUTH UNCHANGED School Head Warns *arents of Child Responsibility. Youth is unchanged today, but merely living under changed conditions. Clifton O. Page, headmaster of Park school for boys, West Riverside drive, told members of the Optimist Club at the Claypool Friday. “Our new modes of living have come upon us so fast we are unable to handle them,” Page declared, and warned parents not to leave all responsibility for the child to the schools.

to talk to an American man. says the prima donna, because his sphere is so limited, and if you try to be condescending and talk on his level, he has intelligence enough to see what you are doing and resent it. “Yet he fails to understand what it’s all about if you treat him as though he* were a- - * * * ‘‘TirE should have more interW national marriages,” she stated emphatically, “both ways, because American men and women need the direct influence of European civilization,.

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

pleaded guilty to shooting Mrs. Ells at the request of her estranged husband, Emory. Ells, he said, promised him $2,000. but actually paid him only $2.20 in dimes. Ells was sentenced last week to life imprisonment, and Brown changed his plea in the belief he would not be given a heavier sentence than the man who paid him to commit the murder.

RED CROSS IS UNDER FIRE IN SENATE FIGHT . > Forecast Nation Already Too Burdened to Respond on $10,000,000 Appeal. By United Press WASHINGTON. Jan. 17.—Threat of night sessions, immediately, and cloture, eventually, in an effort to prevent a special session of congress confronted the senate today in the midst of a bitter engagement over provision of food, medicine and clothing for the destitute in town and country. President Hoover and the Red Cross opposed apropriation of federal funds for relief. But the $25,000,000 advance to the Red Cross proposed by Minority Leader Robinson seemed assured of adoption. Many regular Republicans have informed their leaders they will desert Mr. Hoover on this issue. Adoption by a two-thirds majority—sufficiently to overcome a veto—is forecast. Red Cross Is Criticised The Red Cross itself is belabored with criticism, perhaps for the first time in its existence. Senators have assailed its chairman, John Barton Payne, who complained at the White House Friday of senate agitation for an appropriation which he said was hindering Red Cross efforts to raise $10,000,000 for relief. Robinson countered that the Red Cross was attempting to “embarrass” adoption of the $25,000,000 project. Senator Thomas (Dem... Okla.), said the Rad Cross already has between $25,000,000 and $35,000,000 in its treasury and under those circumstances citizens would be justified in refusing to contribute further. Senator Borah (Rep., Idaho), forecast the country generally is too burdened to respond to the Red Cross appeal. Demands Adequate Relief Seuat.-r Black (Dem., Ala.), who Friday sought to amend the Robinson proposal to make the $25,000,000 available for medicine, medical supp’ies and other essentials ‘t o afford h jman relief” in the present emergency, explained that would enable provision of fuel, clothing and all other essentials of life. Robinson accepted the amendment. Senator Caraway (Dem., Ark.), whose criticisms of Payne and the Red Cross have been as severe as any, moved to compel ths Red Cross to provide “adequate” human relief. “The Red Cross in my state is trying to feed people on 1 cent a meal,” said Caraway, whose original charge was that Payne had joined Mr. Hoover in an effort to minimize the extent of suffering and the necessities for relief. Extra Session Threat Grows This indication of suspicion of the Red Cross was followed by a gesture from Robinson, who amended his original proposition to require that “any unexpended balance on June 1, 1932, shall be paid into the treasury of the United States.” The $25,000,000 proposal and the two amendments are offered as amendments to the pending interior department appropriation bill. Robinson has threatened to hold up the entire bill unless the $25,000000 is provided. Thus arises the threat of a special session. “We will try meeting at night three times a week.” Majority Leader Watson told questioners. “If that is not sufficient we will go to night sessions every night. If we can't '*2t night sessions we will have an extra session, sure. “As for relief, I shall support the President, although the supporting group is dwindling daily.” Meantime, the senate has not passed a single one of the eleven routine appropriation bills. The house so Tar has sent five of the bills to the senate and still must act on six.

“Secretly, Americans think just like Europeans do, but -they al- ** ways are afraid to voice their real j opinion for fear of public opinion. They are prudes. “Those that have made gredt business successes have forgotten, or never had time to learn, how to olay and be themselves. “Why, I play games with my European men friends, bridge and vhat old-fashioned game called “hearts” and we have the grandest time! “People over here remember Low to be children and that’s where the fun is and tlie secret of the whole business.”

Star Is 111

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Francine Larrimorr

By Times Special WASHINGTON, Jan. 17. Francine Larrimore, Broadway actress, seriously ill, possibly with pneumonia, engagement of “Storm King,” in which she was appearing, had to be canceled. Miss Larrimore collapsed after her performance Wednesday night.

POLICE SHOTS ROOT ROBBERS Thieves Escape Under Gunfire, Mo One Hurt. Three men who committed the third robbery in a week at a Standard grocery, 930 West Michigan street, escaped under police gunfire early today. They are believed to have been frightened away before taking anything. The store had been under police observation after two robberies in a week, and Grover Hinton and George Connell, patrolmen, we/e out a block away when the crash of the grocery’s window alarmed them. Turning they saw the trio run from the store, gave chase, and fired several shots without hitting any one. DENY MELLON RUMOR Resignation Report Given No Official Support. WASHINGTON, Jan. 17.—Reports that Andrew Mellon, secretary of the treasury, will resign on March 4 “have no foundation in fact so far as I know,” David E. Finley, Mellon's confidential secretary, said today. Other attaches of Mellon’s office likewise denied the reports, which said Mellon would be succeeded by Henry M. Robinson, Pasadena (Cal.) banker. THIEF GETS CLOTHING, JEWELRY WORTH $lO6 Clerk in Legislature fteports SB6 Taken From Purse in Hotel. Clothing and jewelry valued at SIOB were stolen from the home of Mrs. Carrie Roberts, 45 North Randolph street, she told police. Miss Lillian Cox, clerk in the house of representatives, reported theft of SB6 from her purse in a downtown hotel Friday night. A footpad robbed Carl M. Steinbach, 6142 Park avenue, of $46 at Ogden and Washington streets Friday night. Injured by Emery Wheel When an emery wheel on which he was working at the Federal Foundry Company, 502 South Holmes avenue, broke Friday, Alva Bain, 34, of 330 South Holmes avenue, suffered severe injuries to the head and face. He was treated at city hospital.

COMING down to the more personal side of romance, that of her own and the glamorous prince she expects to marry within the next month, if all goes well, she says: * “People always are runing to me with exclamations of ‘Oh! Mary! How can you marry that foreigner—l think it’s dreadful!’ “And then they run to him, his friends do, and say, ‘Are you really going to marry that American singer?’ “And then we get together and compare notes and laugh uproariously—and can scarcely wait for the moment to come for-the preacher to do his duty!" • ' it

NOON

TWO CENTS

Outside Marlon County 3 Cents

POVERTY GRIPS CLINTON, ONCE THRIVING CITY Prosperity Founded on Its Coal Fled When Mines Were Shut Down, \ CHILDREN ARE HUNGRY Blocks of Vacant Houses: Rents Long Overdue; 5,000 Residents Left Town. By Times Staff Correspondent CLINTON, Ind. Jan. 17. A tragedy of bankruptcies, unemployment, hungef, inadequate facilities for relief, and a once prosperous city, fast decaying into a poverty-stricken village, is revealed here even on the most casual of investigations. It was to this tragic transformation that the state’s attention was focused this week by a senate resolution for an invesigaion here One finds scores of children, many of them meagerly clad, being fed in the dingy basement of a church whose minister has been “called” to other fields that he himself might eat. One sees block after block of vacant houses in mute testimony of a loss of nearly 5,000 residents who likewise have ranged far and wide in search of the elusive job they could not find here. Rents Long Overdue One listens to landlords or to the few remaining bankers and real estate men. tell of rents six months, a year overdue, in numbers appalling. One wanders down Main street to see the windows of two out of every three store buildings staring gauntly, vacantly forth, or flaunting the faded, garish banners of “closing out sales.” One enters the homes of these people wanting work, to find them living, families of five and six, in single-roomed shacks ceiled and v, ailed with sheets of corrugated cardboard and strips of linoleum culled from the nearest dump—bulwarks against the cold. Relief Problem Acute Again one visits other homes of prosperous exterior, to hear the talc of former business prosperity, of commercial hopes blasted by the frost of insolvency, and of today's neccsity to pinch every penny that even the barest necessities of food and heat might be had Or one sits in the conferences those many, inevitable, interminable conferences of those in the extremity of disaster, to listen to them wonder how they can provide school books for the children in the next semester, or where the many bottles of milk needed to round out the hollows in thg cheeks of those same children will come from, or this thing or that thing. . . . The calamity of Clinton is coal. Mines Stop; Tragedy Two years ago the mines were running. Nearly 13,000 people were residents of the city. They were all working; there was no unemployment problem. The town was prosperous. It supported banks, trust companies, picture shows, lodges, a creamery, a hundred different types of stores. It was a typical American city. riding high on the tidal wave of prosperity which swept America. And then the disaster. The tidal wave passed over; they were left in its wake as so many of our smaller communities. Then coal —their almost sole source of revenue, failed to sell. One mine went into bankruptcy suddenly; others followed it or closed down. Days passed by and the mines did not reopen. There were no jobs The savings deposits slowly dwindled. Rents crept behind. One of the principal banks, and its affiliated trust company, could not stand the deadly drain of funds and closed its doors for liquidation. Can’t Sell Their Product Clinton coal still could not be sold. They will tell you two reasons why: The first is that Indiana didn't have sufficient state pride to purchase only Indiana coal. They say that if our state institutions, our state citizens, would purchase Indiana coal, the whole problem would be solved. The other is—and it comes from both miners and merchants—that under unionized conditions in Clinton, with mines paying the living wage of the union scale, Clinton coal can not compete in price in out-of-state cities with that mined under nonunion conditions in Kentucky and West Virginia 5,000 Residents Move Away Today? .Listen to the Rev. Benjamin Rist. pastor of the First Methodist church of Clinton: “Two years ago we had 13,000 residents. Today we have 8,000. Os those 8,000. more than 1,100 men. most of them heads of families, are out of work. "More than 600 of our 2.600 houses are vacant. Os those occupied more than 40 per cent are behind in rents, some of them more than a year. "Under our present system of taxation the major portion of our revenue comes from real property. The owners of these vacant houses and of those from which no income is forthcoming can not afford to pay taxes; the result is that our tax rolls are heavily delinquent.' Hourly Temperatures 6 a. m 29 8 a. mr.. .. 31 7 a. m.,.,, 29 9 a. n0..-.. 33 tea