Indianapolis Times, Volume 43, Number 46, Indianapolis, Marion County, 3 July 1931 — Page 2

PAGE 2

POOR FARM INMATES LIVE IN FEAR, JURY REPORTS

COMMISSIONERS MAKE NO MOVE TO CURE EVILS Majority Faction Ignores Recommendation for Ousting Head. CHARGE MISTREATMENT Shearer Alone Favors Removal of Carter, Superintendent. BY SHELDON KEY Grand Jury charges of mistreatment of inmates and mismanagement, wtiich constitute an indirect demand for dismissal of John Carter, superintendent of the Marion county poor farm, apparently were given -.little attention today by county commissioners. With two commissioners smiling at the charges, which they passively term “just another grand jury report,“'it appeared efforts of a third member of the board to oust Carter might be blocked. The jury in its final report to Special Judge L. Ert Slack in criminal court late Thursday criticised operation of the poor farm. One Juryman, Norman B. Hamilton, said “they had considered directly demanding Carter’s dismissal, but decided the jury had no legal right to do this. We hope commissioners will see what we are driving at. though.” jurors reported “the inmates of the county infirmary appear to live In a state of fear rather than contentment.” When George Handlon, 50, inmate suffering from a severe case of tuberculosis, complained to the grand jury that the poor farm superintendent had beaten him with a hoe a few days ago, farm authorities had him arrested and sent to prison. Handlon v/as sentenced to serve 180 days at the Indiana state farm on a cnarge of drawing a deadly weapon on a poor farm attendant. After reading the jury’s complaint that the “morale and spirit of inmates could be improved by a more generous and friendly attitude on the part of management and employes,” George Snider, president of the board of commissioners, remarked. “Well, they will have to prove to me that those conditions exist. We have had some complaints, too, from a lot of ‘bums’ out there at the farm, but we are not paying | any attention to them.” Shearer for New Head Dow Vorhies, Democratic commissioner, took the same position as Snider, stating “it is not such a bad report after all.” John Shearer, third commissioner, declared: "I think it is a good report, and believe that we should have anew head at the poor farm.” The grand jury recommended the aged and decrepit men’s building at the infirmary be torn down and other means provided for housing the male inmates. Conditions in this building, where dozens are sleeping on cold floors and scores of aged men have nothing except hardened straw beds, have been reviewed in disclosures by The Times during the last year. Food Is Scored Food served to inmates also received severe criticism from the jury. “The grand Jury is astounded to find that eggs have not been served since Easter Sunday, especially in view of tlie low costs and their value ns food,” the report declared. Charges that produce raised on the farm is given' “away gratis” to ’ the management’s friends instead of being served to inmates, were included in the report. TJie six jurors who were released from service following their report, spent several days at the infirmary reviewing conditions. Betterments Blocked Several attempts have been made during the past twelve years to change conditions at the farm. Efforts Q.f commissioners to get a $198,000 bond issue to build new men's quarters in 1330 were halted by refusal of the county council. The new Democratic council also refused a similar appropriation. Thorough investigation by The Times a year ago revealed overcrowded and extremely insanitary conditions at the infirmary. Inmates are crowded into narrow halls, given little attention and forced to sleep under insanitary and unhealthful circumstances. Although stating “the morale of Inmates at the Julietta insane hospital is good,” the jury criticised sections of the men's wing as “being insanitary.” Slack I’raiscs Report The county tail was found in good condition except cells on the lower floor ‘are crowded and poorly ventilated,” the report stated. The jury requested that commissioners take steps to build anew Juvenile detention home and reccommendde the county, “taking its Institutions as a whole, should arrange for better facilities in caring for its unfortunates. Judge Slack praised work of the jury, declaring, “your report is a fearless one. It should produce some very good results.” Members of the jury were: Harry A. Ryan, foreman: Montrey Percifleld, Emil Dietz, Norman B. Hamilton, Howard Johnson and Albert Smith. OPEN HOUSE AT CAMPS Music Study Center at Oliver Lake Will Receive Visitors Sunday. By Times Special LAGRANGE, Ind., July 3.—The Wainwright band camp at Oliver lake, near here, will observe “open house” next Suuday. Tlie morning will be devoted to inspection of the camp buildings, grounds and the athletic equipment. In the afternoon a program will be given which will Include a band concert, instrumental solos and group , playing. * The camp season of eight weeks began June 28, with an attendance if about 130.

Leo's Toe, Not Heat, Bothers Him

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SB.OOO SLASHED FROM BUDGET Works Board Eliminates Items in Request. Reduction of nearly SB,OOO in the works board administration budget request was approved by the board today. The budget, as adopted, calls for $932,454. The reduction was effected by eliminating $2,000 previously budgeted for the fire lookout tower on ’Merchants Bank building, and $6,000 from the heat, light and power item. The tower has not been used for several years and rental was halted this year, although the contract with the bank building company does not expire until next year. Other city budget requests prepared today included the Barrett law department, $15,930, same as this year’s budget, and building commissioner’s department, $42,150, reduction of $250. Budget request, for the city plan commission, $13,180, a reduction of $147, is the lowest in history of the commission, according to H. B. Steeg, secretary-engineer. Steeg said last year’s budget was less than half of budgets for 1923, 1924 and 1925. THREE BREAK PRISON Two Indianapolis Youths, Kentuckian Flee Reformatory. Two Indianapolis youths, serving sentences for burglary at the state reformatory at Pendleton escaped the institution late Thursday with a third prisoner. Indianapolis police are watching for the trio. Those who escaped are George Eastes, 18, of 809 East St. Clair street; Robert Anderson. 21, of 717 North Noble street, and Sherman Napier, 18, of Harlan, Ky. Father of Eight Dies By Times Special MT. VERNON, Ind., July 3.—Funeral services were held Thursday for Adam Boerner, 95, a resident of Marrs township for seventy-five years. He leaves eight children. Mrs. Boerner died three years ago.

Vincennes Paper to Be 127 Years Old Saturday VINCENNES, Ind., July 3. —Saturday will be the 127th anniversary of the founding of the Vincennes Sun, now the Sun-Com-The first edition of the Indiana Gazette, pre-runner of The Sun, was published by Elihu Stout. July 4, 1304. It was the first paper printed in Indiana and the first in the Northwest territory, with the exception of the Liberty Hall and the Gazette, both published in Cincinnati. These now are extinct, leaving the. Sun-Commercial sole claimant to the honor of being the oldest newspaper west of the Allegheny mountains. Stout came to Vincennes in 1799 at the age of 17, with newspaper ambitions. General Harrison, who saw the need of a paper in the new territory, equipped a boat for Stout to return to Kentucky for a printing press, stout returned by horseback to have his first edition ready on Independence day. In 1806 Stout s printing shop burned. He returned to -Kentucky again for new equipment and started to publish again on July 4, 1807. This time he adopted anew name. The Western Sun. It continued under that name as weekly even after a daily publication was started. The Western Sun became nationally known, the Daily Sun often being referred to by that name. The name was abandoned/however, when the daily, the Vincennes Sun, absorbed it. mercia'L *

Top Photo—lt isn’t the heat so much that moves Leo' to this agonized expression; he comes from Africa and stands the hot weather well. But Leo has an ingrown toenail that has caused a bad abcess and much pain. He faces an operation in the next few days to remove the offending nail. Lower Left—Mike, the cub bear, hails from the Canadian woods, and doesn’t care for Indianapolis summers. He keeps cool by strolling to a concession booth three or four times daily to obtain a bottle of soda. Mike won’t touch near beer, though he drinks any other mixture presented him. Lower Right—Mrs. Jennie Monkey is doing a good job of rearing Little Joe, recently born in the park. Why is he called Little Joe? Here’s the story: Keeper Chet Ballard cf the Bioad Ripple park zoo, was busily engaged in trying to throw “Little Joe” with a pair of dice when he was disturbed by a commotion in the monkey cage. The commotion was the arrival of the baby monkey. Hence, Little Joe.

Tagged! Same Plates on Two Cars Thrifty ’Til Cops Find Out.

TWO model T's are pretty handy. But when it comes to buying licenses, then it’s another matter. Chester and George Jackson of 3902 East Thirty-first street, believed they had the problem solved until Patrolman R. G. Johnson appeared. Johnson saw two model T’s pass him at the comer of Thirtieth street and Washington boulevard Thursday night. Both cars carried the same number at the rear. Halted the boys told Johnson they thought it was a “pretty good idea” and had saved them the cost of two sets of plates. They were charged with displaying improper licenses and vagrancy.* Graf Zep Ends Iceland Trip By United Prtss FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany, July 3.—The dirigible Graf Zeppelin returned here today after a brief cruise to Iceland.

THE INDIANAPOLIS TIMES

VANDAL'S ACT WREOKSAUTOS Plank Removed from Floor of Bridge Near Denver. By Times Special DENVER, Ind., July 3.—Authorities are investigating removal of a plank from the floor of a small brio'ge a mile and one-half east of here, causing two automobiles to be wrecked. A report is current that young men residing in the community removed the plank as a means of expressing their resentment because girls of their acquaintance were keeping company with men from elsewhere. A car driven by Gordon Murphy, 22, was badly damaged when it struck the opening left by removal of the plank. Wheels and tires were damaged beyond repair. Two weeks previously a car driven by Joseph Eikenberry was damaged. STERNE RITES TODAY f Services at Mortuary for Nerve Specialist. Last rites for Dr. Albert Eugene Sterne, 1834 East Tenth street, who died of a heart attack Tuesday in Denver, were to be held at 2:30 today in the Flanner & Buchanan mortuary 25 West Fall Creek boulevard. Burial will be in Crown Hill cemetery. Dr. Sterne, one of the country’s foremost authorities on neryous and mental diseases, *was founder and chief of staff of the Norways sana- ( torium, 1820 East Tenth street, and was professor of nervous and mental diseases in the Indiana university school of medicine. HrSTORIC HOME IS SOLD Newsboy's Heiress Wife Disposes of i Logansport Property. By United Press LOGANSPORT, Ind., July 3.—The historic D. D. Pratt homestead here was sold at auction for $1,150 by Mrs. Vivienne Huntington. Durban, American heiress, who attained prominence more than a year ago : when she married Alfred Durban, a London newsboy. The Durbans have been residing here for the past year. Mrs. Durban is a great granddaughter of Pratt, who was Indiana state senator while residing in the home. Mrs. Marion Flory, wife of the Cass county auditor, purchased the property. Heat Causes Death By United Press WASHINGTON, Ind., July 3. The second heat fatality in a week in Barr township, Daviess county, was reported Thursday. John Rader, 70, was stricken while plowing corn. Dcdd Mission to Celebrate Dodd mission, 609 East Washington street, will celebrate the fourth anniversary of its founding with a series of sendees beginning at 7:30 tonight. Scoots to Go to Camp Three hundred city scouts will open the second camping period of the year at the reservation northeast of Indianapolis Monday.

THREATENS SUIT ON STATEHOUSE CLEANING JOB City Contractor Demands Work Be Stopped and Bids Received. BY DANIEL M. KIDNEY State officials today were threatened with an Injunction suit unless they halt the $64,000 nonadvertised stateheuse cleaning job now under way by the Cincinnati Building Cleaning Company. Guy Sallee, the man who says he would have taken the contract for $35,000, if it had been advertised and bids received, served personal notice of his injunction suit plans. He went to the statehouse and talked with three of those who signed the contract under which the Cincinnati concern is operating. Calling on Robert I. Codd, who signed the contract for Frank Mayr Jr., secretary of state, Sallee was told in substance: “Go ahead and sue,” when he requested the contract be repudiated and work stopped. Also 1929 Law Sallee was armed with a board of accounts questionnaire and financial statement which must be filed by bidders. The statement carried the 1929 law setting out clearly that all work over $5,000 must be by competitive bidding. In discussing the proposed suit with William Cosgrove, who signed the contract for Floyd E. Williamson, state auditor. Sallee asked if Cosgrove was familiar with the law's provisions. “I only helped draft it,” was the answer. I>egal, Says Cosgrove But Cosgrove defended the legality of the contract, despite the lack of bids, on the grounds that other cleaners were privately invited to compete, although no other figures were submitted. Then came a conference with Sallee and Frank C. Caylor, building and grounds superintendent, who also signed the contract and engineered the deal. He assured Sallee that he had approval of the transaction from the state board of accounts and the attorney-general’s office, but would take it up with them again and explain that an injunction is threatened. Sallee agreed to allow sufficient time to have this done. Sallee is owner and operator of the Consolidated Spray Painting System of Indianapolis, and nas cleaned numerous building here, he said. $64,000 “Too High” “I don’t care whether I clean the statehouse or not, but I don’t think the taxpayers should be charged $64,000 for the job,” he declared. “That is too high for common building laundry work, because all it takes is pressure machinery and not any highly skilled labor. Money for the job is coming from Governor Harry G. Leslie’s emergency contingent fund. This fiscal year he has had $200,000 to spend for anything deemed an emergency. But the auditor and secretary of state had to sign the contract as members, with the Governor, of the buildings and grounds committee. Both personally said today they didn’t favor the move and the contract was signed by deputies in their absence.

BABY TARES POISON Infant In Critical Condition at City Hospital. Obtaining poison from a mysterious source, Louise Farrell, 10-months-old daughter of Mrs. Anna Farrell, 2138 Avondale place, was taken to the ctiy hospital today in critical condition. Mrs. Farrell told hospital physicians she did not know how the baby had obtained the poison, but the child became violently ill this morning. At the hospital, doctors were puzzled, declaring they could not determine what kind of poison the child had swallowed.

M’NAMEE COMMENT AID TO NEWSREEL

Times-Universal Films Is Accompanied by Vivid Remarks. The landing at New York of hundreds of cases of German gold to repay a debt to the federal reserve is one of the leading features of the the Times-Universal Newsreel now being shown at leading local theaters. The reel is accompanied by vivid j comment on the events in the nevf of the day by Graham McNamee sta; radio announcer of the staff of the National Broadcasting Company, and the talking reporter of the screen. A unit of the film is a fair on the Greentree estate at Manhasset, N. Y., of Mrs. Payne Whitney, while was attended by hundreds, the list of attendance actually being pages out of the Social Register. One of the interesting shots of the picture is the sale of Idle Saint, sister of Twenty Grand, put on the auction block to raise money for the milk fund of New York hospital. A city rising up out of the Arctic wastes at Beloschelie, Siberia, shows the methods being used by the Soviet in bringing industrial and educational methods of the western world to the Mongol noamad tribes of the district. Herds of reindeer cart the devices of modern science into the barren land. A flying girl testing a device for teaching flying at Rochester, N. Y.; 10,000 New York policemen boning over tests to become sergeants; the sailing of Secretary of State Stlmson from New York for a European trip, and a playful gorilla at Chicago. RL, fIU out the reel. k

AND LOVE WITHERS

Loretta Sues Grant for Divorce

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By United Press HOLLYWOOD, July 3.—Loretta Young, motion picture actress, lived just seven days less than a year with her husband, Grant Withers, also of the films, before they separated, the actress testified in a suit for divorce, on file today. Withers was charged with willful neglect, failure to make any provision for her support, and failure to provide her with the ..common necessities of life,” in Miss Young’s complaint. They were married at Yuma, Ariz., Jan. 25, 1930, and separated Jan. 17, 1931. The actress’ mother attempted to have the marriage annulled when she learned of it, but later dismissed the action.

LESLIE TO ADDRESS REPUBLICAN WOMEN

Daughters of the American Constitution Sponsor Parley at Club. Governor Harry G. Leslie will address a luncheon meeting of Republican women sponsored by the Daughters of the American Constitution at the Columbia Club July 9. Leslie will speak on “Women’s Contribution to the Republican Party.” Six other speakers will be on the program. William L. Taylor will discuss, “Where Are We Heading?” Thomas C. Howe, “President Hoover —A Man of Destiny,” and Charles W. Jewett, “Our Constitution.” Mrs. Louis J. Brooks, national director of the Daughters of the American Constitution, will talk on that organization. Mrs. Edward Toner and Oswald Ryan of Anderson will speak on “Loyalty to the Constitution—A Patriotic Duty.” Daughters of the American Constitution is a national organization to encourage women to take a wider participation in government, to study and understand public questions and lend their power to their solution. The organization makes no discrimination in membership, saying, “Your loyalty is your eligibility,” It urges support for renomination and re-election of President Hoover, takes a stand against newspaper sensationalism of crime, and refuses to believe “hijacking, racketeering, holdups, and loose living are due to any law.” Mrs. Ovid Butler Jameson is in charge of the local organization. The public is invited to attend the meeting. Reservations must be made through the organization at the Columbia Club,

LORETTA Files Suit for Divorce From Withers. By United Press HOLLYWOOD, July 3.—Loretta Young, motion picture actress, lived just seven days less than a year with her husband, Grant Withers, also of the films, before they separated, the actress testified in a suit for divorce, on file today. Withers was charged with willful neglect, failure to make any provision for her support and failure to provide her with the “common necessities of life,” in Miss Young’s complaint. They were married at Yuma, Ariz., Jan. 25, 1930, anft separated Jan. 17, 1931, The actress’ mother attempted to have the marriage annulled when she learned of it, but later dismissed the action. Lightning Prostrates Man By Times Special COLUMBUS, Ind., July 3.—William Streitelmeier, 40, farmer, was knocked from a mower and rendered unconscious Monday afternoon when struck by lightning while working in a field a quarter of a mile from his home southwest of here. King Receives Helen Keller By United Press Yugo-Slavia, July 3. —Helen Keller was received in audience by King Alexander Thursday. The king conferred the order of Commander of Saitt Sava on the blind American woman.

Loretta Young

Page Solomon! Two Claim Paternity of Child; Ancient Edict Is Cited.

By United Press ✓-'IHICAGO, July 3.—A1l the hereditary traits known to science were studied today in an effort to decide the complicated paternity dispute between two men, each of whom claims to be the father of 2-year-old Edward Mortimer Crabtree. Edward Crabtree, the child’s recognized father, pointed out that both he and Edward Mortimer are left handed. Frank Meindl, who married the child’s mother ten minutes after she divorced Crabtree, produced witnesses to prove that Edward Mortimer's first lisping words were in the German language. Mrs. Crabtree-Meindl agreed with her second husband, and cited as proof a ruling by the late Franz Joseph, emperor of Austria. “Emperor Franz Joseph decided that an intelligent child could not be born of parents who were not in love with each other at the time of the creation of the child,” the mother said in a petition to Circuit Judge Daniel P. Trude asking custody of Edward Mortimer. a t> a “T WISH to point out that EdA ward Mortimer is exceptionally intelligent, and during * all of the time of his creation, I was in love with Frank Meindl and not Edward Crabtree.” Mrs. Crabtree-Meindl declared that her first husband’s claim to being the father of Edward Mortimer “on the grounds of lefthandedness” is ridiculous, because five other children born to her and Crabtree all are righthanded. “Also,” the petition said on behalf of Meindl, “it is pointed out that the first words spoken by Edward Mortimer as a baby were in the German language. This was a natural result of his descent from Frank Meindl, the mother being Irish and Edward Crabtree being English.” Mr. and Mrs. Crabtree were divorced last September on a suit filed by the husband. He named Meindl, who had been a roomer In their home, as co-respondent, and Mrs. Crabtree did not deny the charges. Crabtree was given custody of the six children in the family. Now, however, the mother has demanded the custody of Edward Mortimer, the youngest, on the ground that Meinul is his father and he is no relation to Crabtree. STOCK BAN SOUGHT Cities Service Will Seek Writ to Allow Sale. By United Press NEW YORK, July 3.—Legal steps will be taken immediately to enjoin the state banking department of Kansas from enforcing its order barring all stock issues of the Cities Service Company, except the first preferred shares, from sale in that state, it was said at the offices of Henry L. Doherty & Cos. The order, officials said, is “entirely arbitrary and without just cause.”

JULY 3, 1931

INDIANA PLANTS SHOW INCREASE IN EMPLOYMENT More Work Available at Mt. Vernon, Brazil and Terre Haute. BY CHARLES C. STONE State Editor. The Time* Instances of improved employment conditions and booking of some large orders were outstanding In a business and Industrial survey ol Indiana for the week ended today. After a 48-hour test run. the plant of the Mt. Vernon Straw' and Paper Board Company went on a regular operating basis with 100 men employed. Operations have been resumed in the plant of the American Vitrified Products Company at Brazil, the force numbering 125. Steady operation for at least two months is assured. The force of the Pennsylvania railroad shops at Terre Haute has been increased 105 men. The total employed is 350. Wabash Factory Busy Already working on a double shift, the plant of the Wetzel Show Case Company at Wabash probably will double its force to w’ork on the same basis. Steady operation for several weeks is assured at the plant of the Continental Steel Corporation in Kokomo, as a result of signing of contracts for sheet metal products. Half of a $1,750,000 order for electric meters by the New York Edison Company with the General Electric Company wil be produced at the Ft. Wayne plant of the latter. Full capacity operation prevails at the plant of Ball Brothers in Muncie. Despite a daily production of 1,700,000 fruit jar lids, heavy inroads are being made on the reserve stock to meet the demand. Columbus Factory Change The National Handle Company division of the American Fork and Hoe Company, Cleveland, has taken over the Columbus Handle and Tool Corporation. Signing of a union contract affecting the New Liberty mine near t rancisco brought an announcement from the owners that operations would be resumed within a few days. The plant of the Aircraft Corporation of America will be moved from Los Angeles to Hartford City. Production is set to begin Aug. 1 with forty men employed. Don and Verne Smith of Johnson county have purchased the Cambridge City Feed Mills and announce that the equipment will be increased. NIGHT FLIGHTS TO BE INAUGURATED TONIGHT Stribling-Schmeling Scrap Will Be Broadcast From Hangars, To those to whom the song of an airplane’s propellor in front of them a thousand feet in the sky provides a thrill anew adventure will be open at municipal airport each week-end in the future. It will be flying by moonlight, In a Stinson cabin plane owned by the Central Aeronautical Corporation. The first night passenger flights will be tonight, when a special program has been arranged to inaugurate the service. The Stribling-Schmeling fight will be broadcast from the hangars, and Dick Knox will take the Prest-O-Lite Loekhead-Vega plane up for a demonstration. PUNISH SHIP CHIEFS Duty Neglect Charged to Officers of Wrecked Coastal Liner. By United Press SAN FRANCISCO, July 3. The wreck of the coastwise liner Harvard on the shoals of Point Arguello last Memorial day brought Captain L. B. Hillsinger under a four months* suspension today for failing to take the proper means to avert the mishap. Captain John K. Bulger of the United States steamboat service, who conducted an inquiry, suspended Second Officer George p. McVickers for one year because of “inattention to duty and unskillfulness ’ and Third Officer Oscar Anderson for fifteen days for “conduct unbecoming an officer.’* The $950,000 vessel and its $260,000 cargo were lost. The 400 passengers were saved. MRS. ANTRIM IS DEAD Wife of Ice Cream Company Chief to Be Buried Here. Mrs. Geneva Antrim, 61, wife of A. W. Antrim of the Jessup & Antrim Ice Cream Company, died early Wednesday at the St. Vincent’s hospital. Funeral arrangements have not been completed. Survivors are Mr. Antrim, 3505 North Pennsylvania street; a son H C. Antrim of Nashville, Tenn., two grandchildren, Forbes and Margaret Antrim, and three sisters, Mrs. Margaret Moore, Mrs. Jessie Boston and Miss Rachel McClain, all of Southport. CALLS COAL SESSION U. S. Commerce Chief Sets July 0 for Bituminous Parley. Bh United Press WASHINGTON, July 3.—Secretary of Commerce Lamont has invited leading bituminous coal operators to a conference here scheduled tentatively for July 9 in an effort to aid the depressed industry. Lamont said today that If the July 9 date were not satifactor y to the operators, a later date would be suggested. Gunshot Wounds Fatal By United Press COLUMBIA CITY, Ind., July J.— Oscar Crowell, 453, Columbia City automobile salesman, died here qf gunshot wounds suffered when a rifle was discharged accidentally as he was removing It from his car.