Indianapolis Times, Volume 43, Number 93, Indianapolis, Marion County, 27 August 1931 — Page 1

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‘BOOKIE’ CZAR FREE; CAPONE TO FACE QUIZ Ransom Is Reported Paid for Publisher; Scarface Arrest Ordered. GANG RULER VANISHES Police Believe Al Can Name Abduction Gang Which Received $50,000. By United Press LAKE GENEVA, Wis., Aug. 27. John J. (Jack) Lynch, wealthy turf figure, kidnaped Thursday by a gang that first set his ransom at $225,000, today described his experience from his palatial home here as “a fairly pleasant nightmare.” Lynch, who drove into his estate at 4:30 a. m„ after driving all night from a point near Kankakee, 111., in his own automobile, showed little ill effects except for a heavy beard and sleep-weary eyes. Asked whether Al Capone had anything to do with his release, Lynch, owner of controlling interest in the General News bureau, a service. supplying horse racing news, declined to comment. Meanwhile, Patrick Roche, chief investigator for State’s Attorney Swanson, pushed search for the gang chief whom he suspected of acting as “go-between” in the payment of a reported $50,000 ransom. Silent About Ransom Lynch had nothing to say regarding payment of a ransom. He spoke freely about his experience in the hands of the kidnapers. “I fought back when the six or seven men in the gang rushed me near White Pigeon, and they cuffed me around,” Lynch told his wife and family friends. “After that they treated me royally, giving me all I wanted to eat and two-bit cigars to smoke. They gave me newspapers with stories about my kidnaping and paper-back novels. Too many of the stories were about people getting bumped off by gansters, though, and I didn’t read much.” Lynch said he had no idea where he was kept prisoner, nor how far it was from Kankakee. Bag Tossed Over Head “A bag was thrown over my head when I was first seized. The men drove me around a long time until I was thoroughly lost. ‘‘Then I was taken to a room somewhere. When no one was in the room I was allowed to take the blindfold off. “Wednesday they put the bag on and drove me around for what seemed like several hours. Then they sped away in another car. When I got the blindfold off it was 10:20 p. m. I drove until I got to a town. It was Kankakee. I bought gasoline and oil and drove on home.” Lynch went to bed after eating a sizable breakfast. His wife, near collapse from worry, got up from bed to meet him when his motor was heard purring in the drive. Capone Takes to Heels Capone, according to reports, had acted in Lynch’s behalf and was not suspected of having • any part in the abduction, but was wanted because it was thought he had turned the ransom money over to the kidnapers and probably knew who they were. Capone, meanwhile, had fled. Squads of police raided his hotel and other places, but failed to find him. The order for his arrest was issued by Pat Roche. Roche said he feared several killings might result and declared he was going to “stamp out this terrifying kidnaping business once and for all.” Lynch disappeared last Thursday while en route from here to his Wisconsin home. No report was made of his kidnaping, but the news spread. Heavy Ransom Demands His general news bureau furnishes horse racing information to handbook operators throughout the country and he is nationally known among gamblers. It became known then that Martin Gulirovle. a handbook operator and friend of Lynch, was negotiating with the kidnapers, who demanded $250,000 for Lynch’s release. Mrs. Lynch also received several calls from the kidnapers. On Saturday, the Daily Racing Form, a turf publication, offered $25,000 reward for arrest and conviction of the kidnapers, expressing a desire to stamp out the gangs which in recent months have levied heavy tribute from men engaged in one way or another in the racing business.

FAVORS _TAXING RICH Roosevelt Backs Move to Increase Levies of Wealthy Persons. By United Press ALBANY, N. Y., Aug. 27. An increase in taxes on the wealthy—those with incomes of more than SIO,OO0 —is understood to be favored by Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt as a means of raising money for the proposed unemployment relief program, administrative officials said today. In addition, the Governor may recommend to the legislature the reduction of exemptions, which now are $4,000 for a married man or head of a family and $2,500 for a single person with no dependents. Hourly Temperatures 6a. m 00 10 a. m 74 7a. m 60 11 a. m 75 Ba. m 66 12 (noon).. 77 9a. m 68 Ip. m 78

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The Indianapolis Times Unsettled weather with showers and thunderstorms late tonight or Friday; somewhat warmer tonight, cooler Friday night.

VOLUME 43—NUMBER 93

DO-X Lands to Be Guest of Gotham By United Press NEW YORK, Aug. 27. The DO-X, greatest heavier than air flying machine on earth, came to rest today on the placid waters of the Hudson river, at the end of a leisurely cruise around the Atlantic from Europe. The gigantic air liner, carrying sixty persons on the last lap of its flight, which began nearly a year ago at Lake Constance, alighted easily at the Battery, the foot of Manhattan, at 11:32 eastern time. Flying low through a h-avy haze that clung over the harbor, the DO-X circled the Statue of Liberty, proceeded up the Hudson so that the city’s millions might view her in flight, and then, returning at about 500 feet up, nosed down to the water’s surface. The great air liner, carrying some sixty persons on the last lap of her journey, made the 300-mile flight up the Atlantic coast from Norfolk in three hours and one minute, averaging 100 miles an hour. new¥a¥oil MERGER NEAR Standard of New Jersey, California to Join. By Untied Presa SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 27.—A new giant of the oil industry, created by a merger of the Standard Oil companies of New Jersey and California into a corporation worth almost $3,000,000,000 was in prospect today after a series of conferences by leading officials. Presidents W. C. Teagle of New Jersey Standard and K. R. Kingsbury of California Standard announced they had agreed a merger was “advantageous and logical.” Some details of the proposed consolidation remained to be settled at future conferences, they said, adding that “no insurmountable obstacles have developed.” The New Jersey Standard owns producing companies in Canada, South America, Mexico, Roumania and Dutch East Indies, and subsidiaries which include the Humble Oil and Refining Company and the Standard of Louisiana. Its average production last year was 270,000 barrels of oil daily. At the close of 1930 it had assets of $730,986,692. Standard of California controls thirteen subsidiaries in North and South America. INDIANA U. S. CENTER Middle Point of Population Is Near Linton. By United Press WASHINGTON, Aug. 27.—The new center of population of the United States now is* 2.9 miles northeast of Linton, Ind., the bureau of the census announced today. This point is 31 miles southeast by south of Terre Haute, and 33.6 miles northeast by north of Vincenns, in southwestern Indiana. The population moved 22.3 miles west and 7.6 miles south between 1920 and 1930. The 1928 center was located 8.3 miles south by southesast of Spencer, Ind. In 1790 the center of population was about 23 miles east of Baltimore. By 1890 it was 20 miles east of Columbus, Ind. Since that time it has moved slowly westward in Indiana. HUCKSTER RACKETS CHARGED BY OFFICIAL Fruit, Vegetables Bought in Town Passed as Country Produce. By United Press CLEVELAND, Aug. 27.—The city housewife w T ho purrs delightedly over the nice “fresh” eggs and vegetables she purchases along country roads frequently is only patronizing anew type of racketeering, an official critic charged today. Incensed at what he called “racketeering hucksters," Henry Williams, secretary of the Northern Ohio Fruit Growers’ Association, reminded urban housewives they could save gasoline and rubber tires by buying the same edibles at their neighborhood stores, frequently for less money. “Racketeering hucksters have moved their stocks out into the country and are selling as homegrown products, fruit and produce purchased in city markets,” Williams asserted. FEED LOANS OFFERED Agriculture Secretary Proffers Aid to Drought Stricken Farmers. By United Press WASHINGTON, Aug. 27. Arthur Hyde, secretary of agriculture, announced today that his dei partment is prepared to advance 1 livestock feed loans to farmers in the drought stricken northwestern states.

TRIGGER FINGERS TOO TENSE; STATE COPS MAY BE REDUCED TO SLINGSHOTS

DRUNKENNESS and promiscuous shooting are to be eliminated from the state police department "if it is necessary to take the guns away from the officers and give them slirsrhots,” Frank Mayr Jr., secretary of state, declared today. Aroused over the killing of Stanley Coomes, 34, by patrolman Carl H. Springmire at the Connersyille fairground, Mayr today declared that he is going to make

CONVICT BREAK FOILED; FOUR KILL SELVES Prisoners Slay Physician, Shoot Three Others, Commit Suicide. QUELLED BY TEAR GAS Battle to Death Against Guards and Troops in Marquette Pen. By United Press MARQUETTE, Mich., Aug. 27. Staking their lives on a chance at freedom, four desperate prisoners today tried to shoot their way out of Marquette prison, killed one man, wounded two and then, surrounded and faced with capture, ended their own lives. Within two hours of the start of fighting, quiet was restored and prison officials said there was no danger of a concerted outbreak. The dead. A. W. Hornbogen, Marquette physician and former president of the Michigan Medical Association. Andrew Germano, Detroit, convicted of murdering a policeman. Frank Hohfer, Detroit, serving a long sentence on a kidnaping charge. Charles Rosenberg, Detroit, sentenced for robbery, armed. Leo Duver, Chicago, sentenced from Detroit for a store robbery. Shoot Physician First Not even the plan by which the men hoped to shoot their way out of the prison yard could be learned, although it was reported an armored car, said to be from Detroit, was waiting outside the prison to receive the convicts once they passed the walls. The prisoners first shot Dr. Hombogen, acting penitentiary physician, after coming to the hospital on a plea of illness. The trusty, Frank Oligschlager, and the guard came to the physician’s aid, fighting with their fists. Both were shot down. Shooting as they went, the three desperate prisoners rushed to an old factory building inside the prison walls. Thq fourth prisoner, Hohfer, tried to escape in another quarter. Inside the factory the men barricaded themselves and began firing on guards and state troopers, who immediately took up positions about .the beleaguered building. The Injured Frank Oligschlager, Detroit, a trusty, shot through the abdomen. His wound may prove fatal. Joe Cowling, guard, shot through the leg. George Hurley, prison finger print expert, first reported killed in the fight, was later found not seriously wounded. Prison officials immediately began investigation of how the prisoners obtained possession of firearms, but Warden James P. Corgan said he had been unable thus far to learn much of the plot. . . Suicide of the ringleaders, it is feared, may prevent complete explanation. Convicts Well Armed The prisoners were armed with revolvers and apparently had a good supply of ammunition. Prison guards raked the factory building with rifle and machine gun fire. Shots poured through the wiridoys, and the prisoners fired back. There was no effort on the part of other prisoners to join the break, officials said. Finally a barrage of tear gas bombs, tossed into the factory, silenced the firing from the inside. After an interval, guards advanced cautiously and then made a concerted rush. Inside they found the trio dead. Each had ended his own life, realizing escape was impossible. While the main fight went forward at the old factory, Hohfer rounded a corner in a corridor of another building, saw a guard, and fired. As his first shots missed their mark, Hohfer turned the revolver on himself, ending his life. DAWES IS 66 TODAY Celebrates Birthday by Inaugurating Gymnasium in Scotland. By United Press KIRKCUDBRIGHT, Scotland, Aug. 27.—Ambassador Charles G. Dawes celebrated his 66th birthday today by addressing a ceremony inaugurating a memorial gymnasium given Kirkcudbright by Thomas Cochran of New York. Dawes confined his remarks chiefly to the world-wide economic situation. GRAF ZEP TO BRAZIL Giant Airship to Leave Home Base on Ocean Trip Saturday. I By L i, : it press FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Aug. The Graf -Zeppelin will start on a flight to Pernambuco, Brazil, Saturday at 11 p. m., it was announced today. The ship will make two flights to Brazil and return during the next few weeks, according to : present schedule.

the department function as policemen should, “if I have to fire all but four or five.” The latest shooting episode has resulted in the discharge of state policeman Culberson of Marion and centered around his misconduct during the state American Legion convention at Anderson. Chief Grover Garrott announced Culberson’s discharge from the force this afternoon. v

INDIANAPOLIS, THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 1931

Braves Death Under Crushing Wheels to Rescue Her Child

nnHERE might have been a tragedy in a little flat at 829 Broadway today, but instead there is a young mother lying painfully in her bed, caressed by the 5-year-old daughter she saved from death under a street car’s wheels late Wednesday.

Motherhood's protective in- 1 sti n c t con- j quered fright j when Mrs. Lois : Lucas, 25, saw the street car bearing down on her and her daughter, Shirley Rae, at Massachusetts avenue and Noble street. As the car struck them, she hurled the little girl away from the tracks and danger of the

crushing wheels, giving her a desperate push, and accepting the chance of death for herself.

OXNAM NOT IN RUSSIA; ENEMIES DUMFOUNDED

Backs Police By United Press WASHINGTON, Aug. 27. President Hoover in a letter made public today approved the investigation of alleged third degree methods in the Washington police department, but took occasion to speak a good word for police. “There is too much tendency on the part of some people,” the President wrote Thomas Thacher, acting attorney general, “to forget the devoted work of the police, to forget the safety of society and the victims of criminals out of sympathy with criminals themselves.”

WOMEN AGES IN AIR RACE LEAD Air Derbyites Poised for Next Two Hops. By United Press AMARILLO, Tex., Aug. 27.—Women fliers who protested in previous years because they were barred from racing against men today boasted they had proved their claims of equality, when more than fifty planes poised here for the next lap of the Santa Monica-Cleveland air derby. As on previous days of the race, women led in bringing their ships in Wednesday after a flight from Roswell, N. M. Mrs. Gladys O’Donnell of Long Beach, Cal., was first to land two hours after leaving Roswell. Phoebe Omlie of Memphis was second. The fliers were scheduled to race today to Enid, Okla., and then to Bartlesville for the overnight stop.

NAMES TAX DELEGATES Leslie Selects Eight to Represent State at Atlanta Parley. Eight Indianapolis men were listed on a committee of twentyone Indianians named by Governor Harry G. Leslie today to represent the state at the twenty-fourth annual national tax conference at Atlanta, Ga., Oct. 12-16. They are: Harry Miese, secretary of the Indiana .Taxpayers’ Association; Fred A. Sims, Evans Woollen, Elmer W. Stout, William H. Settle, William C. Harrison, State Senator Joe Rand Beckett and State Senator J. Clyde Hoffman.

AVERS LEGISLATURE DRY, BUT LESLIE OFFICE DIZZY

Senator James J. Nejdl (Rep., Lake), veteran legislator from Whiting, recalled no drunkenness at the last legislative session, but says he remembers there was considerable dizziness downstairs in the office of the secretary to the Governor. This was Nejdl’s comeback to the charge of legislative drunkenness made by L. O. Chasey, secretary to Governor Harry G. Leslie: “I recollect no drunken orgy during the last session of the general assembly. I do believe there was considerable dizziness in the office of the secretary to the Governor, and the same apparently has not subsided to date.” Mrs Elizabeth Stanley, Liberty, state president of the W. C. T. U.,

TX7’ORD reached the statehouse that Culbertson, and another officer were drunk and shooting out of a hotel window at a building across the street, and that a brick from the building fell down on a woman's head. Although Mayr issued an order when taking over the office that no officer would be allowed to drink liquor “either 4m or off

ht have been a. * < 'T'HE car, with Al a little flat at 829 of 2017 Langle . but instead there motorman and H. A her lyta* painfuhy j ; JWjfct J§l SSttotul to ssed by the 5-year- •••- rolled her ten feet b 2 saved from death fl iy was thrown clea car s wheels late , , She suffered int<

Mrs. Lois Lucas and Shirley

LINK SENATOR WITH CANNON G. 0. P. Leader Donor in Anti-Smith Campaign. By United Press WASHINGTON, Aug. 27.—The senate campaign investigating committee probing activities of Bishop James Cannon, today revealed another prominent Republican had aided the Methodist Episcopal prelate’s anti-Smith Democratic organization. Testimony before the committee today identified former Senator Joseph S. Frelinghuysen, New Jersey Republican leader, as donor of SIO,OOO to the bishop. In the first day’s sesion, this week, C. Bascom Slemp, Republican national committeeman for Virginia and former secretary to President Coolidge, testified he aided Cannon in obtaining contributions from E. C. Jameson, New York capitalist. Ada L. Burroughs, former secretary to Cannon and treasurer of the anti-Smith Democrats, was waiting in the crowded committee room today. When last subpenaed she refused to testify. E. C. Jameson, New York capitalist, who contributed to Cannon’s Virginia campaign, was present at the committee’s summons. Miss Burroughs, in her report to the clerk of the house of representatives, listed only $17,000 contributed by Jameson and it is about the other $48,000 that the committee wants to ask her.

Lindy on Air By United Press NEW YORK, Aug. 27.—The voice of Colonel Charles A. Lindbergh is scheduled to be heard in America over the National hook-up of stations WABC and WJZ early Friday morning, if trans-Pacific radio conditions are favorable. The Colonel and Mrs. Lindbergh are to attend a dinner of welcome at the Imperial hotel, Tokio, given by the Japanese ministers of commerce, army and navy. Time of the broadcast is set at 5:30 to 6:10 a. m. (central standard time), which is 8:30 to 9:10 p. m. at Tokio.

defended the legislative dryness after the manner of L. O. York of the Anti-Saloon League. Representative Nathan B. Combs (Dem. Clinton) a Mulberry farmer, wrote Chasey a letter showing great irateness at the drunk charges. He called getting cockeyed “a most serious crime” and continued: “To’my mind, there can be no more serious charge than the charge ybu have made, and if you had information to back that charge you are no less than a criminal for not giving it to the courts.” County officials at Huntington were queried regarding the Chasey charges and they said they never heard of them nor of him. He is scheduled to speak there Sept. 3.

duty,” he has had difficulty with drunkenness from the start. A captain was fired after it was reported that he had been drunk, twirling a gun. Extent of police drinking was indicated recently when a woman entered the statehouse and inquired for one of the officers at the information desk. She said she had given him some beer and he thought it so good he took a

THE car, with Alfred Pierce, 51, of 2017 Langley avenue, as motorman and H. V. Vance, 51, of 1228 Windsor street, conductor, knocked Mrs. Lucas down and rolled her ten feet before she finally was thrown clear. She suffered internal injuries. The little girl

thing about actually being hit or knocked down. My last thought was ‘Shirley Rae mustn’t be killed,’” Mrs. Lucas said.

Foes Meet Disappointment as De Pauw Chief Blasts Gossips. Makers of ammunition for use in the annual fall drive to oust Dr. G. Bromley Oxnam, Methodist liberal, from the De Pauw university presidency, were disappointed today by the following cablegram received at the school: “Have not been in Russia. Spent summer with family in England, France and Germany. Rumor is absurd, as usual.” The ammunition makers had dug up a story at Washington setting out that Dr. Oxnam was visiting a brother who is an engineer with the Soviet government and attending a pro-Bolshevik conference, accompanied by Sherwood Eddy and Senator Hendrick Shipstead (Farm-er-Labor) of Minnesota. Sent to School Trustees The original story appeared in the Ft. Wayne News-Sentinel, an anti-Oxnam paper, and was reprinted and distributed to De Pauw trustees. The reprint was made by George Lockwood’s “The National Republic,” a red-baiting publication at Washington. Lockwood, who lives at Muncie, said today that he hasn’t been editor of the magazine since March. The press release from the school at Greencastle today offers the following comment, after setting forth Dr. Oxnam’s refutation Qf the Russian conference story: “The article was believed to have been written by Everett C. Watkins, Washington correspondent. Copies of the Pt. Wayne News-Sentinel and the reprint by the National Republic magazine were sent to all De Pauw trustees with a view of incensing them against Dr. Oxnam. Support Is Assured "The board of trustees has been most loyal to Oxnam, and last June in their meeting adopted a resolution assuring Dr. Oxnam of their loyalty and support and- their faith in Christian leadership. “In flat denial by President Oxnam that he was in Russia at all indicates the enmity of these responsible for circulating disparaging rumors against him. University officials were dumbfounded when the story first appeared since Dr. Oxnam, when he anounced his itinerary, flatly stated that he would not visit Russia, but would travel through Great Britain and southern Europe. “He was accompanied by Mrs. Oxnam and their three children. He also took his own car to travel through the rural districts. His observations on conditions in Germany and' the attitude of this country toward Hoover’s moratorium, were carried in press dispatches a short time ago. “DePauw is prepared to give him a rousing reception on his return to the campus, Sept. 8. He sails from Liverpool Saturday on the steamship Baltic.” CITY RESIDENT IS DEAD Mrs, D. B. Wiley, 74, Succumbs to Illness of Four Weeks. After four weeks’ illness, Mrs. Diana B. Wiley, 74, of 3625 Kfenwood avenue, died Wednesday, at her home. Funeral services will be held at 2 Friday afternoon at the New Madison (O.) Universalist church. Burial will be in New Madison. Survivors are a daughter, Miss Martha A. Gill of the Kenwood avenue address; two sisters, Mrs. Mary Stahl of Syracuse, Mo., and Mrs. Ida Drongold oi San Jose, Cal., and a brother, Samuel Arnold, of Denver.

case, and she came over to collect for it. • u * “'T'HE amazing thing to me is the wonderful recommendations these men bring when they get on the force,” Mayr commented. “These testimonials come from prominent citizens in their home towns and set out that they have knoi qh the men lor

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COUNCIL DEADLOCKED OVER WAGE SLASHES FOR 4,000 CITY WORKERS TO CUT TAX

Board of Trade President Reiterates Demand for Revision Downward. ANSWER IS PREPARED Labor to Request County Council Ignore Plea for Slashes. Asserting economic readjustments can not be halted by “politics, resolutions or other silly gestures," W. Hathaway Simmons, president of the Indianapolis Board of Trade, today reiterated to city councilmen the board’s stand that wages of public employes should be reduced. City councilmen have made no comment on letters sent them by Simmons Monday, when he pointed to the wage reduction proposal as the method to bring about tax reduction. Several labor unions already have adopted resolutions against the Board of Trade’s proposal. Members of a special committee of the Central Labor Union today are preparing an answer to the organization’s reduction plan and a demand on the county council that the plan be ignored. ‘Unpopular 1 With Some “We recognize the reduction of salaries naturally would be unpopular with those having salaries- reduced,” Simmons wrote. Simmons denied the wage reduction plan was instigated by ousted Republican county leaders who were trying to “get even.” He said the membership of the board is divided and politics did not enter into its attitude on the question. “We wish to reiterate that the public official who permits politics, friendship, or any other consideration from doing all within his power to reduce the fearful burden of taxes is derelict in his public trust,” he said. Moves of labor unions against the Board of Trade’s prqposal was criticised by Simms as an effort to raise class distinction. Hits Labor View Simmons said he believed the “laboring man should be most concerned with securing a reduction of taxes” and “could not understand” how union members believed they would be able to obtain employment for a year unless tax reduction was forthcoming. . Continuation of pulic employes’ present salary scale with the “reduced cost of living and increased purchasing power of the dollar, means the salary is being increased,” he said. Simmons also asked that persons who have criticised the board’s wage reduction proposal offer a “tenable ground for continuation of the present tax rate.” Asks “Good Judgment” “We do not wish to assume the role of a calamity prophet,” he said. “Good judgment and courageous action can forestall what will result in the governmental breakdown and can do much toward removing the present unemployment. “We believe a municipal financial situation, more serious than that which exists in Chicago, will result if this warning is not heeded. Our city and county will not have sufficient money to function, and the public employes’ salaries may not be paid at all if they are not reduced to a reasonable figure which will permit our business to live and our citizens to keep their homes.” STORMS IRE COMING Mercury to Take Downward Course Late Friday. Unsettled weather that will bring thunder storms to Indianapolis and Indiana was moving eastward today and is to strike here either late tonight or Friday, according to the burwau. Warmer weather will prevail today, but the predicted storms will send the mercury down again by Friday nighfc. Rain was reported in the southern part of the state Wednesday, with Dugger receiving 1.22 inches. J. H. Armington, weather bureau chief, said that with 3.96 inches of rain since Aug. 1, drought conditions have been reduced materially. GOTHAM HARRIES GANGS Suspect Roundup Is Accompanied by Crime Outbreak. By United Press NEW YORK, Aug. 27.—The little fish of the underworld continued to trickle into the police net today, but “shoot to kill” orders, mass meeting protests and riot squad patrols had little appreciable effect on the city’s crime routine.

escaped with bruises and a few scratches. Mrs. Lucas said she started across the street with a traffic light in her favor, and that the motorman did not wait for the green light. One witness said the street car started as soon as the light switched to amber.

“I don’t remember any-

I years and never knew them to take a drink. “That was the sort of recommendation that captain had whom we had to fire for being j drunk after the first few weeks.” Political, rather than police j qualifications, have dictated the Mayr appointments, the Democrats carrying on the system they i inherited from the Republican- } regime, cirtics declare.

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Long Session Is Fruitless; No Budget Reduction Is Effected. CONFERENCE IS CALLED Salary Slicing Urged for Higher-Ups in Effort to Lower Levy. City councilmen today were undecided on slashing salaries of approximately 4,000 municipal employes, in an effort to pare the tax levy. Councilmen met for three and one-half hours Wednesday night and adjourned without having reduced the budget one cent and without having reached any definite conclusions. Under plans proposed, police and firemen, who draw more than half of the budget total of approximately $4,400,000 for salaries and wages, would bear the brunt of the pay cuts. It w r as decided to meet again at 7:30 Friday night, when representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and Indiana Taxpayers’ Association will be heard. Would Lengthen Slump Dr. Walter E. Hemphill, president of the Enterprise Civic League* and a member of the budget committee of the Indianapolis Federation of Community Civic Clubs, today opened fire on the board’s proposal. Hemphill said limitation of buying power by reducing wages will lengthen the depression period. “Various organizations of financial leaders and business men are using the present economic condition to bring wages down,” Hemphill said. “Through their greed, they w'ould reduce the workers to the lowest standard of living. “Persons advocating reduction of pay for teachers, policemen and firemen should recall the war period when school teachers were receiving less pay than the crossing watchman. “This applied to other public employes and the Board of Trade made no effort to bring the wage schedule of these public employes to the prevailing pay scale.” Other Meetings Slated Several meetings will be held next week, which Board of Trade officials will be invited to attend. Councilman Fred C. Gardner, Republican, advocated salary cuts for all city employes earning SI,OOO a year or more, and, in addition, suggested a flat 10 per cent reduction on all budget items except salaries and utility bills, as a means of slicing several cents from the levy. The 10 per cent cut would mean a reduction of about $90,000 from the $8,021,616 budget as it stands. Salary cuts on a sliding scale, with employes earning from SI,OOO to $1,200 a year being cut 1 per cent and officials earning $3,000 or more being cut 6 per cent or more, was suggested by Council President Ernest C. Ropkey. Fixed by Statute It was learned salaries of some of the higher paid officials, totaling $56,000, can not be cut, as they are fixed by statute. Several councilmen were indignant when they learned a few city hall stenographers were paid SI,BOO a year, and pointed out this as a means of cutting the budget. When, after lengthy discussion, it was learned that fewer than twenty stenographers are employed in the city hall, some paid as low as $1,200, and that to cut out their salaries entirely would not affect the levy materially, the subject was dropped. “There is scarcely a firm in town that hasn’J, cut wages at least 10 per cent,” Gardner said. “We aren’t going to get anywhere unless we make drastic salary cuts. Cites Pay Cuts “We will have to run the city like a private business. This budget shows several stenographers being paid SI,BOO a year. The highest paid stenographer in* my business earns S2B, and she is secretary to the president. Others are paid as low as sl2 a week. The highest paid typist in my business receives S2O and the lowest $lO. Other clerks average S2O a week. “In our shops workmen’s average pay is about sl7 on half-time basis. We didn’t want to cut wages or lay off employes, but we had to on account of business conditions.” Councilman Leo Welch declared the lowest paid stenographer in his office, a girl just out of school, ls> paid $lB a week. The average wages paid city employes is only SI,OBB. it was explained by Francis M. Coleman, deputy controller. Budget Down $90,000 Councilman George A. Henry favored substantial pay cuts for the higher paid employes, who in many cases are not strictly dependent on their salaries. Councilman Charles C. Morgan supported this view, opposing cuts for the lower paid employes. Councilman Morgan failed to win support in a move to “fire” A. C Sallee, parks superintendent, and’ Arthur Lockwood, golf supervisor, replacing them with one lower paid official. Morgan suggested Harry Schopp, South Grove golf professional, for the position. The present park department personnel was defended warmly by several councilmen, who particularly praised the work of Sallee. Coleman pointed out that the budget as submitted to the council has bsen reduced by Controller William L. Elder $90,000 from figures submitted to the controller’s office by department heads. .

Outside Marina County 3 Cents