Indianapolis Times, Volume 43, Number 116, Indianapolis, Marion County, 23 September 1931 — Page 1

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MILLION WORKERS TO BE AFFECTED BY WAGE CUTS; RAILWAYS MAY JOIN MOVE

Other Industries Follow Pay Slash Lead of U. S. Steel. HELD BUSINESS BLOW Labor Sees Buying Power of Nation Reduced by Corporation Action. By United Press NEW YORK, Sept. 23.—Income ot a million wage earners will be reduced and earnings of their industrial corporation employers will be buoyed if the entire steel industry follows' its leaders and cuts wages. The wage cuts announced late Tuesday by United States Steel Corporation, Bethlehem Steel and Youngstown Sheet and Tube will affect about 300,000 employes. Os them, 220,000 are United States Steel employes. Other independent steel producers expected to follow the industry’s leaders will bring the number affected within the industry itself to 400,000 employes. Industries closely related to the production of steel employ about COO,OOO men, it was estimated today. Others Make Cuts Meantime, General Motors has also announced sliding scale salary reductions, affecting about forty thousand persons, and the United States Rubber Company announced it would go on a five-day week Oct. 1, thereby, in effect, cutting salaries and wages about 10 per cent. Announcement of the steel industry’s wage cuts revived speculation concerning a reduction in railroad wages. In that connection, the Iron Age Thursday will say: “In finally recognizing the necessity of cutting the coat to fit the cloth, they (steel producers) have set a precedent which it now is believed the railroads must follow, whether they obtain partial relief through rate advances or not.” Financial interests, it was believed, would view the reductions as a boon to business; labor leaders at the same time reiterated their claims that wage reductions would cut the buying power of the nation, and thus affect business adversely. Brokers Anticipate Move Wall -Street, and other world financial markets, it was pointed out, had anticipated the wage reduction announcements, and had bought steel and affiliated industrial stocks in the face of world-wide financial unrest resulting from Great Britain's suspension of gold payments. This speculative interest aroused by the 10 per cent wage cuts, is expected to result in better demand for steel corporation securities based on the assumption that earnings will improve with reduced labor charges. The Jtockfeller-controlled Colorado Fuel & Iron Company will follow the lead of eastern steel concerns in reducing wages 10 per cent. “We either will have to reduce Wages, or go out of business,” Arthur Roeder, president of the compaiy, said, according to a Denver dispatch. All major copper companies operating in Arizona have informed employes that wages will be reduced by 9.1 per cent, effective Oct. 3. About 1,000 men are affected. Under the new scale, miners will receive $4.50 and muckers $4 per day. Goodrich Makes Slash Readjustment of salaries in accordance with reduced schedules of working hours was announced by J. D. Tew. president of the B. F. Goodrich Company, Akron, today. The reduced schedules of 10 per cent were necessary to forestall layoffs among salaried employes, it was said. Officials of independent steel companies in the Chicago area indicated today their concerns probably would reduce wages in line with United States Steel and other large companies. Fear Bad Effect Bn Scripps-H award Newspaper Alliance WASHINGTON, Sept. 23.—Fear that the steel industry’s wage cut will result in reductions in other industries, slow up buying, and intimidate those who have not yet suffered pay reductions was expressed here today by a high government official, an expert on American commerce. He said he saw the reductions by the United States Steel Corporation pnd by Bethlehem Steel as the gravest blows yet struck at the administration’s policy of wage maintenance. “We have been attempting to entourage consumer buying,” this official said. “The threat now is that the millions who have not had t henwages tampered with so far in this depression will suffer. These persons will be timid about buying." The Jones <fc Laughlin Steel Corporation was the first independent steel company in the Pittsburgh district to follow the lead of United States Steel and Bethlehem Steel Corporation today, when it announced a wage reduction of approximately 10 per cent. The reduction, effective Oct. 1, Will affect about 20.000 men, officials said. Hourly Temperatures 6a. m 69 10 a. m 72 7a. m 70 11 a. m 76 Ba. m.,... 70 12 (noon).. 80 k 9a. m 70 Ip. m 81

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The Indianapolis Times Thundershowers this afternoon or tonight followed by fair Thursday; cooler.

VOLUME 43—NUMBER 116

‘Front Page’ By United Press DENVER, Sept. 23.—With a theatrical gesture reminiscent of Sheriff Hartman in the play, “Front Page,” District Attorney Earl Wettengel handed Albert Carson, Gary (Ind.) youth a pistol. “Now show me how you killed patrolman William Keating,” he ordered. Carlson grasped the .45caliber gun, the same used in the slaying of Keating when he caught Carlson and William Piskoty, also of Gary, in the act of robbing a safe. Jurymen ducked. Spectators shouted. Bailiffs jumped forward. Wettengel beat them, took the gun back and ejected seven unused cartridges.

STOCKS SOAR; SALES HEAVY Bonds Show Great Gains; Rails Skyrocket. By United Press NEW YORK, Sept. 23.—Bolstered by a strong bond market, the stock market today moved up in the most sensational advance in months in the industrials, while rails had their best day since late 1929. Bears took fright and frantically bid for stocks. Prices rose 1 to 15 points on the stock market; curb stocks rose 1 to 6 points; bonds were up 1 to 6 points; cottofc advanced almost $2 a bale and held most of it; wheat and other grains held firm. Commodities rose abroad; London, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam and Milan markets were higher; insurance stocks advanced, with Sun Life up 150 points above Tuesday’s bid price; Bank of America led a rise in bank shares; silver on the New York Metal Exchange rose to 1.15 cents an ounce. At noon the Dow-Jones industrial average was up 6.21 points, at 115.61, the widest gain since June 22. The railroad average advanced 5.58 points to 59.85, wiping out losses of the last ten sessions. The utility average was up 3.21 points at 46.07, the widest gain since June 3, last. Sales for the market to noon amounted to 1,500,000 shares against 1,000,000 shares for the corresponding period Tuesday. The London Stock Exchange reopened today after having been closed since Saturday, and an air of optimism prevailed. An upward trend was shown in dealings.

BLOCK ARMS TRUCE Japan, Little Entente Move to Delay Parley. By United Press GENEVA, Sept. 23.—Italy’s proposal for a year’s arms truce, tentatively accepted by Great Britain and the United States, appeared doomed to failure as a formal proposition today. The hitch rose over a proposal by Japan for adjournment of the disarmament commission, and the opposition of the little entente, Rumania, Yugo-Slavia and Czechoslovakia, to the proposal. The commission hence was obligated to confine itself to the Scandinavian proposal urging states not to increase their armaments before or during the disarmament conference next year. RESCUERS”” NEAR PORT Ship Bearing Ocean Fliers Due at New York Friday. By United Press ABOARD S. S. STAVANGERFORD, Sept. 23.—(8y radio to United Press.)—The Stavangerford is scheduled to reach New York Friday morning with the crew of the Junkers monoplane Esa aboard, picked up at sea and transferred to this ship by the Norwegian motorship Belmoira. Wilhelm Rody, owner of the plane forced down at sea on an attempted flight from Lisbon to New York, and his pilot, Christian Johanssen, are in good condition. Fernando Costa Veiga. Portuguese, who accompanied them on the flight, is in the ship’s hospital suffering from leg injuries.

Mayor’s Brother, Denied City Job, Kills Self By United Press MILWAUKEE, Sept. 23. —George F. Hoan, 60, brother of Mayor Daniel W. Hoan, refused a city job because the mayor did not want to favor a relative in hard times, hanged himself today from a banister in the mayor’s private garage. George Hoan, a laborer, had been out of work a year. Coroner Henry D. Gundman said Hoan had tied a rope around his neck, secured the other end to the stair top, then slid down the banister. Mayor Hoan was at Madison, attending a conference of mayors and county officials to plan public works, so unemployed can be given jobs. “I did not recommend George for the city job he asked because he was not in actual need and because of politics that might have been involved, the Socialist mayor said. George Hoan went to his brother for a job after he had been laid off by the American Metal Products Company. His brother had been forced to do common labor, the mayor explained, because a physical handicap had limited his education.

Pastor, Out to ‘Get’ Cop, Is Rebuked

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The Rev. L.*B. Mosley

Preacher Faces Charge of Disorderly Conduct in Traffic Case. DESPITE alleged threats by a minister to “get” his job, John Adams, traffic patrolman, today stood upheld by Police Chief Mike Morrissey as an officer who did his duty. \ Tuesday afternoon the Rev. L. B. Mosley, 5040 East Michigan street, pastor of the Emerson Avenue Baptist church, is said to have “run” a stop signal that Adams flashed at Delaware and Washington streets. According to the patrolman, Moseley, irate over being charged with failure to heed the signal, threatened to have the officer discharged. Adams, instead of pressing the traffic count, ordered Moseley to police headquarters on a charge of disorderly conduct. n u n IN Judge William H. Sheaffer’s court this morning, Moseley obtained a continuance of the case until Friday. With his friends he laid his complaint against Adams before Chief Morrissey. Adams and Moseley faced each other before Morrissey’s desk to tell their stories of the affair. Moseley, it is said, declared he would carry the matter before the safety board by accusing the officer of disorderly conduct. Moseley, according to Morrissey, demanded an apology from Adams. n n tt "OFFICER ADAMS will not have to apologize,” Morrissey told Moseley. “Personally, I am sorry this situation had to occur, but the officer is right. He did his duty. The affair is ended, as far as Adams and I are concerned. “You will have opportunity to prove your innocence on the disorderly conduct charge in court Friday.” However, it was learned that police officials intend to investigate reports to them that a former secretary of the board of safety and a friend of Mosely attempted to get Thomas Schlotman, traffic policeman and partner of Adams on the downtown corner, to testify in court to Moseley’s innocence. It was reported at headquarters that Schlotman refused, and also was threatened with loss of his job.

ROWBOTTOM PAROLE BEFORE U. S. BOARD Indiana Ex-Representative Serving Term for Selling Posts. By Times Special WASHINGTON, D. C., Sept. 23. In its October session here the federal parole board will consider an application for parole of former Representative Harry E. Rowbottom (Rep., Ind.) from Leavenworth federal penitentiary. Rowbottom is serving a sentence of a year and a day for conviction on charges of selling postmasterships in the former First Indiana congressional district. He was convicted in federal court in Evansville, his home, last spring. His case was heard a few days ago at Leavenworth by representatives of the federal parole board. The former congressman began his term April 21, 1931, and became eligible for parole Aug. 21. HAWKS SETS RECORD Completes New York-Memphis Dash in 4 Hours, 50 Minutes. By United Press NEW YORK, Sept. 23.—A new record for the 975 miles between here and Memphis, Tenn., was set today by Captain Frank M. Hawks, speed flier. Hawks landed at the Glenn H. Curtiss airport, North Beach, Queens, 4 hours and 50 minutes aJtter departing from Memphis.

INDIANAPOLIS, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER, 23, 1931

LEGION PUSHES LIQUOR ISSUE TO DIRECT VOTE Resolution for Nation-Wide Referendum Put Flatly Before Convention. APPROVAL IS FORECAST Leaders Say Ex-Soldiers Have Minds Made Up for Beer’s Return. By United Press DETROIT, Sept. 23.—The American Legion will vote on a resolution to Submit the prohibition question to a nation-wide referendum. The resolutions committee voted, 25 to 19, to submit the question to the delegates. Leaders say there is no doubt the former soldiers, their minds made up to demand a return of beer, will pass the resolution. A subcommittee was named to draw up the resolution. The matter will be submitted to the convention this afternoon. A bare majority vote is necessary to carry the resolution. This marks the first time the prohibition question ever has gotten farther than the resolution committee in a legion convention. In the past, such measures have been sidetracked as political, and not within the province of the organization. Strong for Return of Beer Deliberations of the committee were secret. The task of deciding whether the proposal shall be resubmission of the eighteenth amendment or modification of the Volstead act, was left to the subcommittee. The temper of the legionnaires has been strongly in favor of a return of beer. When President Hoover concluded his address Monday on the subject of national finances, there was a wild clamor from the galleries and floor for beer. As he rode through the streets the crowds roared “We want beer.” An indication of the shift toward a decision on the matter was seen earlier in the convention today, when the report of the employment commission was read. Howard P. Savage, former national commander, as chairman, read the report, in which it was suggested the convention give careful attention to a prohibition resolution when and if it had an opportunity to express itself on the subject. Urge Five-Day Week Savage’s employment commission also advised the serious study of further restriction of immigration and recommended employes and employers consider the five-day work week and staggered hours as a means of relieving the unemployment situation. The bonus question probably will not reach the convention until Thursday. The legislative committee to which it referred met Tuesday, wrangled an hour and a half over the resolutions suggested and adjourned. Election of anew national commander to succeed Ralph T. O’Neil of Kansas seemed virtually settled, with the office due to go to Henry L. Stevens, Warsaw (N. C.) attorney. r Stevens, aged 35, if elected, will be the youngest man ever to head the former soldiers. He was a second lieutenant in the war. Portland Is Selected Portland, Ore., was selected today by the legion as the site of the 1932 convention. No invitation had been received from Chicago. Echoing Mr. Hoover’s bonus and pension moratorium appeal, Briga-dier-General Frank L. Hines, federal administrator of veterans’ affairs, earlier today urged the legion to exercise “caution and extreme deliberation” in drafting its legislative program. Sharing the resolutions’ committee’s interest in prohibition was a proposal of Howard Coffin, close friend of President Hoover, that the wartime National Council of Defense be revived to deal with the economic emergency. Making a sudden and dramatic appearance before the resolutions committee, Coffin declared that a law enacted by the sixty-fourth congress permitted the President to set up the war-time organization for handling any other emergency demanding co-ordination of national forces. Coffin urged the legion to go on record in favor of his plan at several conferences with the committee, and it may be indorsed in original or modified form.

HEAT GOMES Rain Brings Mercury Down; Autumn Is Here. Overcast skies and slightly cooler weather this afternoon greeted the arrival of autumn. The new season officially was to replace summer at 6:24 p. .m., and the first hours of its existence may be dotted with thunder showers if the weather prediction does not err. The temperature was forced down in Indianapolis and Indiana after early morning showers brought at least temporary relief from three weeks of unseasonal heat. Rain here totaled 36 of an inch. Several sections of the state received heavy showers, with Lafayette recording 1.31 this morning. J. H. Armington, weather bureau head, said Thursday will be several degrees cooler. *

Gandhi Greets Chaplin; Never Heard of Charlie By United Press LONDON, Sept. 23.—Mahatma Gandhi’s call to evening prayer broke up his discussion of the machine age with Charlie Chapiin. Gandhi and Chaplin, known to millions, met at a reception near the Easf India docks at the tiny home of Chur a Lai Katial, a Hindu doctor. Gandhi was twenty minutes late. He said earlier

that he never had heard of Chaplin. The screen comedian and the leader of India's nationalist millions sat together on a sofa. Chaplin started the machine age discussion. “I am diametrically opposed to the abolition of machinery which you advocate,” he said seriously. “Inventions are the inheritance of mankind and should be allowed to relieve mankind's task.” Gandhi looked at Chaplin intently. “I understand the Occidental viewpoint, but it is not suited to India,” he said.

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The discussion had begun warming up, when Gandhi looked at the cheap watch that dangles from his waist and saw that it was 7 o’clock, his time for evening prayer. He excused himself and squatted on the floor for prayer with members of his party. Chaplin looked on. Gandhi remained for dinner and Chaplin went back to his hotel in the west end. “Gandhi is a tremendous personality,” he told reporters.

CHARGES UTILITIES WITH RATE GOUGE

Water and Electric Tolls Here legalized Larceny,’ Editor Tells Club. “The real tax on industry and business in Indianapolis is not levied by city, county or state, but is assessed by the legalized larcenies of our public utilities,” declared Boyd Gurley, editor of The Indianapolis Times, today at the Kiwanis Club luncheon. “Rates charged by electric light and water companies bear no relation whatever to the reproduction value of their plants nor to the actual investment in them,” Gurley pointed out. “They are based only upon fictitious values ballooned upward by inflated war prices for labor and material. War Basis Continues “In order to capitalize the war which was fought by human beings the utilities established the principal that they were entitled to collect upon the cost of reproducing their plants. They then proceeded to calculate the reproduction costs at war-time prices. They figured labor at $8 to $lO a day, and the price of steel, copper and iron at their peak figure. Today with labor and materials in the depths the utility operators continue to collect on the war-time prices. Gurley cited figures to prove his contention that the light and water rates in Indianapolis were extortionate and in no way connected with the actual cost of delivering the product. Owners Get Vast Returns < “Out of every dollar spent by the citizens of Indianapolis for water last year, 43 9-10 cents went as dividends to Clarence Geist and his relatives, Who own the company,” the editor declared. “This was paid to them after they first had been paid the interest on bonds and preferred stocks, whose total easily can account for the entire cost of building the water system here. “It is doubtful whether the $5,000,000 of common stock represents any investment of real money in the mains, materials and labor. “In 1930 the people paid a total of $2,834,000 for water. Out of this Geist took as dividends on his common stock $1,225,000. “I submit that these dividends are extortionate and immoral.” Assails Electric Rates Gurley then discussed the operations and the charges of the Indianapolis Power and Light Company. “Under the ownership of Harley Clark, the amount paid by Indianapolis citizens and manufacturing companies for electricity has climbed steadily,” he said. “It increased $1,000,000 between 1928 and 1930. “The investment of Clark is presumed to be $1,060,000 upon which last year he collected as dividends $540,000 and this is approximately one-half of his holdings. Asa matter of fact, through the exactions and extortions of his holding company it took approximately $2,000,000 out of Indianapolis,” Gurley declared. “There is a rake-off of approximately 50 cents a ton on coal paid to the holding company by the Indianapolis subsidiary. Coal Increase Unwarranted “The company’s report to the public service commission shows that for 1930 the price of coal paid by the light company at the mine was 9 cents higher than in 1929. This increase came at a time when the state was hiring salesmen to create a market for Indiana coal of this type, known to the trade as screenings, for from 80 to 90 cents a ton. “In the four years under the operation of the merger this holding company has levied a tax upon Indianapolis of at least $7,000,000. “Public utilities have a real taxing power, they collect tribute upon the necessities of life. A readjustment of rates at this time is not only just, but imperative,” Gurley declared. Immigration Head Resigns By United Press WASHINGTON, Sept. 23—President Hoover has accepted the resignation of Benjamin N. Day as immigration commissioner at New York, it was announced today at 1 1ho White House,

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Gandhi

But No Eggs! By United Press x LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Sept, 23.—A downtown restaurant today advertised the following breakfast for 15 cents: Wheat cakes. Two pats of butter. A pitcher of syrup. Two strips of bacon. Five cups of coffee with cream.

DISCUSS UNITY ONjOBRELIEF Leslie, Fairbanks Confer on Joint Program. Work of co-ordinating unemployment relief in Indiana- began today when Warren Fairbanks, director of the Hoover unemployment commission in Indiana, met with Governor Harry G. Leslie at the Governor’s mansion. The Governor and the Indianapolis News publisher conferred throughout this morning, Leslie reporting the result of the conference as, “Trying to get the two committees on relief together.” The Governor pointed out that the committee headed by Dr. John W. Hewitt had placed hundreds of men at work in the last year, and that the state highway department’s maintenance program was responsible for placing approximately 500 men on jobs. The Governor said the Fairbanks committee, composed of editors of Indiana newspapers, would work with the present unemployment body headed by Hewitt. Hewitt’s organization has been organized a year and has functioned in every county in the state. MISCONDUCT CHARGED TO PROMINENT PASTOR Former Secretary’s Accusations Are Heard by Chnr' i h Board. By United Press ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 23. More than fifty witnesses appeared before a church trial board here today to testify in defense of Dr. William A. Shelton of the Mt. Vernon Methodist Episcopal church, South, of Washington, who has been suspended pending outcome of charges of misconduct prefenr' by Miss Carrie A. Williams, his former secretary. Until late Tuesday night the board of twelve clergymen heard in secret session the testimony of numerous witnesses for the prosecution, including Miss Williams. Details of Miss Williams’ charges were not disclosed. Dr. Shelton, a distinguished scholar, a graduate of Yale, an archeologist for the University of Chicago expedition to Egypt, and a professor of Hebrew at Emery university, Georgia, was assigned to the Washington church last October.

HIGHWAY BOARD STUDIES LESLIE’S DEMAND FOR TRUCK PURCHASE HALT

BY DANIEL M. KIDNEY Whether the state highway commission can cancel contracts for immediate delivery of 120 trucks and accede to the wish of Governor Harry G. Leslie to spend this money for unemployment relief by providing maintenance jobs was being thrashed out today by commissioners. * Governor Harry G. Leslie reemphasized his view in the matter at a conference with the commissioners at the Columbia Club Tuesday night. “Some errors’’ may be found in the state highway truck contracts, Director John J. Brown announced at noon today. He indicated that it may mean cancellation of the orders. The commissioners expected to reach a decision this afternoon. Leslie and Studebaker engineers and salesmen attended the morning conference devoted to “explanations of technieaiiticfe’’

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

JAPAN’S INVASION BRANDED KELLOGG PACT VIOLATION IN CHINESE PLEA TO U. S.

America Called on to Act in Interests of Peace, by Institute. OUTRAGE OF 1915 CITED Tokio Takes Advantage of Neighbor’s Plight, Says Cablegram. (Copyright, 1931, Scripps-Howard Newspapers ) NEW YORK, Sept, 23.—Chinese leaders today issued an impassioned appeal to the American government and people to aid the cause of international peace against Japan, which is accused of breach of the Kellogg peace pact. In a cablegram from the China institute of America’s committee in Shanghai, addressed to Secretary of State Stimson, leading newspaper organizations, and Chairman William E. Borah of the senate foreign committee, Chinese leaders of business and education accused Japan of “trying to do what it did in 1915.” At that time, with the world at war and engaged with other than far eastern problems, Japan "imposed the infamous 'twenty-one demands’ upon Chind,” the cablegram declared. Now, with many nations, including China, preoccupied with serious problems, Japan is taking advantage of this preoccupation “to attempt the annexation of long-cov-eted territory belonging to a friendly neighbor.” Called Pact Violation Japan’s actions in Manchuria in the last few days are called a violation of the Kellogg peace pact, to which Japan was a signatory and which was designed to forestall wars of aggression. It appeals to America and Americans “to exercise their influence and leadership in the cause of international peace.” The message follows: In the cause of peace and justice among nations, we, the undersigned, in all solemnity, direct the attention of the government and of the people of the United States to the flagrant violation of the Kellogg peace pact by the imperial government of Japan. Without any justification or provocation whatsoever, the Japanese army attacked and occupied the city of Mukden on Sept. 19. Since then they have bombarded and occupied cities and towns from Mukden to the Korean border, visiting destruction upon the helpless and innocent civilian population. The extent of the havoc wrought upon the lives and property of the people of that region of China is as yet unknown and may remain so indefinitely, since all communications have been cut by the Japanese armies of occupation. Called Wanton Invasion This wanton act of invasion and destruction first was excused by the Japanese on the flimsy ground that the Chinese soldiers tore up sections of the railroad tracks belonging to the Japanesecontroled South Manchurian railway. Since then the Japanese have offered at least two other alleged causes of the initial clash which occurred in the southern suburb of Mukden. They changed the first cause from tearing up some tracks to the bombing of a railroad bridge by those soldiers. Now reports from Tokio quote “responsible Japanese officials” as saying that instead of any tracks or bridges being destroyed by Chi(Tum to Page 8) SULLIVAN FEELS QUAKE Earth Tremor Experienced in Sooth in Varying Intensity. By United Press SULLIVAN, Ind., Sept. 23.—A slight earth tremor shook this area early today, it was revealed in reports arriving here from various parts of the county. Residents near Carlisle and Fairbanks said that houses were jarred by the shock. Until they learned that the shock was felt over a wide area, they believed it was caused by an explosion

To cancel all truck contracts would effect a saving of $159,295.41. Governor Leslie pointed out that this money could be spent in giving men “pick and shovel jobs” and aid greatly in solving the unemployment problem this winter. TJhe commission expects to employ several thousand men in such work on new roads taken into the state system for maintenance with this idea in mind. The work is being financed with a balance in the maintenance fund and the truck purchaser also were to be paid for from thii source. “It seems to me that the winter time isn’t the best season to buy a lot of trucks to keep in garages/’ Governor Leslie declared. “Under a court order the maintenance division no longer can do construction work and. I can not see why so many trucks will be needed in the future,” y

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League Council Convoked for Tonight in Effort to Heal Breach. ONE PLAN IS REJECTED Nipponese Oppose Inquiry by Mixed Commission; Soviet Concerned. By United Press The League of Nations continued its efforts to arbitrate the dispute between China and Japan in Manchuria today, summoning a meeting of the council for 7 p. m. The Japanese delegate was understood to have received new instructions from Tokio. Japanese troops were reported moving in northern Manchuria and there was some Russian concern. Unconfirmed advices said Soviet troops were mobilizing at Manchuli, on the northwestern frontier. Japan rejected a league plan for sending a mixed commission to Manchuria to handle the problem, and preferred a Chinese suggestion for a joint commission between the two countries. It was announced from Nanking, however, that China preferred the league to the problem and withdrew the suggestion for direct negotiations with Japan. Kenkichi Yoshizawa, Japanese ambassador to Paris, was understood to have received new instructions from Tottlo.

League Leans on U. S. By United Pres* WASHINGTON, Sept, 23.—The state department today received from the League of Nations a copy of its resolution providing that all documents and minutes bearing on league consideration of the Manchurian situation be presented to the United States. The papers themselves now are in possession ol Hugh Wilson, American minister to j Switzerland. Officials here considered the league’s action as a bid for the United States to co-operate in whatever measures Geneva may take to pacify Japan and China. The state department said early today it had not been decided whether the United States would act with the league. China Balks Parley By United Press NANKING, Sept. 23.—Negotiations for settlement of the Manchurian stuation were complicated today by announcement that the national Chinese government would not conduct direct negotiations with Japan. An earlier unofficial suggestion by Finance Minister T. V. Soong that direct negotiations be carried on was received favorably by Japan. The latest Chinese decision, however was to leave negotiations in the hands of the League of Nations council. High feeling between Japan and China was illustrated by China’s refusal to accept 4,000 tons of food sent from Japan for relief of Chinese flood sufferers. Although supplies are needed urgently, the Japanese contribution was termed “bitter bread,” in view' of the Japanese occupation of Manchuria. “It would be bitter bread for our flood sufferers to swallow, in view of the action of your militarists,” TANARUS, V. Soong said in a message to Baron Fukao. “When catastrophe prostrates China, when 10,000,000 persons are starving, you launch a dastardly blow, mocking the humanitarian feelings of your people.’* UPSTATE VILLAGE IS SWEPT BY. FLAMES Helmer Postoffice Among Five Buildings in $30,000 Blaze. By United Press HELMER, Ind., Sept. 23.—Fire, believed to have been started by thieves after they looted the W. C. Stoman hardware store here, razed most of the business section of the village today. Five buildings, many sheds and their contents were destroyed. Damage is estimated at $30,000. Firemen from Kendallville, Wolcotville, Ashley and Hudson answered a call for aid. Their efforts to battle the flames were hampered by an inadequate water supply. The postoffice was among the buildings destroyed. Fred Randall and his son, living above one of the burned buildings, barely escaped being trapped by flames. MUTINEERS FACE DEATH Chilean Court Studies Appeals of 63 Sailors in Naval Revolt. By United Press SANTIAGO, Chile, Sept. 23.—The supreme court today considered appeals for reversal of death sentences given Chilean sailors who participated in the recent naval mutiny. The appeals claimed that the military and naval codes under which the mutineers were tried by courts-martial had not been approved by congress and* therefore, w'ere unconstitutional. Meanwhile the state prosecutor demanded the death penalty for six-ty-three mutineers before a courtmartial at Talcahnano. It was believed the supreme court would withhold decision until all the mutineers have been tried.

Outside Marion County 3 Cents