Indianapolis Times, Volume 43, Number 201, Indianapolis, Marion County, 31 December 1931 — Page 1

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G. 0. P. HEADS WILL FALL BY WATSQNORDER Ivan Morgan to Displace Elza Rogers as State Chairman. THURMAN WON’T QUIT National Committeeman Is Firm in His Refusal to < Resign. BY BEN STERN Republican district chairman and vice-chairmen assembled at the Severin today to do the puppet act while Senator James E. Watson pulls the strings. The program outlined by the senior senator, acting as master of marionettes, calls for a complete change of officials of the state committee. It originally included the replacing of M. Bert Thurman as national committeeman by George A. Ball, Muncie manufacturer, but “Uncle Bert” must have asbestos feet. His feet were held to the fire for forty-eight hours, but Thurman refused to resign, it is declared, and inasmuch as he was not chosen by the state committee, but by the delegates to the national convention, no change can be made unless he resigns. Want More Action For publication, it was declared that the reason for today’s shakeup is that a more active organization will be needed for next year’s campaign, and Elza O. Rogers of Lebanon, incumbent state chairman, has not been able to devote much time to the work. The real answer will be found in the deficit of the state organization, exceeding $20X)00, and the need for ample funds next fall for a strenuous campaign. The scheduled changes to be made today, at Watson’s orders, are as follows: Election of Ivan Morgan of Austin, wealthy canner and Third district chairman, to succeed Rogers as state chairman. Change Vice-Chairman Election of Mrs. Beryl Holland of Bloomington, member of the state board of education, as state vicechairman, succeeding Miss Mary Sleeth of Rushville, who has announced for the nomination for state treasurer. Naming of Ernest M. Morris, South Bend banker, to succeed Irving Lemaux, Indianapolis banker, as treasurer of the deficit. An indication that the thought of the deficit is making it difficult to obtain a treasurer was received today, when Morris, at South Bend, declared he would not accept the position. Senator Watson immediately telephoned him and attempted to persuade the banker to accept. The entire affair was up in the air when the committee met this afternoon, and it was understood that, if Morris persisted in his refusal, the post will be left open until an eligible person is found. Harry Fenton is to be retained as secretary. Thurman Stands Firm Orders for the changes were made by Senator Watson immediately upon arriving here late Tuesday. He conferred with Rogers and Thurman, then called the proposed successors on the telephone. It frankly was explained to the !i\cumbents that funds were needed, and from all indication they could not lift the debt and provide more money. The astute officials were glad to get from under the load. But little pressure was needed to obtain their resignations, but a stone wall was hit in Thurman. His excuse for resigning, if was suggested, could be that he is about to announce as a candidate for the nomination of Governor, so he will be unable to attend to the duties of committeeman. But the very fact that he is to be a candidate for Governor is precisely why Thurman refused to resign. There is much more prestige and advantage in entering from the national committee than as a piain citizen. WATERT6O COLD; TOO MUCH AID; NO SUICIDE John Pennington, Despondent, Leaps From Bridge, but Swims. The water was too cold and rescuers were too near for John Pennington, 411 Kentucky avenue, to commit suicide in White river Wednesday afternoon. He dived from the Kentucky avenue bridge, but when he struck the water he changed his mind and stroked his way under the bridge. Police and firemen hauled him to safety with ropes. Taken to the city hospital for treatment from exposure, police Hied a vagrancy count against Pennington tc. prevent him from returning to the river. Pennington said he was despondent because h was unemployed and unable to provide for his family.

Marts Closed Principal markets of the United States wfll be closed Friday, Jan. 1, in observance of the New Year’s day holiday. Leading stock, bond, grain, produce and livestock exchanges will be open Saturday, with the exception of the Chicago Board of Trade, which will remain closed until Monday, Jan. 4.

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The Indianapolis Times Rain probable tonight and Friday; not much change in temperature, lowest tonight about 40.

VOLUME 43—NUMBER 201

Death Ends Love Dream of Couple Tragedy Strikes Only Few Hours After Troth of Pair Is Plighted. Tragedy replaced the happiness of planning for a future wedding in a home at 1361 West Twentyeighth street today. Chritsmas eve, Miss Ruth Zorniger, 21, received an egagement ring from Ollie Hollingsworth, 22, of 957 West Thirtieth street. While they prepared Miss Zorniger’s 1 *7 home for the J Christmas cele--1 § bration, she and her fiance discussed their plans for the future—then unmarred by the pall of death. A few hours later, as they were returning from Christmas mass, their car was struck by a taxi at Twenty-fifth street and Indianapolis avenue. The diamond on Miss Zorniger’s left hand sparkled in the glare of police flashlights as she was taken to the city hospital. Dies in Hospital Today Miss Zorniger died at the hospital, dreams of the future and her life shattered on the eve of a new year. Neighbors said today Hollingsworth told them the date of the wedding had not been set indefinitely, but that probably it would be solemnized in the spring. Miss Zorniger was a graduate of Manual Training high school and a member of Zion Evangelical church and the Rho Seta Tau sorority. Driver Is Held James Williams, 23, of 1050 West Twenty-seventh street, driver of the other car, was charged with failure to have a driver’s license. Police said he probably will be slated on manslaughter counts. Funeral arrangements have not been made. Survivors are the parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Zorniger; two sisters, Dorothy and Gertrude, and three brothers, Herbert, Leroy and Franklin Zorniger. The young woman’s death was the 175th auto fatality in Marion county in 1931. LADY GODIVA IRKED BY COPS’ BLANKET THREAT “My wig’s Enough; I’ll Ride!” Model Tells Critics at Chicago. By United Press CHICAGO, Dec. 31.—Blanket or no blanket, Virginia Hansen is going to play Lady Godiva at the Artists’ Models’ ball tonight. Police Captain John Horan said he would have an officer present to throw the covering over Lady Godiva’s pretty shoulders when she appeared on her horse at the climax of the New Year's eve party. Miss Hansen was indignant. “I won’t be blanketed by the police department,” the Lady Godiva-to-be said. "I won’t wear a bit of clothes but my long golden wig will cover me perfectly.” The Rev. Phillip Yarrow, Illinois Vigilance Association superintendent, said the whole thing was “disgraceful” no matter what Miss Hansen wore. SUITOR HANGS HIMSELF Michigan Man Who Shot Farmer Ends Life in Ceil. By United Press CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis., Dec. 31. —Charles Useahman, 35, Flint, Mich., alleged assailant of a farmer whose sister had refused to marry him, committed suicide today by hanging himself in his cell. Sought by a posse of 100, after he had wounded Vem Johnson twice, Useahman surrendered on Wednesday when driven by cold to seek shelter at a farmhouse. CUT RAIL SALARIES Officials of Nashville Road to Be Slashed 10 Per Cent. NASHVILLE, Tenn., Dec. 31—A 10 per cent reduction in salaries of all officials of the Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis railway, effective Friday, was announced today by President James B. Hill.

FEDERAL DRY SLEUTH VICTOR IN BOOZE CASE; FACES SHOOTING CHARGE

With charges of drunkenness and disorderly conduct dismissed, Patrick A. Currie, federal dry agent, today faced trial Jan. 5 on a count of drawing a deadly weapon. After a series of continuances of his trial, Currie appeared before Wilbur Royse, special municipal judge, Wednesday afternoon to answer allegations that he shot up the Happy Hour Darbecue on the Rockville road early Oct. 15. The state’s case on the charges, which were dismissed, fell through when Ed Kassenbrock, deputy sheriff, was the only prosecuting witness to appear. Kassenbrock, who with Gilbert Thomas, deputy, made the arrest, testified “Currie had been drinking, but he was not staggering drunk.” Unable to gain further testimony of drunkenness and disorderly conduct against Currie, Royse dismissed the charges. Asking deputy prosecutor Ed Brennan what he “wanted to do with the other charge,” Royse was informed the state would attempt to

DEMANDS BAN ON REPORTER IN DEATH CASE Judge Clears News Writer of Contempt; Attorney Asks Expulsion. EDITORIAL IS ASSAILED Request for Justice in Mine Terror Area Stirs Ire of Jurist. By United Preik MT. STERLING, Ky., Dec. 31. Trial of William Hightower on charges of conspiracy to murder in the Evarts mine ambush of last May was interrupted today by a second demand for expulsion of John T. Moutoux, staff correspondent of the Knoxville (Tenn.) NewsSentinel. Attorney J. B. Snyder objected *o Moutoux’ continued presence in the courtroom after Judge Henry Prewitt of Montgomery county circuit court had released the correspondent from charges of contempt growing out of an editorial appearing in his paper. Although Moutoux denied having written the editorial which the court held to be in contempt, Snyder asserted that it not only represented Moutoux’s personal views, but that he, Snyder, could obtain numerous affidavits in Mt. Sterling that it fully represented the correspondent’s position. Articles Held Prejudicial Continued publication of such editorials, and such special articles interpreting the labor disorders of Harland county as Snyder said that Moutoux had written, was prejudicial to his people at Harlan, Snyder said. Further, the attorney said he would show that Moutoux was preparing another series of interpretative articles. In the Moutoux contempt hearing, however, Judge Prewitt advised the correspondent that the special article, wherein Moutoux discussed the court conduct of Commonwealth Attorney W. C. Hamilton, was not in contempt. Snyder’s protest against Moutoux came after the court had raised no objection to Iloutoux’s suggestion that he be permitted to remain as the United Press representative. Presence Called “Odious” “His presence is odious to the prosecution,” Snyder told the court. Judge Prewitt then directed the attorney to file his suggested affidavit. . The court stipulated, however, that neither Moutoux —nor any other representative of the NewsSentinel—could sit in his court and take notes on the Harlan mine riot conspiracy to murder cases until the News-Sentinel “apologizes for and corrects” such alleged attacks. Moutoux, represented by W. H. Townsend of the Lexington (Ky.) legal firm of Townsend, Stoll, Parks & Muir, then asked the court if it (Turn to Page Eight) 1932 TO BOW IN RAIN Moderate Temperature Is New Year’s Forecast. Rain and moderate temperatures will open the new yfear, according to weather predictions today. With temperatures in the 40’s, Friday is scheduled to dawn with wet streets ffed cloudy skies, which probably will last throughout the day. ROSENWALP IMPROVES Philanthropist Suffers Heart Attack at Estate. By United Press CHICAG-O, Dec. 31.—Julius Rosenwald, 69, millionaire philanthropist, rested comfortably today, his physician reported, after a heart attack at his Highland Park estate. The philanthropist, who is chairman of the board of Sears, Roebuck & Cos., first became ill last April. Nevertheless he has kept in constant touch with his business and philanthropic activities.

bring witnesses to court Jan. 5 on the weapon count. Members of an American Legion post at Danville, Ind., and employes of the barbecue are expected to be summoned for the next hearing. Currie, according to original charges, fired several shots after an argument with an employe of the roadhouse. Members of the Legion, staging a party at the place, are said to have witnessed the shooting and Currie’s activities later, when he is said to have "sniffed” bottles in the barbecue for liquor. Charges against Currie were continued at various times after Oct. 15, and reports emanated from the prohibition office that “Currie never will be tried.” Sheriff Charles (Buck) Sumner today denied Charles A. Britt, deputy prohibition administrator, had brought about dismissal of several deputy sheriffs following Currie’s arrest, because “Britt hr 1 something on them.” “If Britt has anything on any of my men, let him show his hand,” Sumner changed.

INDIANAPOLIS, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1931

Farewell—for the Time Being

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“We’re leaving now, but we’ll be back.” And with this parting promise—or threat—the last of a long line of Republicans retreated today from the courthouse before the onrush of invading Democratic officeholders. Upper Photo —Auditor Harry Dunn is receiving a parting “tribute” from Mrs. Emma Moore, 610 Cottage avenue, and Miss Eva Pitzer, R. R. 4, Box 529, his employes.

Sheriff, in Jail, Fears ‘Strongarm ' By Times Special PORTLAND, Ind., Dec. 31.—Until the tables turned, Sheriff Ira Barton of Blackford county, now accused of bank robbery conspiracy, was an advocate of rough treatment for suspected law violators. But, under arrest, Barton is in deadly fear of the “third degree,” which he is said to have favored for others. Friends of Barton, who with six others face trial for the alleged bank raid plot, appealed Wednesday to Circuit Judge Frank Gillespie for “protection” for the once “hard-boiled” officer. Judge Gillespie summoned officers working on the case and warned them that any indications that strong-arm methods were being used would result in “all officers being placed in jail.” Since his arrest Monday night as an alleged conspirator, Barton appealed often to police to “give me a chance.” Barton is being held under bond of $50,000, and Mrs. Hazel Green, 42, Muncie blond, alleged “brains” of the gang, was jailed under bond of the same amount. Mrs. Green today was charged with bank robbery, in addition to an earlier count of conspiracy. The woman continued to declare her innocence. HITLER SPURS NAZI “Move Ahead or See Country Go Bolshevik,” He Warns. By United Press MUNICH, Germany, Dec. 31. Germany’s national Socialists were urged to prepare for their most intensive fight, to move ahead or see Germany go Bolshevist, in a New Year’s message today by Adolph Hitler. The Nazi leader repeated his call for courage to resist attack in 1932, the party’s twelfth year. Hitler’s message concluded with the Nazi slogan: ‘‘Germany awake!” EINSTEINS HUNT HOUSE Relativity Theories Give Way to Domestic Problems. By United Press PASADENA, Cal., Dec. 31.—Albert Einstein went house hunting today. That prosaic problem displaced for a time his mission in America, which is thought upon an equation which may, by unifying the theories of graivtation and electricity, hold the answer to the secret of the universe. Dr. and Mrs. Einstein were guests here pending selection of their own residence. Adimittedly it will be Mrs. Einstein who does most of the selection.

One Edition The Times will issue but one edition, Friday, New Year's day.

Lower—Harvey Grabill, county attorney (left), and John E. Shearer, county commissioner (right), are being bid “adieu” by Miss Dorothy Hoy, 2222 North Talbot street, commissioner’s clerk. Treasurer Clyde E. Robinson, another of the Republicans to descend from office, is confined to his bed by illness.

JAPANESE DRAW NEAR CHINCHOW Fall of City Appears Near; China Appeals to League. By United Press KOWPANGTZE, Manchuria, Dec. 31. —Japanese troops entered the city late today in their drive across Manchuria and prepared for a final battle before reaching Chinchow, last stronghold of the Chinese. Reports that defenders of Chinchow, under Marshal Chang Hsueh, Liang, deposed war lord of Manchuria, had halted their evacuation of the t ty to draw battle lines along the 'Paling river reached General Tamons as he arrived with the vanguard of Japanese brigades and airplanes. Kowpangtze is only about thirty miles south of Chinchow. Tamons, first of three Japanese commanders converging their forces on Chinchow from different points, anticipated sharp fighting at the river, but was confident Chinchow would fall by Jan. 3. A brigade under Kamura was advancing on Chinchow from Takushan, experiencing heavy fighting with Chinese irregulars. The retreating Chinese cut telephone and telegraph lines into Kowpangtze, preventing communications, but Tamons expected Kamura would arrive Friday. A third brigade, under General Muro, operated from Mukden, concentrating on keeping railway lines open. He reported capturing numerous prisoners. China Repeats Appeal By United Press PARIS, Dec. 31. —China has prepared a note to the League of Nations asking that “the league council take immediately effective measures to prevent aggravation of the present serious circumstances” in Manchuria. TRAYLOR BOOM GROWS Chicago Banker May Be Forced Into Presidential Race. By United Press DALLAS, Tex., Dec. 31.—Melvin A. Traylor, Chicago banker, will be forced into the Democratic presidential nomination race whether he wants to run or not, it appeared today as more supporters joined the movement. Thirty personal friends of the banker, principally men who knew him when he lived in Texas, prepared to open state headquarters for the Traylor-for-President organization. The first objective is to obtain a friendly Texas delegation to the Democratic national convention. Counties Must Pay for Charity Counties must pay for blocd transfusions for charity cases assigned to the Indiana university I hospitals here, Attorney-General James M. Ogden ruled today. The charge ranges from $lO to SSO, according to Dr. E. T. Thompson of Riley hospital, who requested the ruling.

Drys Face Vote Rout In Finland By United Press HELSINGFORS, Finland, Dec. 31. —First available returns in Finland’s prohibition referendum from the city of Helsingfors, revealed an overwhelming 5 to 1 majority for repeal of the twelve-year-old dry law. The latest official figures showed that about 82 per cent of the vote cast in the capital favored abolition of the dry law. The figures were: To abolish prohibition, 63,642; to retain the dry law, 13,496; to permit manufacture of light wines and beer, 663. In eighty-five rural constituencies the vote was: To abolish prohibition, 78,953; for prohibition, 18,885; modification, 905. Wets, who had predicted a vote in favor of repeal of the law by a majority of at least 3 to 1, were jubilant over the Helsingfors returns. Many of them offered to extend the odds on the victory for repeal. SCIENTISTS NAME CHIEF Elect Johns Hopkins Psychologist; Convention to Atlantic City. By United Press NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 31.—Dr. John J. Abel, psychologist and chemist of Johns Hopkins university, Baltimore, was elected president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science today. He succeeds Dr. Frank Boaz, New York. Syracuse was awarded the summer meeting, scheduled for June 20 to 26, and the next general convention will be held in Atlantic City on June 26, 1933. Talks and Laughs During Prayer By United Press OKLAHOMA CITY, Dec. 31. James Clymer enjoyed prayer meeting, but he expressed his joy by talking and laughing, members of the Valleybrook church declared, in filing charges that he disturbed a religious gathering.

New Year Toes Mark in South Seas, Races West By United Press WELLINGTON, New Zealand, Jan. 1 (Friday).—Some two hundred shepherds and fishermen on the Chatham islands, 414 miles southeast of here, celebrated the arrival of 1932 today while milkmen in the United States were making the rounds on the last day of 1931. This small British colony in the southern Pacific was the first place in the world to welcome the new year, for when the bell in the little church on Hanson island pealed out midnight the great boom of Big Ben in London struck 12 (noon), and 7 a. m. risers in New York were just throwing back the covers. The Chatham islands are the nearest point to the starting line of time. This starting line is the Admiralty's date line. It is made to curve east and west of the eightieth meridian in such a way that it lies always in the ocean. The Chatham islands lie just to the east of this line. From the islands the new year is now racing westward along the equator at 1,000 miles an hour. By the time New Yorkers are gathering to welcome it most of the islanders will have cured their headaches, and will be preparing for New Year’s day dinner.

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

PACT WITH UNDERTAKERS TIGHTENS VEHUNG’S GRIP ON COUNTY DEATH CASES Secret Agreement Bared and War Impends Over Clauses in Contract Signed by Many Morticians. REMOVAL OF BODIES IS BANNED Coroner Must Give Releases for All Transfers From City Hospital, According to ‘Rules.’ BY DICK MILLER War flared between Coroner Fred W. Vehling and Indianapolis undertakers today, with the revelation that local members of the Indiana Funeral Directors’ Association have entered into an agreement with Vehling which, apparently, strengthens his control of county death cases. Many members of the association announced they will protest the agreement to Bert S. Gadd, president of the organization. Ire of local directors was aroused when it was learned that the contract declared “no dead human body shall be moved from the city hospital until released by the coroner.”

TARIFF MAY BE SHOVEDAHEAD Garner Hints Action Before Tax Bill Is Taken Up. By United Press WASHINGTON, Dec. 31.—Probability that Democrats will bring up a tariff proposition soon after the holidays and rush it through the house ahead of a tax bill was indicted today by Speaker Gamer. Garner said after a conference with house leaders and finance experts, who deal with tariff and tax legislation, that there is a possibility the tariff will be given precedence. Democratic leaders have discarded the idea of rate revision and are centering now on a proposition similar to the Norris-Simmons amendment of the last congress which would authorize the United States tariff commission to report directly to congress with recommendations for rate changes instead of reporting to the President, as now. Such procedure would eliminate the long, drawn-out general revision of the tariff by congress which occurs every few years and would make tariff • adjustments -a continuous process to meet changing domestic and world conditions. CONSUL TO BOMB Explosive Is Delivered, but Fails to Go Off. By United Press CLEVELAND, Dec. 31—A nitroglycerin bomb, wrapped in a package, was delivered today to Count C. P. A. Buzzi-Gradenigo, Italian consul in Cleveland. Detective Inspector Cornelius W. Cody said it was only a miracle that prevented the infernal machine from exploding, causing a heavy loss of life. The office of the Italian consul is located in the Society for Savings Bank building. BATTLES RUM RUNNERS Hollywood Police Chief Shoots One; Escapes Return Volley. By United Press HOLLYWOOD, Cal., Dec. 31. Police Chief Barfield fought a gun battle today with a caravan of rum runners trying to force through his blockade in seven automobiles. He seriously wounded one of them, but the others escaped. Though the rum runners let go a blast of machine gun bullets when Barfield refused to budge, he was unharmed. The wounded man toppled out of the leading automobile of the seven. Hir condition was believed to be critical. Council Approves Funds Switch City councilmen, meeting in their final session of the year, this afternoon approved transfer of $7,000 to various muncipal funds.

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Other clauses of the agreement are supporting Vehling and students of the Askin Embalming School in their alleged rushing of bodies to the city hospital for embalming, it is charged. Members of the group, who are in favor of the contract, claim the action was taken to halt Vehling s practice of taking bodies to his own funeral establishment, 702 Virginia avenue, for rush embalming. Called “Peace Move” This practice and Vehling’s efforts to obtain funeral and burial privileges have been dropped since The Times bared his alleged “body grabbing” system. Undertakers claim the contract is a peace move of some undertakers with Vehling and charge efforts are being nade to solicit financial and moral support for the coroner, should he be indicted by the county grand jury. The jury oday is completing its probe into Vehling’s alleged illegal activities. It can return bills of indictment and impeachment, or both against the coroner. One Indianapolis funeral director said he had “been told the association was going to back Vehling,’ but had not been informed wlWher this involved aiding the coroner in his court fight, should he be indicted. ► Hiwbr and ruses Were Hidden .. .Th& . .director charged he and Other?. .were shown only a part of the Vehiing undertaker’s agreement at a November meeting of the association, and were not aware until recently of other clauses In the contract. Qne of these sections sets out that in coroner’s cases where persons are found after death “that embalming should take place immediately upon removal to the refrigerator at the hospital used for receiving the dead. This, it was pointed out, would result in embalming of many bodies before relatives were notified of deaths. Dr. Charles Myers, city hospital superintendent, said bodies may be kept in the hospital refrigerator “three or four days.” Relatives Are Barred Under another classification of the contract, where deaths have been witnessed, embalming Is not supposed to take place for two hours after the death. Undertakers said relatives would have no opportunity to make arrangements with funeral directors under this ruling before embalming was completed. Walter Blasengym, local funeral director, charged members of the association procured his signature and probably a majority of the forty-eight Indianapolis and nineteen out-county directors, by showing them only the first paragraph of the contract. Seventeen local undertakers, listed in the phone directory, did not sign the contract. This provides embalming be done in “unidentified coroner’s cases” by students of the Askin School of Embalming. also known as the Indianapolis School of Embalming, operated bv Clifford Askin, for $6.50 each. This was to be done only after all efforts at identification had failed. This fee would include preparation of the bodies for embalming. Ignorant of Contents If embalming is not performed, the contract sets out, $2 would be charged for preparing each body. The contract also provides the embalmer on duty at the city hospital shall inquire at the hospital office if preparations have been maue for a funeral director. “If no funeral director has been called, according to the records, then the embalmer shall proceed,” the contract •eads. Gadd refused to furnish a copy of a contract to The Times until it was “off the presses” and had been received by local undertakers. “Os course not,” one director said. “Most of us didn’t know what was in it.” The agreement will be studied by the city health board, at its next meeting. Dr. Herman G. Morgan, secretary, said. It was submitted to the board a few days ago. Hourly Temperatures 6a. m 40 10 a. m 41 7a. m 40 11 a. m 43 Ba. m 40 12 (noon).. 43 9 a. m 39 1 p. 44