Indianapolis Times, Volume 43, Number 224, Indianapolis, Marion County, 27 January 1932 — Page 1

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FINAL JAPANESE ULTIMATUM IS GIVEN SHANGHAI

Chinese Warned to Answer Demands by 6 o’clock Thursday Evening. ATTACK DEEMED SURE Foes’ Promises Not to Be Trusted, Ominous Reply of Nipponese Admiral. BY H. R. EKINS United Press Staff Corresnondent SHANGHAI, China, Jan. 27.—A final ultimatum, giving the Chi(nese until 6 p. m. Thursday to comply with the Japanese demands, was issued to the Chinese in Shanghai today. The ultimatum was delivered to Wii Tch-Chen, mayor of Greater Shanghai, by Counsul Maria of Japan, It demanded a satisfactory *eply from the Chinese by the time HPecified, which is 4 a. nt. central standard time Thursday. Definite action by the Japanese was expected when the ultimatum expires, and Shanghai was prepared for military action, with possible bombardment and occupation of all Hut, the foreign settlements. Admiral Koichl Shiosawa, Japanese commander in Chinese waters, was interviewed by the United Press aboard his flagship, the Ataka.

No Trust in Chinese ' T have received my final instructions,” he said. "The Chinese may accept the Japanese demands, but in our experience, the Chinese promises are never carried out. That is all.” Murai issued his ultimatum after representatives of Wu Teh-Chen had called on him. but failed to deliver a reply. The Chinese said they were prepared to accept almost all of Japan's demands. Murai, during the long interview spoke only once. He said, “Unless all the demands are accepted and executed, there will be drastic action.’’ With ten Japanese warships already here and thirteen or fourteen more due at 8 a. m. Thursday, the situation was regarded by foreigners as extremely menacing. The Japanese have a total of about 2,000 troops ashore while the Chinese have a force estimated at about 25,000, supposedly the best troops of their army. Cruiser on Move Admiral Shiosawa announced today that the cruiser Hirado was proceeding to Nanking up the river from Shanghai at 8 a. m. Thursday, to join two cruisers already there. Observers believed the Japanese were preparing for a naval demonstration at Nanking, seat of the government, to protect Japanese residents still remaining in the capital, and possibly to land and intercept refugees coming from Shanghai. Announcement of the ultimatum increased the influx of refugees into the international settlement and heightened the tension there. No menace to the international settlement by Japan was expected, and the foreign troops there, including more than 1.200 American marines, was considered sufficient to preserve order. The foreign troops were ready for any emergency. Statement Is Promised The time limit set by the ultimatum was received with something like relief, as it ended the nervewracking suspense of not knowing what was going to happen, or when. On receipt of the ultimatum, Wu Teh-Chen promised a statement soon. The belief was growing, however. that the Japanese inevitably would find any reply unsatisfactory, and would act. Admiral Shiosawa's statement to the United Press strengthened the belief. Three Japanese military airplanes arrived from Nagasaki today and were being assembled. Four hundred Chinese cavalry were guarding the Kingwan race course, which the .Japanese were expected to utilize first as an airdrome, before capturing til Hungjao and Lunghua airdromes. All the Chinese rolling stock of (he three railroads arriving in Shanghai were kept here, for a purpose that was not explained. Ships Are Looted The looting by Chinese in the outskirts of the settlement was confined today to pilfering of Chinese shops, the owners of which had abandoned them, not even bothering with futile protests. In a tour of the settlement and Chinese territory, the correspondent found almost all the anti-Japanese posters had disappeared. A significant statement was issued by Edwin S. Cunningham, the United States consul-general, who said: “The situation is exceedingly serious. There is no need for alarm today, but there may bo tomorrow, both from the standpoint of the Chinese and the international settlement.” In a statement last week, Cunningham said the Japanese must stay out of the settlement, and it they did, there would be no trouble Americans Given Warning Cunningham advised Americans living in Chinese territory to proceed to the settlement immediately, "if and when an emergency arises.’ Both he and the British consulgeneral Issued moderately-worded statements, advising their citizens in Chinese territory to move into the settlement, or at least consult their consular officials.

Complete Wire Reports of UNITED PRESS-, The Greatest World-Wide News Service

The Indianapolis Times Fair tonight with lowest temperature about 30; Thursday increasing cloudiness and slightly warmer.

VOLUME 43—NUMBER 224

League Alarmed, but Sits Helplessly By; Hopes for U. S. Aid. STINSON IN QUANDARY Possibility of Navy Action Seen If Situation Grows Worse. BY HENRY WOOD United Press Staff Corresnondent GENEVA, Jan. 27.—League of Nations circles were openly alarmed today at the possibility of Japanese bombing or occupying Shanghai. Such action would create the gravest international situation since the World war, far exceeding in importance the Italian occupation of Corfu, it was admitted. The constitution of the league council, meeting here, is weak in provisions for drastic action. Only three foreign ministers are at Geneva, the ministers of Yugoslavia, Spain and Poland. Others, however, are in constant touch with the far eastern situation. While Japanese occupation of Shanghai may constitute a violation of Article X of the league covenant, some nation must call officially for the council's action under the article. Therefore, any action that the council could take under Article X would be little more than what already has been done in an effort to settle the Manchurian conflict. The league was convinced that, in the event of Japanese occupation, resumption of active co-operation by the United States can be counted upon. Warning Is Considered B ?/ Unilrit Press WASHINGTON, Jan. 27. A warning to Japan against violence at Shanghai was being considered i by the administration today, as a "eleventh hour” move to avert ' trouble in the far east. Meanwhile, the state department and the British embassy were carrying on informal and as yet inconclusive discussion ’regarding co-operation to protect their nationals and property in Shanghai. Secretary of State Stimson, facing perhaps the most delicate and dangerous problem of his regime, was represented as undecided in his policy toward Japan, now menacing Shanghai. His associates are uncertain whether the United States will warn Japan of the consequences of invading the international quarter, or will defer action until Japan fully reveals its hand. It is uncertain whether London would join in such a warning.

Three Plans Discussed During the last lew days, it was learned, these alternatives have been discussed by American officials: 1. A warning to Japan to avoid military or naval action at Shanghai. 2. Formal invocation of the ninepower Pacific pact, which probably would mean calling a conference. 3. The possibility of allied naval action as a last extreme, if Japan should use force in the international settlement. Stimson and his associates have debated whether a warning to Japan would, be more than an idle gesture. Tokio already knows that America disapproved of its use of force in Manchuria and would object, even more strongly, to military measures at Shanghai. Navy Use Last Resort Formal invocation of the ninepower pact would provide only for conferences such as have been held intermittently for three months at Geneva and Paris. Yet some officials feel it would otter anew and perhaps more effective means of mobilizing public opinion against Japan. It is considered a definite possibility. A'Med naval action is something that officials discuss in the quiet of their offices and do not dare mention publicly. It would, of course, be a last drastic resort. It is believed navies would be used only if the lives of property of foreigners at Shanghai or in other ports were endangered -yond ability of police and land forces to protect them. Hourly Temperatures 6 a. m 34 10 a. m 34 7a. m 35 11 a. m 34 8 a. m 35 12 (noon).. 34 9 a. m 34 1 p. m 35

GOLDFISH BREATHE EASIER; INVENTIVE TECH PUPILS COME TO THEIR RESCUE

✓GOLDFISH in the Technical high school fish pond used to have a serious problem confronting them. But no more. For years, oxygen in the water

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of the pond has been inadequate. Th©|4ish often had a hard time

Fleet Hunts in Vain for British Submarine, With 54 Aboard, in Sea Trap

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Here is the big British submarine M-2, reported missing in the English channel with a crew,of fifty-four men within its hold. It is the only aircraft-carrying submarine in the world, carrying a smaU fighting plane in a hangar on its deck. This official British government photo shows the plane being taken from its hangar.

REPEAL LIQUOR LAW, DEMAND MINE WORKERS Brand It ‘Proved Failure'; Old Age Pension Also Is Supported. Repeal of the eighteenth amendment. Adopt old-age pension laws in all states. Slash the salaries of miners’ union international officers and reduce office tenure to two terms. “Home rule on home questions.” These proposals are contained in 206 pages of resolutions submitted today to the United Mine Workers of America, in biennial convention in Tomlinson hall. Majority of the resolutions were directed against an alleged dictatorship of President John L. Lewis. Fifty-two resolutions declared for home rule for the districts, while nineteen recommended that, because of the decrease of members and resulting loss of income, the salaries of the officials be made to conform to the standard set by, conditions among the miners. Two Indiana locals, those at Francisco and Dresser, are leading in the fight to scale down the officers’ salaries. The fight for home rule is waged by almost every district. This results from the attempts of President Lewis to set up a provisional government for the Illinois fields last year, which brought court injunctions forbidding the United Mine Workers to interfere and a cost to the international of $56,000. Present annual salaries of the officials are as follows: Lewis, $12,000; (Turn to Page Three)

0. K. FINANCE FUND Garner, Curtis Sign: Pen of Hoover’s Is Next. By United Press WASHINGTON, Jan. 27. —Speaker Garner and Vice-President Curtis today signed the $500,000,000 revolving fund appropriation for the reconstruction finance corporation. It now goes to the White House for President Hoover’s signature. APPROVE DAWES, AIDS Senate Group Votes Favorably on Finance Choices. By United Press WASHINGTON, Jan. 27.—The senate banking and currency committee today voted a favorable report on the names of Charles G. Dawes, Jesse H. Jones and Harvey C. Couch as directors of the reconstruction finance corporation. The senate is expected to take up these nominations Thursday.

breathing. In the winter of 19291930 all the fish died for lack of air. Now the problem is settled. Robert Warner and Floyd Hardesty, pupils in the plumbing department, have devised and installed a syphon which will force a cubic foot of air through every cubic foot of water passing into the pool. Inhabitants ot the pool are reported to be holding a celebration in honor of the new system. ana CHICAGO, Jan. 27.—A housewife can now buy anything from broccoli to buttermilk in cans, the National Canners Association convention reveals. Other canned articjps now include tur-

INDIANAPOLIS, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1932

Hope Waning for Lives of Sailors; Spot of Oil Is Sinister Clew. BY SIDNEY J. WILLIAMS United Press Staff Correspondent PORTLAND, England, Jan. 27. The British submarine M-2, with fifty-four men aboard, lay at the bottom of the English channel today, while a fleet of ships worked frantically with rapidly fading hope of rescuing her crew alive. The admiralty announced at 5:15 that it had not given up hope of the submarine, although the ship had not been located by the searching fleet. Meanwhile, the admiralty investigated the possibility that there had been a witness to the disaster to the M-2—perhaps the only man alive who can tell the dramatic story of the submarine’s last and fatal dive. Destroyer Seeks Clew The destroyer Scimitar of Nore was sent to Gravelines, France, to interview Captain Howard of the coastal ship Tynesider. Howard was reported to have seen the M-2 suddenly dive beneath the surface, stern first, while the Tynesider was en route from Portland to Gravelines. The destroyer’s captain was instructed to investigate the story and report direct to the admiralty. A spot of oil on the surface gave a depressing clew to the submarine’s probable position and led naval officers to fear that the double hull of the underseas boat had broken open. The oil was discovered in West bay, off Portland island, by a naval seaplane and H. M. S. Blackwell was sent to the spot. Many Vessels Aid Twelve naval vessels, including destroyers, mine sweepers and patrol boats, cruised over a cycle of two miles around a buoy marking the supposed location of the submarine. They swept over the sandy bed of the channel, 102 feet deep at the point, with nets and cables, trying to hook the lost ship. Among the wreckages of the war with which this “dead man’s bay” is strewn, the task of locating the i submarine accurately was formid- ! able. * Experts here feared it was im- | possible that any of the submarine’s crew could be rescued alive. They based their opinion on these deduc- : tions: Doubt If Men Live First, if the men were still alive and able to reach the escape hatches, they already would have used the Davis safety lung with which they are equipped, and at least one or two would have escaped. Second, if they are alive and unable to reach the hatches, it was feared that, because of the submarine’s size, the rescue ships would be unable to raise her before her maximum supply of seventy-two hours of air would be exhausted. The Davis lung is an oxygen mask, arranged to permit the user to breathe in the water. It is similar to the “Momsen lung,” used on American submarines. Weeping wives, mothers and sweethearts, besiged the Royal Navy submarine depot at Gosport today in an effort to get some word of their loved ones.

key, tripe, sixty-two vegeables, forty-four fruits, twenty-eight meats, thirty soups and almost any kind of edible in existence. a a a 'T'IFFIN, 0., Jan. 27.—The poorhouse is a real “home” for Bennett F. Smith, 50, who has more than $21,000 in the bank. He pays rent but likes it much better than living by himself. He has been an inmate twelve years. a a a WASHINGTON, Jan. 27.—Police raiding a restaurant found Charles and Allie Washington and Andrew Shelton, Negroes, pouring a gallon of “something down a sink. They arrested the trio on charges at. illegal pos-

BAKER’S CAUSE IS HELPED BY LEAGUE STAND Smith-Roosevelt Rift Also Spur to Candidacy of Ohio Democrat. By United Press WASHINGTON, Jan. 27.—Three developments within the last twen-ty-four hours have projected Newton D. Baker of Ohio into a position of importance in the Democratic presidential race. First, Baker, in a statement, countered one of the chief arguments raised against him, by asserting that although he believed in the League of Nations it should not be a political issue in the coming campaign. He said that, if he had the power, he would not favor American entrance until a majority of the people wished it. Roosevelt Is Mum Second, speculation as to a possible rift between Governor Roosevelt of New York and former Governor Alfred E. smith increased, with denial at Smith’s office of Albany dispatches that Smith soon would call on Roosevelt. Third, Roosevelt declined to comment on the league issue, saying that was not to be construed as “pussyfooting," but that he was too busy with state affairs to give thought to national matters. If Roosevelt continues this course, it may prevent him building up a platform of national issues to strengthen his presidential candidacy. Smith Strength Lacking In event of a convention dead- : lock, which opposition by Smith to ; Roosevelt probably would produce, Baker is regarded as an available compromise. Few Democrats believe Smith, popular as he is among eastern party voters, could command twothirds of the convention for himself. On the other hand, a powerful group of eastern party leaders, privately i anti-Roosevelt, would welcome (Turn to Page Three) STRIKE BILL APPROVED Norris Measure Curbs Courts In “Yellow Dog” Cases. By United Press WASHINGTON, Jan. 27. The senate judiciary committee voted today, 11 to 5, to report favorably to the senate the Norris bill curbing power of federal courts to issue injunctions against striking workers. The anti-injunction bill was pressed in the senate last session but never was acted upon. It would hit directly at efforts of employers to enforce so-called “yellow dog 2 contracts with their workers wherein the latter contract not to join a union.

session of liquor. The gallon was soapsuds and the defendants were blowing bubbles, they said, so

there was nothing for the judge to do but turn them loose. a a a EFFECT of radio crooners on the general public was demonstrated by one of the customers

WEALTHY SOUTH BEND MANUFACTURER IS HELD FOR RANSOM OF $50,000

Howard A. Woolverton, Head of Steel Range Cos., Menaced With Death. WIFE FORCED FROM CAR Ordered to Raise Money by Night to Save Life of Husband. By United Press SOUTH BEND, Ind., Jan. 27.—Kidnapers held Howard A. Woolverton, 52, well-to-do and socially prominent manufacturer, for $50,000 ransom" today, after releasing his wife with warnings to raise .the money by 8 p. m. The alternative facing members of the Woolverton family, as they conferred on their course, was given as the murder of the husband. The Woolverton family this afternoon pleaded inability .to raise the $50,000 ransom, and urged police and other agencies to broadcast the information, in the hope that some word might come from the kidnapers. Woolverton and his wife were seized as they drove up to their home and threatened with death if they made an outcry. Taking the automobile the kidnapers drove to an isolated Spot two miles east of the city. There they thrust Mrs. Woolverton from the car, warning her that her husband would be held until she paid $50,000 ransom.

Wife Is Hysterical

Mrs. Woolverton hailed a passing motorist and was driven to the police station, where she told her story. She was in a highly hysterical condition and police were able to obtain only bare details of the abduction. Squads immediately were dispatched to hunt the automobile, in hope the kidnapers could be found before they had reached their destination. Woolverton is president of the Malleable Steel Range Company. He is a prominent leader in civic and business affairs. He is the son of Jacob Woolverton, wealthy banker and vice-president of the St. Joseph Loan and Trust Company. Wife Tells Story It was som€ time before Mrs. Woolverton was sufficiently calmed to give a coherent story of what had happened. “We had eaten dinner and spent the early part of the evening at the country club,” Mrs. Woolverton, 49, and a leader in local society, told officers tearfully. “After dinner, we drove into towr. and went to a movie. It was late when the show was over and we stopped at a little lunchroom for a bite to eat and then started to drive home. “We had driven almost to our house when the kidnapers’ machine pulled alongside ours and forced my husband to stop by the curb. Two young men jumped out. They had revolvers in their hands. “One got into our car. He sat in the front seat with my husband and pressed the revolver against him. Then he ordered him to drive out into the country. Threatened Her Life “The other car followed us slightly in the rear. The man threatened to shoot Mr. Woolverton if he tried to get away. A few miles out he told my husband to stop the car. The other machine pulled up and the men forced Mr. Woolverton to get in their auto. “They told me to drive back to town and warned me they would kill my husband if I told police about the kidnaping.” The men left Mrs. Woolverton a note which said: “On Wednesday at 8 p. m. take your four-passenger Packard auto with license No. 20 and trunk on the rear. Go to Chicago Heights. Before leaving, take $50,000 and wrap it into a strong bundle. “On your way we will signal you by flashing our headlights ten times. We will then be behind you and drive on to Danville and return home from there. Say nothing to police. If there is any slipup in this plan, your husband may be killed.” Police believed the kidnaping was conducted by the ring which has terrorized midwest business men in recent months. No trace of the kidnapers’ automobile was found. Mrs. Woolverton was so nervous she

who showed up at Governor Harry G. Leslie’s office jin search of a parole for an jnprisoned relative. “Is Mr. Downey here?” he inquired of Miss Elsie Leo, clerk in the executive office. "Do you mean Mr. Morton?” Miss Leo asked. He did. For Gaylord Morton is the Governor’s secretary in charge of pardons and paroles. Morton Downey is a radio crooner who sings on the same program with the man who lushes: “Are you listenin'?” ana NEW HAVEN, Conn., Jan. 27. Mayor John W. Murphy told Rotarians a hard times “panic story that pamfued his hearers.

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

Kidnap Victim and Wife

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Mrs. H. A. Woolverton

KIDNAPING LAID TO DEADLY SEVEN GANG BY ROBERT T. LOUGHRAN •. , (Copyright, 1932, by United Press) CHICAGO, Jan. 27.—A band of seven super-criminals, graduated from machine gun bank holdups to kidnaping for ransom, is the gang holding Howard A. Woolverton, rich South Bend manufacturer, for $50,000 ransom, the United Press was informed today. The Woolverton abduction is another in the long series which the band has-engineered in the last two years in Illinois, Indiana, lowa. Wisconsin, Missouri, and Michigan. The wealth the desperadoes have exacted from victims by torture and terrorism is estimated at more than $1,000,000. Last year they got $500,000.

could give only a vague description of the abductors and their automobile. Woolverton is probably the most prominent of recent midwest kidnap victims. His family Is one of the wealthiest of the city and closely associated In industrial enterprises with the Bendix and Studebaker interests. From the direction taken by the kidnapers, it was believed they were headed for Chicago. Police of Chicago and towns along the route were asked to keep a sharp watch for them. The South Bend News-Times issued an extra edition, appealing for contributions to a SIO,OOO reward fund to fight the kidnapers. Illinois authorities, including the Chicago Association of Commerce “Secret Six,” were asked to cooperate, because the kidnapers fixed Chicago Heights, 111., just across the state line, as the place for the ransom payment tonight.

Relatives Live Here Moves to apprehend kidnapers of Howard Woolverton, wealthy South Bend manufacturer, were being watched closely today by Clifford Harrod, head of the Indianapolis Power and Light Company, and Mrs. Laura Sheedy, 1512 North Meridian street, cousins of Woolverton. Harrod said Woolverton often visited him in his office on trips to Indianapolis, the last being several weeks ago. Meanwhile, state police, at the request of Frank Mayr Jr., secretary of state, former South Bend resident, were en route to northern Indiana to aid in the search. Mayr and Mrs. Mayr had hurried to South Bend early today. Chief Grover Garrott and a squad of eleven state officers, including Captain Rex Risher, five lieutenants and five patrolmen, left the statehouse early today. E. L. Osborne, head of the state criminal identification bureau and a staff of finger-print experts, also were in South Bend.

.A school teacher noticed one youngster continually scratching his back. He was sent to the

school nurse who investigated the scratchings.. The nurse found $l,lOO pinned to the boy’s undershirt. The parents had turned panicky because of bank failures, and deposited their life's savings in an undershirt

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Howard A. Woolverton

Only once in the many weeks that the band has been operating has it failed to extort money irom the gamblers, business men, bankers, or business women and bankers’ wives, seized at machine gun and pistol point, the informant said. The kidnapings have averaged almost one a week. Woman Wa Slain The single failure was when fear of discovery forced the extortionists to kill Mrs. Clyde Garrison, m Peoria, 111., when she and her husband were escaping in October, 1930. The Woolverton abduction is described as a typical “Seven” crime. Its finesse illustrates the degree of perfection in the specialty of the close-knit organization. The United Press informant described the methods of the “Seven gang” in these words: “They are all hardened criminals, over 35 and under 40. Each made a name for himself In the underworld as a bank robber or a holdup killer. “Two years ago they talked it over, decided they could do better collecting ransom money than robbing banks. They pulled a kidnaping. Although it was crude work, compared with what they do now, it was successful. Put Up Good Front “These fellows can put up a good front. They live in the best hotels. They dress like millionaires. They have expensive luggage and costly jewelry. Their system is to send one of their number into a city and look around for a prospect. Before any one has time to get suspicious, the advance agent is called in and another of the gang takes his place. “Finally, when everything is ready, the gang swoops on the victim. They work fast, but with care. They are too wise to wear masks, but the man who approaches the victim holds one over his face. All the victim sees is a pair of gleaming eyes under a hat brim. “A sedan door is opened. The victim is thrown inside. Arms seize him and clap a pad of billiard cloth, fitted with adhesive tape, over his eyes. Torture Is Threatened “The kidnapers drive for about two hours, then hustle the blindfolded victim into a hideaway. There he is bound, hand and foot, and the threats of torture and death begin. “In a few hours or next night, the gang transfers the captive to another hideout. There may be half a dozen transfers. The captive is told he will be burned alive, or cut into pieces, or his wife and children tortured unless the amount demanded is forthcoming.” Among those the informant said the “seven” have abducted and held for ransom, were: Mrs. Nell Donnelly, Kansas City bu.iness woman, reported to have pa,d about $50,000. James Hacket, Blue Island (111.) gambler, paid a reported $200,000. James J. (Jack) Lynch, Chicago Racing News service, owner, paid a reported $75,000. Frank Daugherty, Peoria (111.) saloonkeeper, paid a reported $30,000*-

Outside Marlon County S Cent#