Indianapolis Times, Volume 43, Number 238, Indianapolis, Marion County, 12 February 1932 — Page 1

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UNDERTAKERS RALLY TO AID OF CORONER Vehling Burial Prices Were Fair, Testimony at Bribe Trial. DELAY PLEA IS DENIED Holdover Until Monday Is Refused; Defendant May Not Take Stand. Undertakers and Indianapolis business men today came to the aid of Coroner Fred W. Vehling in criminal court as the coroner sought to avoid convictions on a charge of soliciting a bribe. It was questionable, as the defense rase nears completion, whether Vehling will take the stand in his own defense. His attorneys, who previously stated Vehling would testify, indicated they had not ' decided definitely on this point. Vehling, if he takes the stand, will deny he attempted to solicit a bribe from relatives of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Stickel and William Coble, who died from gas fumes in their home a year ago. Verbal war flared between Prosecutor Herbert E. Wilson and Thoas McGee of the defense, as court adjourned. Delay Is Opposed McGee asked Fred C. Gause, special judge, that the trial be adjourned this afternoon, after completion of the defense case, until Monday, when arguments would be heard. Gause said he did not favor the action and called on Wilson. "We want to get this to the jury Saturday.” Wilson said. ‘‘We have other cases pending and want the arguments- in the morning.” “I’ll give you plenty of arguments today,” McGee retorted. ‘‘l know, you have some pretty fiery ones at times,” Wilson said. McGee started toward Wilson, but was halted by Gause. Undertakers were asked to state whether they believed the prices Vehling charged for funeral and burial were fair. With the exception of minor differences, the funeral directors approved Vehling’s charge of nearly $2,800 for burial of the trio. Undertakers on Stand Herman Grinsteincr, T. J. Blackwell, J. P. Ragsdale and James F. Bailey were undertakers who testified. Robert E. Sweeney, president of the State Life Insurance Company, first of the character witnesses, said he had known Vehling more than twelve years, but not intimately. Vehling’s reputation in the community was upheld by H. C. Hersey, 2221 North Illinois street, former bicycle maker, and Henry Langsenkamp, head of the Langsen-kamp-Wheeler Brass Company. Harry Wolf, who is employed at Vehling’s undertaking establishment at 702 Virginia avenue, told the court he had talked to Vehling after the deaths last Feb. 26. “Vehling asked me if I had a gas heater in my house,” he testified. “I told him there was one in the basement. He pointed to the operating room, where the bodies were, and said *• ‘That’s the result of one of them.’ ” Testifies as to Price Assertion of Vehling to friends of the Stickels that the bodies could be moved after payment of $l5O for his services, was testified to by Lyle Gilliatt of Staunton, Ind., former embalming student. “I heard Mrs. Hauensteine tell him the Stickels had been saving up their money for a good burial,” he testified. “Vehling told her the bodies could be taken anywhere as .long as he was paid $150.” Gilliatt, on cross-examination, said he did not recall Vehling declaring the money was to be "paid in cash, not checks or notes.” Following closing arguments by state and defense lawyers, the jury probably will receive the case early Saturday afternoon. Vehling, it is charged, refused to turn over the bodies to another undertaker, and threatened to change verdicts from accidental death to suicide unless he was paid insurance policies, $l5O, an automobile and household furnishings. State’s attorneys hammered at defense witnesses during the Thursday afternoon session and, in several instances, succeeded in breaking down parts of their stories. Mixed on Dates Leslie O. Clevenger, employed at Vehling’s undertaking establishment, admitted, on cross-examina-tion, that he had been sent by Vehling on coroner’s cases. He adfigitted a conversation with the widow of a man killed by accident about, sending her husband's body to Vehling’s establishment for funeral services and burial. Although Clevenger claimed Vehling signed the death certificates in the Stickel case Feb. 26. he could not explain why they were dated Feb. 27, when states attorneys quizzed him. Clevenger, however, clung to a denial that he, at various times, had represented himself as the coroner of Marion county, and that Vehling only was an undertaker, in efforts Jto get business for Vehling. Mobilization Rumor Denied By Lnited Press PARIS, Feb. 12.—Reports that the French Mediterranean fleet is being mobilized were denied formally today by the navy ministry, which announced that ttye squadron was engaged in regular exer- ss.

The Indianapolis Times Generally fair tonight and Saturday; slightly colder tonight with lowest temperature about 28.

VOLUME 43—NUMBER 238

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vertising man, who has been named a leader in Hoover’s antihoarding drive. Story, Page 1, Section 2.

HOUSE TO ACT ON LAMEDUCKS Vote on Amendment Likely by Next Tuesday. By United Press WASHINGTON, Feb. 12. —The house took up today the so-called “lame duck” constitutional amendment, to clear the way for submission to the states of this first major reform in legislative procedure since the government was established. A final vote on the Rutherford resolution, which is similar to the Norris resolution passed by the senate, probably will be taken next Tuesday. The resolution makes these changes: Elimination of the present short session of congress, with its automatic ending on March 4, a session in which members who have been defeated at the polls, popularly called “lame ducks,” sit and vote. Congress, instead, would meet on January 4 every year and sit as long as it pleased. Members would take their seats in January after election in November, instead of thirteen''months later, as now. The President and Vice-President would be inaugurated on Jan. 24, instead of March 4. Provision is made for election of a President in case of the death of the President-elect, a contingency which would find no solution in the Constitution. It also provides for presidential succession in various eventualities. STORM TOLUS HIGH Three Die in Midwest; Much Property Damaged. By United Press CHICAGO, Feb. 12.—A comparative cold wave moved into the midwest today after record high temperatures and midsummer thunderstorms. Widespread gales and electric storms killed three persons, injured several others, including five small school children and damaged property. Mild tornadoes were recorded. Wind in Chicago reached a velocity of sixty-five miles. Five small children were cut about their faces and hands when a gale broke windows of their school. Pupils of the Forrest Ridge school in Chicago were on vacation today after the storm had ripped the roof from their building. WAS LIZZIE NICE GAL? Judge Offers Nickname for Title Jury Can Not Pronounce. By United Press LOS ANGELES, Feb. 12.—“ Lysistrata,” famous farce written some centuries ago by Aristophanes, will be just plane “Lizzie” to a judge and jury deciding its purity as produced on a Los Angeles stage. Members of the cast and producers appeared in court for trial on a charge of appearing in and producing an indecent play, but prospective jurors could not pronounce the name. “It’ll be Lizzie to you,” ruled the judge.

SCHOOL OFFICIALS THINK GRIP EPIDEMIC IS FADING

The epidemic of grip which has swept through the city has passed the peak, decrease in number of teachers absent from school because of illness Thursday and today shows. According to figures in the school offices, the epidemic reached its height Wednesday, when 107 instructors were absent. The number dropped to 101 Thursday, and to | 78 today. A corresponding drop in numbers jof pupils absent also is shown in incomplete figures presented by I school officials. A report issued by the school of- ; fleers today shows that the total numljpr of pupils in school this

HUNGER RELIEF BILLS UP FOR ACTIONTODAY Senate Vote Will Decide Fate ot Measures to Aid Needy. CONCESSIONS ARE MADE Road Buildings Provisions Are Added to Original Dralt, by Agreement. By United Press WASHINGTON, Feb. 12.—Senator Hiram Johnson (Rep., Cal.) attacked the administration’s whole relief program today, in a speech violently assailing its opposition to direct federal relief for unemployed. As senators agreed tentatively to postpone until Monday the vote on the $750,000,000 La Fol-lette-Costigan relief bill, because some were absent making Lincoln day speeches, Johnson took up the cause championed earlier in the week by Senator Borah (Rep., Idaho). BY RUTH FINNEY Times Staff Correspondent WASHINGTON, Feb. 12.—The long fight for federal hunger relief probably will be settled before night, so far as the United States senate is concerned. As the time for voting on the various pending proposals drew near, it became increasingly probable that a measure of some sort will be adopted. Senators La Follette and Costigan, sponsoring the original relief bill, and Black, Bulkley and Walsh, authors of a Democratic substitute, drew somewhat closer, together in their Ideas for meeting the situation Thursday, when the road building provisions of the substitute were added to the original bill, and La Follette and Costigan agreed to strike from their bill provisions giving the federal government supervision of the personnel of state relief agencies. Wagner Offers Amendment Today the early debate will center around an amendment offered by Senator Wagner (Dem., N. Y.), which would allocate federal relief funds on the basis of the 1930 census of unemployment, rather than on the census of population. If an agreement is reached on this point, the relief bill may stand even more chance of passage. Senator Reed (Rep., Pa.), added his voice Thursday to that of Senator Fess (Rep., O.), in opposition to all relief measures, declaring that no necessity for federal relief has arisen or seems to be in prospect, and denying that local relief has broken down or proved inadequate. These two Republicans are the only senators who have spoken against relief of any kind. Reed insisted that he is not hardhearted, nor indifferent to suffering, and that if “real necessity” should arise, he would not oppose federal relief appropriations. Roosevelt Makes Plea Meanwhile, from the Democratic party, came an important plea for immediate action. Governor Roosevelt of New York made public at Albany a telegram he has sent to Senator Wagner as follows: “ I am glad you are working for the unemployment relief bill. It is an important factor in the present emergency. It will equalize the burden throughout the nation. ‘‘Although it should not be regarded as a permanent government policy, nevertheless it is justified, as carrying out the definite obligation of government to prevent starvation and distress in this present crisis. “Plans for large public works are possible if the works themselves are planned carefully and are economicallly necessary, but they do not relieve distress at this moment. That is why I hope the emergency relief bill will pass.” The La Follette-Costigan relief bill, as now modified, calls for expenditure of $750,000,000, half for direct relief, expended through state organizations, and half for road building. GANDHI CHANGES DIET Prison Guards Say Mahatma Quits Goats’ Milk; Cards Yam. By United Press • POONA. India, Feb. 12.—Mahatma Gandhi has given up goats’ milk as a part of his diet, attendants at Yervada prison* where the Indian Nationalist leader is held, said today. Gandhi was reported to be in excellent health. He weighs 107 pounds. He was said to be getting plenty of sleep and to have added experiments at carding yam to his two hours of spinning daily.

semester is 260 more than the total of the corresponding semester of 1931. This year’s attendance includes 14,574 high school pupils and 42,079 elementary school pupils, as against last year’s 13,915 high school and 42,478 elementary pupils. The figure also shows a gain of 428 pupils over the first semester of the present school year. In September, 1931, there were registered 13,830 high school and 42,395 grade school pupils. Totals for the three semesters are: Second semester, 1930-1931, 56,393; first semester, 1931-1932, 56,225; second semester, 1931-1932, 56,653.

INDIANAPOLIS, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1932

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Dolores Costello By United I‘ress HOLLYWOOD, Feb. 12.—A second child is expected in the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Barrymore next May, the actor revealed today. Mrs. Barrymore is Dolores Costello, motion picture actress. They have a daughter, named after her mother. ORATORS WIQ. BOOST HOOVER Lincoln Day Will Launch Ballot Drive. BY RAYMOND CLAPPER United Press Staff Correspondent WASHINGTON, Feb. 12.—Lincoln anniversary dinners throughout the country tonight will sound the oratorical opening of President Hoover’s re-election campaign. The most extensive Lincoln day programs in recent party history have been organized this year, following the recent suggestion of Simon D. Fess, Republican national chairman, that the party go out and “sell” Mr. Hoover to the country. The President will be eulogized, along with Lincoln, over coffee and cigars at dinners in principal cities from coast to coast. Even in the south the virtues of the Republican party’s first President and its present one will be expounded, for dinners are to be held at Miami, Fla., and Greensboro, N. C. President Hoover will speak from his Lincoln study on the second floor of the White House, with practically the entire radio facilities of the country carrying his voice.

George Washington DO YOU KNOW—--0 That the “father of his country” was really horn on Feb. 11 instead of Feh. 22, the day we celebrate the anniversary of his birth? That he was a surveyor by profession and at the age of IJ. was able to plot and measure fields? That, unlike many other great men in American history, he was bom in riches and at 20 inherited a vast estate. That his first military venture w'as a failure? That he enjoyed social life and was one of the greatest sportsmen of colonial times? These are some of the nnusnal facts about the first President that are told in a picture story of his life, drawn by Art Krenz, staff artist for NEA Service and The Times Starting Today On Page 1,

LIGHT CO. TO SAVE MONEY; PATRONS? NO! Coal to Be Mined Below Union Scale; Consumers Get No Benefit. NO REDUCTION IN RATES Injunction Granted Utility to Allow Dangerous Shaft Reopening. United Collieries, coal purveyor to the Indianapolis Power & Light Cos., both being under control of the Harley L. Clarke interests, has arranged to get coal from the Francisco mine without paying the union scale to the miners. But the lessened cost of the coal will not be reflected in any voluntary reduction of the high electric rates here. For the company has refused to consider reduction, under a compromise plan. Arch V. Grossman, in charge of the United Collieries offices in the Merchants Bank building, admitted today that the company has arranged to take the entire production of the Francisco mine, which is to be operated under a so-called “co-operative plan.” 28 Killed in Mine The property, which Grossman termed “one of the most dangerous deep-shaft mines in the state,” is part of about 5,000 acres of southern Indiana coal lands owned by Andrews Brothers of Lawrenceville, 111., he explained. Twenty-eight men were killed in a mine disaster there a few years ago. Morton C. Embree, one of the miners who is to work under the nonunion scale co-operative plan, has secured federal aid for the reopening of the mine, in the form of an injunction against union interference, from the federal district court. The temporary writ was issued at Ft. Wayne Thursday afternoon by Federal Judge Thomas W. Slick of the northern Indiana district. Alibi Is Offered Grossman explained the reason for going to northern Indiana with a southern Indiana case was because Judge Robert C. Baltzell of federal district court here has a brother at Princeton who is attorney for the mine owners. The union scale is $6.15 a day, and the contract agreements terminated April 1, Grossman said. In the interim, his company has contracts with several mines being operated under the so-called “cooperative scheme,” he explained. But he doesn’t know what the wage scale is under the new scheme, although he admitted it would be less than the union scale. “Even with the reduced cost of production, there will be no change in the price paid by the consumer, for we already are selling coal below the production and transportation costs,” Grossman asserted. Pays Excessive Prices One of the points brought out for argument at the meetings between the city committee for rate reduction and Indianapolis Power and Light Company officials when a compromise plan was proposed was that the company is paying excessive prices for coal and thereby taxing the consumer for profits paid itself through its United Collieries subsidiary. Both the company and the consumers will continue to pay the high prices unless the public service commission comes to the consumers’ relief. MRS. ROCKNE BETTER Coach’s Wife Continues to Show Improvement. By United Press ROCHESTER, Minn., Feb. 12. Mrs. Knute Rockne, widow of the late Notre Dame footb&ll coach, passed a comfortable night recoving from a major abdominal operation, Dr. C. F. Dixon said today. “Mrs. Rockne continued to show improvement,” Dixon said. “She will be out of danger within a few days, if she continues to improve.” The operation was performed a week ago and Mrs. Rockne’s condition was reported as “serious for several days following. LOCKWOOD NEAR DEATH Mancie Publisher Sinking Rapidly, Physician Reports. By United Press MUNCIE, Ind., Feb. 12. —George B. Lockwood, Muncie publisher, was reported near death today, suffering from heart disease. His physician, Dr. Earl Green, issued the following report this morning: “Mr. Lockwood is sinking rapidly and death is only a question of hours.” Messages of sympathy were being received from all parts of Indiana and from Washington, D. C., where Lockwood was widely known. SLAYER GETS HEARING Boy Facing Death Sentence Will Have Supreme Court Action. By United Press SPRINGFIELD, 111., Feb. 12. The state supreme court today set next Tuesday as the date for hearing of oral arguments in the appeal of Russell McWilliams, 17, who faces death in the electric chair for the murder of a street car motorman in Rockford, 111. Clarence Darrow, famous attorney, is expected to appear for young McWilliams.

Opera Singer Back in U. S. on Freighter

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Elizabeth Gerard

By United Press NEW YORK, Feb. 12.—Elizabeth Gerard, 22-year-old singer of Dallas, Tex., returned to New York from Italy today on the storm-battered freighter Savoia. She bpre letters to officials of the Metropolitan opera house, attesting to her success as a mezzo-soprano. Miss Gerard and her mother were the only passengers aboard the Savoia, which sailed from Genoa on Jan. 7 and arrived eight days late, because of stormy seas. The youthful singer, who three years ago won a music scholarship offered by the Federated Music Clubs of Dallas, said strict economy had been necessary to finance the homeward journey, and it was for this reason • that the freighter was selected. Miss Gerard said she doubted if the compensation of an operatic career warranted the long, hard grind of study. In addition to her purely musical studies, she learned four languages. Before leaving Italy, she gave a series of forty-two concerts in Milan, Rome, and other cities. “I am looking for an engagement,” she said. “Naturally, I am proud to have completed my studies, but if I had it all to do over again, I am not at all sure that I would go through with it.”

ONE KILLED, ONE HURTBYTRJIIN Big Four Passenger Engine Strikes Coupe. One man was killed and another critically injured today when a small coupe in which they were riding was struck by a Big Four passenger train at the Rural street crossing. Robert Jones, 27, of near Lawrence, driver of the mm truck, was killed inI stantly. JL *3 Fred Butler, *23, of New Bethel, Jones’ brother-in-law, a passenger, suffered internal injuries and may die. Although the crew said the train was traveling only fifteen miles an hour, Jones’ body was found fortyfive yards from the accident scene. Butler was hurled across another set of tracks, and 100 feet west of the crossing. The car was reduced to splinters. Conrad Flockencier of Bellefontaine. 0., engineer, said he blew the whistle several times, but Jones drove in front of the train. Butler’s right leg was broken and he incurred severe scalp wounds and possible internal injuries. First aid was given Butler when Mrs. Bertha Cash, 1933 North Tacoma avenue, former nurse, bandaged his injuries by using the police emergency car kit. More than 200 persons flocked to the scene. Jones’ death raised Marion county’s 1932 accident toll to fifteen. CONGRESS ASKED TO URGE MOONEY PARDON La i(^ uardia Resolution Calls Case “Menace to Law and Order.” By United Press WASHINGTON, Feb. 12.—A resolution urging Governor Rolph of California to pardon Thomas J. Mooney was introduced in the house today by Representative Fiorello H. La Guardia (Rep., N. Y.) The resolution asks the California Governor to “consider the national significance of this case” and “remove its menace to American law and order.” The New York congressman’s resolution cites the recent report of Wickersham commission experts charging “flagrant violations of the statutory law of California by both police and prosecution” when the former labor leader was tried on a murder charge sixteen years ago. HOOVER KIN’S ‘PAL’ FREE Storekeeper Found Not Guilty in Whisky Seizure Case. By United Press SANTA MONICA, Cal., Feb. 12. —Testimony of Cornelius Van Ness Leavitt, brother-in-law of President Hoover, failed to convict Clifford V. Dailey, storekeeper, of possession of liquor. Dailey was acquitted of the charge, although Leavitt claimed the grocer handed him a sack containing nineteen pints of whisky last Nov. 9. Leavitt was arrested at that time on a similar charge, but acquitted on the ground he was a “victim of circumstances.” A jury found Dailey not guilty Thursday. *

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CHINESE CHECK SAVAGE ATTACK BY JAPANESE Defenders Stubbornly Hold Positions as Nipponese Heavy Guns Rain Death on Chapel Ruins. 20,000 TROOPS LANDED BY INVADERS Both Armies Rest in Preparation for Renewal of Bitter Conflict for Control of Shanghai. BY H. R. EKINS United Press Staff Correspondent (CoDvrieht. 1932. bv United Press! SHANGHAI, Saturday, Feb. 13.—The Chinese and Japanese armies fought again to a standstill in the ruins of Chapei Friday night. A terrific bombardment of heavy artillery and severe rifle and machine gun fighting resulted in a gain for neither side. The embattled Chinese not only held their own, but made a desperate foray, but the Japanese stood their ground.

At 1 a. m. Saturday the bombardment subsided and the wearied armies sought a brief rest before renewal of hostilities. The Japanese were landing heavy reinforcements, estimated in some quarters at 20,000 troops, and were expected, as soon as organized, to begin a final drive to sweep the Chinese back from the city along a twenty-mile front from the mouth of the Whangpoo at Woosung to the city itself. The four-hour truce which was agreed on Thursday apparently was not observed at Woosung, where intermittent shelling by Japanese warships on the Chinese forts continued during the day. The truce in Shanghai was marred by sporadic Chinese sniping, which interfered with evacuation of refugees and other relief work. Resumption of hostilities, ironically enough coincided with arrival of the American, British and French

China Will Demand Boycott

By United Press GENEVA, Feb. 12.—China has asked the League of Nations council to invoke a general assembly of the league to consider the far eastern crisis, the Chinese delegation announced today. This possibly is a move preliminary to a request for a world economic boycott on Japan. The deadline for China’s legal privilege to convoke the assembly expired today at 10 a. m. That is fourteen days from the hour the appeal for invocation of Article 15 of the league covenant against Japan was deposited with the league secretariat. Dr. Hu, member of the Chinese delegation, told the United Press that if the council did not call an extraordinary assembly, China will make a direct formal request for convocation.

Fear for Lives of Americans

BY’ JOSEPH H. BAIRD United Press Staff Correspondent WASHINGTON, Feb. 12.—The latest Shanghai bombing episode has intensified United States concern for the safety of American lives there. At the same time it has impressed forcibly on officials here’ the extreme gravity of military operations around the thickly settled international settlement. Consul-General Cunningham has received the Japanese consul’s apology for the episode, and Japanese naval officers have agreed to exercise extreme caution in the future. Thursday a Japanese airplane released two bombs over the international settlement—unintentionally, it was explained—which crashed into a mill garrisoned by United States marines. None of the sea soldiers was killed but five Chinese lost their lives.

Australian Ace May Aid China

By United Press LONDON, Feb. 12.—Plans for an Australian air squadron to lead China’s air forces, with the famous Australian flyer, Charles E. Kings-ford-Smith as commander-in-chief, were reported to the Daily Herald today from Sydney. The correspondent said KingsfordSmith admitted he had given Chinese officials a price for purchase of MARMON DEAL MADE Realty Firm to Take Over Vacant Properties. Reports that the Hall-Hottell Company, Inc., a realty company, today consummated a deal to take over the management and rental of vacant properties of the Marmon Motor Car Company, were verified by Fred Bates Johnson, attorney for the Marmon company. Hourly Temperatures 6 a. m 36 10 a. m 45 Ba. m 36 11 a. m 46 8 a. m 38 12 (noon).. 46 9 a. m,.... 42 1 p. m,.... 48

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ministers in Shanghai on anew concerted peace mission. Mamoru Shigemitsu, Japanese minister, conferred with Sir Miles Lampson, British minister. Later he talked with Henri Wilden, from France. Nelson T. Johnson, American minister, said he expected to meet Shigemitsu Saturday. Lampson and Wilden indicated they were advised Japan was ready to negotiate a peace only on condition that Chinese forces withdraw to positions sufficiently distant from Shanghai as to remove all danger to the international settlement. These terms the Chinese consistently have rejected. The ministers took the peace negotiations out of the hands of the local consular body authorities, headed by Edwin S. Cunningham, United States consul-general. After the meetings of Lampson and Wilden with Shigemitsu, they and Johnson arranged a highly significant conference with the Chinese civil authorities at the British consulate-general at 9 p. m. (7 a. m.,' eastern central time).

The council will consider China’s appeal today. If a special assembly is called, it will meet within a few days, as many of the assembly delegates are in Geneva for the world disarmament conference. Dr. W. W. Yen, chief Chinese delegate, said after a conference with Sir Eric Drummond, secretarygeneral of the league: “For the present I have agreed with Sir Eric to demand that the league council shall convene a meeting of the assembly under Article XV of the covenant to deal with the Sino-Japanese disput.” Article XV provides that if a dispute previously considered by the council is submitted to an assembly, all powers of the council shall apply to the actions and powers of the assembly, if the assembly makes a majority report concurred in by countries represented on the council as well as other members of the league.

State department officials would not say whether the bombing would be protested officially to Tokio. Japan’s prompt apology at Shanghai may forestall further representations—but that is not definite. Reports have reached here that Japan is sending fifteen more troopladen transports to Shanghai, thus increasing the chances of a major battle near the foreign settlement. Officials do not know the exact number of reinforcements Tokio is sending. Estimates have varied widely—between 3,000 men and two war-strength divisions, or about 44,000 men. No formidable barriers, it is pointed out, separate the native city from the international settlement. A fight on a grand scale, beginning in the native quarter, might spread over into the foreign city, endangering the 5,000 American civilians and $115,000,000 worth of property there.

his fleet of airplanes used by Australian National Airways. He declined to discuss the question of his own services, except to say he was ‘‘out ot a job” and would consider any oiler. According to the Herald’s report, friends of Kingsford-Smith believed he would accept an advisory post with the Chinese air force, without engaging in active service. The plan to organize Australian jfllots for Chinese service reportedly was backed by a wealthy Chinese resident of Sydney. The Daily Herald understood that if China bought Kingsford-Smith’a fleet of planes, he would pilot one of the machines to China from Sydney. MURRAY’S HAT POISED Alfalfa Bill Will Toss It Into Presidential Ring Next Week. By United Pres* OKLAHOMA CITY, Feb. 12. Governor William H. ( Alfalfa Bill) Murray will announce his candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination from the floor of the state Democratic convention here, Feb. 20 or 21, the Governors’ friends said today.

Outside Mr(on County 3 Cents