Indianapolis Times, Volume 43, Number 257, Indianapolis, Marion County, 5 March 1932 — Page 1

GRILL NURSE’S SWEETHEART

Kidnaping Racket Is Gold Mine for Organized Crime Leaders

IMAKE the PUNISHMENT crime

‘AMNESTY’ PLEDGE HELD CHIEF HOPE TO REGAIN CHILD By United Press TRENTON, N. J., March 5 America’s criminology experts recruited from the department of justice and the nation’s leading cities assembled here today to warn the Lindbergh baby kidnapers: ‘You have amnesty now. Come clean. Return the baby and take your ransom. But—if you do not, be warned that this army of the law will marshal its forces to track you down.” The warning, of course, is unofficial, but that is the tenor of the comment by early arrivals for the conference. The detectives from twelve cities and the department of justice, and some leading private agencies were among those who replied early to a summons by Governor A. Harry Moore who called the conference. Moore's appeal, telegraphed Friday to Newark, Philadelphia, Jersey City, Buffalo, Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, f.*vton and New York, received instant response.

The experts include Pat Roche, who “cracked” the notorious Lingle case in Chicago, and J. Edgar T oover, chief of the bureau of investigation of the department of justice. whose fame as an investigator and trailer of criminals is worldwide. Police Superintendent Peter P. Walsh of Pittsburgh, Lieutenant Thomas Cusack, head of the Chicago narcotics squad, and E. J. Connelly, chief of the special investigation bureau of the department of commerce of New York, were expected. Big Cities Give Aid State's Attorney John A. Swanson of Chicago left Chicago by chartered airplane for Trenton. He telegraphed all members of the National Prosecuting Attorneys’ Association urging their’ co-operaticn Mayor Walker of New York City has commissioned Police Commissioner Edward P. Mulrooney, chief Inspector John O’Brien, Deputy Chief Inspector John J. Sullivan and Inspector John A. Lyons to represent him. St. Louis wired that Police Chief Joseph A. Gerk of that city has been notified in Boston to proceed immediately to Trenton. Mayor Murphy of Detroit telegraphed that he would be represented by Inspector William Collins. Governor Joseph B.'Ely of Massachusetts assigned James G. McDevitt, head of the Boston police; William J. Egan, Public safety commissioner of Newark, said he was coming, and Mayor Frank J. Hague of Jersey City was to attend with his chief police aids. Smooth-Working Machine, Aim William B. Mills planned to represent Philadelphia. Several of the nation's foremost private detectives have been called to Trenton. Asher Rosseter. general manager of the Pinkerton agency, is among them. Colonel Norman A. Schwartzkopf, head of the New Jersey state police, who has worked on the case since the first alarm came over the teletype Tuesday night, planned to open the discussion with a detailed report on what has been done so far. and plans for further progress. Police officials believe the conference should result in the greatest

The Indianapolis Times Snow and cold wave tonight with lowest temperature about 15; Sunday fair and cold.

VOLUME 43—NUMBER 257

and smoothest working crime-detec-tion machine ever assembled. Bells to Mark Finding By United Press CLEVELAND, March s.—Bells in all Cleveland fire stations will peal out the glad tidings if and when the kidnaped Lindbergh baby is returned to his parents. A departmental order was issued by Frank J. Merrick, safety director. Trio Guilty in Kidnaping LOS ANGELES, March 5. —Three asserted ex-Chicago gangsters today faced long terms in San Quentin penitentiary, convicted by kidnaping Mr. and Mrs. E. L. (Zeke) Caress for $50,000 ransom more than a year ago. The trio, Ralph Sheldon, Louis Frank and Jesse Orsatti, were found guilty by a superior court jury Friday night. They face a penalty of ten years to life in prison. Superior Judge Charles S. Burnell set next Wednesday at date for imposing sentence.

New. Augusta Bows to Tech Cagers, 51-20

Tech, 51; New Augusta, 20. A sensational last half spurt after New Augusta had held the strong eastsiders to a 17 to 13 margin at the half enabled Tim Campbell’s lanky Tech quintet to enter the semi-finals of the local sectional hardwood play this morning. The eastsiders beat the county five in the first second round game, 51 to 20. DETAILS ON SPORT PAGE.

BULLETIN

Deputy federal marshals arrived in Muncie and Anderson this morning, armed with capiases for the arrest of several persons, some reported to have official connections, in connections with an alleged liquor conspiracy. Indictments were returned against fortjj-one persons Friday. details, page T

This is the first of a series of three articles on the appalling growth of the kidnaping racket in the United States, showing how it has become one of the most profitable of crimes to American gangsters. BY BRUCE CATTON NEA Service Writer crime in America today has turned kidnaping into one of the underworld’s most profitable rackets. Thereby, it has added a frightening new element to the increasing breakdown of law enforcement agencies throughout the country. The shock that jarred the entire nation when the Lindbergh baby was kidnaped has served to focus attention on the fact that there are kidnaping rings today, and that the law-abiding citizen has very little defense against them. The modern kidnaper is just as much a specialist in his line as are the underworld booze runners, “choppers,” gambling kings and so on. And the kidnaper has arrived at the point where he no longer hesitates about going outside of the underworld for his victims. Originally, kidnaping was strictly a between-us-gangsters racket—except, of course, for sporadic cases in which one or two men operated alone. Gambling, booze, and vice rackets in the big cities grouped together large numbers of paid gunmen—professional “hard guys,” who seldom were bothered by the police and who constantly were ready for absolutely any crime on the calendar. HUM IT occurred to these men, here and there, after a time, that the very underworld figures who were hiring them were shining targets for kidnapers. These men could be trusted never to squawk to the police. Besides, most of them are arrant cowards, and it seemed a safe bet that if they were abducted they would pay well for their freedom. So the “choppers”—the professional murderers—began to give it a trial. In one city after another, (Turn to Page Two) PORKERS CLOSE WEEK WITH PRICE DECLINE Cattle Trade Nominal in Narrow Range; Sheep Steady. Lack of demand and light receipts sent porker prices down this morning at the Union Stockyards, ending the week’s trade at mostly 10 cents under Friday’s averages. The bulk, 130 to 325 pounds sold at $4 to $4.50. Top price $4.50. Receipts were estimated at 2,000. Cattle trade was nominal, receipts numbering only 50. Vealers were unchanged at Friday’s closing prices or $7 down. Calf receipts were 100. Sheep were quotably steady. Receipts were 50. •

In the Air Weather conditions at 9 a. m.: South wind, 15 miles an hour; temperature, 38; barometric pressure, 29.86 at sea level; ceiling, overcast, light fog, light mist, estimated 400 fifet; visibility, 1 mile; field, soft. 7

INDIANAPOLIS, SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 1932

MILK BOTTLE IN SUSPECT’S AUTO BELIEVED CLEW Clear Lindbergh’s Phone of Police Supervision in Order for Kidnapers to Call Unmolested*and Make Arrangements to Return Baby, Collect Ransom. BY BATES RANEY United Press Staff Corresnondent • HOPEWELL, N. J., March s.—Colonel Charles A. Lindbergh opened his telephone—free of police surveillance—today to callers, who might have word of his kidnaped child, Charles Jr.But no word came. The child has not been found “dead or alive,” the state police troopers' press conference revealed shortly before 9 a. m. today. The open, unpoliced telephone was maintained in keeping with the appeal to the kidnapers, sent out by Colonel and Mrs. Lindbergh Friday. In this, the Lindberghs begged that the kidnaper come forward, and assured them that any negotiations would be confidential and without thought of prosecution.

Such calls as came, however, gave no trace which would lead to return of the baby and payment of the $50,000 ransom, packed up in bundles of small bills in Newark. Meantime, police leads centered at Hartford, Conn., where Henry (Red) Johnson, a sailor friend of the Lindbergh’s nursemaid, Betty Qow, was held for questioning. He underwent, through the night, a barrage of questions. Held at the instance of the Englewood CNT J.‘) chief of police, Johnson was raked with interrogations as to his recent movements, his friendship with the comely Scotch maid, his telephone talks to her, before and after the kidnaping. Milk Bottle Is in Car The authorities, giving up their examination shortly before dawn, retired to rest. States Attorney Hugh M. Alcorn, noted for his work in the Gerald Chapman bandit case, said Johnson was being held “on the strength of his own story.” A green Chrysler automobile owned by Johnson, was picked up by the police after “Red” had been located at the home of his brother, John, in West Hartford. In it was a milk bottle, and the authorities wanted to know the “why” of its presence in the machine. Nurse Is Held Blameless Johnson had been acquainted with Betty Gow for several years, and he lived in Englewood, the home town of Mrs. Lindbergh’s mother, with whom most of the time the Lindberghs lived. Betty Gow, herself, has been questioned carefully by the authorities, but they have held her blameless in the case. It was she who discovered that little Charles Jr. had been taken from his crib Tuesday night before 10 o’clock.

Mother Fears Gang Peril to Girl

By United Press GLASGOW, Scotland, March 5. Betty Gow’s mother refused to discuss the Lindbergh kidnaping today for fear of provoking “gang vengeance” on her daughter. The mother of the Lindbergh’s nurse was distracted because she had not heard from Betty since the kidnaping. must be terribly upset,” Mrs. Taylor, Betty’s mother, said. “But I don ot want to make any

Nab Suspect in Home of Broker

By United Press HARTFORD, Conn., March 5. The sweetheart of the Lindbergh baby’s nurse was given a most severe all-night and early morning cross-examination behind locked doors today. The inquisitors of Henry Johnson, part time employe of Thomas W. Lamont, Wall Street figure, were led by Hugh Alcorn, state’s attorney, who prosecuted Gerald Chapman. bandit' slayer. The grilling was recessed at dawn, Alcorn announced, and would be resumed about 11. Until then, at least, Johnson will be “held on the strength of his own story,” Alcorn said. Johnson, who readily admitted his friendship for Betty Gow, nurse girl to Charles A. Lindbergh Jr„

Special Home Values For Rent—For Sale Will be found on Pages 12, 13, 14 and 15 in today’s Real Estate Setcion and the Want Ads. Also current news of the Builders and Real Estate. Interesting stories on the Model Home.

Around Hop well today there was less of tension after a night in which almost hysterical activity prevailed. Report had it that Colonel Lindbergh had gone flying in an airplane, and that he had sped across the country roads at high rate. But it developed today he had been home all night. Strain Shows on Lindy The strain is showing on him, though both he and his wife are noted for their poise. He walks nervously, and his eyes betray his strain and anxiety. He had little if any sleep during the night, but Mrs. Lindbergh rested briefly. Cars sped throughout the Hopewell region during the night leading to fantastic conjectures. Inspector Harry Walsh of the Jersey City police made a hurried trip to Princeton, which gave rise to a crop of rumors that he had a real clew. Today, however, it came out that his journey had been solely to purchase some shaving cream. All night the lights burned in the Lindbergh home, as Lindbergh and his personal representative tensely waited for some word that the kidnapers were ready to return the child and get the ransom. Ready to Talk to Kidnapers The colonel himself is ready to talk to the kidnapers at any time, and is ready to go to meet them—“even to the underworld.” The police have been taken off the lines. Lindbergh and Colonel Henry Breckinridge, his personal adviser, are handling the calls, so there shall be no Interference with his plan to safeguard the abductors if only they will return the fair-haired, blueeyed baby. The state troopers are getting no “inside” matter. Patsy Orlando of Brooklyn, who was questioned Friday, has been released. Likewise, Philip Catania was freed after examination.

statement because I might endanger her.” Police officers said they had found nothing bearing on the kidnaping so far in their nivestigations. Local detectives were instructed by Scotland Yard to obtain information concerning “certain persons” believed involved in the Lindbergh case. New Jersey authorities cabled a requeit to Scotland Yard to aid in the investigation.

answered questions intended to develop a clew to the baby’s kidnapers. Car Is Investigated He admitted, Alcorn told New Jersey officials, that he had seen Betty Sunday and Monday before the kidnaping, and had talked to her by telephone the day of the crime. “We have his car. There’s a milk bottle in it,” Alcorn announced. Johnson lived at Englewood, N. J. He formerly had lived in Brooklyn. Pqjice investigated both rooming houses and questioned residents. Johnson said he came here to see his brother, John. And he said he had been en route all day, Friday. He was detained as he arrived at the home in West Hartford. As for Betty Gow, the Lindbergh and Morrow families have professed their complete confidence in her. Investigators of the kidnaping also have said that she was blameless. Well Liked by Lamont Then news of Johnson's detention here was flashed across the country. With it went word from Glasgow by cable describing efforts to learn of her history there before she came to this country four years ago. Johnson’s summer work kept him

Entered as Second•<Has® Matter at I'oatofflce liullaua|HlU. lutl

T T ERE is Charles Augustus Litid--IJL bergh Jr. as he was dressed when a kidnaper stole him from his crib. This drawing is just half the height of the baby boy, who measured slightly above 32 inches. Charles Jr.’s most readily recognized feature is a pronounced dimple in the

—Courtesy Cleveland Press

aboard the Lamont yacht. And Lamont, a prominent Wall Street figure, Morgan partner, and a fellow’ townsman and neighbor of the late Dwight Morrow, w r as reported well pleased with Johnson’s work. Mrs. W. T. Sherman. Johnson's landlady at Englew’ood, reported that when the former chauffeur left his room Wednesday morning about 9 he was going to visit his brother. And. she reporC-d further, he was shocked by new* of the Lindbergh

chin. He is 20 months old. He has blue eyes, light curly hair and resembles his famed father. He weighs about thirty pounds, has just begun to walk in toddling fashion and can saiv a few words. When kidnaned hr wn n white flannel - and - silk “sleeper,” Os shown here.

kidnaping. He didn't believe it. “Betty said over the phone last night about 9 that the baby was much better,” he was reported as saying. The baby was being treated for a severe cold. Johnson had lived in her home, Mrs. Sherman said, the last four months, and had been in and out of Englewood tor a year or so. Betty Gow has been employed by the Lindberghs about a year. She has lived wittj them in most of that time, her week ends

Capital EDITION PRICE TWO bENTS Outside Marion County, 3 Cento

devoted to the Lindberghs own secluded home at Hopewell. Betty’s days off as nurse girl generally were spent in New York, it was reported in Englewood. “She was a most wonderful nurse for children,” Mrs. Warren Sullivan, a former employer, reported there. Mrs. Caroline Gibbs of Teaneck, also a farmer' employer, offered much the same praise of the girl, who has been a tragic figure in (Tum to Page Two)