Indianapolis Times, Volume 44, Number 6, Indianapolis, Marion County, 18 May 1932 — Page 9

Second Section

FOES BOW BEFORE MOHAMMED

Prophet Rises to Pinnacle With His Capture of Mecca

Thi* la the third of four atoriM on Mohimmtd. whose death 1,30-1 vear* aao will be mourned bv liuSlema throughout the world on 'June The religion he founded todav numbers 330 - noo 000 follower*, or anoronmatelT an eighth of the human race. BV MILTON BRONNER European Manner. NEA Service • Corn-right. 1932. NEA Service. Inc.t MOHAMMED, the Moslem religion that he founded thirteen centuries ago, and the lands In which it flourished doubtless seem millions of miles away from the life of the average American, but that is because he does not realize the myriad way in which words and things from Moslem lands play a part in his everyday existence. Little Johnny goes to school and painfully learns his arithme-

GUARD CURTIS CLOSELY; SUICIDE ATTEMPT FEARED

Complete Details of Amazing Hoax in Lindy Kidnap Hunt Bared. or by deliberate intention of the police and prosecutors—Curtis spent another tortuous night after the confession, as an unarrested prisoner in the home of the very ones he so cruelly victimized—the Lindberghs. Curtis had been questioned by state police for several days. The procedure had been in the form of soliciting information which Curtis might think authorities wanted to aid them in search for the kidnapers. Suspicion, however, was directed at Curtis long before the infant was found dead Thursday. He was shadowed by Harry T. Brundidge. a St. Louis newspaper man, during some of the trips after which he reported "contact’’ with the "kidnape rs.” Brundidge followed Curtis one day and found him deep sea fishing. %ut upon Curtis’ return to Norfolk he reported spending the day with the kidnapers. Saw Only Freighters On another occasion the newsman flew over the area where Curtis said he would meet the gang, which would be in a small yacht. Brundidge saw only freighters in this area during the time Curtis reported another "contact." Last minute events leading up to Curtis’ confession almost were as dramatic as his role as a pseudo negotiator. Colonel H. Norman Schwartzkopf. police head, described the episode thus; "When he (Curtis' returned from the rogues gallery in Newark, we purposely left him alone. Some time after midnight Inspector Walsh made friendly advances to Curtis, and started a game of checkers with him. Curtis’ mind was not on the game, so it was suggested they take a walk. "He later returned to his room with Inspector Walsh, who admonished him to tell the truth. At approximately 4:15 o'clock, he jumped from his chair, asked for a typewriter and chair, and in the presence of Inspector Walsh and Lieutenant Keaton wrote out the confession. Begs Forgiveness "When Curtis jumped from his chair, he threw it against the wall. He then typewrote the confession.” Curtis begged Colonel Lindbergh to forgive "the inconvenience, worry and injustice" he caused him in his time of grief. His eyes filled with tears as he signed the confession. “I became insane on the subject for the time being," Curtis said. • which caused me to create the atory in its entirety, which was untrue in every respect.” Curtis’ confession in full: "Made by my own hand and own free will. Referring to the two statements made previously by me in regard to the Lindbergh case, at the present time I am S’sne. but I honestly believe that tor the last seven or eight months I have not been myself, due to financial troubles. "I apparently was brought back to my senses by my telephone conversation with my wife this afternoon (presumably Monday afternoon) when she told me of the troubles she was having, and how the children missed me. also by my conversation with Inspector Harry W Walsh. "I desire to state that my remarks about the newspapers are true and can be verified, this in reference to my story about Mr.

roll l<Mwd Wlrw Herrlre mi the Bolted PreM AMoetatloc

The fervor and fanaticism of Mohammed's followers reached a high pitch during the Crusades and continues today in less barbaric but equally devout form. • Sketch at left depicts a clash between European Christians of the middle ages bound for the Holy Land and the fierce Seljuk Turks, who were among the most bloodthirsty of the prophet's faith at that period. A modern Mohammedan scene in Mecca is shown at right with worshipers returning the sacred tent, traditionally the prophet's, from I Cairo, where it had been displayed to rally the faithful. The tent contains the revered "holy carpet,” embroidered in gold.

tic. The numerals that he uses are of Arabic origin, kept alive through dim centuries o 2 the middle ages by Mohammedans. Big brother in high school struggles with his algebra—this has the same history. Mother buys “muslins” that came originally from Mosul, "damasks" that had their start in Damascus.

Let Not the Heart of the Eagle Break!

BY BERTON BRALEY iWritten ior United Prcsst OVER the waters the eagle flew, I Soaring into the beckoning blue, Elate, red-hearted, he zoomed the skies, And our souls, grown earthly and worldly wise. Were lifted up from the slough of things And rode aloft on the eagle's wings! We followed, exultant, the eagle's track —Then surged about him and brought him back; We deafened the eagle with shouts and cheers. We plucked his feathers for souvenirs. We caged the eagle with bars of gold. Then peered and pointed and cried. "Behold! Behold our eagle, our very own. Who flew the ocean and flew alone; Here is our eagle for all men's viewing. Snatch at his plumage! Watch his wooing! His flight awakened the souls of men So he shall never know peace again! If a vulture slipped in the cage at night , And slew the eaglet in greed, and fright; If a magpie seized on the eagle's pain To strut for a moment in hope of gain. We may not wholly escape the blame Who prisoned the eagle—and called it "fame!” Eagle, oh. eagle, with brooding eyes, Bitter and deep your sorrow lies. But though the wonder you wrought was paid With vulgar bombast and vain parade. Though all the "glory” upon you thrust Has turned to ashes and sullen dust. Forgive us, eagle, we know at length Our cruel weakness; we need your strength. For blind and groping humanity's sake Let not the heart of the eagle break! Haskell and Mr. Wilcox of the New York-Herald Tribune. Mr. Lee of the News and Mr. Turrim and Fox offering me money for my knowledge of the Lindbergh case or pictures of the baby. "The matter was brought to my attention during a conversation and due to what I now believe was a distracted mind by brooding over it. I became insane on the subject for the time being, which caused me to create the story in its entirety. frhich was untrue in every respect. "f never knew „uch people that S named to Colonel Lindbergh and tl??y were creatures of a distorted mihd with the exception of Morrie Truesdale. who had no connection with the crime. “2 exceedingly regret that I caused Colonel Lindbergh and others any inconvenience, and I wish it were in my po*er to correct my wrong. "In justice to my wife and two children, I trust that it is in the power of Colonel Lindbergh to forgive the inconvenience, worry and injustice I did him in his time of grief. "This statement has been brought

The Indianapolis Times

When congresmmen in Washington clash over the “tariff,'’ they are using a word of Arabic origin. There are many such words in our language. In the tenth century of our era, when most of Europe w r as sunk in darkness, the torch of enlightenment blazed at its brightest under Moslem kings in Spain.

about by the realization of the wrong I have done.” The statements, referred to in the foregoing, concern two long, rambling accounts of Curtis' meeting with a "man named Sam," who induced him to "open negotiations for the return of the child." These previous statements also related its efforts to Interest Dean H. Dobson-Teacock and Rear Admiral Guy H. Burragc in the case, and his various attempts to get in touch with Colonel Lindbergh by telephone. Approached News Services Concerning the reference to Grafton W. Wilcox, managing editor of the Herald-Tribune, the paper made this statement today: "The New York Herald-Tribune made no contract of any kind with John Hughes Curtis. Curtis did make a proposal that this newspaper publish the story of his activities. The Herald-Tribune stipulated that it would make no arrangement with him until the child had been returned to Colonel Lindbergh and the latter had vouched for the authenticity of the narrative. It was further proposed that this newspaper should be the judge of the availability of the material for publication in its columns. The Herald-Tribune investigated Curtis' report as a matter of routine news.” The New York Daily News today said: "Richard Lee represented the News in these negotiations, but no tender was made to Curtis until after his activities were well advanced. He then was enjoying the use of the Norfolk navy yard as a base for his operations, and had declared himself in personal contact with the kidnapers.” Jafsie Hoax Failed to Stop Him Other newspapers and news services undoubtedly were approached with offers somewhat similar to those submitted to the Daily News and the Herald-Tribune. Such an offer suggested to the United Press was refused, and later was withdrawn. Even the payment of $50,000 in another hoax, the payment Jafsie made in a Bronx cemetery to men now fairly definitely identified as the kidnapers of the baby, failed to spoil Curtis’ story. "They showed me some of the ransom money they paid to Jafsie,” he told police. "They said they were afraid to use it because the serial numbers were known. That is why they want real money that can't be traced.” And the finding of the body likewise failed to break the continuity of his scenario. The baby, he said, was aboard ship the first time he visited it, but was not there the second time. The phantom schooner always was "lost in the fog.” or was "frightened away" by the ships of the United States navy, Curtis explained as failure followed failure and excuse called for excuse. Then when the baby was found—-dead—seventy-five coast guard vessels and three amphibian planes searched the waters from Virginia to Cape Cod on orders from the President. They sought a vessel described by Curtis as carrying a crew of five, and any of these name plates—Evelyn Batten. Theressa Salvatore, William A. Morse. Ella Brisson. The last trip of the Maroon was the day before the baby's body was found. Colonel Lindbergh himself was aboard another vessel in accordance with instructions given him by Curtis. That, afternoon, the world knew Lindbergh's search for his first bom was ended. About nine hours later, the flier was reached by wireless and told the child was dead.

INDIANAPOLIS, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18,1932

BUT let's return now to the life story of the prophet who, in the seventh century, founded the religion under which all this flourished in bygone ages. Having won the battle of Badr and lost that of Ohod, Mohammed was to encounter further danger before his triumph of Arabia was complete. Convinced by his defeat at Ohod that he possessed no supernatural powers, the Meccans —in the year 627—once more prepared to march on Medina. This time they had an army of 10,000 men. composed of the pagans of Mecca and various Bedouin Arab tribes from the desert. Mohammed could muster only 3,000 men. His "voices'’ told him nothing, but a Persian showed him the way. The Persian proposed that they dig a great trench around Medina. Mohammed quickly saw the point and showed the way by stripping himself to the waist and laboring with the diggers. mum WHEN the Meccan army arrived, it was confronted by something it had never seen before—a great trench filled with defenders, who rained arrows upon them. They settled down to a siege. Months elapsed and then one day a great wind swept away their tents, set their camels and horses in wild confusion and the army went back to Mecca. It seemed like a miracle to Mohammed’s followers. Now they believed in him more stoutly than ever. a a a MOHAMMED decided this was the time to go to Mecca. But not as an enemy. It was the time of pilgrimage, the time of truce. He would take advantage of this and lead his followers there. he started off with 1.400 men. Outside the city they put down their arms, showing they were bent on a peaceful mission. The Meccans sent emissaries to see what he wanted. The result was they signed a truce of ten days, during which the Moslems should return in peace to Medina, with the promise, however, that next year they could come in the time of pilgrimage and remain in Mecca three days. a a a THE next year, as arranged, the Moslems, under Mohammed’s leadership, went to Mecca on pilgrimage. The pagans withdrew from their town, leaving the Moslems to their devotions. Mohammed on his camel circled the kaaba, now the house of Allah. seven times, touching the black rock each time with his stick. In the meantime, at Mohammed's orders, about ten thousand other Moslems in little bands had arrived, taking possession of the heights all around the town. The Meccans saw the lights of the camp fires. They realized they were helpless. There was nothing for them to do but to surrender. In triumph after all the years of waiting, at the head of his troops, Mohammed made a solemn entry. He went once more to the Kaaba and was given the keys. He had the 360 idols smashed to bits. "The truth has come to Mecca. Error has been driven out,” he proclaimed. One of the last deeds of his life was to preach to a tremendous crowd in Mecca from his seat on his camel. "I do not know.” said he. "that I ever will see you again like today. But I have left you the means to persevere in the straight and narrow* path.” He paused. “Have I accomplished my mission?” he asked. Yes!” roared the crowd. “Then may God be the witness!” a a a r' was the culminating day of his remarkable career. There were other things not so notable. This “perfect man,” as his Arabian biographers call him, often had, trouble in his own family circle. Busy as he was with little wars and propagating his new faith, he often had to compose the quarrels between nine jealous wives. There was even a scandal about his favorite wife Ayesha. who was accused of being unfaithful to him. But she overcame his suspicions end remained to the end the one he loved best. It was in her arms that he died of a mysterious illness, on June 6, 632.

LINDY WARNED MONTH AGO OF CURTIS FAKE •Negotiator’ Was on Fishing Trip When He Claimed Visit to Kidnapers. TRAILED BY REPORTER St. Louis Newspaper Man Early Branded ‘Search’ as Hoax. BY HARRY T. BRUNDIDGE Staff Writer for the St. Lenit Star ( Written for the United Press! ST. LOUIS, May 18. John Hughes Curtis was deep sea fishing on the day he assured me that he Md “spent the day with the kidnapers and the Lindbergh baby is alive and well.” That is one reason why I doubted from the first that he knew anything about the kidnaping, a doubt increased by further investigation. which revealed facts I placed before Colonel Lindbergh in his Hopewell' home. This is the story of my w'ork on the case: On the night of April 1, one month after Charles A. Lindbergh Jr. had been kidnaped from his home, I held a lengthy conference with Curtis in the Hotel Monticello at Norfolk. Told of Appointment Curtis had convinced a former St. Louisian that he was in actual contact with the kidnapers. This man had urged the Star to send a representative to Norfolk to work with Curtis. “I have an appointment with one of the kidnapers tomorrow (April 2), hfe told me. "I have given my word that I will not talk to police or give the police any information which might lead to the arrest of the abductors, but I did not say I wouldn’t tell a newspaper man. “After my meeting tomorrow I will permit you to work out a plan whereby we can get the baby and the kidnapers.” Curtis, at the time of the interview. was extremely nervous. He paced the room, peered out the door time after time, and repeatedly asked, “You are sure no one can overhear us?” He was unwilling to talk ar.d seemingly had consented to the interview at the insistence of the former St. Louisian. Curtis evaded all leading questions save one, which was, “How was the contact established?” Bootlegger Was "Contact” “Through a man I built a boat for,” he told me. “A bootlegger?” “Yes, a bootlegger.” Later in the night, Curtis said in another interview that he was fearful the writer would be recognized by agents of the kidnapers, “who are in this hotel,” and asked me to move to another hotel. I did so. I quickly became convinced that Curtis knew nothing about the case, never had been in contact with- the kidnapers, and so reported this opinion to the Star. On April 2, Curtis departed mysteriously, “to contact the kidnapers.” I follow'ed surreptitiously as a passenger on a chartered gasoline cruiser. Later in the day. I personally observed Curtis engaged in deep-sea fishing. That night Curtis returned to the hotel. ‘‘l spent the day with the kidnapers and the baby is alive and well. We will get him back,” he said. Fake Again Discovered Curtis later told of another secret meeting, which was to be held “at a point a mile south of Munden, i Va., and twelve nautical miles east out in the Atlantic.” Curtis was supposed to leave at dawn. At the hour he was to have met the kidnapers I flew over the spot in an airplane time after time, but there were no boats, save big freighters, moving north and south, within miles of the point. Curtis did not know I had flown to the spot, and that night he reported “another contact" and said the kidnapers met him at the appointed hour and place. This convinced me beyond doubt that Curtis knew nothing about the case. I then went to Colonel Lindbergh's home and placed all the facts before him. Colonel Lindbergh, at that time, expressed the opinion that Curtis had not seen the kidnapers. Lindbergh asked Curtis for the “symbol” from the kidnapers, but Curtis, quite naturally, couldn’t give it to him.

Police Go Back Over Curtis’ Trail to Night That Child Was Kidnaped

BY CHARLES M. M’CANN United Pre SUIT Correspondent NORFOLK, Va., May 18.—John Hughes Curtis was the subject today of an investigation that removed the last vestige of the romantic web he spun about himself and his kidnaping negotiations. Police checked his movements for months past. And even, it was understood, checked formally his whereabouts on March 1, when Charles. A. Lindbergh Jr. was kidnaped, and April 2, when Dr. John F. Condon tossed $50,000 of Colonel Lindbergh s money over a graveyard wall. It was understood they learned Curtis was at home on March 1, and was out on a trip concerned with his dream "negotiations" in pany with Lieutenant George L. Richard, on the night of April 2. Richard is the navy pilot who aided Curtis. Two New Jersey state policemen, who left here Tuesday, visited the Virginia National bank before their departure and examined Curtis’ safe deposit box. They did so by Curtis’

STATE ROAD BOARD NEARS FULL-TIME BASIS—ON SALARY

One Commissioner Draws $260 in 33 Days, Dines at Club; People Pay. BY DANIEL M. KIDNEY Indiana now has a full-time state highway commission—almost. It was not created by the legislature, however, but brought into being by the commissioners themselves, who fought legal creation of a full-time commission successfully at the last legislative session. Such conclusion can be drawn from the pay and expense vouchers of state highway commissioners, on file with the state auditor. This week Commissioner Arthur Sapp, Huntington, mentioned as a G. O. P. possibility for the Governor nomination, collected *390.91 as his salary and expense account for duties as state highway commissioner from April 4 to May 7. Expense Is High Os this sum. $260 was salary, on the basis of $lO a day for each day spent in highway work. This makes the position almost full time between the dates covered. Then there was the expense of $130.91 for the period. This item included $50.29 for rooms and meals at the Columbia Club, with a luncheon for fellow commissioners, department heads and Governor Harry G. Leslie, all at state expense. The commissioners also drive high-priced cars at the commission’s expense. It has been pointed out that it takes the commissioners, who formerly met not more than once or twice a month, just about full time to figure out how to spend a balance of $24,000,000, with the surplus piling up from the low bidding by contractors. Supports Two Regimes Under the law, the commission acts only to give orders to the director and department heads. Director John J. Brown draws a $7,500 salary for taking charge. He now has an assistant at $5,000. But Brown, department heads, commissioners and the Governor all fought to defeat the full-time commission bill. Records now disclose that the state is supporting both the old regime and an, almost fulltime commission. . 6REENSBUBG VISITED Rebekah Excursion to Mark End of Session. Delegates and visitors to meetings of the Grand lodge and the Rebekah assembly, I. O. O. F.. were to make the annual visit today to the Odd Fellow home in Greensburg. The excursion will mark the end of the Rebekah sessions, and opening of the Grand lodge meeting. Sessions here are being held in the Odd Fellow building. Approximately a thousand members are expected to attend the grand lodge. Principal business sessions will be held Thursday. Feature of tonight’s meeting will be a presentation of a play, “The Birth of Odd Fellowship in America,” written by the Rev. T. J. Wilson of Shelbyville, grand chaplain. The decoration of chivalry, under auspices of the Patriarchs Militant, I. O. O. F., also will be held tonight. TWO RUM DEFENDANTS GET SUSPENDED TERMS ‘ Booze Seized at Three Homes by Police Raiding Squad. Two of three persons convicted of blind tiger charges today by Municipal Judge William H. SheafTer were given suspended sentences. They are Esco J. Dant, 56 North Keystone avenue, and Mrs. Clara Purdue, 1115 Central avenue. The other defendant was John Haney, 11814 Virginia avenue, who was given a thirty-day term. A fine of SIOO and costs was suspended. Raids on homes of the three were made by Sergeant Wayne Bear and squad. Home of Dant yielded 201 quarts of home brew, twenty-five gallons brewing and a pint of whisky, police said. He was fined SIOO and given thirty days. At the home of Mrs. Purdue, police said, they found thirty-six quarts of beer, which tested 4.21 per cent alcohol. She was given a ninety-day term and a fine of SIOO. Raiders at Haney’s home said they obtained one gallon of whisky and the same amount of alcohol.

own authority. A. W. Brock, president, told the United Press they had a • written order from Curtis. He understood they found nothing of importance. Colonel Charles B. Borland, director of public safety, and S. W. Ironmonger, police chief, conferred agai ntoday, regarding the possibility and advisability of prosecuting Curtis. They reached no decision. Borland told the United Press they needed more information, and indicated that he was watting to see if any action was taken in tfew Jersey. The Very Rev. Harold DobsonPeacock. Curtis' associate, had not replied today to an invitation of the New Jersey police to go to Hopewell and submit to questioning. Just preparing to conduct a morning service at his fashionable Christ church. Peacock said he was busy today, and would be Thursday, on church affairs. Police Chief Ironmonger, in saying today that he believed Curtis had not yet told his full story, was but echoing what Curtis’ own

Second Section

Ratered •• Hee-ond Cl*** Matter at Po*rcfflc*. Itwits* ">U*

Strain Tells Bcrippt~Hotcnrd yetetpaper Altiai.ce WASHINGTON. May 18.— Official and unofficial medicine men at the capitol agreed today that the government personnel, from President Hoover to the youngest senate page, is in a lower state o health than it has been in recent years. All show the results of overwork, confinement to their jobs, lack of exercise, and strain of the depression. The President’s hair is almost white and deep furrows engrave his face under his eyes.. Cabinet members ‘long ago had to give up the regular routine by which they tried to keep fit. The sick list of congress is larger than it has been in many years, forty of the 531 members having been on the roll one month. Senator McKellar <Dem., Tenn.) is in a hospital now. after a collapse Allowing his long economy fight.

CRUSH ATHEISM, IS POPES PLEA Asks Protestants, Catholics to Join in War. By United Pres VATICAN CITY, May 18.—Nations of the world, Catholic and Protestant, were invited in an encyclical issued today by Pope Pius XI to join in a fight on atheism. The pope blamed atheism. Communism, excessive corruption, and exaggerated nationalism for the troubles of mankind. The pope set the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, on June 3, for the beginning of a week of prayer in churches throughout the world for relief from the ills besetting mankind. The encyclical was entitled “Chartate Christi Compulsi." meaning “Urged by Charity of Christ." An official resume of the encyclical said: “Subversive factions taking advantage of world-wide misery, more and more brazenly, unfurl their banners of wickedness and hate of religion, and endeavor, not without success, to combine the war on God with the struggle' for daily bread and make use of every means to realize their diabolical purpose." “Thus, whereas formerly Atheists were lost in the multitude, now instead, in various countries, they form a solid, organized army that, with the help of secret societies, increases and grows bolder daily, as though with their blasphemies they could stifle the marvelous concert in which creation sings the glory of its Creator.” WINS MUSICAL HONOR Greensburg Boy Is Awarded Silver Cup for Success as Pianist. By Timet Special GREENSBURG. Ind., May 18.— Showing “remarkable talent” in musical lines, Ned Eugene Gardner,

son of Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Gardner of this city, has been awarded the Ethel S. Evans award. The award, a silver loving cup, was presented by Mrs. Evans. The boy is a pianist and has been playing five years. The contest is sponsored by the Greensburg Department Club. Gardner was given the honor from a

BP H ■ j IpSBEf

Ned Gardner

field of fifty contestants. NAMED COLLEGE DEAN Dr. Oscar H. Williams Awarded Post at Kent, O. Appointment of Dr. Oscar H. Williams as dean of the college of liberal arts has been announced by officials of Kent college, Kent, O. Dr. Williams Is a graduate of Indiana State Teachers college. He received his doctor’s degree at Indiana university. He taught at Indiana. De Pauw and Ohio State uni-' versities before going to Kent in 1930 as associate professor of education.

friends say. There was little disposition here to dismiss the whole of Curtis' activities as explained in his statement. Sentiment was bitter between Curtis’ friends and enemies. Led by Mrs. Curtis, the friends contended stoutly that he had more to tell. They remembered the man who led a nation in a fantastic hunt for a phantom schooner and alleged kidnapers as a big, bluff, blue-eyed blond man. kindly and direct, one who had been “John” to every one in town. Enemies of the 1931 bankrupt boat builder remembered business troubles, remembered his grandiloquently styled “John Hughes Curtis Boat and Engine Corporation.” had failed once; his nervous breakdown afterward, and remembered that he was in financial straits months before Charles A. Lindbergh Jr. was kidnaped. Both friends and enemies agreed on a point: That he was born to be a plunger, and that friends, as well as enemies, often had said he would die a pauper or a multimillionaire.

CONFESSIONS BARE CURTIS' CHAM OF LIES Infamous Fiction Concocted by Faker Forms an Amazing Web. NAMES MYTHICAL MEN Women and Boats That Never Existed Also Mentioned by Fraud. By United Brett TRENTON, N. J.. May 18.—The Infamous fiction which John Hughes Curtis fashioned to derive profit by selling to newspapers the story of his “Lindbergh kidnapiug negotiations” is told in three rambling confessions now in hands of the state police. He gave names of men, women and boats. He told of mysterious telephone calls, of radio signals sent up from a gray Ford automobile, of the description of the “actual kidnaping” of the Lindbergh child, and of mysterious moves up and down the Atlantic seaboard, through New.. Jersey and the metropolitan districts of New York. “Hilda,” one of his mythical characters, told him how the kidnaping occurred and in one statement he related “her” incoherent story. Planned 30 Days Ahead “The plan started thirty or fortyfive days before it occurred. . . . That the green Hudson was put about 300 or 400 feet away and the Buick with Sam in it was over on that road where he could see the lights of the house. "They went in by the ladder and came out by the front door and they said that when he came down the key was in the front door of the pantry and she said that they had inside help to take care of them. “They went down the steps and went out the door. They had someone there to lock the door if it wasi necessary.” Curtis already has confessed that the names he gave were purely imaginary, but he reeled off the following: "Dynamite,” John, Sam, Neals, Hilda. Inez. The later was augmented with a description which showed “Dynamite” to be “Captain Olaf Larsen, or Lauren.” a 42-year-old man who spoke with a broken Scandinavian accent. Sam was “Sam Goldberg.” or “Sam the Gas Man,” further described as a large Norwegian Jew. Baby on Phantom Ship John was a "large, athletic Scandinavian," who spoke broken English. Both "Hilda” and “Inez” spoke with an accent, were “well formed?” fairly well educated and both married. Inez worked a radio sending and receiving station from a Ford automobile which contacted the “phantom ship" upon which Curtis said the baby was held. Curtis said “Sam" approached him at the Norfolk Country Club March 9, and asked him to get in touch with Colonel Lindbergh. The Rev. H. Dobson Peacock and Rear-Ad-miral Guy H. Burrage were called in by Curtis to facilitate getting in communication with Colonel Lindbergh. There were many mysterious contacts in New York City—at a cafeteria on the west side—and at Newark. Once, Curtis said, he carried one of the negatiators in his motor car eighteen hours while trying to get in touch with Lindbergh. The man, Curtis confessed, had a note sealed with wax, and addressed to Lindbergh. Shown Ransom Money Another time he met the group in Newark and they showed him the ransom money which Dr. John F. Condon had paid to kidnapers in a Bronx cemetery. He said he compared notes that they showed him with a newspaper clipping listing the serial numbers of the bills Col. Lindbergh had paid out in his frantic efforts to reclaim his baby. The notes checked with the list, he said. At another time, he said, he went on board a craft which the negotiators used. “We had quite a session.” Curtis’ confession said, "in w’hich John suggested that I was in their power and that they could do anything they wanted with me, and I told them I was not afraid of them, and from then on I sort of halfway controlled the situation. “I told then that I had in a locked box a whole record of this transaction and if they did anything to me they would be worse off than they were before. To that they agreed.” Cursed the Colonel Then he related how he and his aids followed a charted course—as given them by the negotiators—off Block island without finding the child, of a conference In New York City, at which it was agreed to make a trip off the Virginia Capes, and of how he went on another boat and was shown more of the ransom money. He said he told them at a conference that Colonel Lindbergh desired more information, to which one of the negotiators replied: “To hell with the colonel. If he don’t believe you, he can go to hell. What more does he want? We got his money." Curtis told of the trips out of Norfolk in search of the “contact vessel" and how many directions had come from the woman “Hilda." whom he had first met at a conference at Cape May. The woman communicated with Captain Kenneth Whiting at the naval base at Norfolk, he said, and he telephoned her first at a Cape May telephone number and later at a Freeport telephone number. A checkup of the latter telephone shows it to be a reputable dancing academy where no one of the name l of Hilda is known. Further checks I at Norfolk show Curtis did not make i the telephone, calls he claimed to I have made to these numbers.