Indianapolis Times, Volume 44, Number 205, Indianapolis, Marion County, 5 January 1933 — Page 1

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CALVIN COOLIDGE IS DEAD

DIES BY BULLET ON DOORSTEP OF ESTRANGED WIFE

Shoots Self After Delivering Notes to Woman He Threatened to Kill. CAKE FOR GIRL BURNED Officers Fear Last Gift to 13-Year-Old Daughter Was Poisoned. After delivering farewell notes to his estranged wile and daughter, Clarence Silvey. 37. of 339':: North Noble street, killed himself early thi* morning by a shot through the heart as he stood on the doorstep of the wife's home at 732 East Michigan street. The wife, Mrs, Martha Silvey, 31, who had closed the door afte? a brief interview with her husband, heard the shot and rushed outside to find the body crumpled on the sidewalk. Rosalind, the 13-year-old daughter, still was in bed at the time of her father’s visit, and was awakened by her mother with news of the shooting. Ends Life With Shot Silvey called at the Michigan street address about 7:20 this morning, shortly after Mrs. Silvey had returned from a nearby grocery, she told Lieutenant John Sheehan and squad, and Deputy Coroner E. R. Wilson, who investigated. Because of previous threats against her life, Mrs. Silvey refused her husband admission to the house, and talked with him through a partly opened door, she said. “Here's a package for you and Rosalind,” Silvey said, extending a brown paper parcel, which Mrs. Silvey refused. Laying the package on the door sill. Silvey backed away. His wife snatched the package and closed the door. On her way back to the kitchen where she was preparing breakfast, she heard the shot ending her husband's life. Leaves Notes With Wife George Lenore, 431 North Noble street, was a witness to the shooting as he passed the house on the way to work. Tire blue steel .38caliber revolver used by Silvey was found near the body with four unfired cartridges. When unwrapped by Wilson, the package was found to contain two pieces of sponge cake, two notes, various personal belongings and two large envelopes addressed to the wife and daughter. Contents of the letters were not revealed by Wilson, but were said to contain detailed version of domestic troubles. On the outside of the letter addressed to Mrs. Silvey was the notation: “Martha: My love for you is the only reason that you are left alive. I could not lie on you like you did on me. Please don’t, lie about me when I’m gone like you did when I was alive. Clarence.” Cake Is Ordered Burned One of the notes with the cakr read. “Martha: Here is a piece of (he last cake that daddy baked. I baked it yesterday and I just wanted you and Rosalind to tasff it. You don't have to eat it if you don't, want to. I ate the rest of it last night.” Wilson ordered the cake burned on suspicion that it might be poisoned. The second note directed that the wife ‘Please cover me up until the ambulance comes.” Mrs. Silvey told police of several occasions on which her life had been threatened by her husband since she filed suit for divorce Dec. 3 in superior court two. She said a restraining order had been issued to prevent molestation from her husband. Several weeks ago Mrs. Silvey encountered her husband near St. Joseph’s church, and was forced to take a trip with him to Noblesville in his automobile. Throughout the journey he threatened her constantly with a revolver, believed to be the same with which he took his life. Death Threats Charged Reaching Noblesville, Silvey drove to Little Eagle cemetery there and. pressing the gun against the wife’s side, marched her to the grave of a daughter. Elizabeth, who died four years ago. Unless she withdrew her divorce suit and returned to him. he would kill her. Mrs. Silvey said her husband threatened. Fearing for her life. Mrs. Silvey promised to return to him. Silvey is survived by a brother. Charles Silvey of Mt. Comfort. Ind.. and his mother. Mrs. Sarah Silvey. who is said to be a patient in a state institution. He was born in Castleton. Ind.. but for the last eighteen years had lived in Indianapolis. The Silveys were married in Allisonville. sixteen years ago. Although by profession a stationary engineer. Silvey had in the last few years had employment as a milk wagon driver and grocery clerk, Mrs. Silvey said. He had not been employed recently.

The Indianapolis Times Fair tonight and Friday; slightly warmer tonight with lowest temperature about 35.

VOLUME 11—NUMBER 205

I

Clarence Silvey

Blaine Committee Backs Qualified Repeal Plan; Speedy Action Promised Measure Protecting Dry States, Preventing Return of Saloon Approved by Senate Group: Borah Stands tor Reservation Right. By United Press WASHINGTON, Jan. s.—Chairman John J. Blaine's senate judiciary subcommittee today approved repeal of the eighteenth amendment with protection for dry states and prohibition of the saloon.

TROOPS PATROL MINE WAR ZONE Sheriff Padlocks Offices of Striking Group at Taylorville. By 1 nited Press TAYLORVILLE, 111., Jan. 5. While state troops patrolled the strife-torn coal fields today, Sheriff Charles Wieneke of Christian county padlocked Taylorville headquarters of the striking Progressive Miners of America. The sheriff forbade further meetings. and said he would close other strikers’ meeting halls in the county as a blow at the miners’ war that has claimed seven lives, two of them this week. Five companies of militiamen, mast of them veterans of the bloody coal mines labor strife, were deployed at danger spots among the four mining communities of the county. THEATER RAZED IN MONTICELI.O FIRE Loss Estimated at More Than $12,000. By rutted Press MONTICELLO. Ind., Jan. s.—The Strand theater in downtown Monticcllo was destroyed by fire early today at a loss estimated from $12,000 to $15,000. The Logansport fire department was called when flames threatened to spread through an entire business block. The theater was owned by John and Frank Alexander. Lebanon.

Mrs . J. /. Hurst Winner in Times Bridge Tourney

Mrs. J. I. Hurst. 5649 Carrollton avenue, with a plus score of 2.010 won the Indianapolis contract bridge championship finals Wednesday night at the Columbia Club and. thereby, a trip to St. Petersburg. Fla., next week. Sponsored by The Times in conjunction with the American Bridge j League, the tournament sends Mrs. Hurst to the league national finals i -to play winners from other larger cities of the United States. Second among the eight finalists, after they were reduced to one ; table of four, was Mrs. L. H. Brink, 5655 College avenue, with a minus ! score of 250. T. E. Vance. 2643 Brookside avenue, was third with a minus 330 and W. S. Abel. 1064 Oliver avenue, was fourth with a minus 1,430. If Mrs. Hurst is unable to go. for any reason, the runner-up. Mrs. Brink, will represent Indianapolis ! in the national finals. 1 At table one in the first round of

INDIANAPOLIS, THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 1933

Traitor Trap Device to Stop Looting of Chickens Kills Its Inventor.

By 1 n ilrd Press XXTATSEKA, 111., Jan. s.—Lee * * Margrey, 60, set a trap for chicken thieves, walked into it, and fatally wounded himself. Margrey lived on a farm near Onarga. Thieves broke into his henhouse several times. He decided to trap them. He fastened a loaded shotgun in the henhouse, fixed a string so that w'hen any one opened the door the shotgun would be fired. Then he forgot about the trap and opened the door himself. The full charge from the shotgun tore into his left leg just above the knee. Physicians amputated his leg, but he died today of shock and hemorrhage. Slap Hoover Economy Move I!it I nited Press WASHINGTON. Jan. 5. The house expenditures committee today adopted a resolution disapproving President Hoover's government reorganization program.

[ The repealer would be submitted j to state legislatures. Blaine said no formal vote was | taken on the repeal resolution, but | that he considered the committee's action as “a favorable report for I repeal.” Qualified repeal in the form approved by the subcommittee is believed to have more senate support than the pending 3.2 per cent beer bill. But the necessity of a twothirds majority in amending the Constitution is a major hazard to senate approval. Senators have indicated they would not obstruct consideration of i the repealer. Chairman George W. Norris of j the judiciary committee favors modification of the eighteenth I amendment and opposes repeal, but I has promised that the repealer will bo handled expeditiously in his com- | mittee. The senate subcommittee was j composed of Senators Blaine (Rep., Wish, Felix Hebert (Rep., R. I.), William Borah (Rep., Idaho), C. C. , Dill (Dem., Wash.) and Walsh (Dem., Mont.). The subcommittee was unanimous in approving submission of the repeal resolution to the full committee, but there were reservations by Blaine and Senator William E. Borah as to their final action on the resolution. Borah reserved the right to op- | pose all or any part of the repealer. Blaine said he would move either | in the full committee or on the sen- ! ate floor to eliminate the section prohibiting the saloon. | It was learned that there may be a Democratic move to substitute state conventions for legislatures in ratification of repeal. Both Republican and Democratic platforms stipulated conventions. Committee members took into consideration the considerable extra cost of assembling state conventions to pass on a constitutional amendment. Subcommittee action on repeal removes the last obstacle to beer hearings. scheduled before the same igroup Saturday.

the finals Wednesday night, John C. Turpin, 905 North Parker avenue, and Paul Wilkinson, 2126 Gent avenue, were eliminated. Turpin, a fine player, spoiled his chances on one hand when he "lost" a trump on a five redoubled contract. Mrs. Della Laing. 3532 Washington boulevard, and Mrs. Philip A. Derham. 1 East Thirty-sixth street, were eliminated at table two in the first round. All four of the women finalists are former pupils of Mrs. Grace C. Buschman, Indianapolis teacher of the Culbertson system, who acted as referee. Plus on every pivot at the final table. Mrs. Hurst played every hand coolly and deliberately, and on almost every one. managed to capture the most possible tricks. The Indianapolis winner will leave here Saturday afternoon at 3:15 on the Flamingo, crack L. Sr N. train out of Detroit, and reach St. Petersburg at 7:20 Monday morning, for a week at the national finals.

LESLIE SAYS FAREWELL TO LEGISLATURE Urges Continuation of His Policies: Reports on State Affairs. DEMOCRATS IN SADDLE Assembly 'Adjourns Until Monday, Following Governor’s Address. Harry G. Leslie, retiring Republican Governor, urged continuation of his governmental policies upon i an overwhelmingly Democratic sev-enty-eighth general assembly which met in opening session today. Congratulating the new state administration upon its vote of confidence from the people at the polls, Leslie advised the legislators to stress economy and follow the paths he marked out during rhe last four years, so that "Indiana will weather the storm and work out her own salvation.” The Governor's message was one of hail and farewell. It carried out the constitutional mandate requiring the retiring chief executive to . report on the condition of state i affairs. On Tuesday a similar joint ses- | sion in the house will hear a message from Governor Paul V. McNuttVoices Pride in Record While Leslie's message dealt with his administration during the last four years, McNutt's address w r ill deal with the future. For the first since 1913 the i entire state government is now in Democratic hands. Overwhelming I Democratic majorities prevail in | both the upper and lower house. "We take iu-.t pride in the record lof the la*, four years. Indiana faces eco lomic difficulties growing | out of the prolonged depression with j a ‘clean slate’ and with a balance | of $17,762,277.65 in the state treasi ury. The healthful condition of ' our state finances gives good cause for general felicitation. We are in a position to look hopefully to the future,” Leslie said. Hopeful for Future "With continued careful man- | agement, sound and constructive | policies, persistent enforcement of j economy in government, wise em- | ployment of the budget principle; | consistent application of business methods in the purchase of supplies j for our state departments and in- | stitutions; continuance unimpaired !of the state’s productive agencies, j and courageous adherence to the : principles of drastic retrenchment ! all along the line, in accord with the | economic emergency which compels government as well as private business, public official as. w r ell as ordinary citizen, to curtail all but the essential activities and to forego luxuries, Indiana will weather the | storm and work out her own salva- | tion,” the Governor asserted. Adjustment of the $1.50 property j tax limitation law to care for state revenues, was urged, with the advice that “good features of the lawshould be preserved.” Defends Boards, Commissions "The people of Indiana do not ask for destructive measures. Economy they must and will have, but they also demand constructive common sense in legislation as w r ell as in administration,” he said. Boards and commissions were defended by Leslie as properly functioning during his regime. These in(Turn to Page Five)

POWERFUL CHINESE ARMY IS MASSED Chang Places Strong Force at Government Call. BY HERBERT E. EKINS Vnited Press Staff Correspondent PEIPING, Jan. s.—One of the most formidable armies in the Orient was assured the Chinese today when Marshal HsuehLiang. a most powerful war lord, placed himself at the command of General Chiang Kai-Shek, generalissimo of Chinese armies for dealing with the Japanese. Marshal Chang issued a communique stating he would initiate no efforts to deal with the Japanese, and that any Japanese offers must be submitted direct to the Nanking government. Marshal Chang said he would continue to consider the Shanhaikwan affair a national emergency, unless Nanking decided to treat the fighting as a local incident. The Japanese declared they intended to retain control of Shanhaikwan "pending a settlement.” Railroad service was resumed between Mukden and Shanhaikwan. Trains were operating on the Tientsin line as far as Tangshan. and there was a limited service to Chinwangtao. Japanese airplanes flew over Chengtehfu, capital of Jehol province, today.

Dies Alone in Home

LABOR ‘READY TO USE FORCE’ Strikes to Be Called to Win 30-Hour Week, Green Warns. By United Press WASHINGTON. Jan. s.—Labor is prepared to use its “economic force” if necessary to enforce the five-day-thirty-hour week in industry, President William Green of the American Federation of Labor told a senate judiciary subcommittee today. Green appeared at the hearing on the Black bill to enforce the shorter work week. Chairman George W. Norris asked how- labor would employ force. “By calling strikes where the men are organized," Green replied. “That's the only way organized labor ever has obtained wage increases and better standards.” “That means a terrible struggle,” Norris said. FARM RELIEF BILL BITTERLY ATTACKED Roosevelt Measure to Ruin Agriculture, Is Charge. By United Press WASHINGTON. Jan. s.—The controversial domestic allotment plan of farm relief, sponsored by President-Elect Franklin D. Roosevelt, was launched in the house today on a flood of bitter partisan oratory. The measure, designed to add $1,000,000,000 a year to farm income, was attacked bitterly in opening debate by Republican speakers who labeled it “hastily prepared and illconsidered.” Representative Fred a. Purnell (Rep.. Ind.), one of his party’s farm leaders, said he was “bitterly opposed” to the bill. He declared it "would completely destroy American agriculture.” The house, without a roll call vote, adopted a rule giving the bill legislation right of way. Eight hours of debate was provided. Hourly Temperatures 6a. m 30 10 a. m 33 7a. m 30 li a . m 35 Ba. m 29 12 (noon).. 38 9 a. m 30

Assassin of Editor Is Slain by Trusted Nurse

By United Press SOFIA, Jan. s.—Catherine Constantinos. 26. nurse in a Sofia hospital, straightened the covers and arranged the pillows of the bed of Christis Trajonoff, a patient under her care. When Trajonoff had been made comfortable, the nurse drew a revolver and shot him three times, once in the brain and twice in the heart. The shooting was another incident in the bitter Bulgarian political feud. Trajonoff was the assassin of Simeone Evtimoff. editor of the newspaper Macedonia. Thousands of Macedonians attended the editor's funeral and

Enterfil as Second flas Matter at I'ostoffice, Indianapolis

Calvin Coolidge

BLAZSNG LINER IS STILL ADRIFT French Captain Will Make Daring Attempt to Board Vessel. By United Press CHERBOURG, Jan. s.—Captain Rene Schoofs of the blazing $lB,000,000 passenger liner Atlantique abandoned in the English channel, decided today to risk his life in an attempt to board the flaming hull, and raise the French flag over the charred ruins. Captain Schoofs obtained permission to attempt to take official possession of the blazing ship, now almost a total loss, to prevent foreign salvagers from attempting to raise the ship if it sinks in the channel. The captain left here in the tug Ramier, accmpanied by three officers and ten seamen, all volunteers on the dangerous undertaking. The Atlantique, driven across the channel by a heavy wind, was drift- j ing toward Southampton. It was j sighted from the shore at Portland Cree. Eight tugs pursued the drifting ship all night. They were unable to do anything to check the fire The tugs approached so close that ; their paint was seared, then were forced back. Officials of the Compagnie Sud Atlantique announced that nineteen members of the Atlantique crew r were missing. It was indicated that the ship possibly would sink in mid-channel.

SHORT STORY WRITER IS KILLED IN FIRE Asphyxiated When Flames Sweep Apartment. By l nited Press HOLLYWOOD. Jan. 5. Barry Connors, 49, widely known short story and film w'riter, was asphyxiated early ioday when fire swept an exclusive Hollywood apartment house where he resided. A native of Oil City, Pa., Connors was w'ell Known in the motion picture capital for his scenarios. He was the author of such box office hits as “Charlie Chan Carries On" and "Women of All Nations.

stood silent at the spot where he fell. He was buried in the mountains beside Todor Alexandroff, famous Macedonian leader. Trajonoff was wounded and taken to a hospital, where nurse Constanhnos was assigned to attend him. She had been employed at the hospital for fix years, ana was noted for her tenderness ana devotion to her patients. The nurse said she was given a revolver and told to kill her patient as punishment for the murder of Evtimoff. Detectives and police were on guard in the ward, but did not watch the nurse. "Asa good Macedonian. I did not hesitate,” the nurse said.

HEART DISEASE BRINGS END TO LIFE SUDDENLY NORTHAMPTON, Mass., Jan. s.—Calvin Coolidge, GO, thirtieth President of the United States, died suddenly today at his home in Northampton. He succumbed, according to physicians, to a heart attack that had developed while he Mas at his Main street law office, and he died alone —in his bedroom. Mrs. Coolidge, returning from a shopping trip, discovered the body at 1:15 p. m. (eastern standard time). The former President had lived in retirement at his home here since he left the 5\ bite House. His health had not caused concern so far as had been known.

Mr. Coolidge died at the home which he and Mrs. Coolidge rebuilt after his return from Washington. Coolidge, apparently in good health, went to his Main street office at about 8:30 a. m. today. After about an hour and a half at work, he and his secretary, Harry Ross, left for the Coolidge homestead, "The Beeches.” The former President was found dead on the floor of his bedroom byMrs. Coolidge when she returned from a shopping trip at 1:15 p. m. Secretary Ross was in the house at the time, but not in the room where Mr. Coolidge died. Dr. Edward W. Brown, medical examiner, was summoned and after examination of the body, pronounced death due to heart failure. Absolutely Unexpected Ralph W. Hemenway, Mr. Cooli idge's former law partner, had seen the former President at their old office earlier in the day. Hemenway said Mr. Coolidge appeared to be in sound health. "It absolutely was unexpected,” Hemenway said when informed of the former President's death. Calvin Coolidge became the thirtieth President of the United States on Aug. 2, 1923. He was comparatively unknown, and an uncertain political factor. No man ever had entered the White House whose personality was more of an enigma to the country. His progression from a city councilman in a small New’ England town to the vice-presidency had lacked the fanfare and acclaim attendant upon the political development of many American statesmen. Perhaps the one dramatic hour in the political life of Calvin Coolidge, aside from the Boston police strike w’hen his firm stand against the disruption of delegated authority focused upon him the attention of the entire nation, was the taking of his oath of office. He became chief executive of his country under circumstances that are without parallel in American history. Sworn In at Farm The transition came with a stunning suddenness, with the unexpected death of Warren G. Harding. Mr. Coolidge w’as enjoying a brief vacation at the home in Vermont of his father, Colonel John Coolidge, a justice of the peace. Shortly after midnight a telephone message told him of the death on the Pacific coast of President Harding. In an unpretentious room lighted only by a flickering kerosene lamp. Calvin Coolidge took the oath of office as President of the United States at 2:57 a. m. President Coolidge's political career was chosen deliberately. Throughout his public career, however, there was never ostentatious display or political braggadocio. When he entered the White House he w-as a trained man of disciplined experience. Those associated with him insisted that President Coolidge's dominant characteristic w r as his common sense. Outwardly indifferent, he w-as never stolid but was alert and discriminating. Born in 1872 These traits, coupled with the simplicity that marked the routine of his life, were regarded as the deciding reasons for his popularity. The common people held the belief that President Coolidge was an honest man and that he was sincerely determined to conduct the government for them under a most exacting economic regime. That is the explanation of his receiving the greatest majority ever accorded a presidential candidate when he ran for the executive office in 1924. Calvin Coolidge was born July 4. 1872. at Plymouth. Vt. He came of sturdy New England stock that settled in America ten years after the landing of the Pilgrims. He matriculated at Amherst college. graduating in 1895. His scholastic record was splendid. He was looked upon as a reticent 'student—a trait that might be said

SECOND EXTRA PRICE TWO CENTS Outside Marion County, 3 Cents

to have followed him throughout life, for he always remained in nature the taciturn, observant scholar. His single office at Amherst came in his senior year when he was made Grove Orator, w’ith the duty to give a facetious address on class ; day. Entered Law Firm Following his graduation, President Coolidge entered the law firm in Northampton, of Hammond & Field. He w’as looked upon as only a fair trial law’yer, but an excellent counI sellor. In the concensus of members of the bar, he weighed evidence ac- ; curately. Political life early caught his attention. He w’as elected a city councilman of Northampton in 1899, the initial step that was to lead him to the highest elective office of the United States. He was 27 w’hen he first entered publicik office. fl In 1900 President Coolidge wa? city solicitor of Northampton; in 1907-8, Massachusetts state representative; in 1910-11. mayor of Northampton; in 1912-15, Massachusetts state senator; in 1916-18, Massachusetts Lieutenant - Governor; in 1919-20. Governor. After one year of service in the Massachusetts senate, he w’as elevated to the presidency of that body. Regular Party Man After his lieutenant-governorship of two years, his nomination as Governor w r as in the expected sequence of Massachusetts political events. Coolidge was regarded as a regular party man; he had remained in close communication with his organization. The state w’as conclusively Republican, and he was elected. His gubernatorial career, as in his other pre-presidential offices, was commo rplace with the notable exception of the emergency created by the striking of the Boston constabulary. The strike occurred on Sept. 9, 1919. More than 1,000 police deserted their posts in a period of general labor unrest and dissatisfaction. The stand taken by Coolidge found considerable approval among ; different political faiths throughout J th e country who held law’ and order i above mass disrespect and mob antagonism. When the strike was defeated, the Massachusetts Governor found himself in national repute and in a political conspicuousness. A boom was started for Coolidge. What followed at Chicago in 1920 ,is history. Coolidge was nominated | for the vice-presidency, he meager opposition to the nomination proving futile. President Soolidge had been Vice President a little more than two years when he automatically I entered the White House upon the death of President Harding. Called Astute Statesman Thomas R. Marshall, Vice President in the Wilson administration, classed President Coolidge as one of ! the most astute statesmen since Andrew Jackson. The executive aims of President j Coolidge were characterized by a : staunch plea for economy, his viewpoint always being that of the conj servative. He sought for an idealization of Americanism, and even his enemies respected his sincerity and inherent honesty. In 1905, President Coolidge married Miss Grace A. Goodhue. There were two children, John and Calvin Jr., whose death came in the summer of 1923. Throughout his life, the President adhered to a policy of brevity —another of his New England inheritances. ( The tastes of Ex-President Coolidge were of the simplest. The j Coolidge library was composed J maffily of books on history aC| biography. From boyhood he was affiliatclL, with the Congressional church. Bjj He had no hobbies. He once to an inquiry that his only j | hobby was "holding office.” Seek Single Tax Levy Resolution requesting the general i assembly to provide for a single ta xm levy for the city park and recre-B ation departments was passed by the® i board of park commissioners at its regular meeting today m city hallj|