Indianapolis Times, Volume 44, Number 288, Indianapolis, Marion County, 12 April 1933 — Page 1

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BOND STEERING IS BARED AS NEWEST BEER TRADE PLUM ‘Acquaintances’ of McHale and Fry Move Here and Find Lucrative Business With Permit Buyers. TWO FIRMS SKIMMING CREAM No Fee Splitting, Is Defense of Practice; Fair Price Also Cited to Show Nothing Is Wrong. “Bond steering',” .with its consequent profits for Democratic politicians, is the latest disclosure in the operation of the beer business in Indiana. But both Paul Fry, state excise tax director, and Frank McHale, representative of Governor Paul V. McNutt in the issuance of beer permits, denied today that they have en-

gaged in it. That applicants for permits were being sent to the Harrison hotel where friends of Fry are writing bonds was disclosed Tuesday afternoon, when a Times reporter went through the routine of Fry’s office at the statehouse. Formerly many of the bonds were written by Francis Sebastian. Logansport insurance man. McHale came from Loganspor.. but denied emphatically that ho had anything to do with bringing Sebastian here. Both live at the Indianapolis Athletic Club. Business Was Good He explained that Sebastian came to the city Originally to write bonds fo'- Logansporl beer permittees and, finding that most companies were not ready to write them at that time, he continued writing what business he could get. Fry said any requests made to him regarding bonds had been answered by saying that all licensed companies are O. K. Informed of the “bond steering” Governor McNutt today declared: “I have no comment to make.” The Haj'nmn hqjel beer bondsmen are John C. (Cap) Cravens of Linton, the home town of Fry; Henry W. Reinhart, Princeton, and Frank Strchl, Owensville, Gibson county Democratic chairman. Also License Plate Officials Cravens and Reinhart also handle the license plate distribution in their home communities, under Frank Finney, bureau chief. Finney also has interested himself in the “bond steering,” it appeared, and is a frequent caller on the hotel room offices. Personal investigation by a Times reporter disclosed how r the trio obtains business, Tuesday afternoon the reporter went to Room 328 at the statehouse, where blanks for beer permits are issued. He inquired for a retail permit for a restaurant at Ft. Wayne. One of the young women in the office, all of whom are 'corking for Fry, sorted out the blanks and gave them to him. Steered to Konm 326 “Take these,” she said. “If you want the permit right, away, go next door to Room 326 and then go to Room 317 in the Harrison hotel. Be sure to have a certified check with you.” The reporter then went to Room 317 at the Harrison, where he talked to a stocky, gray-haired man answering Cravens' description. “I was sent here from the statehouse," about a beer permit the reporter said. The man shook hands affably. “Sure thing,” he said. “Come right in.” No Fees Split. He Says The reporter then explained his inquiry was for a friend and the man said to come back later, giving him a business card reading as follows : “Surety and excise bond specialists, applications completed, bond signed and filed, Rooms 317-19 Harrison hotel." At thp ton of the card in small print are the names: “Cravens. Reinhart, Strehl.” Previously, numerous complaints concerning the alleged bond steering had been made to The Times. Later Tuesday, another Times reporter called on Cravens and told him what had occurred. Cravens stressed the point that there was no "fee splitting” with any one in the statehouse. He declared Fry had nothing to do with the "steering.” Cravens said his company had not handled as many bonds as the Seaboard Company, represented by Sebastian. Save Money, His Claim “Some companies are charging S2O for these bonds and we are charging rrnly sls, so they save money by froming here," Cravens contended. Surety bonds must be provided on all classes of beer permits. The bond for restaurant beer sales is SI,OOO. One Democrati deader said he saw no harm in "throwing the business to faithful party workers" as long as the rate was standardized and there was no gouging. Criticism from some of the Marion county Democrats was based on the fact that the business is going to imported personal friends of the politicians handling the beer concessions. Cravens said his bonds are written on the Madison Insurance Company. Madison, Ind.. and that the large surety bond firms wouldn't handle it.

The Indianapolis Times Fair tonight and probably Thursday; rising temperature.

VOLUME 11—NUMBER 288 '

Sanity Hearing Ordered for Ruth Judd Friday Verdict of Insane Will Block Hanging on April 21 for Agnes Ann Leroi Murder. By l iiilrrl Press FLORENCE, Ariz., April 12. Superior Judge E. L. Green today consented to conduct a sanity hearing Friday for Winnie Ruth Judd, under sentence to hang April 21 for the murder of Agnes Ann Leroi, a fellow nurse.

If Mrs. Judd is found insane -she will be committed to the state asylum for life, since state laws prevent execution of the demented. Warden A. G. Walker submitted an affidavit saying that on his own observation and the observations of others, he believes her to be insane. The warden prepared an affidavit saying that on his own observation and the observations of others, he believes her to be insane. RESTAURANT MEN TO STUDY BEER LAWS Class to Be Conducted by Fry, Excise Director. A class in beer legislation will be conducted by Paul Fry, state excise director, with members of a committee from the Indianapolis Restaurant Association as pupils. The instruction will be given Saturday or early next week. The committee, of which Howard E. Deputy is ex-officio chairman, is headed by Henry F. Roberts and members are W. O. Wheeler, Orville Tice, and D. E. Martin, Ft. Wayne. “We want to find out where we are.” Deputy said today. The committee was appointed Tuesday at a meeting of the Indianapolis Restaurant Association. GALLS AKRON BEST AIRSHIP EVER BUILT Chief Inspector Says Craft Superior to Graf Zep. Hu I fuirti pn LAKEHURST. N. J., April 12. Peter Ward, chief inspector of aircraft at the naval air station here, testified at the Akron court of inquiry today that he had examined all dirigibles flown in this country, including the German Graf Zeppelin, and that “the U. S. S. Akron was superior to any ship I've even been on.” MURPHY IS APPROVED Senate Territories Committee Passes on Philippines Nominee. Bu I nited Press WASHINGTON, April 12.—The senate territories committee today approved by a unanimous vote the appointment of former Mayor Prank Murphy of Detroit as governor-gen-eral of the Philippine Islands. HULL SLAPS AT TARIFF Only Attack on Trade Barriers Can Raise Prices. Says Secretary. B ■/ 1 nited Press WASHINGTON. April 12.—Only by an international attack on exchange restrictions and trade barriers can the price levels in various countries be raised. State Secretary Cordell Hull declared today in discussing the imminent economic talks here. Times Index Page Books 17 Bridge 5 Comics 17 Classified 16 Crossword Puzzle 15 Curious World 9 Dietz 5 Editorial 12 Financial 15 Hickman Theater Reviews 7 Running in the Rum Runners... 11 Radio 9 Sports 14 Wiggam Cartoon 9 Woman s Page 8

FILM PAIR DIVORCED

Eleanor Board man By l nitrd Press LOS ANGELES, April 12. Eleanor Boardman, screen star, was granted a divorce here Tuesday. She testified she once surprised her husband. King Vidor, in another woman’s apartment.

POPE VISITED BY VON PAPEN German Vice Chancellor Seeks Church Backing of Nazi Regime. t By T'nited Tress VATICAN CITY, April 12.—ViceChancellor Franz von Papen of Germany, seeking approval of the Roman Catholic church for the German Nazi government, received in private audience by 'the pope today. Von Papen talked with the pope in his private library for haif an hour. Frau Von Papen was received by the pope separately. Herman Goering, minister without portfolio in the Hiter cabinet, also was received by the pope. Goering wore the uniform of air commissioner of the reich. Accept Peace Principle By t nit eel Press ROME, April 11.—Italy’s fourpower peace pact has been accepted in principle by the nations involved —Germany. France and Great Britain—the United Press learned authoritatively today. An undisguised air of optimism prevailed in government circles with the meeting of French, German and Italian diplomats in Rome, and after it was learned that Premier Benito Mussolini will not insist on the actual wording of the pact, but intends simply to let the spirit of peace rule over Europe. Mussolini has not, since discussions of the four-power pact started, leaned on technicalities, but has contended throughout that peace agreement on board terms is necessary. This spirit seems to ha\ T e been attained among the four principal European powers and France's reservations, dealing with the participation of the little entente and Poland, are expected to be overcome in view of the new feeling that has been aroused.

CURLEY, MRS, OWEN ARE NAMEDJNVOYS Mayor to Poland, Floridan to Denmark Post. By I'nited Press WASHINGTON. April 12.—President Roosevelt today nominated Mayor James A. Curley of Boston, to be ambassador to Poland. He also nominated Mrs. Ruth Bryan Owen, former representative from Florida, to be minister to Denmark and Iceland. KILLER FREED ON BAIL Chicago Movie Union Aid Is Released on 520.000 Bond, By T'nih and Press CHICAGO. April 12. Ralph O'Hara, organizer for the motion picture operator's union, was admitted to $20,000 bail today by Judge James F. Fardy. O'Hara faces charges of murder as an aftermath of his shooting to death Fred Oser, operator, in the union's headquarters. Thomas E. Malov. head of the union, put up the bond in cash. Bull Calves Are Wagon Team By l nited Press CREIGHTON. Neb.. April 12. Oren anid Merle Waldo, farm boys near here, have trained a novelty team to pull their wagon. They are a pair of bull calves.

INDIANAPOLIS, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12, 1933

BRITONS FACE SOVIET COURT; ENTER PLEAS One of Six Englishmen Accused of Sabotage Admits Guilt. ESPIONAGE IS CHARGED Future Relations of Two Nations to Hinge on Trial Outcome. BY EUGENE LYONS United Fress Staff Correspondent MOSCOW, April 12. William MacDonald, one of six Englishmen charged with sabotage and espionage, pleaded guilty before a Soviet revolutionary tribunal today. Eleven Russians likewise entered pleas of guilty. Five other English co-defendants pleaded not guilty. The trial then recessed at 3:30 p. m. until 6 p. m. The dramatic pleas sent a w r ave of exclamations across the courtroom. They followed the formal reading of the 81-page indictment that detailed not a wide-scale conspiracy to wreck the major power plants of the Soviet Union. The indictment also accused the Metropolitan Vickers Company, one of the largest and most highy respectable of British firms, of official connivance with an elaborate es-* pionage plot carried out by its em- | ployes which gathered military and economic information and transmitted it to England. Espionage Charged The name of C. E. Richards, director of Metropolitan Vickers in charge of Russia operations, was j listed as the official to whom the : alleged reports were forwarded. | The indictments said Richards j j was once a member of the British | secret service. Anna Kutusova, secretary in the firm’s Moscow office, said that, on her personal knowledge, the Eng-! lishmen had participated in counter | revolutionary crimes. The indictment said that W. H. ; Thornton, one of the men who ■ pleaded not guilty, had testified in his pre-trial examination: “In accordance with the suggestion of Mr. Richards, information regarding the political conditions in the interor were collected by our employes. This information was I conveyed to Monkhouse (Allen Monkhouse, the company’s Russia manager), or me. Espionage activities were conducted by Monkhouse and myself.” Diplomats Crowd Court 0 Monkhouse insisted during his examination that the information was gathered only because it was part of his legitimate duties to watch political conditions in view of the large credits advanced the Soviet by Metropolitan Vickers. Europe’s most sensational trial of a decade began in a courtroom filled with foreign diplomats and corre- ! spondents, all aware that on its out- I | come hinged the future relations of j two great powers—Great Britain and : Soviet Russia. | Vote Embargo Authority I By United Press LONDON, April 12.—The house j of lords Tuesday night, on the eve ! of the trial in of six Britj ish electrical engineers on charges 1 of espionage and sabotage, passed a bill granting the government fun authority to declare a total embargo ! on imports from the Soviet Union, j The bill becomes a law on royal approval. It already had been rushed through the house of commons. “DO comeTvTrTsays F. R. TO MAC DONALD President Makes His Invitations Even Briefer Than His Messages. By United Press LONDON, April 12—President Roosevelt’s invitations to the heads of foreign governments are even briefer than his messages to congress, it was revealed today, and are I unusually informal. | Inviting Prime Minister Ramsay | j MacDonald to Washington. Mr. j j Roosevelt concluded his brief! message. “Do come and spend the week-! end with ire. I am sure that in a j week-end we can do more for God 1 than has been done in a long time.” j Hourly Temperatures 6a. m 38 10 a. m 52 ”a, m 39 11 a. m 54 Bp. m 45 12 (noon*.. 56 9a. m 49 Ip. m 57 1

Mother Prefers Death to Blindness for Baby; Denies Opera tion to Save Life

8 11 I nited Press HASTINGS. N. Y.. April 12.—Unless physicians remove the left eye of 2-year-old Helen Vasko, she will die. The baby's mother, preferring death for her child to blindness, refuses to permit the operation, and has gone to court to enforce her “rights” as a parent. The physicians, a priest, a judge of the children's court, have argued patiently with Mrs. John Vasko and her husband, a laborer. Every plea has been in vain, first, because “these doctors are crazy;” second, because “God gave her to me—if He wants her He will take her.” Meanwhile, unconscious of the legal storm around her tousled head. Helen plays with her dolls, and knows nothing of the deadly growth in her eye that will press back to the brain and blot out her life. "See!” her parents say, "she play, she laugh, she has no pain. - '

ROOSEVELT WORKS ON PROGRAM TO PREVENT OVERPRODUCTION

HILL FOLK THRONG TO SACRIFICE TRIAL

A criminal trial is a rarity in mountainous Martin county, Kentucky. so virtually every one for miles around crowded into Inez, county seat, for the “human sacrcifice cult” murder of John Mills and eight of his asserted followers. Above is the old courthouse at Inez where the trial is held. Mrs. Rhoda Mills, right, was a principal witness and will tell of the “sacrifice” killing of Mrs. Lucinda Mills, 63. Below is a part of the overflow crowd from the courtroom being entertained by a “medicne man” ventriloquist.

Upbuilding Stanford's U. Queen of Beauty to Weigh 150 Pounds. By United Press r>ALO ALTO, Cal., April 12. Stanford university's beauty queen this year won’t be any sylph-like Diana but she’s certainly going to be healthy. She must weigh at least 150 pounds according to the edict laid down today by the rally committee, sponsors of the annual masquerade ball. "The national trend is to upbuild, and the committee is following the new theory in its queen contest,” the edict said. Thus has the heavyweight division of feminine pulchritude at last come into its own. CURRENCY INFLATION DRIVE IS STARTED Proposed Clause Is Given Senators by Thomas. By United Press WASHINGTON, April 12.—The currency inflation drive opened in the senate today when Senator Elmer Thomas <Dem., Okla.), circulated among Republican and Democratic progressives a proposed amendment to the farm relief bill which would give President Roosevelt unlimited power to cheapen the dollar. Thomas said he would force a showdown vote on inflation. RESERVE CREW THANKED Roosevelt Sends Letter to Captain of German Tanker. By United Press WASHINGTON. April 12— President Roosevelt in a letter today expressed tO|the captain, the officers and crew ’of the German tanker Phoebus the nation's gratitude for their rescue of the survivors of the ill-fated airship Akron. Farley Names Chief Inspector By United Press WASHINGTON, April 12.—Post-master-General Farley today appointed Kilroy P. Aldrich chief inspector of the postoffice department, succeeding Thomas M. Milligan.

I The problem now is out of the hands of Judge ! J. W. Smyth of the Westchester county children's court. The law is uncertain. Interference with parental control over a child, even though it is a question of life and death, is a delicate problem of jurisprudence. The only step the judge could take when the strange case came before him was to order Helen into the custody of the county welfare organization, with instructions that she was to be cared for at the Grasslands hospital. But even this order had to be suspended for the appointment of an attorney to represent the parents. The appellate division will decide the case. Physicians first noticed the malignant growth—a tumor—when she was brought to the hospital to visit her father, a charity patient, j The disease was obvious, and the operation on 1 her eye imperatively indicated.

CONVICT 3 IN CULTSLAYING Leader Given Life Term for “Sacrifice’ Death of Aged Woman. By United Press INEZ. Ky„ April 12.—John H. Mills, 36, leader of a fantastic Kentucky mountain cult who killed his mother, Mrs. Lucinda Mills, 76, as a sacrifice, today was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. Ballard Mills and Blaine McGinnis, relatives of John Mills and members of his cult, also were found guilty. They were sentenced to twenty-one years each. The remaining four defendants were acquitted. Nine persons were indicted after officers were summoned to the Mills cabin in lonely hill country near here, found John Mills choking his mother, waving a Bible and crying, “Lord have your way,” while others chanted in gibberish. Judge J. F. Bailey instructed acquittal of Fred Mills and Tom Boyd. The prosecution moved dismissal of indictments against Mrs. Alma Mills, wife of Fred. The jury acquitted Mollie McGinnis and Ora Moore. Charges f murder, conspiracy and accessory to a murder were placed against the cult members. The commonwealth asked the death penalty, but said life terms would be satisfactory. Judge Bailey instructed the defendants be acquitted if the jury found them insane. The jury deliberated twelve hours. John Mills repeatedly had screamed in his cell that “the old lady will rise free of sin,” and that “no power on earth” could judge him. FROST DAMAGE SLIGHT Vegetation in Too Early Stage of Growth, Says Armington. Although there was a heavy frost in most of Indiana on Tuesday night, little damage resulted, according to J. H. Armington, meteorologist of the local United States weather bureau, because vegetation is in too early a stage of growth. Prosecutor Finds Novel Law WENATCHEE. Wash., April 12. Prosecutor J. A. Adams found a law permitting the prosecution of bootleggers not selling properly aged intoxicants.

Enters as Serml <’las Matter at Postoffiue Indianapolis

Attack Upon Problem of Surpluses in Industry and Agriculture to Be Made by President. AGAINST PRESENT 30-HOUR BILL Executive Set to Take Action Against Gold Hoarders; Preparations Go on for World Parleys. By United Per as WASHINGTON, April 12.—President Roosevelt is considering a program for control of production to enable the country to lift itself from the present morass of “foolish overproduction,” it was learned from sources close to the White House today. This attack on the problem of surpluses in industry and agriculture was said to be preferable in the President’s mind to other proposed methods of curbing the overproduction evil. The proposal is only in the exploratory phase now, it was explained, but was aimed at the primary object of spreading production throughout a given industry instead of concentrating it in large units. Labor Secretary Perkins and Commerce Secretary Roper are studying possibilities of the proposal.

It was explained that control of industrial production would bring about a spread of employment, and prevent various factories from working twenty-four-hour dayshifts to fill contract requirements while others remained idle. At the same time is was made clear that President Roosevelt does not favor the Black thirty-hour work week bill in its present form, believing some integral changes should be made. Secretary Perkins appeared before a house labor committee later to state that she hopes the Black bill, with modifications, would be passed at this session of congress. Studies Three Plans Roughy it was said that the administration favored the following three proposals in regard to employment regulation: 1. Spreading employment among a larger number of people. 2. Preventing any one individual from working too many hours. 3. Determination as to whether the government should try to spread work and prevent concentration in one or two units of a given industry. Mr. Roosevelt, it was learned today. will be ready in plenty of time to deal with those persons who do not heed his executive order to return their hoarded gold to the treasury in exchange for currency. With May 1 as the deadline, it was said that his plans for coping with the situation in detail would be ready long before that time. Prepares for Economic Parley Mr. Roosevelt is prepared to sit around the fireplace with both Prime Minister MacDonald and Former Premier Herriot of France, discussing world problems, if they are here at the same time, the White House said. The state department has invited every country having a diplomatic mission in Washington to exchange views with the United States on problems to arise at the world economic conference. The invitation was through a “third person note,” as the state department called it. Accompanying this note was a personal note from Secretary Hull, explaining that because of lack of time it was impossible to invite more than eleven countries, to whom invitations already have been issued, to send personal representatives to talk with President Roosevelt. Raps at Tariff Barriers The other countries will be expected to converse with the state department through their regular envoys here. Mr. Roosevelt in an address at the Pan-American Union today called for the immediate breaking down of “unnecessary and artificial barriers and restrictions, which now hamper the healthy flow of trade between the peoples of the American republics.” He explained that it was fitally important that every nation of the western hemisphere, individually, take such action without further delay. The President’s address was made before the special session of the governing board of the union on the occasion of the celebration of PanAmerican day. Major General Johnson Hagood, who recently startled his military colleagues by advocating drastic economies in the army, today presented a $50,000,000 plan of savings to the house military affairs committee. Wants War Reorganization He freely predicted the collapse of the war department at the outbreak of the next hostilities. “Not even an archangel,” Hagood said, “could run the present complicated system of United States’ land defense." His plan contemplates construction of “ a navy equal at least to the best navy in the world.” In addition, he said, harbor defense should be restored to pre-war standards: the national guard advanced to the first line of defense; the regular army used to instruct the civilian companies. The key to national defense, he added, was the R. O. T. C. Reorganization plans for the department of commerce, designed to cut the department's yearly expenditures from $45,000,000 to $26,000,000,

HOME EDITION PRICE TWO CENTS Outside Marion County. 3 Cents

have been placed in the hands of the President, Commerce Secretary Roper said today. Chairman Doughton of the ways and means committee advised the house that he intends to report favorably a bill for repeal of the $40,000,000 federal check tax. With less than thirty minutes’ consideration by a senate agricultural and forestry committee, the Muscle Shoals-Tennessee valley project measure today was reported favorably to the senate by unanimous vote of the committee. GIANT MACON READY FOR MAIDEN FLIGHT Akron's Sister Ship to Take Off at 5 A. M. Thursday. By L'nited Press AKRON, 0., April 12.—The U. S. S. Macon, sister ship of the illfated Akron, will soar into the eir tt 5 a. m. Thursday on her maiden flight., Commander A. H. Dresel announced today. Airport officials believed the field, soggy from rain, would be drained sufficiently by dawn Thursday to bear the weight of the 170-ton movable mooring mast. Only adverse weather conditions can delay the scheduled trial flight, Commander Dresel said. 8.05 CENTS A MIL.IT AVERAGE TRUCK COST r lowa Operation Expenses Are Set After Comprehensive Study. By 1 ii itrd Press AMES, la., April 12.—The average cost for operating a motor truck in lowa is 8.5 cents a mile, according to experiments completed here by Robley Winfrey, an engineering research worker with lowa State college. Costs vary from about 6 cents a mile for a half-ton truck to nearly 26 cents a mile for trucks of fiveton capacity, Winfrey said. These costs do not include expenses and salary for the driver, but do include all charges for gasolinp, oil. tires, maintenance, depreciation, insurance, garage rental and interest, he said. The 71.370 trucks in operation in lowa in 1932 cost their operators a total of $45,880,000, Winfrey estimated. Farm-owned trucks were used about half as much as those commercially owned, he found. M'NUTT PLANS READY Governor to Confer With Departments Heads on Reorganization. State department heads will confer with Governor Paul V. McNutt Thursday or Friday regarding final reorganization plans, it was announced at the chief executive's office today. The Governor plans on having all assignments made by May 1. SOCIETY FEELS SLUMP Depression Makes Inroads in Mayflower Descendants Ranks. By Lnited Press BOSTON, April 12.—The depression has laid a heavy hand on the Massachusetts Society of Mayflower Descendants. The present membership is 1,474, a net loss of 181 for the past year and a net loss of 242 for the last two years. REPORT SCARES~CAMPUS Students Walk Gingerly After Captive Snake Is Feared Loose. By l nited Press NEW ORLEANS, April 12 —Students of Tulane University and Newcomb college walked with cautious steps across their respective campuses following reports that a spreading adder had escaped from the Tulane Zoological Laboratory and was “loitering” in the neighborhood. Newspaper Editor 56 Years By L nited Press YATES CENTER. Kan., April 12. —C. Borin, editor of the Woodson County Journal, recently celebrated his fifty-sixth year as a newspaper editor and publisher. Borin entered the newspaper field at Red Cloud, Neb., in 1877.