Indianapolis Times, Volume 45, Number 108, Indianapolis, Marion County, 14 September 1933 — Page 1

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FEAR OF U. S. INTERVENTION IN CUBA RISES Sinister Forces Working Toward Entanglement of Washington. DISTRESS ON INCREASE Havana Government Faced With Empty Treasury; Masses in Want. BY WILLIAM PHILIP SIMMS Heripoi Hir<l Forriin Editor WASHINGTON. Sept. 14—Anxiety in Washington is increasing with each passing hour that the Cuban imbroglio continues without a definite solution. Involved to their very eyebrows in the situation. Uncle Sam's officials here are well aware that the ultimate outcome is almost entirely out of their hands. Despite a .videspread desire amounting to a passion in this country not to intervene, and despite equally strong determination on the part of -he present Cuban regime to prevent it, sinister forces appear to be at work in the island pushing in that direction. Full Support Lacking One cau.se of uneasiness here is that the new regime of President Grau San Martin still apparently { lack?? island-wide support—that , there still are a number of important holdouts among the island's political leaders and factions. The entire national life is practically at a standstill. The economic j position, both of the government and the people, is growing worse daily, | and must continue to do so until the crisis is over. The government's income has shrunk to a mere trickle, owing to inability to collect taxes *nd other revenue. Even the formerly well-paid army —about the only class in the island receiving regular wages—soon may see payless paydays. Distress among the masses is growing, according to reports and nunger for many is already at hand. Unrest May Bring Strife All this makes for increasing unrest. which easily may turn to violence unless remedied. In the midst of all this are some 4.000 American citizens, and a billion and a quarter in investments. With treaty commitments calling on the United States to protect both foreign and Cuban lives and property in case the Cubans themselves fail to do so. Washington is well aware that It will be damned if it does and damned if it doesn’t. Americans Protected BY LAWENCE S. HAAS Vnttrd Frr Staff Correspondent ICoorrUht. 1953. bv United Press• HAVANA. Sept. 14. Colonel Fulgcncio Batista, army chief of staff, sent strict orders to all provincial troops today to safeguard 1.200 Americans scattered throughout the island, 750 in zones affected by strikes. President Ramon Grau San Martin and his cabinet, trjing desperately to restore normal conditions and avert anv necessity for American intervention, met until 1:45 a. m. today They considered immediate application of land reforms, planning to distribute uncultivated national lands among the hungry peasants, particularly in Oriente piovince. Americans Are Alarmed Oriente is a danger spot. A race war there caused the last landing of marines in 1912. It was suppressed quickly by Cuban troops. American residents of Cardenas, in Matanzas state, have expressed concern lest the present turbulent conditions lead to race trouble. Land reforms would go a long way toward pacifying the workers in the interior, where strikes led first to the fall of Gerardo Machado and now cause worry for Americans and other foreigners in the interior. Workers all over the island have taken advantage of conditions to continue strikes, in hope of obtaining better pay. American interests assert they are unable to pay more wages, particularly to sugar workers in the areas which are most dangerous. Cabinet Will Act The cabinet planned, probably today, to take one step toward restoring normalcy—to promulgate a set of carefully worked out provisional statutes, giving it broad powers. These would be the organic law until the present transitional government was changed into a constitutional one. Technically there is no constitution at present. President Carlos Manuel de Cespedes. deposed Sept. 5. canceled the Machadista 1928 constitution, and the present government canceled the 1901 constitution. to which Cespedes had reverted. Times Index • Page. Book-a-Day 13 Bridge 16 Broun Column 10 Classified 14 Comics 15 Crossword Puzzle 11 Curious World 11 Dietz on Science 13 Editorial 10 Financial 11 Fishing 13 Hickman Theater Reviews 5 Hitler Rules Germany—A Senes 9 Obituaries 5 Radio 13 Serial Story 15 Sports t 12. 13 Talburt Cartoon 10 Vital Statistics 11 Woman s Page 6,

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VOLUME 45—NUMBER 108

Action for Tax Strike Is Taken by Civic Group; Pledge Canvass Planned

Autoists! Vote! Today marks anew era for the motoring and walking public of the city. The Times is giving the walkers an opportunity to express their opinions on the great question of the day—whether downtown traffic will be controlled with or without semaphores. The first ballot in The Times vote appears in this edition on Page Two. The Times asks that you. whether motorist or pedestrian. signify your wishes and mail the ballot to the Signal Tower of The Times. Be sure that your name and address are on the ballot, or it won't count among the scores that will be received. The safety board and the police department claim that traffic control without semaphores is the proper method. Some of the cops who stand against the barrage of traffic agree with this, w-hile others feel that the old semaphore wav is the best. Now, it’s up to you. Cast your vote and mail it to The Times Signal Tower.

FIGHTS RETURN IN KIDNAP CASE City Man Refuses to Waive Extradition From Missouri. By United Press UNION, Mo., Sept. 14.—Garfield Kelly, Indianapolis, today refused to waive extradition when Terre Haute authorities arrived here to return him and his companion, Elmer Davis, to Terre Haute to answer a charge of abducting Miss Evelyn Hyslop and her companion, Frank Whalen, last Friday. Kellys companion said that he was willing to waive extradition and return to Terre Haute immediately. Kelly and Davis confessed thar. they had abducted Miss Hyslop and Whalen near a dance hall in Terre Haute early Friday morning. They said that they drove to Brazil, Ind.. where they left Whalen tied to a post and then continued to East St. Louis, where they freed Miss Hyslop. Davis and Kelly were arrested near Sullivan. Mo., Saturday night when a St. Louis man whom they had forced to help them to escape, eluded them and called police. MERCURY AGAIN IS AT NORMAL NOTCH Rain Is Likely Tonight: Clear Friday. With fall in the offing, prospects of more hot weather appeared to have passed today, and today found the mercury on the toboggan. A temperature of 72 prevailed at 9, but by noon, the mercury had dropped to 64, and there were indications that tonight it might fall as low as 55. Probable showers tonight, but clearing for Friday, was the forecast by J. H. Armington, senior meteorologist. Ram was general through Indiana during the night, Armington reporting that showers had been reported from every station save one, Vincennes. Heaviest fall was reported at Angola. where 88 inch of rain fell. Cambridge City reported 81 inch. Indianapolis had .34 inch. ■HUMAN ROBOT 7 IS DEAD Hammond Man Could Stand Hours With Expressionless Face. Ry United Press HAMMOND. Ind.. Sept. 14—John Walter Kelly. 43, known as the human robot, died at his home here yesterday. He was able to stand for hours without changing his facial expression or winking an eye. He appeared in stores and theaters hundreds of times, imitating a robot by walking along with mechanical motions.

Loophole Found in Law for Indiana Liquor Sale

BY DANIEL M. KIDNEY Timrs Staff Writer Liquor can be sold for beverage purposes in Indiana as soon as authorized by the United States government after repeal is completed, without modification of the present beer control law. it was learned today. No special legislative session will be necessary to make beverage liquor sales possible, certain administration officials, who have been studying the law, now believe. Under its present wording, the state excise director can make such sales possible at retail establishments through a $25 license fee payment and collection cf an excise tax at 25 cents a pint. , These fees were set as levies on medicinal liquor and may not be satisfactory if the administration is pressed for money. In such case a special legislative session might be called to increase them.

The Indianapolis Times

Wayne Township League to Lead Move to Pay Only $1.50. First definite steps toward a tax strike, in which a maximum rate of $1.50 will be demanded, were being taken today in Wayne township, following a meeting of the Wayne Township Civic League Wednesday night. Approximately seventy-five persons, present at the meeting, pledged to pay only the $1.50 levy set by law, and appointed a committee to enlist others in the cause. Under the direction of Charles Bordentecker, 3825 West Washington street, a committee will begin at once a house-to-house canvass to obtain signatures on pledge cards supplied by the Indianapolis Real Estate Board. Churches to Be Visited Churches in the township also wiil be visited by committee members Sunday in an effort to obtain additional pledges to the strike movement. Agitation for the tax strike has been advanced by the board since it began its drive for reduced taxes several weeks ago, when 1934 budgets were being considered by city, school and county officials. If the strike materializes to the extent predicted by the board, tax revenue will be slashed in half, government officials predict, providing funds lor only six months’ operaI tion. on the present basis, or dras- | tically curtailed functions during | the entire year. Cards to Be Presented Pledge cards obtained in Wayne township and other localities where sporadic campaigns have been instituted by individuals will be presented to the Marion county tax adjustment board when it convenes (Turn to Page Four) HIRAM JOHNSON ASKED TO TURN DEMOCRAT California Party Leaders Want Him as Their Senate Candidate, By United Press SACRAMENTO. Cal., Sept. 14. Senator Hiram Johnson has been invited to bolt the Republican party and run for re-election as the ! Democratic senatorial candidate in California next year. The invitation was extended by a prominent northern California Democrat who acted with * full knowledge of other Democratic leaders, including Senator William Gibbs McAdoo, the United Press learned on indisputable authority today. Johnson promptly acknowledged ; the letter, but declined to commit himself. APPEAL THREAT MADE IN SHIPPING RATE CASE Rehearing Sought in Board Ruling Affecting Chicago Area. Appeal to the federal courts will be taken if the interstate commerce commission refuses a rehearing in the Chicago district switch- j ing case, it was declared today by Herbert J. Patrick, deputy attorneygeneral. and O. R. Livinghouse, chief of the state public service commission tariff division. Rates fixed by the interstate commerce commission, it has been estimated, would add $4,000,000 a year to freight costs of several Indiana and Illinois shippers, in comparison with a rate fixed by public service commissions of the two states. The district involved is composed of 600 square miles of territory around Chicago, taking in the large steel and other industries in Indiana's Calumet section. SPLIT UP TAX SHARE Board Recommends Apportionment , of State's 15-Cent Fund. The state tax board today recommended to the state board of finance, which consists of the Gov- ; ernor, the state auditor, and the 1 state treasurer, the manner in which the state shall apportion its 15-cent share of the $1.50 tax law. The board recommended 2.4 cents for the teachers' retirement fund; ! 4.65 cents for the general fund; 7; cents for state tuition fund; 4 mills for the World War Memorial commission; 2 mills for forestry, and 34 mills for the board of agricul- ‘ ture.

Cloudy and cooler with probably showers tonight, becoming fair Friday.

Governor Paul V. McNutt continuously has opposed calling the legislature until the regular session of 1935. He argues that it is an expense that should be avoided, if possible. Critics of the state administration point out that numerous disgruntled legislators, disappointed in not procuring the plums expected when they let the Governor dictate their votes at the 1933 session, might cause the administration great embarrassment if a special session is called. So. administration advisers have found another loophole in the beer law which will permit liquor sales, should they be authorized by the federal government the beginning of 193. as now appears. It leaves the matter in the hands of Paul Fry, state excise director, who, with less sanction as far as (Turn to Page Four)

INDIANAPOLIS, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1933

DEFUNCT BANK CHIEFS FACE $261,000 SUITS Permission to File Action Is Given by Judge Kern in Belmont State Case. CHARGE LAW VIOLATION I Cashier, President and Directors Are Targets in Complaints. Superior Judge John W. Kern to- : day ordered Frank B. Ross, receiver of the defunct Belmont State bank, to file suits to recover $261,000 with which to pay depositors. Permission for the suits was granted following the filing of a petition by Edward Fillion, Ross’ i attorney, charging George C. Forrey Jr., president; William J. Clark, i cashier, and five other directors with j “misfeasance, malfeasance and non- | feasance.” Shortly before noon. Fillion filed a SIO,OOO suit in superior court four against Clark and the American Surety Company of New York, and a SI,OOO suit in superior court five against Forrey and the surety company, to collect on the officials’ indemnity bonds. A suit for $250,000 against the directors will be filed shortly, Fillion [ said, since the complaint now is being prepared from information secured by auditors. Suit to Hit Directors The court order instructed Ross to institute proceedings against Louis P. Robinson, Ralph K. Smith. Charles R. Keogh, Theodore Stempfel and Elmer W. Stout, who with Forrey and Clark formed the board of directors. Charges against Forrey and Clark are contained in thirteen separate points, with an additional paragraph alleging that Clark arranged a personal loan through a third party “for the alleged purpose of cheating and defrauding the bank and evading the state banking laws.” According to the complaint, Clark, unable to obtain a loan as an official of the bank, obtained the signature of Fred Goepper Jr., on a note for SSOO, and made the loan on June 30, 1926. On April 1, 1927, Goepper refused to sign a renewal note, the complaint says. Charge Loss Incurred Clark is charged with then obtaining the signature of Homer W. Sears, which is alleged to have resulted in a loss of $430 to the bank. The complaint alleges Clark paid all the interest on the notes when due and repaid S7O of the principal. Both Forrey and Clark are charged with having parts in an alleged transaction which took place between June 30 and July 1, 1931, involving $25,000, in an alleged attempt to “bolster the financial statement of the bank at the close of business June 30, and deceive depositors. The transaction, it is charged, was arranged between the Belmont bank, the Madison Avenue State bank and the Fletcher American National bank, whose directorate also included directors in the Belmont bank. Securities Bought, Sold According to the complaint, the Madison bank deposited $25,000 j with the Belmont bank, where the j sum was carried as a demand de- | posit. On June 30, the day of the | deposit, the Belmont bank is said ; to have used the money to purchase j securities held as collateral by the j Fletcher American in the amount ! of $24,983.33. The next day, July 1, the Belmont bank again sold the securities to the Fletcher bank and returned the $25,000 to the Madison avenue institution, it is charged. Another charge against the for- i mer president and cashier recounts : business dealings with the J. C. | Scanlan company, whose president, James C. Scanlan. now is serving a term in Indiana state prison for discounting fictitious automobile sales contracts. Loans Past Limit, Claim Loans totaling $40,000 were made to the company, whe nthe legal ; limit to one individual by state j banking law would have been only ! $6,000; the suit charges. The Scanlan Company also was permitted to ovedraw its account to as much as $16,418.11, on Aug. 6. 1931. it is alleged. The former bank officials also are charged with failure to use “diligence in ascertaining true value of notes,” totaling $5,320 and given for automobile purchases on Oct. 13, 1932, and discounted with the bank. The notes are valueless, the suits allege. Other allegations are that Clark obtained a $2,250 second mortgage on real estate he owned and mortgaged for $6,250. when the actual value of the property was insufficient to warrant the second mortgage. Forrey. who also was president of the defunct Fletcher American Company, is charged together with Clark with loaning money to the security company, although knowing it was insolvent. The complaints allege the Belmont bank officials were “completely under the domination and dictation of the Fletcher American company.” Hourly Temperatures 6 a. m 72 10 a. m 69 7a. m 71 11 a. m 67 8 a. m 71 12 (noon).. 64 1 9a. m,.... 72 Ip. m 64

GOVERNMENT TO HOLD ELECTION IN FACTORIES OF CITY TO LEARN WORKERS’ SENTIMENT ON UNIONS

Poison Dropped in Milk on Doorstep; Family Is Periled Without Warning

W Mel ■ # ■! Pf Mrs. Frances Okey

SENATORS CALL FOR INFLATION Congress Will Take Action If President Does Not, Harrison Warns. By United Press WASHINGTON, Sept. 14.—The inflation storm broke today like a thunderclap on Capitol Hill with Chairman Duncan Fletcher of the senate banking and currency committee and Chairman Pat Harrison of the senate finance committee demanding immediate administration action to raise commodity prices. “If the administration does not act before congress meets," Harrison said, “congress will compel adoption of an inflationary policy and not leave it to the discretion of the administration, as was the case with the Thomas inflation amendment. “I have spoken my sentiments to those higher up.” SUES OVER INJURIES IN BOTTLE EXPLOSION Blatz Cos. Defendant in SIO,OOO Complaint. Explosion of a bottle of ginger ale supplied b ythe Blatz Brewing Company and sold to a guest at the Lockerbie Hotel, caused injury to the guest’s left eye, it was related in a SIO,OOO damage suit filed today in superior court one. Pierce Calton Jr., the plaintiff, named the brewing company and the hotel as defendants in the suit, charging they did not exercise diligence and were negligent in providing him with a bottle containing an excess of carbonic gas. The accident occurred June 10 1933. when particles of the broken bottle gashed Calton's left eyelid

Like Nickel Beer? Here’s Why You Don’t Get It Can Indianapolis have big 5-cent steins of beer, like “ye olde days?” It can! Who gets the major profit out of each stein of beer sold over city counters? Did you know that the city’s beer importers earn as much money for themselves as they collect in taxes for the state of Indiana? And what about chiseling? Are you getting a twelve-ounce stein of beer for your dime? Are you sure that you're getting the beer you ask for? These questions will be answered by The Indianapolis Times in a series of three articles or, another foam that bubbles on your brew —the foam of money making. The series will begin Friday in The Times. It will show that if the margin of profit is scaled down from brewer to retailer that ten to twelve-ounce steins of beer for a “jitney” could be a reality today, even with an importer to take his cut. It will show how'the survival of the fittest gradually will weed out poor brews, as well as poor business locations, so that in the end the city—which finds itself now in a battle among dealers attempting to push certain beer brands —will have certain standard brews on tap and each retailer will push one or two beers, to the exclusion of a large number of brands. Read it in The Times Friday, Saturday, and Monday.

Second Mysterious Death Attempt Is Puzzle to Police. The second mysterious milk poisoning within a month today baffled Indanapolis police. No clew could be found to the perpetrator of the newest poisoning attempt. City chemists, analyzing contents of a bottle of milk found on the doorstep of Mrs. Frances Okey, 1206 Olive street, asserted the milk was “loaded with poison.” Wood alcohol and a quantity of strychnine had been placed in the fluid, police declared, after a conference with chemists. John L. Okey. husband of Mrs. Okey, reported Wednesday to police that he awoke Tuesday night when he heard someone ripping at the screen door in front of the house. He shouted and said the prowler fled. Dog Feud Considered The Okeys keep three dogs, and police were working on a theory that some person antagonistic toward dogs had tampered with the milk. This morning Mrs. Okey went to her door for the milk and noticed first that the cap appeared to have been tampered w r ith. ‘When I pulled off the cap,” she said, ‘I found the milk a dozen different colors. It locked just like a rainbow. I called police and they took the milk away.” Knows of No Enemies Mrs. Okey denied she knew of any enemies who might have poisoned the milk. She said that she had been placed under arrest once on a charge of nuisance created by her dogs. She said some neighbor apparently was responsible, but that the charge was dropped. A month ago wood alcohol was found in a bottle of milk left at the home of a north side family, endangering the life of a baby boy. .St. Louis Man Sought Here Indianapolis police today received a communication from police at East St. Louis, asking that a search be made for a George M. Hill, whose daughter, Nozella Hill, died in East St. Louis Wednesday. Police were unable to find any trace of a George M. Hill in Indianapolis.

Entered as Second-Class Matter at Postoffice, Indianapolis

J. W. Dewey, National Labor Representative, Here for NRA Board, Says Employers Must Stop Subterfuge. SEVERAL PLANTS TO BE AFFECTED Recovery Official Declares Too Many Men Have Been Fired for Exercising Collective Bargaining Right. BY BASIL GALLAGHER Times Staff Writer An election among employes of Indianapolis factories and mills, in which labor trouble has developed as a result of the NRA program, will be held to determine the true stand of the workers on collective bargaining and other labor questions. The drastic government action was announced exclusively to The Times today by J. W. Dewey of W ashington, national labor representative of the NRA. In addition to the collective bargaining phase of the

election, the matter of company unions in a number of Indianapolis factories also will engage the attention of Dewey during his stay here. Fighting off a severe attack of bronchitis, contracted when he arrived in Indianapolis Monday, Dewey revealed the purpose of his visit from a sickbed at the Claypool. A heavyset man with graying hair, who has spent twenty-five years working on labor questions for the federal government, Dewey deplored the illness that has kept him confined to his bed. Several Factories Affected “There are about half a dozen mills and factories in Indianapolis in which government officials will be forced to hold election* to determine the employes’ rights to collective bargaining,” Dewey said, “and to determine truly whether they wish to stay under company unions or organize with outside labor groups. “The practice of firing men who have been appointed members of employe committees to bargain with bosses on ‘trumped up’ charges must be abolished if the NRA program is to succeed. “Too many people have been fired for alleged inefficiency when, as a matter of fact all they had done was to be on committees seeking a chance for collective bargaining with managers of their industry. Warning to Employers “The employers must toe the mark and stop all subterfuges. “In any case, in Indiana where I find that the employes have a representative committee and the owners of the industry won’t allow it to exist, I’m going to call for an election in that plant. “The election will be held under auspices of government officials in the plant and the employes will vote freely on the issue. Ballots and all other election apparatus will be furnished by Washington.” Dewey kept an anxious eye on the weather today, hoping that despite his illness, he might be able to fly to Evansville, where he has heard of existence of serious infringements on the rights of labor under the NRA. He declared that he was not

Roosevelt Edict to-Assure Bargaining Rights to Labor

BY THOMAS L. STOKES, Time* Special Writer WASHINGTON, Sept. 14.—President Roosevelt plans to countersign and seal labor's rights to organize and bargain coliectively with representatives of its own choqsing, without qualification, in an important declaration of policy to be issued from the White House, probably today. The statement, drafted ai a joint session of the NRA labor and industrial advisory boards after long controcersy, will be the final word on the disputed Section 7-A of the national recovery act and is designed to allay the unrest of both labor and industry.

The President has chosen to issue | the statement himself, to give it an j air of finality and as a means of bringing his powerful influence to ! bear to check the threat of increas- ; ing strikes. Controversy over 7-A, still rampant after numerous interpretations, has been a deterring influence in formulation of codes. The statement gives industry some “language,” but no concessions, other than pointing out that ; operation of the act must by nature be of a flexible character. Because of the outstanding charj acter of members of the industrial board who signed the statement, it ! is hoped it will serve to let industry know that nothing further can be gained by kicking at labor’s rights under the recovery act. These men are saying to their colleagues in the industrial world that the issue is settled. They include such figures as Gerard Swope of General Electric, Walter C. of Standard Oil of New Jersey, and Louis Kirstein, Boston department store executive. Issuance of the declaration will bring to an end a controversy that was stirred up when General Hugh S. Johnson, in what he admitted was an "unguarded moment,” permitted the automobile industry to qualify its code to specify that hiring and firing would be on the basis of merit. Labor feared this would open the

HOME EDITION PRICE TWO CENTS Outside Marion County, 3 Cents

qualified to state how serious the situation is in Evansville until he has a chance to investigate personally. Dewey will return to Indianapolis after a few days in Evansville to prepare for the elections, which he declares will be held in a few weeks, unless the alleged violations are corrected to satisfy NRA officials. Board to Be Named A complete new setup for handling NRA complaints was ordered today by General Hugh H. Johnson in a blanket order to all NRA offices in the country. According to General Johnson's dispatch, Louis J. Borinstein, Chamber of Commerce president and local NRA leader, will meet immediately with his executive committee and name a representative of the chamber, a representative of the Retail Merchants Association, the Manufacturers Association, Federation of Women’s Clubs, Indianapolis Bar Association and a representative of organized labor as a board to name a permanent complaints committee. Chairmen to Be Independent The board will name six persons as a permanent complaints committee, consisting of two employes, one each from industry and the wholesale and retail trades; two employers, one from industry and one from the wholesale and retail trades; one consumer, preferably a woman, according to Johnson’s instructions, and one lawyer, selected by the bar association. The permanent committee will select a chairman, Johnson instructed, who will be “politically, financially and otherwise’’ independent to act as a disinterested leader, so that all reflection will be cast aside. The board, Johnson decreed, will consider all complaints against holders of the blue eagle. Should the committee be unable to find that the charges have a basis of fact, the committee will be empowered to order immediate rectification by the employer. Should no action then be taken, Johnson ordered that recommendation be made immediately to Washington for removal of the blue eagle. The order halts activities of the mediation board, which was scheduled to meet Friday.

way to discharge workers active in organizing unions. How much of a blunder the concessions turned out was demonstrated in an avalanche of demands from other industries that they be permitted the same qualification. A chaotic situation resulted. General Johnson finally had to step in and ruli that no other such qualifications would be allowed. But industry still fought. Its champion here, the industrial advisory board, sought to maintain this advantage. The showdown came in the joint meeting with the labor board. Labor won.

One-Time Want Ad Rents 3 Apartments Mrs. A. Crow of 312 St. Clair street, placed an ad in The Times for one day and rented three unfurnished apartments. The ad cost only 42 cents. We constantly are telling rental advertisers about the splendid results produced by Times Want Ads at little cost. This is just another example. For results at the lowest rates in the city, use TIMES WANT ADS