Indianapolis Times, Volume 45, Number 202, Indianapolis, Marion County, 2 January 1934 — Page 1

LIGHT CO. MERGER RECORDS MISSING, PROBERS DISCOVER Gone From Public Service Commission Books, Investigators for Times Told by Government Aids. ‘BACKGROUND’ OF FIRM IS STUDIED Entrance of Insull Machine Into Indianapolis Recalled; Appraisal Lists Also Said to Be ‘Lost.’ BY BASIL GALLAGHER Times Staff Writer Missing from the files of the public service commission are the reports of proceedings of the merger of the Indianapolis Light and Heat Company and the Merchants Heat and Light Company, authorized by the commission Jan. 10, 1927, The Indianapolis Times learned today. Asa matter of law, these reports must be available. The law specifically states that all documents relating to mergers, et cetera, should be on file at the public service commission offices in the statehouse and available for public perusal at all times. The present public service commission, appointed by Governor Paul V. McNutt when he office last year, can not be blamed for the absence of the documents, for the present com mi--ion merely inherited conditions existing under former public service commissions, it is pointed out.

The present public service commission, headed by Perry L. McCart and composed of Samuel L. Trabue and Moie Cook, has prosecuted vigorously all abuses of public utility trust since taking office. Sherman Minton, public counselor before the commission, not only brought the present action against the Indianapolis Power and Light Company to show cause why electric rates in Indianapolis should not be reduced, but also brought a similar action against the Public Service Company of Indiana. This action now is under consideration for the writing of a final order by the commission. Investigation by The Times over a period of eight months discloses that these important records of the merger proceedings, involving millions of dollars worth or property, are missing. Told Records Are Missing Investigators for The Times have checked the files of the public service commission and made requests for the merger reports of Jan. 10, 1927, many times, only to be told that the records are missing. Also missing from the files of the public service commission are seven of eight appraisals made by five appraisal engineers of the properties of the Indianapolis Light and Heat Company and the Merchants Heat and Light Company referred to in the order of Jan. 10, 1927. Under the public service commission act <the Shivley-Spencer utility act of 1933) Section 32 states: ‘•All facts and information in the possession of the commission shall be public and all reports, records, files, books, accounts, papers and memoranda of every nature whatsoever in their posession shall be open to inspection by the public at all times except as provided in Section 33.” Section Is Quoted Section 33 of the same act states: “Whenever the commission shall determine it to be necessary in the interests of the public to withhold from the public any facts or information in its possession, such facts may be withheld for such period after the acquisition thereof, not exceeding ninety days, as the commission may determine." Section 34 of the act states: "No facts or information shall be withheld by the commission from the public for a period longer than ninety days, nor be so withheld for any reason whatsoever other than the Interest of the public." When a representative of The Times requested the eight appraisals made by experts for the Indianapolis Power and Light Company. employes of the state insti(Turn to Page Fourteen) STRAUS DENIES STORY HE'LL QUIT PARIS POST Ambassador, in Washington, Confers at State Department. By United Pr, ,s WASHINGTON. Jan. 2. Jesse Isdor Straus. American ambassador to France, today flatly denied published reports that he anticipated resigning his post. Mr. Straus said he had not resigned and had no intention of doing so. He conferred for nearly an hour with Undersecretary of State Philips and then went into conference with Assistant Secretary of State Carr. Times Index Page Bridge 9 Broun 3 Classified 12 Comics 13 Crossword Puzzle 9 Curious World 13 Editorial 4 Financial 11 Hickman—Theaters 7 Hunting 7 Lippmann 11 Pegler • Radio 6 Sport* jo State News 7 Unknown Blond 13 Woman’s Pages 8, 9 Your Health.. 6

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VOLUME 45—NUMBER 202

$500,000 LOSS INELWOOD FIRE Three-Story Department Store Is Destroyed by Flames. By United Press ELWOOD. Ind., Jan. 2.—A threestory department store, occupying a quarter of a block in the Elwood business section, was destroyed by fire today at a loss of at least $500,003. Fire departments from Elwood. Tipton and Alexandria brought the blaze under control shortly before noon. Several adjoining buildings, including the Citizens bank, caught fire and windows in other nearby establishments were broken by the intense heat. The department store was owned and operated by the R. L. Leeson Company. Walls of the building were pullpd down by firemen after he interior had been consumed. Adjoining buildings most seriously damaged were the Citizens bank and the Masonic hall. The bank was bacily burned. The flames also spread to a grocery store, a hotel and drug store in the same block. Elwood firemen found themselves unable to cope with the blaze and summoned aid. King Leeson, president of the department store, said that the $500,000 estimate of damage was conservative. BURGLARS TAKE LIQUOR: FAIL AT OPENING SAFE North Side Drug Store Entered by Breaking Door. An undetermined amount of liquor was stolen last night from the Haag drug store at 2202 North Meridian street by burglars who broke in through the front door and vainly attempted to break open a safe. Samuel Murr. 636 Harland drive, manager of the store, discovered the burglary when he came to work early today. The combination had been knocked off the safe, but the yeggmen were unable to pry it open. Police found some burglars tools in the store. THREAT OF HARD COAL STRIKE IS CHECKED Government Aids in Delaying Walkout of 50,000 Miners. By l nited Press WILKES BARRE, Pa.. Jan. 2. Threat of a general strike in the hard coal fields subsided today when the United Anthracite miners of Pennsylvania met here in special convention. Pressure of civic and business organizations and the federal government at least temporarily averted an industrial war that would have affected 50.000 or more miners. Thomas Maloney, president of the union, said that it was not likelv the convention would consider a strike call. OKLAHOMA CITY FACES OIL WELL FIRE THREAT Gusher Explodes. Injuring One and Starting Roaring Blaze. By United Print OKLAHOMA CITY. Jan. 2, Frank Russell Petroleum Company's No. 1 Reno oil well endangered east Oklahoma City today with a roaring fire after an explosion that sent one man to a hospital. FAMED NOVELIST DEAD Jacob Wassermann. Exiled by Nazis. Passes at Vienna. By r nit at Print VIENNA. Jan. 2.—Jacob Wassermann, 60 .famous German novelist. died yesterday at his country estate, an exile from Nazi Germany.

The Indianapolis Times Cloudy with probably occasional rain or snow tonight and tomorrow; slightly warmer tonight, with lowest temperature near freezing.

Congress, Opening Tomorrow, to Speed Action on Liquor Tax, Tariff Treaties; Roosevelt May Appear for Address

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John N. Garner

Senate Leaders Anxious to Close Session by May 1. By l n'.t/ii Pr< s* WASHINGTON. Jan. 2.—A legislative program stressing early action on liquor taxes and reciprocal tariff treaties to stimulate foreign trade was decided upon by senate Democratic leaders today in preparation for the opening of congress tomorrow. Activity speeded up after the holiday lull on both sides of the Capitol. The beginning of the first regular session of the seventy-third congress was given added interest and color with indications that President Roosevelt would come to the capitol tomorrow to deliver his message in person. Senate Majority Leader Joseph T. Robinson and ten other members of the senate policy committee discussed policy and legislation at a lengthy morning conference. Liquor Revenue First The group, after canvassing the legislative outlook, decided to shape congressional affairs in such a way that they could aim for adjournment by May 1. Speaker of the House Henry T. Rainey agreed with Robinson that the liquor revenue bill would be the first business. “As soon as the house disposes of the liquor revenue bill,” Senator Robinson said, “its enactment will be facilitated through the finance committee and the senate, in order that the government may have the benefit of the additional revenue which it will provide.” The importance which the administration is placing on stimulation of foreign trade was indicated by Senator Robinson's indication that the senate was ready to give the President power, with certain limitations, to conclude these treaties without senate ratification.

Increase President’s Powers “There was some discussion of the proposal which may be advanced giving the President power to enter into reciprocal tariff agreements with foreign countries,” Senator Robinson said. “It is not yet known what suggestions or recommendations will be made by the President, but inasmuch policy of entering into reciprocal trade arrangements will require a large number of agreements, it seems probable that this power will be granted with such limitations as may be found necessary and acceptable.” Mr. Robinson said that conferring of this right upon the President would not be a surrender of the senate's treaty making perogative since the senate would define any limitations which it felt should be imposed upon such a concession to the executive branch of the government. The budget also was discussed by the committee but with no conclusions. Director of the budget Lewis Douglas was a visitor at the Capitol, discussing with various leaders the federal financial estimates which are expected to be laid before congress. HEART ATTACK FATAL TO RADIO LISTENER Prison Farm Guard Dies During Football Broadcast. By United Pri ss LONDON. 0., Jan. 2.—A heart attack suffered while he was listening over the radio to an exciting moment in the Columbia-Stanford Rose Bowl football game New Year's evening caused the death of William Edward King. 61. a guard at the London prison farm. While listening, to the radio broadcast of the game from Pasadna. Cal., King turned to a companion, saying. “I'm leaving you now.” he died before medical aid could be summoned. THIEVES ROB CITY CAFE Utensils and Equipment Valued at $75 Reported Gone. Thieves who bioke into a restaurant at 1250 West New York street last night through a rear door ransacked the place of utensils and equipment valued at $75. Charles Martin, proprietor, reported to police.

INDIANAPOLIS, TUESDAY, JANUARY 2, 1934

ALL CITY BANKS GET INSURANCE Depositors Insured Against Loss Up to $2,500 by Government. Every bank in Indianapolis and most of the state banks in Indiana operating on an unrestricted basis, have qualified for federal deposit insurance, effective today, it was announced today by Herman Wells, state banking department secretary. Under the new federal law, depositors of sums up to $2,500 in these banks are insured against loss up to $2,500, and, after July 1, this insurance will be increased to SIO,OOO. Mr. Wells reported that 341 state banks, out of a total of 476 operating financial institutions, applied for deposit insurance. Only four were turned down, nineteen failed to apply, and seventy-six Class E banks were prevented from applying because of their restricted basis. Also ineligible are forty private banks, stockholders of which, however, are protected by an unlimited liability of shareholders. Bank Code Delayed Statement to the public explaining that the proposed banking code, which would have resulted in almost prohibitive service charges for account holders, is not in effect now, was issued today by Felix M. McWhirter, Indiana Bankers’ Association president. Mr. McWhirter pointed out that many depositors are not aware of the fact that General Hugh S. Johnson ordered such codes, prepared by banking groups in every city of the country, held up pending investigation. The codes were prepared under federal orders w’hich General Johnson said were issued without his knowledge by a subordinate. AL SMITH CRITICISES TUGWELL PROPOSAL ‘Bureaucracy,’ Is Complaint of Editor; Gov. Rolph Scored. By United Press NEW YORK. Jan. 2.—Alfred E. Smith criticises “the so-called Tugwrell bill regulating foods, drugs and cosmetics,” as further evidence cf the problems of bureaucracy “popping up every day in the federal government,” in the January issue of New cut today. But he praised-President Roosevelt again for his part in the repeal of the eighteenth amendment, and attacked Governor Rolph of California for failing to act to prevent the recent double lynching in San Jose. JIM MY WILSTNNAMED MANAGER OF PHILLIES Former Cardinal Catcher Signs to Pilot Club in 1934. By United Press PHILADELPHIA. Jan. 2.—Jimmy Wilson, formerly of the St. Louis Cardinals, was named manager of the Philadelphia Phillies baseball club today for the 1934 season.

Keep Up With The Times Congress opens tomorrow for what may be the most important session since the early years of the republic. The Times, always on top of the news, will cover the session completely and expertly. In addition to the United Press' corps of expert and veteran writers. The Times will offer the facilities of its own highly-trained staff of writers in Washington. Heading the United Press forces in Washington will be Lyle C. Wilson, new bureau manager and veteran reporter; Richard Gridley, financial writer, who will cover all phases of the treasury: Frederick Storm, who is assigned to the White House, and Frederick Othman. expert on farming moves. Covering the actions of Indiana's senators and congressmen will be Walker Stone. Times' staff writer, a Washington veteran, and others from the highly-trained Washington staff of the ScrippsHoward newspapers, including Ruth Finney. Max Stern, Marshall McNeil, Ludwig Denny and Lowell Mellett. In addition to this topnotch service. The Times also will have the full picture and news coverage of NEA Service and of Acme News Pictures. For a front-line seat to the session of congress—get The Times.

Henry T. Rainey

LICENSE PLATE DEADLINE DUE Arrest of Those Without 1934 Plates to Begin After 48 Hours. Many Hoosier motorists, having gotten their car safely back into the garage after New Year celebrations, are planning on leaving it there for a while, it was reported today. For arrests of those who do not have 1934 license plates will begin after the next forty-eight hours, it was anounced by A1 Feeney, state safety director. Although state officials put 'the plates on sale Dec. 1, and declared that no extension of time would be granted as in former years, many motorists thought they were “just kidding.” Since it turned out that they really mean it and these motorists spent their plate money for yearend celebrations and are now “out of gas,” the moratorium on motoring has been declared. Branch offices for plate distribution were open yesterday and did a brisk business. Statehouse corridors were crowded again today and thousands of plates sold. To procure a plate it is necessary to have anew driver’s license, certificate of title and poll tax receipt. A total of 6,287 licenses were issued Saturday at the statehouse. it was announced today by John B. Moshier, license division auditor. This figure included 2,540 for passenger cars, 2,483 driver's licenses, 694 truck licenses, 391 chaffeur licenses and several in other classifications. Offices of the division were packed again today. . Arrest Eight in Chilean Plot By United Press SANTIAGO. Chile, Jan. 2. Although the government is unwilling to admit the existence of a political plot, police confirmed today that eight persons had been arrested.

Wynekoop Lawyers Seek Chance to Prepare Case

Defense Attorneys Describe 62-Year-Old Physician as ‘Sick Woman’; to Ask Trial Postponement. By United Press CHICAGO, Jan. 2.—Dr. Alice Wynekoop, scheduled to go on trial Thursday charged with murdering her daughter-in-law Rheta was described by her attorneys today as “a sick woman.” The 62-year-old- physician has been confined to the jail hospital since her indictment more than a month ago on charges of chloroforming and then shooting the 22-year-old violinist to death.

It was indicated by defense attorneys that a postponement would be asked when the case is called. Even prosecution attorneys said a delay of a week or ten days was not improbable. The defense wishes additional time to prepare its case. Attorney W. W. Smith, who recently joined Frank Tyrell as defense attorney for the physician,

40 ARE SWEPT TO DEATH IN CALIFORNIA STORM; SCORES MISSING; LOSS IS $5,000,000

DOCTORS AID CITY’S FIGHT ON DIPHTHERIA Free Immunization Will Be Provided for Needy Children. Services of the Marion County Medical Society have been offered in the city-wide battle against smallpox and diphtheria. Free vaccination for all children, unable to pay for the protection, will be given by members of the society. The state will provide the materials while the doctors will donate their time. This is the first public health project to be undertaken by the medical society and will have the co-operation of state and city health departments, public and parochial city and county schools, parentteacher associations, churches and the American Legion. To Aid*2o,ooo Parents who are unable to pay for the service are asked to take their children to family and neighborhood physicians next week. Approximately 20.000 children of preschool age will benefit from this project. Starting today, forty-eight women workers, to be paid from civil works funds, and six public health nurses will make a house-to-house canvass of this city, according to Dr. Herman G. Morgan, city health commissioner. Fourteen children ranging from 2 to 10 years died this year from diphtheria in contrast to a death rate of six in 1932, Dr. Morgan said. Can Eliminate Diphtheria Diphtheria can be wiped out, says a statement issued by the medical society, if parents will use this harmless method of protecting their children." The protection will last for six years and will carry the child over the dangerous period from six months to fifteen years. Officers of the county medical society are Dr. Henry S. Leanord, president; Dr. Robert J. Masters, first vice-president; Dr. Roy V. Meyers, second vice-president; Dr. James S. Mcßride, secretary-treas-urer, and Dr. Ben B. Moore, council chairman. SNOW OR RAIN, IS FORECAST FOR CITY Temperature Tonight to Be Near Freezing. Continuation of cloudy and unsettled weather, with a probability of snow or rain tonight and tomorrow', was forecast for Indianapolis by J. H. Armington, United States meteorologist. Lowest temperature tonight was expected to be near the freezing point. Temperature reading last night was 24. From all indications, tomorrow will continue moderate, with no indication, however, of the high temperatures of last week.

said he wished additional time to become familiar with the case. Charles S. Dougherty, ace prosecutor of the state’s attorney’s office, will represent the state. Despite four weeks of intensive investigation by the best detectives on the police force but little new evidence has been reported. The case is as much a mystery, apparently, as the day Dr. Wynekoop repudiated her “confession.” The principal known facts are: Rheta Wynekoop, unhappy wife of philandering Earle Wynekoop, son of the physician, was found slain on the operating table in the basement of Dr. Wynekoop’s home, he” clothing almost entirely removed. A bullet fired into her back had pierced her heart. Her lips had been burned by chloroform. Dr. Wynekoop discovered the body. Later she confessed she killed the girl with an accidental overdose of chloroform and then shot her to cover up a medical “blunder.” Later she repudiated this “confession” and advanced the theory Rheta was shot by a burglar who was searching for narcotics. Earle was charged with being an accessory before the fact of murder, but later was released.

Entered as Second Ciass Matter at PostoffL'e, Indianapolis

Los Angeles Clears Away Debris of Worst Deluge in History; Many More Are Feared Buried in Mud. TORRENTS BATTER 3,000 HOMES Streets Flow as Rivers, Landslides Bury; Highways; Los Angeles Area Is Panorama of Destruction. By United Pretit LOS ANGELES, Jan. 2.—Counting its dead at two score, with half as many missing and possibly drowned, and an estimated property damage of $5,000,000. metropolitan Los Angeles today began to clear away debris of the worst storm in local history. A deluge of rain swept the foothills and coastal plain New Year’s eve and dry arroyos were turned into raging water courses that carried tons of rock and silt from the hills to batter at homes in the valleys.

Streets flowed as rivers, yellow with earth. In them hundreds of automobiles were marooned. Men. women and children fled for their lives as more than three thousand homes were flooded. Landslides buried highways. Rail traffic was disrupted. Borne on the wings of a storm from the north, the rain cascaded steadily on Los Angeles and surrounding cities for thirty hours. When the new year dawned, sullen and wet, the whole area was a panorama of destruction. In Los Angeles. 8.27 inches of rain fell. In the foothill area, the average was more than ten inches. Glendora. east of Pasadena at the foot of the Sierra Madre mountains, recorded 15.40 inches. Glendale had 13.45 and Pasadena had 12.86. In little over twenty-four hours, the average annual rainfall was equaled. All Schools Closed In Pasadena, the traditional New Year’s Tournament of Roses parade was held as scheduled, and Columbia and Stanford battled in a sea of mud for the east-west football championship while spectators huddled under umbrellas and raincoats. All schools in Los Angeles were closed today to allow a check of storm damage to buildings, some already weakened by the earthquake of last March 10. The basement of the Los Angeles county hospital was flooded, cutting off

REPORTER IMPROVES AFTER CAR MISHAP Fred Hedges Plans to Leave Hospital Tomorrow. Rapid improvement in condition of Fred Hedges, 24. of 857 South Pershing avenue, police reporter for The Times, who was injured seriously Sunday night when struck by a car, was reported today at city hospital. It was believed Mr. Hedges would be released from the hospital tomorrow. He sustained a brain concussion and scalp wounds when he stepped in the path of a car driven by Harry Wenz Jr., 23, of 1163 North Gladstone avenue, at Sheffield avenue and Morris street. Mr. Wenz was exonerated of blame by police.

VICTOR M’LAGLEN IS REPORTED MISSING Actor’s Home Is in Los Angeles Flood District. By United Press LOS ANGELES, Jan. 2. Fear was felt today for the safety of Victor McLaglen. screen actor, reported by neighbors to have been missing since Sunday from his home in La Crescenta. The district was in the center of the disastrous floods Sunday night and Monday. Neighbors said McLa glen's four automobiles were washed away from his garage and his house considerably damaged.

ROOSEVELT KIN DIES LISTENING TO RADIO Missouri Republican Leader, '3, Suffers Stroke. Hu United Pres* ST. JOSEPH. Mo., Jan. 2.—Elliot Marshall, 73. Republican leader and distant cousin of President Roosevelt, died at his home here last night after a long illness. Marshall also was directly related to John Marshall, former United States supreme court justice. He served three terms as mayor of St. Joseph and had held the postmastership and several other federal posts. He suffered a stroke after listening to a broadcast of the StanfordColumbia football gam*i. DOLLAR GAINS SLIGHTLY Pound Sterling Close* at 1 Cent Over Yesterday. Bu United Pro* LONDON, Jan. 2. —The American dollar gained only slightly today, opening at $5.15% to the pound and closing at $5.14%, against yesterday's close of $5.15%. French francs closed at 83 to the pound, unchanged from the opening and from yesterday's close.

HOME EDITION PRICE TWO CENTS Outside Marion County, 3 Cents

heat and light to the building for twenty-four hours. Emergency cases were removed to private hospitals, while those less seriously ill huddled under added blankets. Candles provided the only illumination. Culver City, Venice and southwestern Los Angeles were under water. More than twenty bridges were destroyed. Some streets were under four feet of mud and rocks. Others were filled with earth from curb to curb. The Montrose—La Crescentia area felt the storm’s full fury. It was there a large proportion of the death toll was counted. At least ten were killed there when a fifty-foot check dam in Pickens Canyon, designed to divert flood waters, failed. Water Wall Wrecks Building A wall of water roared down upon the Montrose American Legion hall, sweeping the building from its foundations and sending boulders and debris through a broken wall of the structure. The water, mud and rocks also swept away a service : station and moved homes from their foundations. Under a brighter sky, which ush- * cred in the second day of the v,:.'" | year, hundreds of workers today made a further search of debris throughout the flood area. Where yesterday bodies were recovei vi on lawns *nd on the streets, today it was a grim task of searching mud-filled areas for possible other victims. The count of dead stood at forty today in official records, and another score of persons was missing. Officials said it was certain more dead would be found. Car Plunges Into Arroyo Seven persons were killed in automobile accidents directly attributable to the storm. One motorist, creeping through the blinding rain, plunged into an arroyo where a bridge had been washed out. Five of the six persons in the car were drowned. A woman, panic stricken when water swept around the car driven by her husband, opened the door and was swept to her death. A gay New Year’s eve party at a resort built over a wash was halted in panic when the flood waters rose quickly, battering the pavilion from its foundations. One woman was drowned, swept to death in holiday finery. Others fought their way through the swirling waters to higher ground. Their automobiles were wrecked, tossed like cordwood against the building. Hundreds were homeless throughout the flood area today. Others returned to damaged houses as the waters receded. Among the damaged homes were those of members of the film colony at Malibu Beach. None of the stars was endangered.

Known Dead Listed

By United Press LOS ANGELES. Jan. 2 —Following is the list of known storm dead in southern California, taken from the records of police, sheriff's office and coroner's office: MRS. DOROTHY CARTER Monterey Park. ■l. E MOORE, San Gabriel. MRS. J. E MOORE MARTHA MOORE. SHERMAN HIBBARD. Wilmington. MISS TOOTS HIBBARD. MRS. MYRTLE ADAMS, Red Crow President. Montrose. MRS. E. H. REILL, Montrose. MARY GHOSLIN, 4. Glendale. FRANK GERAGHTY. North Hollywood. CLARK HARMON Montrose. KEITH A. GILLETTE, Los Angeles. ALIVE BALDWIN. Los Angeles. ELWOOD PL I M Long Beach MRS. MARGARET SMITH, La Crescenta. SAM WILSON, 10. Verdugo Cite. BETTY LORRAINE KLASS. 10 months, Montrose. CLYDE DOWELL. CWA worker. Tujunga. MRS. VERA KAHN, La Crescenta. CHESTER HERRERA. 12. Los Angeles. JXNE DOE, 45; JOHN DOE, 19, and JOHN DOE. IS, G>ndale. JOHN DOE JO. Van Nuvs. JOHN DOE. 35. Glendale JANE DOE, 1 sear. Glendale. JANE DOE 45. Tuiunga. FOCR Adult JOHN DOES and Two Young Boss. Verdugo City. JANE DOE. 2. Glendale. JOHN DOE. 45, Tujunga. Besides these, there were twentyseven persons reported missing by relatives and friends, and authorities did not attempt to take into account the possible scores who might have perished and whose absence had not been reported. In addition to the thirty-five or more persons whose deaths resulted directly from the storm, there were seven traffic deaths, most of which were attributed to the driving conditions imposed by the storm. Hourly Temperatures 6a. m 25 10 a. m 27 7a. m 26 11 a. m 27 Ba. m 26 12 (noon).. 28 9 a. m 26 1 p. m 28