Indianapolis Times, Volume 45, Number 230, Indianapolis, Marion County, 3 February 1934 — Page 1

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MURDERED PASTOR ROBBERS’ VICTIM, PROBERS BELIEVE Former Wabash Pastor Seen With Two Shabbily Dressed Men Shortly Before Body Was Found in Car. CLERGYMAN INTOXICATED, IS CLAIM Strangers Described to Police by Operators of Restaurant; Assert They Can Identify Pair. Theory that the Rev. Gaylord V. Saunders, 36, who was shot to death early yesterday, was slain by robbers, today was substantiated by reports that Mr. Saunders, shortly before his death, was seen with two shabbily dressed men. His body was found, slumped in the front seat of his car, parked on Fortieth street near Meridian street. He had been shot in the back of the head. Mr. Saunders had served as pastor of the Wabash Street M. E. church, Wabash, Ind., until last Sunday. He came here last September to attend an embalming school, returning to Wabash week-ends to conduct services. Mrs. Saunders and their two sons continued to live in Wabash. Police were informed early today by Marie Slaughter and Mary Gearhart, operators of the Brown Derby, 1635 North

Mtridian street, that at>oiit l! a. m. yesterday, Mr. Saunders and two poorly dressed men were in the place. They said; Mr. Saunders was intoxicated. ! Miss Slaughter and Miss Gearhart described both strangers to po- j lice and said they could identify them. Mr. Saunders, they said, was in the place about two hours several' days ago with one of the two men i and two women. Close watch was being kept by' police on pawnshops in the event a valuable diamond ring, the stone weighing nearly a karat, and a wrist watch, stolen from Mr. Saunders by the slayers, should be pawned. His purse, with only a 5cent piece in it. was found on the running board of his car. Unoer the back seat was a pint bottle half full of whisky. Statements Tally Statement of Miss Gearhart and Miss Slaughter tallies with that of Mrs. Marie E. Morrell, operator of the rooming house at 1725 North Meridian street, where Mr. Saundprs roomed with Theodore Mathers. Both Mr. Saunders and Mr. Mathers were students in the Indiana College of Embalming, at the Indiana university medical center. Mrs. Morrell said that short, y after Mr. Saunders left the house, about 12:30 a. m yesterday, she heard him talking to two men outside the house. Mr. Mather said Mr. Saunders left the house after he. Mr. Mather, had remonstrated with him aoout drinking heavily, and becoming intoxicated frequently. Picked I p Hitchhikers The roommate also said the slain man frequently picked up hitchhikers. ; Mrs. Saunders, who came to Indianapolis from Wabash after being informed of the tragedy, told police she knew of no reason for the mur- j der and was able to advance no clews. The body of Mr. Saunders was to be taken to Wabash today and funeral services were to be held to- i morrow, to be followed by cremation. The strangers reported by the operators of the Brown Derby were described as follows: No. I—Age,l—Age, 19 or 20; 5 feet 8 inches. 140 pounds, dark hair and complexion, dark blue polo sweater and brown trousers. No. 2—Age. about 30 or 35. 5 feet 5 inches. 165 pounds, short and heavy set. wearing brownish gray overcoat and hatPastor Five Years Mr. Saunders has been pastor of the Wabash Street M. E. church at Wabash five years before retirmg last Sunday. He announced his resignation several weeks ago, following a nepvous breakdown. He had served previously in Eaton and in Mimcie. While in Wabash. Mr. Saunders was involved in rumors alleged to have been spread by telephone operators. reported to have “listened in’’ on conversations between him and a young woman. Later the operators issued a signed statement denying there had been any improper conversation. At Mr. Saunders’ request the affidavits and other information were published. Mr. Saunders is reported to have tendered his resignation because of the rumors, but it was rejected. TRAFFIC LIGHT HIT BY CAR: DRIVER INJURED Automatic Signal at Delaware and Twenty-Second Wrecked. Automatic traffic signal at Twentysecond and Delaware streets was demolished early today when it was struck by a car driven by Henry Miller, 5240 Washington boulevard Mr. Miller, who sustained leg in-, juries, was taken to St. Vincent's hospital by a passing motorist. The car was wrecked Fred Swain. 20 of 2918 North Talbot avenue, riding with Mr Miller, was injured slightly Hourly Temperatures 6 a. m 18 8 a. m 20 7 a. m 18 9 a. m..... 24 ‘

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VOLUME 45—NUMBER 230

CUBA WILL RESTORE U. S,-OWNED PLANT American Firm to Regain Power Property. By United Pregg HAVANA, Feb. 3. —Radical students and workers challenged the Mendieta government with bombings add strikes today. Mystery shrouding the perpetrators of a series of bombing outrages was ended when three studertts, supporters of Ramon Grau San Martin, deposed president, were arrested as they placed a bomb in San Miguel street. But a potentially more serious matter than the bombings was the determination of the government to turn over to its owners the gigantic properties of the Cuban Electric Company, American-owned, which serves most of the island with light and power. When the company refused to accede to workers' demands, Grau ordered the properties seized. Yesterday, the company having agreed to many of the workers’ terms, Mendieta announced his intention of turning over to the company its properties. “I warn you.” Mendieta told workers. “that your failure to settle this dispute may lead to the fall of my government and American intervention. I appeal to your patriotism.” CRACKSMEN NAB $250 FROM LAUNDRY SAFE Theft Discovered by Watchman Before Midnight. Knocking combination from a safe in the Machinists Consolidated laundry. 727 East Vermont street, last night, yeggmen escaped with about $250 in cash, police were notified. The theft was discovered by a night watchman when he went to work shortly before midnight. SIGNAL IS MISTKEN; SWITCHMAN INJURED Engine Crashes Gas Company Employe's Arm. When an engineer mistook a signal and backed a train. Fred Ball, 61. of 144 East Thirtieth street. Citizens Gas Company switchman, was injured severely, his arm being crushed between an engine and a box car. yesterday. He was taken to Methodist hospital.

- RACE TRACK S elections

BV TOM NOOSE - T - . NOONES SELECTIONS FOR TODAY Day’s Best—Greentree Entry, Sixth Hialeah. Best Longshot—Darkest Our. Best Parlay—Coequal and John Mill.

.4/ Fairgrounds — One best: Goldblatt entiy. fifth race. 1. Doeskin. Altena. Sister Clare. 2. Prometheus, Chimney Sweep. Fiag Bearer. 3. Darkest Hour, Princess Toke. Hasola. 4 Seremba-Cattarinich entry. Contribute, Ep. 5. Goldblatt entry, Jim Dandy. Chrysostom 6. Bosom Pal. Hideho, Ga:b. 7. John Mill, Distress Signal. Gay Parisian. 8. Flo M.. Betty Farrell Half Day. At Hialeah Park — One best: Greentree entry, sixth race. 1. Pana Franks. Crazy Jane. Quick Step 2. Alan* Red Sunset, Jim Crawford.

The Indianapolis Times Partly cloudy tonight and tomorrow, somewhat warmer tonight with lowest temperature 25 to 30.

3. Miney Myerson, Pot Au Brooms, General A. 4. Coequel. Springsteel, Clotho. 5. Happy Go, Time Suiply, Nights End. 6. Greentree Stable Entry. Repaid, Yonkel. 7. Fleet Flag, Carbon, Fingal. At Agua Caliente — One Best—Flying Watch. 1. Tom Proctor. Irish Spree. Lady Westy. 2. Active American, Royal Wave, Little Son. 3. Miss Tracer, Crystal Flyer, More Sure. 4. Kensington. Love Apple, Lady Va Va. 5. Flying Watch, Bissagos. Aloching. | 6. Business Man. Poitou, Frank K. 7. Prom Girl, Lampasas. Friar's Choice. j 8. Frank D., Phi Delta, La drone.

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Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt is paying full attention to the subject under discussion and giving it the benefit of her keen analytical mind, as she is shown here, in an interesting expression study, attending the conference on the CKA women’s project at Warrenton, Va. She made thorough inquiry about schools, libraries and health work while there.

Bug Innings Gloomy Future for Race, Says Scientist. By United Pregg LONDON, Feb. 3—Dr. Desiderius Papp, noted German scientist, presented to the world today an unlovely picture of mankind 500,000.000 years from now. In his book on the future of the race—and there may be no future at all, since the doctor says humans will lose the battle against bugs—Dr. Papp gave the following description of the average citizen: He will be ten feet tall and have X-ray eyes. His head will be high and massive, but bald as a porcelain bath-tub. He will have no teeth, and his lips will be thin and pale. His brain will be able to receive and transmit electromagnetic waves, and his eyes will see through things they weren’t intended to see. But he will have long since last the fight to giant mosquitoes and such, so what’s the use anyway? HARDWARE RETAILERS RE-ELECT GRONEMEIER Indiana Association Terminates Convention Here. Re-election of Alfred S. Gronemeier, Mt. Vernon, as president, marked the closing session yesterday of the Indiana Retail Hardware Association convention. Others named were Ralph David, Logansport, vice-president; Frank P. Duncan. Gosport; Karl L. Fenger, New Albany, and Robert Kelly, Winamac. executive board, and William Emrich Jr., Indianapolis and liam Emrich Jr„ Indianapolis, and visory board. Times Index Bridge 1 Broun 2 Business News 9 Church Services 7 Classified ...11,12 Comics 13 Conservation 3 Crossword Puzzle 3 Curious World 13 Editorial 4 Financial 14 Hickman, Theaters 2 Lippmann 14 Our Gang, a Series 2 Pegler 2 Radio 3 Sports 10,11 State News 3, Sunday Sermon 7 Unknown Blond 13 War Pictures 5 Woman's Pages 6,7

INDIANAPOLIS, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1934

GALA DISPLAY OF 1934 CARS OPENSJONIGHT City Auto Show to Start One-Week Stand at Fairground. 21 MAKES ON EXHIBITION Final Preparations Made; Orchestra Booked for Entertainment. Wheezes of the old “boat” were more noticeable today. The fenders on your “jiggle-buggy” rattled more loudly. And the reason was that the motor-minded of the city turned their thoughts to tonight and the opening of the 1934 exposition of the Indianapolis Automobile Trade Association in the auto show building at the fairgrounds. . At 7 p. m., the doors of the annual exhibition will be open to the public. Carpenters and painters were bvsy today dressing up booths of automotive and accessory exhibitors as dealers in twenty-one makes of passenger cars prepared to sell the public on the lines of their 1934 models. Pierce-Arrow, entered as an exhibit by the Schott Auto Company, was the latest passenger car added to the entry list. Hupmobile, Chevrolet and Continental will not be seen at this year's exhibition. One of the features of the Ford Motor Company exhibit will be a roadster that can be termed “Christmas Night,” from its silver and gold trimmings. Cannon Ball Baker is showing a one-cylinder midget car known as the Cannon Ball Junior. Cars to be exhibited include Oldsmobile, Terraplane, Nash, Graham, Reo, Auburn, DeSoto, Plymouth, Dodge, Chrysler, studebaker, Lafayette, Pontiac, Buick, LaSalle, Cadillac, Ford, Lincoln, Packard, Hudson and Pierce-Arrow. Louie Lowe’s orchestra will feature the floor entertainment. Doors, beginning Sunday, will be open at 10 a. m. and close at 10:30 p. m. through next Friday. GAS TAX REFUNDS FOR JANUARY DISTRIBUTED Number Greater Than Year Ago But Amount Is Less. There were 738 more gasoline tax refunds paid in January this year than in January, but the total amount paid decreased by $2,149.93, according to a report today from Floyd I. Williamson, state a/ditor. There were 12,903 refund claims paid in January this yea*, totaling $85,374.80 or $6.62 cents per claim. Last year there were 12,165 claims amounting to $87,524.73 or $7.19 a claim. Refunds are made to farmers for gasoline used in their work. PODIARTRISTS TO OPEN ANNUAL CONVENTION Election of Officers Will Mark First Business Session. Annual convention of the Indiana Association of Podiatrists will open tonight in the Severin. Election of officers is scheduled for tonight’s business session. Tomorrow’s program will include lectures on dermatology and X-ray work, and the annual banquet will be held tomorrow night. The convention will close Monday. PLAN MINSTREL SHOW Program to Be Given by Members of Evangelical Church. A minstrel show will be given by members of St. John's Evangelical church, Sanders and Leonard • streets. Feb. 7 and 8 under the auspices of St. John’s Brotherhood. Billy Jolly Jr., the Troubadour quartet from Indiana Central college, the Whang Doodle Musical Four and Fraul and Janitz will be included among the entertainers. Miss Irene Newman and Helen Peip- I enbrok will also entertain.

‘Drop One, Purl Two’ Prince of Wales and Duke of York Take Up Embroidery Work to Fill Spare Time By United Pregg LONDON, Feb. 3. —His royal highness, the prince of Wales, and his brother, the duke of York, are doing embroidery in their spare time, it was revealed today. The royal family, inspired by Queen Mary, who has been particularly busy of late embroidering seats for the chairs in Buckinghaln palace, has turned its attention to the art of stitchery, an ancient hob-

by and a truly royal art. The fad, or hobby, has attracted the interest not only of the heir to the throne, but of the princess royal and her husband, Lord Ha re wood. They are particuengaged in “petit point,” which is one of the most difficult forms of the art. The work of the queen, the princess royal and the duke, is arranged for them by the'famous Royal School of Needlework, which is directed by Lady Smith-Dor-rien, widow of the famous general. “The queen is very’ actively interested in our school,” Lady Smith-Dorrien told the United Press in an exclusive interview today. "She visits it frequently. The duke and duchess of York also are much interested. Both now are making seats for a set of

GETS TREASURY POST

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Marriner S. Eccles, shown heie as he assumed his duties as special assistant to Treasury Secretary Henry Morgenthau in Washington, is an Ogden (Utah) banker and industrialist. A Republican and liberal, Eccles succeeds Earle Bailie, who resigned when congress protested his retention in the treasury post.

BANS POLITICS FROMJELIEF Roosevelt Hammers Home Viewpoint in Address to Leaders. By United Pregg WASHINGTON, Feb. 3. —ln fighting words, President Roosevelt has made it clear that his gigantic recovery organization is for the purpose of. recovery only and not politics. His viewpoint was hammered home in a blunt address to fortyeight state directors of the National Emergency Council and was regarded today as a reply to critics who saw in the government’s widespread activities the framework of a powerful Democratic machine. The directors, of all shades of political opinion, stood silently in ranks in the executive office of the White House as Mr. Roosevelt expounded the objective of his administration. He capped his remarks with a warning that the directors must be “hard boiled” at the expense of the most powerful political bosses in the land. Decrying any effort that might turn relief work to political account, self-aggrandizement, authority or special credit, the President observed: “This work has nothing to do with partisan politics, nothing at all. A great many of you are Republicans, a good many are Democrats, quite a number do not belong regudarly to one party or the other. We are not in the least bit interested in the partisan side of this picture. “We do want you to be absolutely hrad-boiled if yoti And any local person within your own states who is trying to get political advantage out of the relief of human needs and you will have the backing of’ this administration 100 per cent, even if you hit the biggest political boss in the United States on the head, in carrying out this general program.” RETURN SANKEY’S PAL ON KIDNAPING CHARGE Alcorn Said to Have Confessed Part in Boettcher Abduction. By United Pregg CHICAGO, Feb. 3—Gordon Alcorn was taken back to South Dakota today to join his confederate, Verne Sankey, in facing federal kidnaping charges. Both men confessed the abduction of Charley Boettcher 11, Denver financier. Alcorn’s •. apprehension followed the arrest of Sankey by one day. 500 Feet of Wire Stolen Five hundred feet of insulated copper wire, valued at S3O, were stolen from a truck of the Graybar Electric Company, 400 West Ohio street, parked at the rear of the Indiana theater yesterday, police were notified. Two Suitcases Stolen in Station Theft of two suitcases from floor of the Union station last night was reported to police last night by Francis Peltier and John Klaus, both of 91 North Fourth avenue, Beech Grove.

antique chairs at their residence. The duke's keenness is extraordinary. He is putting in a great . number of hours of work, and he probably will produce very artistic results before long.” Both the prince of Wales and the duke have the regulation equipment for embroidering, a frame and special electric lamp which throws a beam of light on the work being executed. The school was founded sixty years ago by Princess Christian, daughter of Queen Victoria, its object then being to preserve and repair priceless tapestries worn by age. Society is following the lead of the royal family In its home work.

DOC’S BARKING SAVES 8 AS FIRE SWEEPS CITY FACTORY; LOSS $38,000

UHMIEII HMETHEU) FOR CWTEMPT M’Cracken Arrested After Failure to Give Mail Probe Data. By United Pregg WASHINGTON, Feb. 3.—lnvestigation of Hoover administration ait mail contract dealings was thrusl upon the senate today while a member of the former President’s “littlf cabinet” was under arrest, chargee with refusing to divulge informatior to a special senate investigating committee. He was? William P. Mac Cracker Jr„ assistant secretary of commerce while Herbert Hoover was in the White House, and since then attorney for a number of airlines that obtained federal mail carrying subsidies. A technical legal question will be presented when Mr. Mac Cracker appears before the senate Monday to answer charges of contempt of a committee headed by Senator Hugo Black (Dem., Ala.), investigating air mail subsidies. The question is whether Mr. MacCracken may be forced to reveal secrets between nimself as a lawyer and the airline companies whose interests he was advocating. Contempt Resolution Unanimous The senate required Mr. MacCracken’s arrest yesterday because he refused to submit to the Black committee correspondence which he said was confidential between himself and his client airlines after he retired from the commerce department in 1929. Mr. MacCracken’s persistence in his position aroused the anger of Che committee. Members of the committee moved promptly to impound his files. The former official declined to permit a single document to leave Jais possession until he obtained waivers from his clients. The contempt resolution of the senate invoking one of its strongest powers, was rushed to adoption without a record vote before adjournment yesterday. Not one dissenting voice was raised. Senator Black urged that Mr. MacCracken be brought before the bar of the senate to accept the alternative of producing the desired correspondence, or receiving notice of contempt proceedings. After his arrest, it was announced that Mr. MacCracken had received waivers from all of his client authorizing him to surrender all data pertaining to airmail contracts. Mr. MacCracken was released in custody until noon on Monday, when he must appear before the senate. If Frank Hogan, his attorney, who also was legal defender of Harry Sinclair in the Teapot Dome oil scandal. One File Destroyed Mr. MacCracken established a reputation here by his efforts to obtain federal mail contracts for Western Air Express, Transcontinental Air Transport, Pan-Amer-ican Airways and other large aviation corporations. In two appearances before the senate committee, hp insisted he could not reveal confidential correspondence exchanged in his capacity as a lawyer and his clients. Plainly aroused, Chairman Black and Senator Pat McCarran (Dem., Nev.), openly charged that Mr. MacCracken’s activities in Washington had been confined to “lobbying.” Mr. MacCracken testified candidly before the committee that since receiving a subpena. he had permitted two “personal” files to be removed from his office. One, he said, was taken by L. H. Brittfn, vicepresident of Northwest Airways, and contained only Mr. Brittin’s personal correspondence. Charging that the action constituted “a serious offense,” the committee quickly summoned Mr. Brittin and learned that the missing file already had been destroyed. Committee Resumes Quiz In supporting the resolution, Senator Wallace H. White (Rep.. Me.), said he was not passing on the question of Mr. MacCracken s professional obligation to conceal his client's business, but was incensed by the fact that records which the committee sought to impound had been destroyed before the committee could see them. While Mr. MacCracken was free to keep dinner engagements, attend parties or go to his office, committee investigators prepared for a week-end of intensive study of all files remaining in the youthful lawyer's possession. The committee is scheduled to resume its hearings on Tuesday. Asked if contempt proceedings would be pressed against MacCracken, Chairman Black said: “That is up to the senate.” BARBECUE PARTY SET Men’s Club of Little Flower Parish Is Sj*onsor. Men's Club of the Little Flower parish will hold a barbecue party in the church hall, Bosart avenue and Fourteenth street, Feb. X.

Entered a* gecond-Claaa Matter at PostotLce, Indianapolia

Plant of American Specialties Is Partly Destroyed; Flames Mount More Than 100 Feet in Air. ORIGIN OF BLAZE UNDETERMINED Animal Leaps on Woman’s Bed, Nips at Her Face to Awaken Her; Firm Is Maker of Railroad Equipment. Frantic barking of a small brindle-colored bull pup aroused a family of eight persons, enabling them to leave their home in safety, early today, as a two-fire alarm partly destroyed the factory of the American Specialties Company, 201-225 West Morris street. Total damage to the buildings and equipment was estimated by owners of the building and officials of the concern at $38,000. A frame building in which the fire started, located in the rear of 225 West Morris street, collapsed as the flames mounted to form a great torch more than two hundred feet in the air. In the fierce light of the mounting flames, scores of families living in a row of frame houses on Kansas street adjacent to the fire were disclosed, scantily clad and armed with brooms, beating out large fire-brands which rocketed from the blazing ruin.

NEW TRIAL SOUGHT for nr. 2 PALS Jury Disagrees in Factor Kidnaping Case. By United Press CHICAGO, Feb. 3.—The state’s attorney’s office moved today for an early retrial of kidnaping charges against Roger Touhy and two other Chicago gangsters after an initial attempt ended in a jury disagreement. To proceed anew, the prosecution was forced to seek a delay of an extradition order against John (Jake the Barber) Factor, its most important witness. A mistrial was declared at 6:20 p. m. yesterday after the jury reported it was hopelessly deadlocked. It was reported to be split 8 to 4 for conviction. Factor had identified Touhy as the leader of the gang which abducted him and held him in a basement for twelve days. The defense introduced the Rev. Joseph Weber of Indianapolis as a character witness. It was the testimony of the priest which was reported to have had an important part in the minds of some of the jurors. INSURGENT DEMOCRATS SEEK CWA SHOWDOWN Defy Leaders to Order Relief Ended by May. | By United Press WASHINGTON, Feb. 3.—The adj ministration approached today a showdown in the house over the plan to demobilize 4.000,000 CWA workers by May, with insurgent Democrats boasting they had : strength enough to drive the leadership to cover. “We can beat any gag rule they bring in.” said Kent E. Keller (Dem., 111.), leader in the fight to keep the CWA intaact unti at least after the November elections. “I’m not a bit worried. The bill will pass without any trouble,” said ! Speaker Henry T. Rainey. i ? 33 INTANGIBLES TAX NETTED $1,131,201.91 Counties Get 90 Per Cent, State General Fund Balance. Gaylord S. Morton, member of the state board of tax commissioners, revealed yesterday that the collection of the state intangible tax during 1933 netted the state $1,131,i 201.91. Os the total collected 10 per cent goes to the state general fund, the remaining 90 per cent to the counties. Os the county allotment, 75 ' per cent goes to the school corpora- ! tions while the remaining 25 per cent goes into the county general i fund. THETA CHI HOLDS DANCE Fraternity Stages Annual State Party Tonight. Annual stat dance of Theta Chi fraternity will be held tonight in the Indianapolis Country Club. Chapters at Indiana and Purdue will at- i tend. Arrangements committee is composed of Harold E. Wright, Thomas M. Hendricks, Freeman A. Leas. Kenneth Blades and Ferdinand H. Krentler. Motorman's Money Changer Taken Two bandits, one of whom drew a revolver, seized a money changer containing an undetermined sum, and fled, police were notified by C. A. McNab. 71, of 114 South Illinois street, Prospect street car motorman, last night. The holdup occurred at | the end of the car line. Keystone j avenue and Prospect street.

Capital EDITION PRICE TWO CENTS Outside Marion County, 3 Cent*

The family of Harry Sommer, living in a frame house at 229 West Morris street, next door to the blazing factory were first aroused at 1 a. m. by “Baldy” the bull pup. The barking of the dog failed to arouse Mrs. Anna Sommer who was sleeping on the first floor. While smoke seeped into the house and the flames lighted the whole neighborhood, “Baldy” barked loudly, but failed to arouse the family. Finally, according to Mrs. Sommers the little dog leaped upon her bed and began nipping at her face. She awakened and looking out saw the building next door ablaze and the flames licking out toward her home. “It was so bright,” she said later “that I could have read a newspajer by the light of the flames.” v Arouses Husband First Preceded by the dog, who barked continually, Mrs. Sommers aroused her husband first. In rapid succession they awakened their children, Ethel 20, Leo 22, Robert 23, Alfred 33, and her married daughter, Mrs. Mary Hughes, 23. Baldy, according to Mrs. Sommers, then tugged at the bed sheets of his little mistress, Julia Hughes, 8, who also lived with her grandparents. Not waiting to dress, the eight members of the Sommers family hurriedly wrapped themselves in bed clothing and made their way hastily to the street. Firemen arriving f rfc the first alarm, w'hich was turned in by Robert Sommers, assisted them all to the street and I thence to a neighobr’s house. Eight-year-old Julia, WTapped in j a huge blanket, sat in the neighbors house and hugged her dog. Th® little girl was remembered by re-J porters as the child who sent a ref quest to Santa Claus on Nov. 1. The American Specialties Company, manufacturers of railroad battery equipment had been idle for the past two years, according to Russell Berger and Norman V. Schaaf, vice-president and secretary respectively. Large Contract Obtained Recently, the officials declared, a large contract was obtained from j the New York Central railroad. The ! company bought new machinery and hired extra help. Today the officials were saddened as they announced that all their equipment—slß,ooo worth of machinery was completely destroyed. The equipment, it was learned, is only pari tially covered by insurance. John W. Ott, one of the owner# of the building, said that damage to the plant probably would run to at least $20,000. Work of the firemen in preventing the spread of the flames was highly commended by witnesses. Seven line of hose were played continuously on the blaze. The Sommer house and other nearby homes were saved from complete destruction by action | of the firemen in “wetting down” 1 all adacent buildings. The origin of the fire was unde- | termined. TRUCK OPERATORS SEEK LOWER TAXES Hear Address By Officer of Motorists Tax Relief Group. A campaign to reduce taxes affecting the motoring public wai 1 being waged today by members of I the Indiana Motor Traffic Association. R. N. Mullen, chairman of th® Marion County Motorists’ Tax Relief Association told at a meeting Thursday how the movement was backed by several gasoline and oil companies. The traffic association is composed of truck operators. In the Air Weather conditions at 9 a. m.: South southeast wind, 8 miles an hour; temperature, 22; barometric pressure, 30.24 at sea level; general : conditions, clear, smoky; ceiling, un--1 .limited; visibility, two mile®.