Indianapolis Times, Volume 45, Number 253, Indianapolis, Marion County, 2 March 1934 — Page 1

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BONDS BOUGHT FOR VETERANS PROVE COSTLY t Purchased in £ 1930 for 111 Ex-Soldiers i Now in Default. STUDY COURT RECORDS Chateau Apartment Flotation Figures in Investments for Service Men. BY ARCH STEINEL Timrs Staff Writer MARION, Ind., March 2.—Like the “three little words” in the popular song that meant so much, “two little days” in September, 1930, were extremely important ones to the mentally incompetent veterans in the Marion veterans’ hospital, according to the records. For on Sept. 25 and Sept. 30 of 1930. there was wholesale activity in veterans’ guardianships in the Grant circuit court. If those days in September, 1930. were red-letter days for the defunct Grant Savings and Trust Company of Marion, then too are they redletter days, for any one perusing the guardianship trusts held in that year by the Grant company. Wholesale assignments of realty mortgages, that later have proved in some instances as frigid collections, and equally wholesale petitions to invest in securities for insane war veterans were heaped on the circuit court rostrum of Grant county on those two red-letter days. Now’ Basis for Suits Tn many instances, thousands of dollars of the securities, which for the most part, as records reveal, were purchased before Sept. 30, 1930, for the veterans without court orders in some instances. These are now the basis of suits for the recovery of thousands of dollars in suits for depleted estates of veterans pending against the Grant Trust and Savings company. Nearlv one month from those days the Grant Trust, according to state banking department records, was merged with the First National of .Marion. Practically every guardianship of the Grant moved into the First National with the office furniture. Valeted to their files in the First National of Marion (now in receivership! by Marshall Williams, secretary and trust officer, they became part of the trust division of the old First National without audit. Became Trust Officer Tn some of the guardianships Mr. Williams had played midwife at birth as in Case 2054. in which he petitioned for declaring Case 2054 insane on Oct. 13, 1922. and then accepted that guardianship for the Grtnt Trust on Nov. 10, 1922, as secretary of the Grant. Court reports were signed in most cases by Mr. Williams for this ward. In the First National of Marion he became vice-president and trust officer. The demise of the First National of Marion left him, according to George W. Rauch, receiver for the old institution, as merely “working for me in the old bank.” But on the counters of the First National in Marion (the new bank born of the memorable March holiday) are folders to be picked up and on their saffron backs is the listing of "Marshall Williams, trust officer" among the bank's new officials. Admits Holding Stock Mr. Rauch, who is a Democratic senatorial aspirant, was quick to line out with fountain pen the printed words on the folder and to assure a Times representative that Mr. Williams was not connected with the new bank. Mr. Williams did admit that he was a “small—very small stockholder” in the new institution. And it is the guardianships tended over by Mr. Williams through two banks, and on occasions a third, the Citizens Trust and Savings Company, that are being charged in suits filed in circuit court as ’ wongfully and unlawfully, and without prior order of the court, purchased and held as investments.” The suits further charge that the securities in guardianships were carried "on its books at the several face values thereof instead of the true cash or market values . • . that said securities were not safe, sound securities . . . and were by them sold at a profit , . . that said former guardian (meaning Grant Trust) wrongfully and unlawfully failed to make full disclosure to, and concealed from, this court the facts as to the status of the investments. but on the contrary reported said investments as being of their full face value.” Probe Report Is Studied The suits against the Grant Trust further charge that the bank “became insolvent or in a failing condition” and that this condition (Turn to Page Twenty-One) Times Index Page Berg Cartoon 18 Bridge 31 Broun 17 Classified 27,28,29 Comics 31 Crossword Puzzle 31 Curious World 31 Dickens 17 Editorial 18 Financial 30 Food Section 22.23 Hickman, Theaters 17 Pegler 17 Radio 26 Sports 24,25 State News 21 Woman’s Pages 14,15

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VOLUME 45—NUMBER 253*

TRIO CHARGED WITH $lO MURDER OF PASTOR FACES COURT

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Pnncipals in the “$lO murder” of the Rev. Gaylord Saunders are shown here as they appeared for arraignment today before Judge Frank P. Baker in criminal court. In the foreground, left to right, are Mrs. Neoma Saunders, wife of the slain minister; Theodore (Ted i Mathers, and Masil Roe. Gerrett Bates, deputy prosecutor, is seen in the left background about to read the indictment against the trio. At his left is Judson Stark, attorney for Mathers.

Three to Face Trial in Pastor's Death March 27 Minister’s Wife, Two Friends May Enter Insanity Pleas in Alleged $lO Murder, Attorneys Reveal. In a courtroom packed with the morbidly curious, Mrs. Neoma Saunders, Theodore Mathers and Masil Roe were arraigned before Judge Frank P. Baker today charged with murder of the Rev. Gaylord V.

Saunders in Indianapolis, Feb. 2. Exhibiting no emotion and dressed quietly in a brown fur coat and black dress, Mrs. Saunders heard Judge Baker set March 27 as the trial date for herself, Mathers and Roe. Following the short arraignment, the three prisoners were remanded to the Marion county jail, where they are held without bond. Through their attorneys, the three prisoners, who are alleged to have conspired in the murder of the minister. entered pleas of not guilty. During the arraignment, Mrs. Saunders sat in the front row of spectators, flanked by Roe and Mathers. She appeared cool and unconcerned. Mathers likewise seemed unperturbed by his surroundings, but Roe moved restlessly about in his seat and craned his neck to see the spectators jamming the rear of the courtroom. Examinations Planned Judson Stark, attorney for Mathers, announced his intention of filing a special plea of insanity for his client. It also was indicated ■ that an insanity plea may be entered for Mrs. Saunders tomorrow. In the event of such pleas being filed, the state, it was learned, will order an immediate examination of all three defendants by alienists and will move to have prisoners taken to the insane ward in city hospital until the opening of the trial. Merle Walker, attorney for Mrs. Saunders, after entering her plea of “not guilty,” made a motion to quash the indictment which charges her and her alleged accomplices with first and second degree murder. “We object to the direct charge of murder,” said Mr. Walker. "Mrs. Saunders might be an accessory before the fact, and Masil Roe might be an accessory after the fact. Attorney's Plea Overruled ‘ The fact that the indictment says a revolver was used to kill the Rev. Mr. Saunders and since we know all the facts in the case, we feel the indictment is not sufficiently or specifically stated. “We know that Mrs. Saunders was not in Indianapolis at the time of the murder.” Mr. Walker continued. “and therefore she should not be indicted on the charge of being an accessory before the fact.” Judge Baker overruled Mr. Walker's motion and declared indictments valid. Mr. Walker* said

Progress of Indianapolis Basketball Sectional Ben Davis (23)1 , Thursday, *:00 P. M. [ S hl bridge \ Shortridge (30) / ) Friday, 4:00 P. M. Castle ton (24)1 i 1 Thursday. 8:00 P. M. Acton I Acton (34)) / Thursday, 9:00 p. m. Technical \ l \ J Washington (15)) j 1 Friday, 2:00 P. M. / l Broad Ripple ....(11)1 t J Friday. 9:no a. M. Warren Central j I § Warr.n Central FINALS ( = .- I. ALS Saiurdi,, g:t P. M. % Decatur Central (23)1 / Friday, lo oo a. M. Manual \ l Manual (27)) } l. Friday. 8:00 P. M. t j §, New Bethel (18)1 i \ I g Friday. 11:00 A. M. Southport / I I g Southport (42)) I / 'O Saturday, 3:00 P. M. New Augusta j / Friday. 2:00 P. M. ' , V Oaklandon ) I 1 Friday, 9:00 P. M. Beech Grove ) 1 Friday, 3:00 P. M. / Lawrence )

The Indianapolis Times

Rain tonight, tomorrow partly cloudy; continued mild temperature.

he would file a special answer tomorrow on Mrs. Saunder s case. As Deputy Prosecutor Gerritt Bates ordered Mrs. Saunders and her fellow-prisoners to step up before the judge to hear reading of the indictments, newspaper photographers set up their cameras. Objects to Photographers Mr. Walker strenuously objected to the taking of the pictures, declaring that the prisoners “have had enough publicity already.” Unperturbed, Mr. Bates went on to read the indictments charging the defendants with “premeditated malice” in the first degree murder charge, and "murder but without premeditation” in the second degree charge. In announcing that he would file a special plea for Mathers tomorrow, Mr. Stark apologized to the judge for not filing it sooner. “I will state for the record,” said Judge Baker, “that Theodore Mathers, remaining mute, entered a plea of not guilty and you may file and special insanity plea as soon as possible.” Body Found Feb. Z Harvey L. Fisher, Brazil, attorney for Roe, entered a “not guilty” plea for his client. When defense attorneys asked about separate trials for the defendants. Judge Baker said. “I don't know anything about separate trials.” Mr. Saunders, resigned pastor of the Wabash Street M. E. 'Schurch, was found slumped in the front seat of his car at Fortieth and Meridian street, Feb. 2. His brain had been pierced by a .38-caliber bullet. Subsequently, police arrested Mrs. Saunders and Mathers and Roe, charging them with an alleged plot to kill the minister. All three defendants have been held without bond in the Marion county jail since the murder. STAND AGAINST OTTO IS TAKEN BY FRANCE Paris to Oppose Restoration of Monarchy, Says Barthou. By United Press PARIS. March 2.—France will oppose the restoration of the Hapsburg monarchy in Austria, Louis Barthou. minister of foreign affairs anounced today.

INDIANAPOLIS, FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 1934

G. 0. P. URGED TO LIBERALIZE Party Must Be Progressive, Aggressive, Morgan Tells Leaders. Denunciation of existing conditions of local law enforcement,' combined with a plea for a more liberal and progressive attitude within the Republican party, was i made last night by Leland C. Morgan, Young Republican organization county chairman, at a joint meeting of all regular Republican organizations of northwest Indianapolis. More than 300 persons, members of the Marion county Young Republican organization, Sixth Ward Golden Eagle Republican Club and the Veterans’ Republican organization, attended the meeting which was held at Winnemac hall, Twen-ty-ninth and Clifton streets. With a minimum of preliminary remarks, Mr. Morgan launched his criticism of current procedure in Marion county courts. "We have witnessed the peculiar spectacle of the judge of the circuit court causing to be prepared the prosecution of certain Indianapolis banking officials,” Mr. Morgan said. “This judge presented the evidence and affidavits to the prosecuting attorney, who as yet has done nothing.” The next prosecutor should expose every “shady act” of bank officials, and, if proved guilty, he should send them to prison, Mr. Morgan suggested. “We must make the Republican party more liberal, progressive and aggressive,” Mr. Morgan declared. Walter Pritchard ,the Coffin choice for mayoral nominee, also addressed the meeting. In a short speech he pledged himself, if elected, to effect tax reduction, and asserted that, contrary to platform of other possible nominees, he would under no circumstances reduce salaries of members of police and fire departments. LEAGUE'S PEACE OFFER SPURNED BY PARAGUAY Government Rejects Its Plan to End Bolivian War. By United Press ASUNCION, Paraguay, March 2. —The Paraguyan government announced officially today its rejection of peace proposals by the League of Nations commission designed to end the Bolivian war.

RHETA MURDERED BY BURGLAR OR KILLED SELF, DR. WYNEKOOP HINTS FROM STAND IN PLEA FOR LIFE

BROAD TARIFF POWER ASKED BY PRESIDENT Trade Reciprocity Will Help Industry and Farming, Roosevelt Hopes. By United Press WASHINGTON. March 2.—President Roosevelt this afternoon asked congress speedily to grp.nt him power to enter into reciprocal trade agreements, which he hopes will expand foreign markets for American industry and agriculture. Instead of the present system under which tariffs can be adjusted only by long-studied tariff commission or congressional action, Mr. Roosevelt requested power to enter into three-year agreements with foreign nations. To countries which would lower their duties or grant increased quotas on this country's products, he would grant reciprocal treatment. The President in a special message pointed out that in this time of trade wars and battles for dwindling markets, the United States is one of the few countries which does not have power to enter into quick reciprocal understandings. Trade Essential to Recovery. The President viewed expansion of foreign trade as an integral part of the whole recovery program. Decline of United States exports in 1933 to 32 per cent of the 1929 value, he said, “has meant idle hands, still machines, ships tied to their docks, despairing ram households and hungry industrial families.” With these arguments and a plea for “early action,” Mr. Roosevelt. thus placed before congress one of the most controversial issues it has faced in his administration. He acted against the advice of some who feared the question would lead to protracted and bitter debate and thus disrupt plans for a comparatively early adjournment. But Mr. Roosevelt felt the urgency of the situation more than warranted these risks. He cautioned, however, against expecting quick results, but said “I hope in time that definite gains will result to American agriculture and industry.” Exports Vary With Imports He said it was a fact, that “full and permanent domestic recovery depends in part upon a revived and strengthened international trade and that American exports can not be permanently increased without a corresponding increase in imports.” When this country buys more goods from other countries, he pointed out, their purchasing power is increased and “this in turn spells increased opportunity for American sales.” Denying arguments of those who have contended that this country must adjust itself permanent to a policy of economic nationalism, the President expressed confidence that tariff adjustments would bring ex- ; panded foreign markets for many agricultural and industrial products. Bill Ready for Introduction Thus, he said, the United States can “be spared in part at least the heartbreaking readjustments that must be necessary if the shrinkage of American foreign commerce remains permanent.” Assistant Secretary of State Francis B. Sayre, who sat in the house gallery while the message was read, said the bill to carry out its recommendations was ready for introduction. The measure has two main provisions: Authorizing the President to enter Into trade agreements with foreign nations and to modify important restrictions as necessary to make such bargaining agreements. It would permit flexible tariff changes up to 50 per cent, but would not permit transfer of dutiable imports to the free list or vice versa. Speaker of the House llenry T. Rainey termed the tariff message “the most important message sent to congress by the President.” Mr. Rainey said the tariff power delegation to the President was undoubtedly constitutional.

1,000 Reformatory Prisoners Locked in Cells for Threatening to Revolt

BY DANIEL M. KIDNEY Times Staff Writer One thousand idle prisoners at the Indiana state reformatory threatened revolt, were locked in cells, and shorn of all privileges, it was revealed this afternoon by Wayne Coy, McNutt secretary in charge of penal affairs. A “shakedown” revealed that they had armed themselves with dozens of crude knives and similar weapons made from scraps of iron taken from the foundry. Prisoners working in the foundry struck and obtained increased privileges in regard to tobacco and candy purchases two weeks ago. But fifty of the strikers were transferred to the Indiana state prison at Michigan City, Other prisoners were

WARREN, MANUAL, SOUTHPORT ADVANCE IN BASKET TOURNEY

Warren Central, Manual and Southport high schools today won their way into the second round of the Indianapolis sectional basketball tournament in Tech gym. Warren downed Broad Ripple, 24 to 11; Manual defeated Decatur Central, 27 to 23, and the Cards overwhelmed New Bethel, 42 to 18, Two more first-round games remain. New Augusta meets Oaklandon at 2 this afternoon, and Beech Grove plays Lawrence at 3. At 4 this afternoon Shortridge and Acton, winners in last night’s play, are matched in the first of the second-round tilts. In tonight's session Tech will play Warren Central, Manual and Southport tangle, and the winners of this afternoon's first-round battles will be paired.

NONAGGRESSIQN PACT JLJ. AIM Roosevelt Reported Anxious to Outlaw Invasion by Agreement. (Copyright, 1934, by United Press) LONDON, March 2.—An official American source informed the United Press today that President Roosevelt was eager to have a world nonaggression treaty effected simultaneously with, or parallel to, any disarmament agreement. This desire, the informant said, was behind the American proposal made this week in reply to a British disarmament memorandum, that signatories to any diarmament agreement pledge themselves to refrain from sending armed forces across their neighbors’ bordedrs. It was explained that the President was convinced that besides limiting, or abolishing, large offensive weapons it was essential to insure that remaining armaments were not used for invasion. This news came a few minutes after Great Britain, in publishing its air force estimates for 1934-1935, offered Europe a clear choice between reaching a disarmament agreement or matching her in vast expenditures on aerial armament. It was learned that Britain, as part of the plan, is considering the advisability of calling before the meeting of the disarmament steering committee April 10, a special conference of big powers. The following would be included: United States, Japan, Russia, Britain, France, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Poland and one representative of the Little Entente nations (Czechoslovakia, Roumania and Yugoslavia). A sudden and dramatic revival of disarmament activities came as Norman H. Davis, American disarmament delegate, and Captain Anthony Eden arrived here today. Mr. Davis came from New York, Captain Eden from a portentious series of talks with high officials of France, Italy and Germany. 4 KILLED; 3 INJURED IN MINE EXPLOSION Ignition of Calcium Carbide Is Believed Cause of Tragedy. JOHNSTOWN, Pa., March 2. Four men were killed and three others critically injured by explosion of calcium carbide while attempting to thaw out a mine at Beaverdale. Identified dead were Andy Funadel, 45, and John Bearich, 47, both of Lloydell. The explosion occurred in the Logan Coal Company’s workings when, it was believed, someone struck a match near the calcium carbide. One of the men was hurled more than 150 feet, and another bout 100 feet. Hourly Temperatures 6a. m 40 10 a. m 42 7a. m 41 11 a. m 43 8 a. m 42 12 (noon).. 44 9 a. m 42 l p. m 45

taken to the Indiana state farm and twenty-five more were transferred there today from the Pendleton institution. Mr. Coy said. He admitted that some property losses had resulted from the unruly groups scattering newly made skillets and other products about the prison yard at the reformatory. Mr. Coy placed all blame on the fact that they are not employed and there is no work for them. He denied that either the newly appointed guards or Superintendent A. F. Miles can be charged wuth the failure to maintain discipline. Latest outbreak occurred last Friday and the 1,000 were locked in their cells and kept there since Saturday, with the exception of those who have promised to obey, Mr. Coy explained. .. ,

Entered as Second <HaMatter at PostofTioe. Indianapolis

Accused 63-Year-Old Physician Recites Events Preceding City Girl’s Slaying in Trembling Voice. DETAILS ACTIONS ON FATAL DAY Frail Defendant Checks Tears, but Great Emotional Strain Is Evident; Court Crowded With Women. By United Press CRIMINAL COURT BUILDING, CHICAGO, March 2. —Dr. Alice Lindsay Wynekoop told her story today of the events that led up to discovery of her pampered son’s wife, lying nearly nude and dead of a bullet wound on an operating table in the basement of the Wvnekoop home. The recital was given in a trembling voice before a tense and crowded courtroom.

The state charges Dr. Wvnekoop with murder in connection with her daughter-in-law’s death. The 63-year-old physician sought to show today that, even though she can't prove how Rheta died, there are two alternatives that fit the facts better than the case drawn by the prosecution. They are; 1. Murder by a burglar. 2. Suicide. On three occasions the Wynekoop property on West Monroe street was burglarized, with both cash and drugs taken, the 63-year-old physician testified under the friendly questioning of her attorney, W. W. Smith. This set the stage for her contention that Rheta may have been murdered by a burglar. Spent Morning at Hospital To support the suicide possibility. Dr. Wynekoop said that Rheta had a “terrible fear” that she would die of tuberculosis —a fear that amounted to 'an obessjon. Added to this was “a difference” that had grown up between the pretty, titian-haired Indianapolis violinist and her handsome husband, Earle. With this defense built up in the minds of the jury, the elderly physican took a sip from her glass of water and launched into a detailed story of her actions on the day of FILIPINOS WILL GET FREEDOMJILL AGAIN President Asks Elimination of Military Options. By i Hi ted Press WASHINGTON. March 2.—President Roosevelt proposed today in a message to congress to give the Filipino people another opportunity to accept independence under terms of the Hare-Hawes-Cutting bill, but accompanied this recommendation with a request for change in military and naval provisions of that expired act. Chairman John McDuffie of the house insular affairs committee, said that he would introduce anew bill for Philippine independence today. Mr. Roosevelt asked that the United States’ option to retain military bases in the Philippine islands after independence be eliminated and that a similar option regarding naval bases be abandoned ultimately after further discussion. Military bases would be relinquished simultaneously w'ith independence. “To change at this time the economic provisions of the previous law would reflect discredit on ourselves,” the message said. ROB~BANK MESSENGER Three Virginia Bandits Escape With 560,000 Loot. By United Press RICHMOND, Va.. March 2.—A Negro messenger of the State Planters bank was held up and robbed of $60,000 by three bandits here todayJohn B. Jones, the messenger, was transferring the money from the Fifth district federal reserve bank to his own institution. He was accompanied by a guard, W. A. Cogsbill. The bandits were unmasked white men accompanied by three others who waited in an automobile with engine running to whisk them away.

Such privileges as chapel service, movies and access to the reading rooms have been taken from all of the prisoners as a result of the affair. Os the 1.000 locked in cells. abo ,! 500 remain confined and are denied all freedom. They can not go to the dining hall for meals, but are fed in the cells, it was explained. There are 2.200 prisoners at the place, which was built to accommodate but 1,200, Mr. Coy pointed out. There are more than 100 guards, he said. “Overcrowding and unemployment are causing the trouble,” he said, and cited similar problems of penal authorities in other states^ “There is no danger of riojjjflf ” be concluded. ; f ;

HOME EDITION PRICE TWO CENTS Outside Marlon County, 3 Cents

the mysterious Wynekoop tragedy. That day was last Nov. 21. "I had arranged with Dr. John M. Birger to per/orm an operation on a patient at G&Jffield Park hospital," she said, “and I spent the entire morning there." “I returned home about 1 o'clock and had lunch with Rheta. She said a friend had asked her to go walking and I encouraged her to do so, but she said she would go out alone, if at all ana buy some sheet music." Catches Breath, Rests. Dr. Wynekoop's recital was interrupted frequently as she caught her breath and rested. A short recess came at this point to give her morei time to recover her strength. She did not weep, but her voice was taut, indicating a great emotional strain. Conviction might carry the death penalty. “I was about to leave when T travo Rheta two ’• ” end a 50-cert jrr<When I left she still was at home but expected to go down towm. I went to the postoffice, then to Newman’s hardware store, then back to Garfield park hospital, to see a patient. Then I walked home. It was about 5 o’clock. “I entered through the basement, where I left my hat and coat (not far from the private office where the body was found) and went upstairs, calling Rheta. She did not answer. Doctor Breaks Down. “I prepared dinner, setting a place for Rheta. When she did not come. Miss Hennessy (a boarder) and I ate alone. Afier dinner, Miss Hennessy went to thfc -drug store for some prescriptions for ffic When she returned, she was complaining of a stomach disorder and I went to the basement for some medicine for her. “I opened the door of the private office and switched on the lights.” Here Dr. Wynekoop broke down and wept. Her continued description of the death scene was given between sobs that shook her slight frame pitifully. “I saw Rheta —on—the- -operating table. “The head was exposed, a blanket was over the body. I walked around the body and saw the pistol near her hand. She was the very picture of death." When she had composed herself she said she returned to Miss Hennessy, called a doctor, who called an undertaker, and finally the police about 10 p. m. This was nearly two hours after she found the body. The frail defendant was carried in o the courtroom and placed upon the witness stand by bailiffs before the jury was seated. Flashlight bulbs flickered like lightning in the brief periixi before the court formally came to order and Attorney Smith began to question Dr. Wynekoop. “You name is Dr. Alice Lindsay Wynekcop?" asked Attorney Smith as he opened the dramatic proceeding.;. “Yes,’ answered the physician. Her voice was low and weak, hardly audible above the rattle of street cars passing in the street below. “You are how' old?” the questioning went on. “Sixty-three,” said Dr. Wynekoop. Her voice broke. Rheta’s Father Present The defense attorney led his client through an account of her early life. She was visibly affected as she recalled the scenes of her youth. The courtroom w f as quiet and intense. The crowd was composed mostly of women. Many of them were young matrons, strikingly dressed and in sharp contrast to the somber garb of the defendant as she presented her own defense against the charges of murder. Seated in the front row, only a few feet from the witness stand, was Burtime Gardner of Indianapolis, father of the slain Rheta. He wai. the only man in the front row. |

PRIZES TO WINNERS Persons whose *ar pietttres were reprinted in The Times should bring the pictures to The Times office and receive prize money. The pictures were of Indiana troops during the World war and were used in connection with the popular “First World War” series. Prizes were offered to those those whose pictures were accepted by the editors.