Indianapolis Times, Volume 46, Number 128, Indianapolis, Marion County, 8 October 1934 — Page 10
PAGE 10
The Indianapolis Times <s scßirrs-nowARD sehspaifri ROT W. HOWARD Pn!<Jnt TAI.COTT POWELL Editor EAKL D. BAKER Bruin*** Manager Phon# Riley 0081
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!>•'* *o ><( Give H'jht and the People Will Find Their Oven Way
MONDAY. OCT *. 1934
TIME TO ACT SOME people have wondered why The Times urges civil service and state supervision in the county penal institutions. Saturday nights attempted break from the Marion county Jail should be a sufficient reply. It happened that police headquarters was located directly across from the jail. It happened that the police force was prompt and efficient. Otherwise four thugs—Giberson, Hulbert, Love and Cummings—would once more be adrift to prey upon the community. Remember that these criminals were caught by policemen—not by sheriffs who were in charge of the jail. It is not the function of the police to keep men in prison. That is the responsibility of those in charge of our penal Institutions. There are several questions about that Saturday night performance which remain to be answered by the sheriff and his men. How were these four desperadoes able to escape into a corridor while they were being marched back from supper? How were they able to fashion a rope out of mattress ticking? How did they hide from the jailers the fact that they were manufacturing a skeleton key. a lever made from a bed slat and a lock pick? How did they procure four hack saws? Above all, how could they have gone un-# observed for at least a week while they sawed four bars in an OUTSIDE window which W£gs some distance from their cells? One answer will be that county funds have been reduced to such an extent that there are now only three jailers on duty at night in the institution. True, this is insufficient. But the problem cuts deeper than that. One experienced, trained jailer who knows his job depends on his efficiency ALONE, is worth any three political time servers. The facts are that Indiana's penal administration both state and county has lagged behind that of any sister states. The Times straw vote of legislators and legislative candidates of both parties indicates strongly that the prison and state police systems will receive a thorough overhauling at the next session. It is high time. THE ‘FENCING’ MASTER SENATOR WILLIAM E. BORAH ißep., Idaho), may appear in Indiana in behalf of Senator Arthur R. Robinson, or in behalf of the Republican party, or against the Democratic party—but he certainly isn’t committing himself. Senator Borah's visit was announced by the Republican high command some time ago. Curious, since the senator's swing around the nation this summer has been devoted almost entirely to denouncing what he calls the lostering monopolies under the New Deal, The Indianapolis Times wrote to the senator to inquire the nature of his Indiana address. He was asked specifically whether he was going to speak for "Li'l Arthur” or whether he would stick to his anti-monopoly theme. Senator Borah answered as follows: “I hope to find the time to speak in some of the middlcwestern states. I have no definite dates at this time or any definite engagement. Wherever I go, you may be assured my speeches will be in accordance with what I have expressed and in support of that program.” His somewhat cryptic message would seem to leave Senator very much on the fence—almost as much on the fence as he has been for years in regard to his political affiliations. It would seem, too, to indicate that Senator Borah is stiff the same man whom a Washington correspondent for a New York newspaper once characterized as follows: “He can not or will not follow. Neither will he lead. He simply wants to play a ione hand.” Perhaps. the Hoosier "old guard” will have to worry along without him. HELPING HITLER MUSSOLINI'S announcement of the imminent accord between Italy and France was expected. It gives one more hitch to the line that is tightening around Hitler's Germany. Nothing less than this fellowship in fear of revived German militarism could have overcome the post-war hostility between France and Italy. Thu accord is even more significant against the background of European realignment since Hitler consolidated his control over Germany and reached out for Austria. Since then France has revoked her anti-Soviet policy and brought Russia into the League of Nations. The growing isolationist trend m London suddently has been reversed by the sharp statement of Stanley Baldwin that hereafter the British frontier is on the Rhine. That made easy the joint declaration by Great Britain, France and Italy reaffirming the independence of Austria. So again Europe's destiny rests uneasily on the old base of balance of power. This time the balance against Germany is even stronger than in 1914. Superficially Germany is to blame. The Hitler movement inevitably allied the other powers against Germany. But the tragedy is that these powers (except Russia?, which today form an alliance against Germany are the same powers which produced Hitlerism. Great Britain. France and Italy forced the unjust peace of Versailles upon a Germany which already had overthrown the kaiser and the militarists. Then the allies, drunk with victory and the dictatorship of Europa, blindly set about year after year to destroy the iieaceful German republic. Ihe futility ot it all was summed up by the givat German statesman, Stresemann. in pis
lament to the British diplomat, Bruce Lockhart: "It Is five years since we signed Locarno. If you had given me one concession, I could have carried my people. I still could do it today. But you have given nothing, and the trifling concessions which you have made always have come too late.” This was the failure of diplomacy in 1914 — it was too late. So it has been, also, since the armistice. And so it is today—diplomacy is always too late. But there may be time yet to make the future different. Germany has not received justice. Until sne is dealt with fairly, she will remain a victim of madness, led by Hitler or another. However great may be the danger of granting economic, political and disarmament equality to Germany while Hitler is In power, the danger of prolonging the forced inequality is greater. Not all the armies of Europe put together will preserve peace as long as 65,000,000 Germans can feed i the fires of revenge with just grievances. STARS AND STRIFES SOCIALISM THOUSAND people live under a system of almost complete Socialism in the Panama Canal Zone. They thrive under it and seem to like it. Canal Zoners are as individualistic as any other group of Americans, but they are contented with the collectivist fulfillment of their wants. Administration of the Canal Zone compares favorably with the best examples of British colonial administration. and well may be considered a model for other territories and dependencies of the United States. m These are among the observation of Dr. Marshall E. Dimock, who has just completed an independent survey of the Canal Zone government services under auspices of the public administration clearing house. The Chicago University Press has published his report under the title ‘‘Government-Operated Enterprises in the Panama Canal Zone." In the Canal Zone, the government is the butcher, the baker and the soap-maker. It is the milkman and the cobbler. It roasts the coffee and bakes the bread. It distributes the groceries, the dry goods and the hardware. It owns all of the homes and the furniture in them, and collects the rents. It processes soft drinks and operates the recreation clubs. The Canal Zoner knows he neither will get rich nor go hungry, and that by thrift and industry he can improve his own lot. Dr. Dimock found that pride of service and honesty permeate the Canal Zone administration. and that, judged by ordinary business standards, the government's Isthmian enterprises have been a success. He cited dividends equivalent to 125 per cent of its capital stock paid into the treasury in the last thirty years by the Panama Railroad Company, which now owns $35,000,000 worth of capital assets, although its capital stock is still only $7,000,000. Among the changes recommended by Dr. Dimock to improve efficiency in the Canal Zone are: Merger of the Panama Canal and the Panama Railroad Company into a Panama Canal Corporation in order to consolidate authority and responsibility and eliminate present inconsistencies arising out of control and operation by the canal authorities of properties actually owned by the railroad company. Abolition of the office of United States minister to the Panama Republic and assignment of all Penamanian diplomatic responsibilities to the governor of the Canal Zone. NAVY MEN ON LINERS |)Y agreement with the navy department, Commerce Secretary Roper announces that senior navy officers, as a result of the Morro Castle disaster, will travel on American merchant ships to see that fire and boat drills are held and that all other safeguards of life are in good condition. Certainly the government should adopt the policy of sending inspectors on passenger ships to check them in action. But we believe the use of naval men, while temporarily expedient, is not the ultimate solution. The steamship inspection service must be made good enough to stand on its own feet and to inspire the full faith of the ship-traveling public. But the recent inquiry, plus the incident where a commerce department inspector put his hammer through the tank of a previously inspected Morro Castle lifeboat, plus the barring of reporters when inspectors boarded the Morro Castle’s sister ship Oriente, shows clearly that the present inspection service is not what it should be. It is possible that the inspection service has been hampered by lack of sufficient men and money. But it is clear that only a sea disaster can show up the deficiencies in it. Secretary Roper, we believe, should lose r.o time in creating an inspection service beyond criticism. WEALTH AT ITS WORST TT is not often, luckily, that the courts are called upon to handle quite so dreary a mess as that presented currently by the effort of assorted relatives to decide who is to have the custody of little Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt. Here, drawn from the testimony of sworn witnesses, we get another variant on the old. story of the "poor little rich girl.” And what a story it is! Heiress to vast wealth though she is, this little girl seems to have had far less happiness than the ordinary child of poor parents gets. The whole case might have been designed purposely to point to the old. hackneyed moral —money doesn’t necessarily bring happiness. But whatever the pity the ordinary newspaper reader feels for this youngster is apt to be swallowed up in indignation at the tribe responsible for her plight. Heaven help the republic, if this case gives a fair cross-section of the wavs of America's upper class. Though Katmai national park, Alaska, is popularly known as "The Valley of 10.000 Smokes.” our wife's bridge club deserves the title. The average American schoolboy receives two more years education than he did in 1914. At last, the secret of the increase in slang terms! You shouldn't object to the number of new books on the New P-al, especially if you're troubled with insomnia.
Liberal Viewpoint BY DR. HARRY ELMER BARNES
1. “The Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences.” (Macmillan Company, $7.50.) 2. “The Passing of the Gods,” by V. F. Calverton. (Charles Scribner's Sons, $3.) 3. “Makers of Christianity from Jesus to Charlemagne,” by Shirley Jackson Case. (Henry Holt & Cos., $2.1 4. “A Martian Examines Christianity,” by Arthur Levctt. (Watts & Cos., $1.25.) 5. "Pietism as a Factor in the Rise of German Nationalism,” by Koppell S. Pinson. (Columbia University Press, $3.75.) 6. “Deism in the Eighteenth Century America,” by Herbert M. Morais, (Columbia University Press, $3.50.) 7. “The Story of American Dissent,” by John M. Mecklin. (Hercourt, Brace & Cos., $3.50). 8. “Arsenal for Skeptics,” edited by Richard W. Hinton. (Alfred A. Knopf, $2.50.) 9. “The Practice of Public Prayer,” by J. Hillis Miller. (Columbia University Press, $2.50.) a a a IN spite of the growth of indifference and absorption with material wants as a result oi the long continued depression, there is no dearth of good books dealing with one phase or another of religion. The great encyclopedia of the Social Science now has reached its thirteenth volume with two more to go. The present volume contains up-to-date, authoritative and sweeping surveys of religion and religious institutions, rarely equalled elsewhere in the English language. Mr. Calverton surveys the evolution and influence of‘religion in terms of the material interests which religion has served. He believes that the reign of religion gradually is passing away because we have been provided through the natural and social sciences with more suitable substitutes for the old religious ideas and controls. It is one of the most stimulating contributions to the religious problem which has appeared in a decade. Professor Shirley Jackson Case is well known as one of the most productive and stimulating writers on Christian origins. In the present volume he puts at our disposal his many years of careful scholarship and his thoughtful interpretations. It easily is the best introduction to the origins and development of the early Christian church. The story is carried down to the reign of Charlemagne. a a a MR. LEVETT has written a very diverting and illuminating book, taking the form of inquiries about the nature of contemporary religion, particularly Christianity, put by a visitor from Mars to a Modernist, a Fundamentalist, a Roman Catholic priest and a rabbi. It will be difficult for even the most dogmatic to read this book without being provoked into some degree of thoughtful reflection. Historians of civilization long have insisted upon the part played by religion in the evolution of modern nationalism. Dr. Pinson has traced, learnedly and effectively, the relationship between German pietism and the growth Oi German nationalism down to the opening of the nineteenth century. Deism represented the first notable attempt to adapt religion to the epoch-making scientific discoveries of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. It was the first great example of Modernism. It has been well known that the deistic attitude developed a wide following in America among the Revolutionary Fathers. Dr. Morais’ gives us a splendid survey of American deism which supplements the excellent recent book by Dr. Koch on “Republican Religion.” a a a IF the Protestant religions of the United States today often have lined up with the existing order, such was not the case with their original adherents in the United States. Professor Mecklin has given us our first good general histor yof the origin of the dissenting religions in the United States, when they vigorously attacked much of the established religion and society of their day. How far dissent has progressed since the days of Roger Williams can be seen by consulting the anthology edited by Mr. Hinton, a sort of up-to-date imitation of Bayle’s famous dictionary. It wiil be welcomed warmly by the free thinkers and other crusaders against organized religion. Dean Miller has brought out a thorough manual on the form and content of public prayer. If the depression deepens and continues, it may have much practical utility in the years to come
Capital Capers BY GEORGE ABELL I SOVIET AMBASSADOR TROYANOVSKY has sailed on the Aquitania bound for Moscow and some conferences on the debt negotiations. Before leaving. Envoy Troyanovsky gave a little demonstration of his skill at carrying figures in his head which should prove useful to him in the future. Guest of honor at a farewell party in the soviet embassy was Jose Capablanca, the Cuban chess champion—who has defeated not a few Russians in his day. Conversation was proceeding placidly in the middle of lunch, when Capablanca put down his fork and remarked: “Now, that reminds me ... a few days ago my queen was in a tough spot. You know the I Muzio gambit with its double sacrifices, don’t you? It develops like this. White moves a pawn j to K 4. ditto black. Then. P-KB4. P takes P, KtI 83, P-KKt4. B-84. P-KKt5 . . .” Guests thought for a moment that Capa- ! blanca was talking Russian. But Troyanovsky’s eyes gleamed with interest. "Da. da,” he said, nodding his head, “and then white castles, P takes Kt, and Black moves his queen to 83.” For the next five minutes figures flew about the table, while Capablanca discussed the conservative Giuoco Piano opening, and Troyanovsky described Kieseritzki's king's bishop's gambit. “This.” remarked a guest later, “has me completely dazed. Any one who can talk chess with i Capablanca certainly can do much toward solving the Russian debt problem.” a a a WITH Soviet Ambassador Troyanovsky sailing for Russia, announcement is made that ' American Ambassador Bill Bullitt is returning j to Washington for debt conferences here. Bullitt is coming back via the trans-Siberian | railway, and will visit Japan as well as China. ! His principal aim is reported to be to discuss debts, but he also wants to enjoy a Christmas dinner in Philadelphia. Other moves to and from Soviet Russia at this time include: Jolly, rotund George Hanson. American con-sul-general in Moscow, who is returning on leave |of absence. George used to be in Harbin, and ; speaks Chinese as well as Russian. Once he danced a sword dance here dressed in a Russian blouse—but that was some years ago. Ivan V. Bovev, assistant people's commissar for foreign trade of the U. S. S. R., comes to New York as the new chairman of the board of directors of the Amtorg Trading Corporation. He succeeds Peter A. Bogdanov, who was well known in Washington. • a a a PROBABLY the wittiest remark about the Mexican polo team, which departed yesterday after playing a hard but futile series of games against the United States army team, was made by a young lady during the game last Sunday. I She observed (after a Mexican player barely moved the ball a of feet): “Why, they enust have learned to play on ! a miniature golf course!” \ The Mexicans nearby chuckled good-na- ; turedly. and the remark was bruited abroad, and even repeated at the sherry party given for the Mexican team at the Spanish embassy. In fact, there was no bad feeling at any time. Everything was serene, and the Mexicans left after a series of hospitable teas, dinners and the ;sopncrs, topped by a gala cocktail party given ; : * General Horton at the Chevy Chase 1 Club.
THE INDIANAPOLIS TIMES
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(Times readers are invited to empress their views in these columns. Make your letters so all can have o chance. I Amit them to SSO words or i ess.) a a a OFFERS NEW CODE OF TRAFFIC REGULATIONS By Joe B. Adler. I noted in The Times an article from the Richmond Palladium relative to the rights of the pedestrian. Almost from the time an automobile first was put upon the market I have spoken upon this subject to lawyers and laymen. According to the common law, the pedestrian has the right of way. Therefore, it always has been a mystery to me why the authorities did not enforce this law. It was only a few days ago that I again brought this matter to the attenion of a traffic officer and requested him to call the attention of the chief to it. He remarked that the public would pay no attention to it, but I told him “where there is a will there is a way.” That rule can be enforced just the same as any other rule and after it has been in force a reasonable length of time it will become the custom like anything else. That is one method of reducing deaths and accidents less serious. I suggested to this officer that it would be a good idea for a traffic authority to raise his hand the very second the light changes from stop to go, or vice versa, and every driver dare not proceed until he lowers his hand. The press can give notice to the public of this change in the rules and it then will be observed. If someone deliberately violates, let him be arrested. After a few violators are penalized they will learn their lesson. I feel thoroughly confident that the introduction of this method will be of inestimable benefit to the public. In addition to this I suggest the following: No person under 21 shall be given a license to drive. Every person should be examined physically and mentally to determine if he is qualified to handle a car properly in the event of an emergency. Then he must be put to a test by competent men, in a reasonable way, before granting a license. Every person licensed must be bonded in a good company to show responsibility. Dispense with horns entirely and make every driver slow speed when near every corner, irrespective of light signal. Dispensing with horns will stop a tremendous amount of racket. a a a DENTES ELDER BEVERIDGE FAVORED NEW DEAL Br Frank Gray. Albert J. Beveridge Jr„ in an address before the Irvington Republican Club, hurled a bombshell against Sherman Minton. Democratic candidate for United States senator. Mr. Minton, in a recent address, stated that the late Senator Beveridge. father of the present Albert J. Beveridge, when campaiging for the United States senate in 1912, was an advocate of what now is termed the New Deal. Mr. Beveridge, quoting excerpts of the 1912 speech, advised that his father had at no time advocated anything pertaining to the new deal. He stated: “My father was a strong supporter of the Constitution.” Some ago the writer had the privilege of hearing the late
IT’S WHAT’S BEHIND YOU, WALTER
By L. M. Miller. Users of electricity recently received with their statement a circular stating that the Indianapolis Power and Light Company paid more taxes in 1933 than the combined taxes ol any ten industrial companies in Marion county and more than twice as much as any other utility. It failed to state that it only pays taxes on $33,575,124 when it claimed that its property and plant is worth $69,472,683 in Moody’s reports for 1933 or less than 50 per cent of its book value. What other property owner in Marion county escapes with a 50 per cent tax assessment? It has $38,000,000 of outstanding bonds. What other taxpayer is able to get a tax valuation at less than he has been able to mortgage his property. All of its taxes, including government income and state gross income levies amounts to less than one-half cent a kilo-
senator give an address at the Claypool. I quote the following from the senatof s speech: "The Constitution is the greatest human document which has stood the test of time.” In complimenting Albert J. Beveridge, I extend my congratulations to a worthy son of a great man. He is showing stature and will make a name for himself, both mentally and morally, that will equal the superb record of his illustrious lather. a a a TWO GROUPS MAY OPPOSE MINTON # Bv E. T. Mcloy. The writer recalls a story in a third or fourth grade reader concerning a war between the birds and beasts which is legendary, of course. As the story goes, the bat first was invited by the birds to join their ranks. The bat refused, stating that he was a beast. When the beasts invited the bat to their army, the bat refused, stating that he was a bird. When peace was declared the bat was rejected by birds and beasts alike. The above legend holds true today in the case of Sherman Minton, Democratic candidate for United States senate. He first declared himself against the Constitution. Finding himself rejected, not only by Republicans but by members of his own party who still believe in the Constitution, he reversed himself and professes to be a supporter of the Constitution. Like the bat in the story, Mr. Minton may find himself rejected by the New Dealers and the Constitutional Democrats alike. a a a ACCUSES KERN OF MUD SLINGING Bv Arthur G. Grriham. John W. Kern, Democratic candidate for mayor, certainly will gain nothing by throwing mud and slandering certain members of the Republican party. Mr. Kern is very much concerned because the Republicans are organizing to win the election. He admits defeat when he resorts to such I
Utility Taxes a
[ l wholly disapprove of what you say and will [ d e f en d the death your right to say it. — Voltaire.
and Patrons' Bills watt sold. This leaves more than 5 cents for the Indianapolis Power and Light Company after all taxes are paid, compared with the 3 cents paid by the citizens of Cleveland, O.; 3U cents by the home users of Seattle, Wash., and 1.6 cents by the people of Toronto, Canada. But why should we sympathize with this large taxpayer over his tax problem w T hen all he ha£ to do is to add this item of expense to the cost of production and distribution, which is done, and we pay these taxes when we pay our utility bills monthly instead cf paying the county treasurer. The taxpayers would prefer to exchange places with the taxpayers of Logansport, who pay less for electricity and there is sufficient profit remaining from the operation of the municipal light and water plants to operate the city government without any city property tax during the coming year, instead of our rate of sl.lß for the coming year.
tactics, associated and affiliated with the McNutt political machine. He certainly is out of order when he speaks of machine politics. “Coffinism,” yells Mr. Kern. Nowjust what does he mean and just who is Mr. Coffin. I have knotvn Mr. Coffin eighteen years and I never met a finer or more upright man in my life. Why is It such a sin for a man of this type to be in politics? Mr. Kern himself is in politics and is trying to sell the citizens of Indianapolis on McNutt and all that he represents. “Stop McNutt” should be the slogan in Indiana. A vote for Kern is a vote for McNutt. nun DEEMS REPUBLICANS VETERANS’ FRIENDS Bv I. S. Sherman Minton’s statement that he favors a bonus for veterans will not be taken seriously by the veterans. His habit of reversing himself is w’ell known. The veterans will recall similar promises from Democratic candidates which never were kept. The Democratic party always has shown enmity toward war veterans. On the other hand, the veterans have always been favored by the Republican party, as its records will show. It was Lincoln who said: “We shall care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and for his orphan.” By way of contrast, the attitude of the Democratic party is indicated clearly by the statement of Franklin D. Roosevelt who said that the
Daily Thought
For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool forever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? As the fool.—Ecclesiastes, 2:16. IF thou hast nfver been a fool, be sure thou wilt never be a wise man.—Thachery.
OCT. 8, 1934
disabled veterans first should apply to their township trustees for aid. No, Mr. Minton, the veterans will not be snared by meaningless promises. Senator Robinson’s record, regarding both the veterans and the people at large, speaks for itself, and we shall do well to send him back to the senate. ana JOB-HOLDING WIFE RECEIVES REPLY By J. B. P. So the woman involved didn’t like my answer to “A Reader.” I didn't think she would when I wrote it, for there are none so blind as those who will not see and there are none so dumb as those w-ho do not know that they are dumb. She says she “doesn’t think.” Os course she “doesn't think.” No working married woman ever really thought or she never would have taken a job. I say this for, in my work, I am thrown in contact with the poor, dumb, working married woman who thought she was smart, wise, clever —until she, herself, got hit. And few of them ever learn and they simply won’t be told until it is too late.
Sc They Say
And then there is Harry Hopkins. Well, he can make $lO do less in serving the needy than any man I know in public office.—Senator L. J. Dickinson of lowa. My method, my system, my tradition is founded upon music. George Bernard Shaw-. The feminist movement, which reached its apex during the war and immediately afterward, is as dead as last week's newspaper. Dorothy Thompson, journalist and wife of Sinclair Lewis.
THOUGHTS
BY MARY R. WHITE Beautiful thoughts are the fairy wings That will lead mankind to better things. Look deep in your heart, you'll find this .is true. Your very worst enemy oftimes is “you.” Kind words always are well worth w-hile, Kindly words, with a kindly smile: Where is the real difference twixt you and I? Both were born, and both must die. Then look for the good that gold can not buy. You share in the beauty of earth and sky; Your share of God’s love none can have more. Then only the good of life in your heart store. Beautiful thoughts kindly words hath, Smoothing the rough spots in the wayfarer's path; Then, beautiful thoughts are the fairy wings That will lead all the world to better things.