Indianapolis Times, Volume 47, Number 232, Indianapolis, Marion County, 6 December 1935 — Page 1

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BRUNO IS ‘NOT THE man; ace jersey DETECTIVE ASSERTS Hauptmann, Facing Death in Chair, Did Not Kidnap or Kill Lindbergh Baby, Famous Investigator Tells Governor. GIVEN NEW HOPE TO ESCAPE DEATH Ploffman Visits German Carpenter in Cell, Urges Members of State’s Pardon Board to Do Likewise. Jlfl l n>lt and I'rrs* TRENTON, N. J., Dec. 6.—Ellis 11. Parker, famous chief of Burlington County detectives, is convinced that Bruno Richard Hauptmann did not kidnap and kill Charles A. Lindbergh Jr., Gov. Harold G. Hoffman said toaay. Mr. Parker, whose fame as an investigate r caused a book to be written about him, has been working on the Hauptmann case at the request of United States Senator A.

Harry Moore, the Governor I said. Mr. Moore was Governor at the time of the kidnaping - . ] “Gov. Moore wrote to Mr. Parker and asked him to interest himself in the case.” Gov. Hoffman said in reiterating his denial of calling the famous detective. ‘He personally is convinced Hauptmann is not the man—that they have not the right man. There is no official investigation on his part. Mr. Parker, from the very start, has been working on things that he thought would provide some definite clew.” There are several other independent investigations in progress, Gov. Hoffman revealed. “I have been consulted myself on a number of occasions,” he said. Urges Members to Visit The Governor would say nothing more of his visit to Hauptmann’s cell in the death house at state prison in October. Gov. Hoffman explained that he had suggested to the Court of Pardons “a month ago” that it give some thought to the case, for “if the United States Supreme Court takes no action, the case undoubtedly will be placed in our lap.” "I thought that because of the unusual nature of the case, they all ought to sit in on it,” he added. Parker Works on Case Gov. Hoffman revealed that almost two months ago he paid a night visit to Hauptmann, talked with him more than an hour, and subsequently urged other members of the State Court of Pardons to do likewise. Disclosure of Parker's activities gave new significance to several mysterious trips that have Been taken by Dr. John F. (Jafsie) Condon to the New England coast recently and reports that bills from the $50,000 ransom again were appearing in New England cities. Gov. Hoffman’s request that members of the Court of Pardons visit Hauptmann conjured pictures of a scene with dramatic possibilities probably unsurpassed in criminal annals. Willing to Visit Cell Members of the court indicated that if the Supreme Court makes them Hauptmann's only resource of hope and if he asks to see them they probably would visit him in a body. There are eight men on the court, including Gov. Hoffman. Asa group they have the power of clemency reserved in most states to the Governor alone. If Hauptmann convinced five of the eight that he was innocent they could free him. If he touched their sympathies they might commute his death sentence to imprisonment. Gov. Hoffman said Hauptmann insisted he is innocent. The fact that the Governor requested otlmr members of the pardons court to hear the same statement might indicate Hauptmann pleaded well. Letter Is Disclosed it;/ l nil id Press NEW YORK. Dec. 6.—A letter which Ellis Parker, famous detective. is investigating for new evidence in the Lindbergh kidnaping case was delivered to the chief of police at Trenton. N. J„ March 10, 1933, and bore a Buffalo (N. Y.) postmark, the Daily News said today. It follows in part: “Mister Chief: “I am writing this letter in New York. lam going to Canada. When (Turn to Page Three! Struck by Street Car Miss Lucille Limp, 18, incurred a fracture of the nose and cuts on the face last night when she was struck by a street car at 52d-st and Col-lege-av. She was treated at Methodist Hospital. Times Index Amusements 32 Births, Deaths 39 Books 25 Bridge 25 Broun 25 Church News 14 Comics . 43 Crossword Puzzle 43 Curious World 43 Editorial 26 Financial . 42 Food Pages 33-34-35 Junior Aviation 7 Pegler 25 Radio 39 Serial Story 23 Sport* 36-37-38 Stamps . 34 Want Ads 39. 40, 41 Woman s Pages 22-23

The Indianapolis Times

VOLUME 47—NUMBER 232

SOMEBODY WILL HELP YOU. JOE Clothe-a-Child Is Sure You Boys Will Get Warm Apparel. (51 Children Clothed—Donors on Page 3) Joe walked into Clothe-a-Child office of The Indianapolis Times today primed for all emergencies that might grow out of his request for clothing for his four children. A “shorty,” with a reverse-Eng-lish in his speech, Joe has been in this country long enough to have a quartet of all-American boys but he still doubts that there’s really a live Santa Claus who'll help him obtain clothing for his youngsters. So Joe took no chances on the names and ages of his children. “My wife says, ’You show them you got children. You show them how old they are. You ask them to come see how your children need shoes and coats.’ So I show you,” and with a deft movement accompanying his words Joe flung four legal looking, be-ribboned documents on the Clothe-a-Child desk. They were baptismal certificates for Joe’s children. Joe didn’t know that as he talked a memorandum lay on the desk that said in succinct words of a special service worker of a Community Fund relief agency that Joe’s children used flour sacking for underwear and paper to protect shoe soles from inclement weather. He did not know that his children's christening in Clothe-a-Child began days before he came to The Times because a watchful Community Fund, without hope to give extra presents in a Christmas party, knew Clothe-a-Child folk would fill this need in Joe's family. Your christening paper in Clothe-a-Child is just a call to Riley 5551. CLIPPER LANDS AT ALAMEDA AIRPORT Ends Trans-Pacific Flight Shortly After Noon. By United Press ALAMEDA AIRPORT. ALAMEDA, Cal.. Dec. 6.—The China Clipper completed the first roundtrip flight over the trans-Pacific air mail route today, landing at Alameda airport at 12:36 p. m. (Indianapolis time). By United Press ALAMEDA. Cal., Dec. 6.—The China Clipper, first of Pan-Ameri-can Airways’ airliners to make a charted air mail crossing of the Pacific, roared down the homestretch of a 16,000-mile ocean flight today. The ship took off from Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, at 7:35 p. m. (Indianapolis time) yesterday and sped eastward on the last 2410-mile stretch of her epochal journey.

Four-Man Indianapolis Team Captures U. S. Bridge Crown in Final Match With Culbertson

Times Special CHICAGO. Dec 6By the scant margin of one-quarter of a match point, an Indianapolis team early today brought bridge glory to the Middle West by winning the team of four competition in the American Bridge League tournament. The winning team, which scored 35 points and defeated the team headed by the famous Ely Culbertson. was comprised of Joseph E. Cain. Lawrence J. Welch. F. R. Buck and Edson T. Wood. Mr. Culbertson. playing in his first tournament since 1932. headed a team comprised of Mrs. Culbertson, Richard Frey. Albert Morehead and himself. They finished with 34 \ points. An Indianapolis pair shared a three-way tie for fourth place. Walter J. Pray and A. J. Vitale Indianapolis, teaming with Foster Hopkins and Charles Porter. Cincinnati. Third place went to John Smith and Ridgeway Bishop. Chicago. and Aaron Frank and Morris Glick. Cleveland. In addition to the team including the Pray-Vitale combination

FORECAST: Unsettled with rain probable tonight and tomorrow; no decided change in temperature; lowest tonight above freezing.

Showdown Between Duce and Britain Is Nearing Mussolini Courting Disaster If He Presses Demands for Oil Too Far, Says Simms. BY WILLIAM PHILIP SIMMS Scripps-Howard Foreien Editor WASHINGTON, Dec. 6. —Benito Mussolini today faced surrender in line with the proposed Anglo-French “ultimatum” of this week-end, and possibly revolution at home in consequence. Either that, or almost certain conflict with Great Britain.>•

Boiled down, that is the bitter essence of what is now taking place Dehind the closed doors of diplomacy in London, Paris and Rome. Under no circumstances, according to sources best able to weigh the situation, will Britain permit Italy (a) to obtain too firm a foothold among British colonial interests in Africa, and (b) menace the Empire’s Mediterranean-Suez-Red Sea route to the Orient. The new Tory government at London, this writer is informed, is tremendously in earnest when it protests it does not want war. It is genuinely frightened at the prospect. But it agrees that there are things even worse than war and one of them is defeat at the hands of II Duce. That is, the annexation of Ethiopia. despite everything Britain has done to head Italy off. might well have fatal consequences just now when neither effort nor money is being spared to restore British prestige to its old-time glory. The present international tempest over oil, therefore, is seen as important but not necessarily vital. An unlimited supply might make it harder for Britain and the League to hamstring Italy. But, with or without oil, Mussolini must not permit his ambitions to go very much beyond the limitations of the reported “ultimatum.” If he does, he courts his own destruction. From Rome, reports continue to affirm that an American subsidiary is preparing to provide II Duce with the necessary oil with which to win his African campaign. This concern. it is said, will obtain its supply elsewhei-e than from the United States—for the most part, apparently, from Rumanian wells under American control. If true, this would mean betrayal of the League of Nations from within as well as from without. Rumania is a member of the League. She voted to uphold sanctions. Moreover, she is an ally of France, Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia, likewise sanctionist powers.

from Indianapolis, sharers of fourth place included Louis J. Haddad, Walter Jacobs and Arthur Glatt, Chicago, and Sidney Rusinow, New York, and a team composed of P. J. Sheardon, Toronto and R. S. Horner, Ottawa, and Arthur Frankenstein and Hal Friedman. Chicago. First round of the national pair championship will be played late today and the finals tomorrow night. Ten Indianapolis pairs are entered. The championship hand: NORTH— WEST—S—A 87 4 2 S—K Q 6 5 H— K J 7 H —6 3 2 D— 9 4 D—A Q J 7 3 C—J 9 5 C—7 EAST— SOUTH—S—J 9 S—lo 3 H— A 4 H— Q 10 98 5 D—K 86 5 2 D—lo C—B 6 4 2 C—A KQIO 3 Mr. Culbertson held the West cards and his partner. Richard Frey, was in the East. Mr. Welch

INNOCENT, BELIEF OF NOTED JERSEY SLEUTH

Bruno Hauptmann .... May Escape Chair

INDIANAPOLIS, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1935

JEWELRY THIEVES GET $2900 LOOT Rob Marott Hotel and Suburban Home. Looting a Marott Hotel apartment and the suburban residence of Almus G. Ruddell, Indianapolis business man, thieves today had escaped with loot valued at more than $2900. Police were notified that Mrs. Katherine K. Griffith, Apt. 602, the Marott, was the heaviest loser. Her suite was robbed of jewelry valued at SIBSO, which included two diamond rings and a sapphire, valued at $700; another S7OO ring; a platinum ring set with diamonds, S3OO, and a diamond-studded wrist watch, $l5O. At the Aliisonville home of Mr. Ruddell, Central Rubber and Supply Cos. president, SIOOO worth of loot was obtained. Stolen articles included a tuxedo suit, evening gowns, a shotgun and jewelry. WONT RUN, NORRIS SAYS; BACKS F. 0. R. Nebraska Republican Makes Announcement. By United Press WASHINGTON, Dec. 6.—Senator George W. Norris (R.. Neb.) today announced flatly that he would not seek re-election to the Senate but that he would actively support President Roosevelt for another term.

sat North with Mr. Buck in the South. When this team played the board, Mr. Welch in the North passed. So did East. Mr. Buck opened with one heart, Mr. Culbertson doubled. When North passed. Mr. Frey bid two diamonds. South passed and Mr. Culbertson made a psychic bid of two no trump, hoping to stop a heart lead. Oh, Baby! By l nited Press WATERTOWN. Wis., Dec. 6. —Hugo Briesemeister is famous in these woods for his wild fish stories—especially about the weight of his catches. A neighbor borrowed Hugo's scales to weigh a newly bom baby. The baby weighed 40 pounds on the fish scales.

BOMB HAILE’S QUARTERS AT BATTLEFRONT Italian Airmen Pour High Explosives on Town of Dessye. FIVE REPORTED KILLED American Red Cross Hospital Is Struck; Patients Are Evacuated. By United Pres* ADDIS ABABA, Dec. fi.—Emperor Haile Selassie protested to the League of Nations today against the Italian bombing of Dessye. By United Press DESSYE, Ethiopia, Dec. 6.—Ten big Italian Caproni war planes bombed Dessye, field headquarters of Emperor Haile Selassie, today, showering down bombs which caused many casualties, damaged the American Red Cross Hospital and burned marty houses. Casualties were placed unofficially at five dead and 15 wounded. Most of the bombs were incendiary. The empei’or’s Dessye palace was the special object of attack and was damaged. The emperor escaped, having taken refuge elsewhere when the alarm was given. One bomb passed right through the red cross painted on the roof of the hospital, setting the building afire, but quick action saved it. The American flag painted on the roof was not hit. A huge bomb pit w r as created 100 yards from the hospital. Most of the patients were evacuated when the air raid warning was given and were saved. The wounded included a Swedish nurse, a French newspaper man and a Belgian officer. War Stalemate Near End By United Press The military stalemate in the Ethiopian w'ar showed signs today of ending. After two months of scattered fighting and maneuvering, a real battle appeared in prospect at last. Discounting rumors and the occasional bits of misfortune which reach isolated Addis Ababa, the following appeared to be facts: 1. Italian planes submitted Dessye, war headquarters of Emperor Haile Selassie, to a terrific bombing. Italian Planes Active 2. Italian planes are increasingly active on the northern front, perhaps presaging a general Italian offensive by Marshal Pietro Badoglio, the new commander-in-chief sent to Africa for that purpose. 3. Haile Selassie has conferred with his chiefs at the front and probably is prepared to start his delayed resistance to the Italians. Whether it will be confined to harassing guerrilla tactics or will be followed by a mass attack was not certain. An Italian drive in the north appears logical for three reasons: Marshal Badoglio has to make a showing; Italy has to maintain her prestige by demonstrating that her army is not stalemated by the Ethiopians but is definitely superior; Italy must present to the League of Nations some accomplished facts to show her power to resist sanctions. On the diplomatic front there was a heavy fog. Paris was represented as being optimistic. Geneva, however, seemed to feel that the French-British peace talks starting tomorrow would fail, while in Rome it was said Mussolini already had decided to reject any offer they make. Hence, predictions are not in order, but by Monday it should be clear whether an agreement still is possible, or the League will take a step nearer to a European war by applying the oil embargo. U. S., British Warn Japan Aside from the Ethiopian difficulty. other disturbing factors appeared in the international situation. Almost on the eve of the naval conference in London, which it is admitted in advance will be a failure as far as accomplishing a reduction of naval arms is concerned, Britain and the United States shook warning fingers at Japan for her movements in North China. Perhaps it was a coincidence that Sir Samuel Hoare and Secretary Cordell Hull made their statements simultaneously.

However, Mr. Welch immediately showed up the psychic by bidding three hearts. Mr. Frey went to four diamonds and when Mr. Buck bid four hearts, Mr. Culbertson bid five diamonds. Mr. Welch doubled and Mr. Frey redoubled. The contract w r as defeated one trick when North opened a heart. At the other table, Mrs. Culbertson held the South cards and her partner Albert Morehead held the North hand. Mr. Wood played West with Mr. Cain in the East. North and East passed. Mrs. Culbertson bid one heart. Mr. Wood bid two diamonds. Mr. Frey two hearts, Mr. Cain three diamonds and Mrs. Culbertson three hearts. West bid three spades which Morehead in thei North doubled. McCain then went to four diamonds and Mrs. Culbertson bid four hearts which became the final contract. Mr. Wood opened the singleton club which defeated the contract one trick winning the national championship lor the Indianapolis team.

Entered as Seeond-Clas* Matter ••• at Postoffice. Indianapolis. Ind.

ON STAND AGAIN

It

George W. Barrett

SECURITY LAW EXPERTIN CITY Consults Business Group; Holds Assembly Must Take Action. Social security in Indiana depends on action of the State Legislature, Merrill G. Murray, associate director, unemployment compensation bureau, Federal Social Security Board, said today on his arrival for conferences with local employers. The compensation law, which would levy a tax upon employers, is to be explained by Mr. Murray this afternoon to business executives. The Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce arranged the meetings. Mr. Murray is to confer this afternoon with Gov. McNutt, who returned today from Washington meetings on appropriate Indiana legislation for social security. The Governor said he had obtained first copies of Federal data issued by the government. He said he would study the facts and probably confer with President Roosevelt Monday when the latter comes to South Bend to receive an honorary Notre Dame degree. Mr. Murray is a graduate of De Pauw and the son of a former Huntington County Methodist minister. the Rev. David G. Murray. Indiana employers must pay the 1 per cent tax for the first year; 2 per cent for the second, and 3 per cent for following years whether a state law is passed or not, Mr. Murray said. He is to be guest at a Chamber dinner tonight at the Lincoln. 2000 WPA WORKERS JOIN VIGO WALKOUT Ask 6-Hour Day; ‘Work or Starve/ Says Coy. With approximately 2000 WPA employes on strike in Vigo County protesting an eight-hour day, Wayne Coy, state administrator, today announced there would be no change in working schedules and warned that unless workers abided by the schedule they./would be cut from relief rolls. Approximately one-half of the persons employed on relief projects in the county walked out yesterday, charging they not be rorced to work longer than six hours a day. One man, described as “Hugo Rassmussen, a radical.’’ was reported arrested by Maj. Earl Weimar, National Guard commander, enforcing martial law in the county. Rassmussen was held after he is alleged to have incited other WPA workers to participate in the walkout. 4 KILLED, 32 SAVED IN OHIO MINE BLAST Rescuers Work Nine Hours to Reach Explosion Victims. By United Press STEUBENVILLE. 0., Dec. 6. Four men dead today after an explosion at the Wolf Run mine north of here. Thirty-one others, trapped when the mine caved in, were rescued. Rescue squads of 50 men worked nine hpurs through the blasted properties before they reached the bodies, one-half mile from the mine entrance. The men were trapped late last night when the mine caved in after a mysterious explosion. All except the four were brought safely to the surface within two hours. 75 Persons Rescued in Fire By United Press HAMILTON, Ont., Dec. 6.—Firemen asisted in rescuing more than 75 persons trapped by a fire today in the Royal Markets Apartment. For a time the blaze threatened to spread through the business section.

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G-MAN’S KILLER MAKES PLEA OF SELF-DEFENSE Lived m Fear of Kentucky Feudists, Barrett Testifies in Trial Here; Intimidation of His Witnesses Charged. NOLAN ADMITS QUIZZING OF MAN Crippled Slayer Faces Jury to Detail Actions Leading to Fatal Battle With Department of Justice Men. BY JOE COLLIER George W. Barrett tried to beat the gallows on a story of self-defense from feudists th<s afternoon in a Federal Court session marked with accusations' by his attorney that Federal agents had intimiated a defense witness. The battle over the alleged intimidation was short-lived after Attorney Edward Everett Rice asserted he would ask

MILK SOLD AT LOSS, PRODUCERS COMPLAIN Issue Statement After Hearing on Price Hike Is Delayed. Farmers can not produce milk profitably at the price they now are receiving in the Indianapolis area, a statement issued today by the Producers’ Cost Committee declares. The statement followed postponement until Dec. 12 of a hearing at which producers are to urge a price rise of 1 cent a quart. Milk which costs 4.5 cents a quart to produce is being sold at 3.2 cents, according to the statement. John S. Thomas is committee chairman and Everson Mithoefer, secretary. HAPGOOD IS FREED ON STRIKE CHARGES State Drops Case Against Indianapolis Socialist Leader. By United Press TERRE HAUTE, Ind., Dec. 6 Charges against Powers Hapgood. Indianapolis, and two other Socialist leaders arrested in the aftermath of Vigo County’s general strike last summer, have been dismissed by the state, it was disclosed today when their trials were scheduled to begin. Hapgood, a Socialist candidate for Governor in 1932, was arrested when he protested detention of Leo Vernon, Madison, Wis., and Aaron Gilmartin, Des Moines, la., who had aided him in his fight against “military dictatorship” growing out of the general strike. ROOSEVELT SUGGESTS BRIDGE FOR STRAITS Army to Make Survey for Span in Michigan. By United Press WARM SPRINGS. Ga..'Dec. 6. President Roosevelt revealed today that he would order Army engineers to begin a preliminary survey on the feasibility of a bridge across the Straits of Mackinac. Michigan. The bridge, it was explained, would permit year-around travel in the area. Transportation seriously is affected by ice in the straits during the winter and spring. DRUM TO REPORT ON HAWAIIAN DEFENSE _ Army General to Appear Before House Committee. By United Press HONOLULU, Hawaii, Dec. 6 Maj. Gen. Hugh A. Drum, United States Army commandant for Hawaii, was en route to the mainland today aboard the S. S. President Pierce to appear before the House Military Affairs Committee and outline Hawaii’s defense system. General strengthening of island defenses to make Hawaii the “Gibraltar of the Pacific” has been urged. TRADING QUIETS AFTER ADVANCE EARLY IN DAY Prices Turn Irregular; Motors Meet profit-Taking; Steels Down. By I nited Press NEW YORK. Dec. 6.—Trading quietd and prices turned irregular on the Stock Evchange early this afternoon after an earlier advance. Leading motor shares met considerable profit-taking. Steels drifted down and utilities dipped from early highs that showed gains ranging to more than 2 points. Metals and oils held firm. NORTH CHINA IS TENSE Japanese Refuse to Discuss Return of Ho Ying-Chin. By T niicd Press NANKING. Dec. 6.—The situation in North China took a sudden and serious turn in a dangerous direction today when War Minister Ho Ying-Chin telegraphed the government from Peiping that he was returning to Nanking immediately. It was reported reliably that the Japanese refused to talk with Ho, whom Generalissimo Chiang KaiShek sent north to halt the movement lor autonomy.

FINAL HOME PRICE THREE CENTS

the trial he stopped unless witnesses were not questioned by agents. Judge Robert C. Baltzell ordered the trial continued after District Attorney Val Nolan admitted that a defense witness had been questioned but only after Rice had announced the witness would not testify further. Barrett, sitting in his wheel chair, told the jury that he had been warned the day he killed Federal Agent Nelson B Kelin that G-men were after him. but said he didn’t believe it. Feared Feud Enemies Rather, he told the jury, he believed he was being followed by Kentucky enemies who sought to kill him as the aftermath of a wholesale killing in Manchester. Ky., some time before Aug. 16 when the G-man was slain at West College Corner, ind. As court opened. Rice charged, after the jury had been excused, that a witness had been intimidated. “Last night.” he said, “after LeRov Roark testified for the defense he was taken by government agents to another building and questioned for hours about his testimony. If this continues, i can't get a fair trial for my client.’’ Judge Baltzell asked Nolan if he knew anything about the matter. “Yes. your honor,” Attorney Nolan said, “the defense Indicated In writing to me that we could excuse Roark.” Falsehood, Cries Nolan Rice interposed: “I said he could be excused, but the government said it might want him recalled and I supposed he was to be recalled.” “That,” accused Nolan, “is a deliberate falsehood.” Judge Baltzell then asked Rice if he knew of any other witnesses that had been intimidated. Rice said “No.” The matter was closed and the jury was returned. Sylvester Little. Kentucky commonwealth attorney, was recalled to the stand and. during more testimony about feudist shootings, Rice asked: “Is it necessary to carry guns in Kentucky?” Target in Manchester Nolan objected and, in sustaining the objection. Judge Baltzell said: “Kentucky is still in the United States, you know.” Later Rice asked the commonwealth attorney, if, in his opinion, George W. Barrett should now go to Manchester, he would be killed. “Yes, I think so,” the witness said. Lawrence Powell. Berea. Ky., tho next witness, said he had a conversation with Barrett about appearing before the grand jury in Manchester in connection with the feuds. He also said that Barrett collected fine jewelry and guns. Nolan asked if it were true that Barrett collected fine jewelry in the same way he collected autos The answer was stricken on objections. Mrs. Elizabeth Ecker, 69, Hamilton, 0.. followed Powell, saying she (Turn to Page Three) WEEK’S ILLNESS FATAL TO ELMER D. MARTIN Rites for Teacher to Be Here Sunday; Burial at Edinburg. Rites are to be held at 2 Sunday for Elmer Dale Martin. Indianapolis resident for 35 years, who died last night at his home, 3125 College-av, after a week's illness. A native of Connersville, Mr. Martin devoted the greater part of his life to teaching. Services are to be- in the Hisey <Si Titus Funeral Home, 951 N. Dela-ware-st. Burial is to be in Edinburg. Survivors are the widow, Mrs. Minnie D. Martin; a step-daughter, Mrs. Mary Eccles. 4045 Rookwoodav. and a brother, Leon Martin, Connersville. LEWIS OPPOSES STRIKE Will Avoid It if Possible, He Tells Mine Parley. By I nited Press WASHINGTON. Dec. 6—Anthracite coal miners will avoid a strike to enforce wage demands proposed for new contracts April 1, if "we can avoid it,” John L. Lewis, United Mine Workers president, told the tri-district convention of hard ooal miners today.