Indianapolis Times, Volume 47, Number 268, Indianapolis, Marion County, 17 January 1936 — Page 3

JAN. 17, 1936.

HOFFMAN UNDER FIRE FOR *"■ GRANTING BRUNO REPRIEVE; CITY COMMENT 1$ DIVIDED

Governor’s Impeachment Is Demanded by Press, Legislators. (Continued From Page One)

the Governor can issue a reprieve only*withln a 90-day period following conviction, a number of Hoffman's predecessors had interpreted the clause differently, and he followed their precedent. Criticism came from all parts of the country, but in New Jersey it took the form of a demand for Hoffman's impeachment. Hoffman, informed of the demands, said they were "a newspaper man’s dream." The Trenton Times, an independent newspaper, led the demand, which was said to have some support, in the lower house of the Legislature. His political enemies were planning to introduce impeachment proceedings when the Legislature reconvenes Monday night, unless political factors cause a change in plans. ‘The impeachment action will come before the reprieve expires," one authoritative legislative source told the United Press. Even before he took issue to reprieve, the Governor encountered severe censure for his alleged seeking of "publicity” by intervening in the Hauptmann case. Members of the state Senate, which would act as a court in event of Impeachment proceedings against Hoffman, were reluctant to comment. A check of leaders of the Assembly also resulted in only formal comment. But one powerful member of the Legislature said: "It (the impeachment proceedings) will come before expiration of the reprieve.” G. O. P. Has Majority Rep. Crawford Jamieson on Dec. 9 issued a statement bitterly criticizing the Governor’s intervention in the case. He demanded impeachment then. Last night he was silent, but it was indicated that he had not changed. In addition, four other members of the Assembly among those checked expressed hitter opposition to the reprieve and said they expected "action.” The Assembly contains 16 Democrats and 40 Republicans, who, it w r as pointed out, probably would attempt to prevent smirching of the Governor's record. But another factor enters into the political battle. A bloc of about 30 of the Republicans have been fighting the Governor in regard to economy and other policies. It was believed by some that they—or at least part of them—might join the Democrats in attempting to impeach the Governor. All observers agreed that only che most sensational evidence tending to prove Hauptmann’s innocence could save him from eventual execution. Hoffman has not power to commute his sentence to life imprisonment and in granting the one reprieve said he would not grant another. The power of commutation lodges wuth the Court of Pardons and a majority of its eigh: members is needed. The court turned Hauptmann down emphatically. This court is one of mercy. There seemed no hope left for the convicted murderer after the United States Supreme Court, through Justice Roberts, refused for the second time to intervene. Justice Roberts declined yesterday, only a few hours before Hoffman, announced the reprieve. Lindbergh Is Silent By United Prr* LLANDAFF. Wales. Jan. 17.—C01. Charles A. Lindbergh, informed that a reprieve had been granted to Bruno Richard Hauptmann, said only: "I have nothing to say.”

LEAD TYPE IN GARDEN BLAMED FOR POISONING Doctor Describes Strange Case of Woman Who Ate Vegetables. By United Press SYDNEY. N. S. W.. Jan. 17.—An extraordinary case of lead poisoning from plants has been described by Dr. E. T. Brennan, of the New Guinea Administration, in a lecture to the International Pacific Health Conference in Sydney. A woman was admitted into a hospital in New Guinea suffering from vague abdominal pains and an intermittent temperature. It was thought that it might be caused by a recurrence of malaria, but blood tests proved negative. It was then discovered that she lived in a house which formerly had been used as a printing works. On digging in the vegetable garden hundreds of pieces of lead type were found. Traces of lead were found in the tomatoes and beans grown in the garden. Blood tests revealed the presence of lead. AUTOISTS GET SMOCKS GOING THROUGH TUNNEL Steel Bodies and Attendants’ Hands Complete Circuit. By United Press BOSTON. Jan. 17. Motorists passing through Sumner vehicular tunnel under Boston Harbor, were shocked recently. The shock was caused by all-steel bodies of automobiles that acted as a Leyden jar in storing static electricity. Thus, when the motorist touched the hand of the toll collector in passing a coin, it completed a circuit and both felt the shock. Now’, attendants have been insulated with rubber-soled shoes and there have been no more shocking experiences. AGED MERCHANT SOLD SHOES TO HAWTHORNE Emerson Also Booth! His Foolnrsr; He’s Still In Business. 6)/ United Press CONCORD. Mass.. Jan. 17.—The storekeeper who sold shoes to Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathanial Hawthorne and other historically prominent Concord literary personages observed hla eighty-sixth birthday recently. The dean of Concord business men. Prank Pierce, has oee* in business continually for more than 70 years.

Many Take Position New Evidence in Case Has Been Uncovered. (Continued From Page One)

has strong new evidence, the reprieve was Justified.” Ralph M. Spann, attorney: “I think Gov. Hoffman is meddling too much with the courts.” L. Ert Slack, attorney ahd former United States district attorney and mayor: "I consider the reprieve an error.” Detective Chief Fred Simon: “They must have new evidence.” Tolbert F. Reavis, Butler University criminology professor: “It would seem to me in view of the circumstantial evidence on which Hauptmann wa.i convicted that the reprieve was justifiable and humanitarian, without condoning crime or excusing Hau ttmann.” Herbert M. Spencer, prosecuting attorney: "There has been too much delay and gossip about this case already. If there had been any foundation for any of the rumors floating around they would have been discovered long ago. Hauptmann should have been executed on schedule.” Miss Jessie Levy, Indianapolis woman attorney: "If the newly discovered evidence warrants a reprieve, Gov. Hoffman was justified in granting it, since the right to life and liberty is the most important, social guarantee under our Constitution. Hauptmann should be afforded an opportunity to present any evidence he may have that might go to mitigation of the crime.” Miss Willa Proctor, Maywood, Ind., accountant member of Indianapolis Business and Professional Women’s Club: "In my opinion, it is an interference with justice. He has had as much consideration as should have been given him. If there was any chance at all of his innocence he should have been able to prove it Dy now.” Miss Bess Robbins, woman attorney: ' "The Governor should have granted the reprieve only if he had in his possession evidence which Hauptmann was unable to produce at the trial, which would change the question of his guilt or innocence. The Governor erred in seeking the evidence to prove Hauptmann’s innocence or guilt, for in so doing he practically placed himself in the position of a defense attorney. He should have waited for the defense to produce this evidence. Circumstancial evidence, in my opinion, is stronger than identity, because actions don’t lie, while people make mistakes in identification.” Oscar C. Hagemeier, deputy prosecuting attorney: "Apparently there is a great deal unexplained about the case. If there is a possibility of more evidence the reprieve is just." Clyde C. Karrer, attorney: "Gov. Hoffman probably had good and sufficient reason to exercise his right to reprieve.” Sheriff Otto Ray: "If the Governor had reason to believe there is any doubt of Hauptmann’s guilt he did the right thing to allow the reprieve and investigate further.” Police Capt. Otto Petitt: “The Governor should know what he is doing. Perhaps he hopes to uncover information concerning an accomplice.” By In itrd Pretin KAMENZ, Germany, Jan. 17. Bruno Richard Hauptmann’s aged mother said today that she was unable to sleep all night because of her happiness over the reprieve granted her son. She was wakened late last night and told the news. She said then that she had prayed all day that something would happen. "Now it has come to pass.” she said, "and everything will come out all right. I am sure that Richard's innocence will be proved.”

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Fountain Ladies Shiver as They Await Summer

ip i 1 II mm il Hffl HP iff i

The ladies are cold at the fountain in University Parle . It has snoiced all over them. The wind howls around them. And though they always seem to be about to “ring around the rosy” they never move. So the snoiv has put a muffler around their shoulders and- they are cold at the fountain, waiting for summer.

POLL COMMENT IN CITYDIVIDEB Political Leaders Split on Party Lines About Digest Vote. (Continued From Page One)

Roosevelt supporters. If a direct instead of a misleading question had been asked, I suspect the result of the poll w'ould have been different.” Mayor Kern: ‘‘The wording of the question does not lead to a true political prognostication. Many who do not approve all New' Deal measures nevertheless will vote for Roosevelt at the next election.” Philip Lutz Jr,. Attorney General of Indiana: “I do not the Literary Digest poll is a fair criterion of the attitude of the people of this state toward the re-election of President Roosevelt. It is certainly different than my own experience reveals with people whom I meet. The poll probably indicates opposition to some New Deal legislation. This may be expected, as the legislation is new and does not meet favor with all classes. But the people are for Roosevelt, feeling that he is the hope for honest and improved government. The rank and file of the people will support Roosevelt and I have no doubt if the election W'ere held today, he would carry Indiana by 200,000 votes.” Herbert M. Spencer, prosecuting attorney: ‘‘The question submitted for balloting does not truly reflect public sentiment toward President Roosevelt and policies. As designed, both those who are to the ‘right’

THE I\ T DIAKAPO S

and those who are to the ‘left’ are con sidered as against the President.” Superior Judge Joseph R. Williams: “I am solidly behind the President. No one can deny that the trend is on the upturn. The President is the only character in public life that seems to know' what he is doing. The question is not fair and received only partisan answers. ’ Criminal Judge Frank 'p. Baker: “There is never any party oi\ policy that the majority of people are ever for. The question should have been one oi comparison between Mr. Roosevelt’s policies and Mr. Hoover's policies.” Charles A. Grossart, Marion Conty Auditor: “The question is misleading because the average person reading it does not understand the issues involved. The vote does not come from a true cross-section of the people.” Glenn B. Ralston, Marion County Clerk: “To my mind the question asked in the Literary Digest poll has either been ineptly phrased or wilfully made of controversial nature to suggest a negative answer. The question should have been asked as to improved conditions under President Roosevelt. I think the whole country is grateful of the steady improvement we are making.” John S. Newbouse, president. Board of County Commissioners: “I do not attach much significance to the way the Literary Digest has put out the questionnaire. They ask whether people approve of the New Deal. A person may not approve of the New Deal in its entirety and, of course, would vote no. The Washington Merry-Go-Round shows a sentiment of 2% to 1 in favor of President Roosevelt.” Albert H. Losche, city purchasing agent: “The straw vote ballot does not get into the hands of the ‘forgotten men.’ Roosevelt takes care of the poor and there are a lot of that kind.” Walter C. Boetcher, city controller: “From expressions I get

on the street, I dor’t think the magazine is getting the proper slant. These ballots don’t touch the masses.” Mrs. Harriet McNamara, secretary to Mayor Kern: “I doubt if they will all vote that w-ay at election time. Personally, I have no great confidence in straw votes.” Police Chief Morrissey: “It is not my policy to comment on political issues, but as a voter I believe there is a chance the poll is not a representative cross-section.” Francis Bowser, public counselor. Public Service Commission: “I think the Literary Digest poll is meaningless because of the anibiguity of its question about being opposed to NewDeal policies. A great many persons might be opposed to some or several New Deal policies, but the opposition wouldn’t be sufficient to turn them from President Roosevelt in the election. It’s probable too, that the coverage of the poll wasn’t representative because the relief worker opinion wasn’t touched.” Appellate Judge Fred A. Wiecking: “The Literary Digest poll doesn’t mean a thing at present. I’d be willing to trust it—have done so in the past—after there is a Republican candidate. However, the question about opposition to New Deal policies is misleading. If the Literary Digest waited until the Republicans nominated someone and then took a poll, more credence could be put in its findings.” Poll Results Revealed By United Press NEW YORK, Jan. 17.—Final tabulation of 1,907,681 votes in the Literary Digest's poll on sentiment toward the New Deal indicated today that three-fifths of the voters disapprove President Roosevelt’s policies. The complete vote, announced today, was: Approving the New Dea1—712,368. Disapproving—l.l9s.3l3. The question asked was: “Do you

now approve the acts and policies of the Roosevent, ‘New Deal’ to date?” Utah and 11 Southern and border states gave majorities for the New Deal, •while the other states voted against it. In percentages, the complete vote was 37.34 per cent “yes,” 62.66 per cent “no.” Eighteen months ago, polling what the Literary Digest described as "almost the same list of names,” the magazine found that 61.15 per cent of the voters approved the New Deal. The poll was conducted by post card. The Digest received 58.46 per cent more votes in the last poll than in 1934 and interpreted that to mean that interest in politics is high. GROOM LEFT BRIDE AT MOTHER’S AFTER RITES He Hasn’t Been Seen Since, Mate Says at Divorce Trial. By United Prenn STONEHAM, Mass., Jan. 17.—Mrs. Jeanette Brown won an annulment of her marriage after testifying that her husband left her on the doorstep following the marriage ceremony. She told the court her husband brought her to her mother’s home instead of their own apartment after the marriage. On leaving her at the front door he yelled. "I’ll be seeing you,” and disappeared. He hasn’t appeared since, Mrs. Brown testified.

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QUIZ OF WIFE STORY BEOIND BRUNO'S STAY

Hoffman Interviewed Anna Before Acting; Writing Expert Key Man. BY FORREST DAVIS Times Soecial Writer TRENTON, N. J.. Jan. 17.—The true story behind the reprieve by 39-year-old Gov. Harold G. Hoffman of Bruno Richard Hauptmann may now be told. It vies in melodramatic interest with any phase of the Lindbergh case. Early today the story became available, substantially it is as follows : Gov. Hoffman, as early as last Saturday morning, tossed his political future into the lap of the gods and determined to stay Hauptmann's sentence—scheduled for tonight at B—unless meantime he was absolved of responsibility by a Federal Court action. Yesterday, the Supreme Court at Washington again rejected Hauptmann's appeal. But before that became known, the Governor sought an interview with the wife of the convicted kidnaper. He stole into the hotel where she stops by a basement entrance at 9:30 a. m. Bruno's Wife Indignant "Mrs. Hauptmann.” he said, in effect. "your husband’s situation is precarious. Perhaps he hasn’t told us all there is to know about his situation. When you go to call on him today ask him, please, if there isn’t something else that I ought to know.” The governor clearly was opening the path to a confession. He watched the effect on Mrs. Hauptmann. That plain, devoted hausfrau drew herself up. She regarded the governor with outraged dignity. "What,” she asked, "do you mean, your excellency? Richard has told me everything—do you suggest that he has concealed anything from me, his wife?” Moreover in the interview. Mrs. Hauptmann did not make a personal plea for a stay. Bears Dubious Tidings The Governor bowed. He departed without disclosing his intentions to Mrs. Hauptmann. Therefore, when she called at the death house, she bore dubious tidings. Mrs. Hauptmann repeated the Governor’s remarks as one recalls something interesting but only in passing. As she left the prison, the Rev. John Matthiesen, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, an upstanding clergyman and Hauptmann's spiritual comforter, arrived. Dr. Matthiesen had no specific news of the reprieve, although he believed that Hoffman would act before he was called upon to walk the "last mile” with the German prisoner. No optimistic word had reached Hauptmann, occupant of death house cell No. 9, all day. But as the pastor left the prisoner, Hauptmann said: "Don’t worry, pastor. I am sure that I shall not die Friday night. Dr. Matthiesen described Hauptmann’s confidence as moving. Saga of Sam Small "The story of Hauptmann's reprieve revolves the simple saga of Sam Small, the persistent penman, who for months has, voluntarily and Without remuneration, dodged the heels of all persons concerned with Hauptmann’s defense. Small, who possesses the confidence of Gov. Hoffman, of Detective Ellis Parker and Lloyd Fisher, chief defense

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OFFICIAL WEATHER _t’n)trd Stair* Weather

Sanria* “:M ans*t 4:4# TEMPERATURE Jan. 11, 193.1 7 • m 1 ii. m 37 TODAY # a. m !4 I* a m 28 7a. m 53 11 a. m M **• ■ -5* I! (No*n> M&M a. m 5* lpm BAROMETER 7 . m. .. 30. M 1 p. in. ... s*.** Precipitation 24 hr*. ending 7 a. m... .31 Total precipitation since Jan. 1 0.3$ Deficiency since Jan. 1 o.W OTHER CITIES AT 7 A. M. Station. Weather. Bar. Temp, Amarillo. Tex. Clear 29.50 36 Bismarck. N. D Snow 30 32 - J Boston Clear 30.06 23 Chicago Cloudv 30.14 2* Cincinnati Cloudv 30 10 24 Denver Cloudy 29.30 20 Dodge City. Kas Snow 29.'8 22 Helena. Mont Clear 30.i2 4 Jacksonville. Fla. ... Cloudv 30 04 56 Kansas City, Mo Cloud'v 39.74 30 Little Rock. Ark. Cloudy 29.74 36 Los Angeles Clear 29.98 52' Miami. Fla Clear 30 06 70 Minneapolis Snow 30.16 10Mobile. Ala Foggy 30.22 53 New Orleans Clear 29.38 62 New York Clear 30.10 26 Okla. City. Okla. ... Clear 29 60 24 Omaha. Neb Cloudv 29.90 22 Pittsburgh Cloud” 30 14 20 Portland. Ore Rain 30 20 38 San Antonio. Tex. ..Cloudy 29 64 60 San Francisco Clear 30 18 46 St. Louis Cloudy 29 90 30 Tampa. Fla Foggy 30.04 58 Washington. D. C. Cloudy 30.14 34 counsel, enjoyed a personal triumph today. Last Friday small persuaded the Governor of his pet and stoutly affirmed conviction that Hauptmann - could not have written the Lindbergh ransom notes. Ingenious and single-minded, he insisted in an affidavit filed yesterday, before the reprieve was announced, that the state of New Jersey was preparing to execute the wrong man tonight. I happen to know that Small, who is Jewish and makes a slender living as a penman and engrosser, bor- • rowed $l5O to pay his expenses in Trenton for the last two weeks. Small's findings were submitted to the pardon court last Saturday. Has Parker's Confidence Detective Parker, the Governor’s closest advisor, in the Lindbergh case, today expressed his complete confidence in Small. "His showing,” said Parker. “Is most convincing proof that Hauptmann did not write any of the ransom notes. "Any person who has any knowledge of handwriting must know that neither Hauptmann nor Fisch wrote the ransom letters. A much older person penned those notes." Gov. Hoffman's intention to re- * prieve Hauptmann, in part on the basis of Small’s representations, was published in the Scripps-Howard newspapers last Saturday. It happened on schedule. SUCCUMBS AT HOSPITAL: Miss Mary Burgess. 30, Dies After a Short Illness. Miss Mary Burgess, 30, a bookkeeper, died today in St. Vincent's Hospital after a two weeks’ illness She lived with her family at 69 N. Rural-st. She is survived by two sisters. Blanche Burgess and Mrs. Bertha Pierson, and a brother, Homer Burgess. Services are to be at 8:30 Monday morning at the home and at 9 in St. Philip Neri Church. Burial is to be in Holy Cross Cemetery. Burns Cause Woman's Death Bij United Prenn MITCHELL, Ind., Jan. 17.—Burns suffered in a fire that destroyed her home near here Monday caused the death of Mrs. Leona Faye Wicker,, 35, third victim of the conflagra- \ tion. The other victims were Mrs. Wicker's children, Bonnie, 4, and Norma, 2.