Indianapolis Times, Volume 47, Number 280, Indianapolis, Marion County, 31 January 1936 — Page 1

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20 BURNED TO DEATH IN PRISON TRUCK FLAMES

Negroes Trapped by Blaze as Gasoline Drum Explodes, TWO OTHERS ESCAPE Two White Guards Also Are Saved; Investigation Is Ordered. B ; United Press SCOTTSBORO, Ala., Jan. Sl.—Twenty Negro convicts were incinerated today in a prison truck which burned swiftly when gasoline slopped from a drum on to a fire they had built to keep warm. Only two of the 22 convicts en route to a highway project escaped the flames, which trapped them inside the truck, shutting off their only exit—a rear door. Two white guards on the exposed front seat of the truck escaped by leaping to the ground. They sped to the rear of the truck, opened the door, and frantically urged the Negroes to leap through the searing flames. Only two did so. They were badly burned, and were taken to a hospital, apparently in dying condition. The 20 other Negroes were burned in the fiery interior of the truck. The gasoline drum from which the inflammable fluid slopped had been loaded on to the truck just inside the rear door. The fire the Negroes had kindled was in the front part of the truck. Investigation Is Ordered A stretch of icy road was reached. The truck skidded, not dangerously, hut just enough to slop the gasoline. Fire Immediately enveloped the interior of the truck, trapping the 22 Negroes. According to E. D. Eyester, resident highway engineer here, the Negroes had pulled the plug from the gasoline drum to get more fuel to go on their fire. Local authorities were ordered by Montgomery officials to leave the truck and its contents untouched on the roadside. The two guards on the truck were held incommunicado pending the investigation which state officials were to make upon their arrival. The two Negroes who escaped were reported “seriously burned" by Scottsboro hospital authorities. They were Paul Dawson and John Stokes. Authorities said all the bodies in ihp truck had been burned so badly that hope of identification was impossible.

RONALD COLMAN HURT IN KNIFE TOSS MISHAP l'aqui Indian Scores First Miss in 20 Years at His Expense. By Umted Press HOLLYWOOD. Jan. 31.—Ronald Colman today knew what happened when a knife-thrower scored his first “miss” in 20 years as he nursed a bruised chest and considered himself lucky to have got off that easy. Steve Clemente. Yaqui Indian knife-thrower, was about to hurl his blade at the British actor when his attention was distracted as “ someone looked at him.” Colman was saved from serious injury when the knife struck a past and was deflected, hitting the actor with the side of the weapon. He was knocked down. GROSS INCOME LIST UP 50.000, JACKSON SAYS Figure Rased on Amount of Mail Yet to Be Opened. At least 50,000 persons in Indiana graduated to the more-than-SIOOO---year gross income class in 1935, Clarence A. Jackson, grass income tax head, estimated today. He based the figure on the amount of unopened mail, more than 30 bags, now in the tax office at the Statehouse. About 5000 persons filed returns personally yesterday, the last day. Mr. Jackson said. A total of 302.000 returns were made in 1935 for 1934 income. TRAFFIC COPS TO BE CHANGED TOMORROW Move Is in Line With ‘Heat Wave’ on Stickers. Johnson Says. On the theory that they may get friendly with their old customers if they remain too long at the same stand, Capt. Lewis Johnson, police traffic chief, today announced that all traffic officers will be assigned new territory tomorrow*. The move is in line with the “heat wave” on sticker fixing scheduled to start tomorrow*, he said. Times Index Amusements 18 Births, Deaths 24 Broun 15 Comics 27 Editorial 16 Financial 26 Food Pages 19-20 Merry-Go-Round 15 Mrs. Roosevelt 12 Pegler 15 Radio 4 Sports ! 22-23 State Deaths 24 Woman's Pages 12-13

The Indianapolis Times FORECAST: Generally fair tonight and probably tomorrow; lowest temperature tonight zero to 5 below; slowly rising temperature tomorrow.

VOLUME 47—NUMBER 280

WILENT2 RAPS GOVERNOR FOR RENEWING QUIZ Lindbergh Case ‘Stands as It Is,’ Prosecutor of Bruno Says. By United Press TRENTON. N. J„ Jan. 31.—The Lindbergh baby murder case “stands as is,” Attorney General David T. Wilentz said today in a. statement which widened the breach between him and Gov. Harold G. Hoffman. Mr. Wilentz, prosecutor of Bruno Richard Hauptmann, claimed the Governor “nor any one else has introduced a fragment of new evidence.” Gov. Hoffman yesterday ordered the investigation continued because he said he doubted that Hauptmann, whom he saved from death with a reprieve, committed the crime alone The attorney general's statement was made after a conference with Col. H. Norman Schwarzkopf, head of the New Jersey State Police, who yesterday received the Governor’s letter directing him to continue the inquiry. “All the columns of interviews, statements and published reports by persons interested in behalf of the defense,” Mr. Wilentz said, “and all the .‘otements of the Governor, including the letter to Col. Schwarzkopf contain no fragment of new evidence. The case still stands as is.” Mr. Wilentz repeated his conviction that Hauptmann was alone in the slaying. “All the evidence, as has been repeatedly stated, that ever has come to the attention of the prosecuting officials has pointed to the guilt of Bruno Richard Hauptmann, and Hauptmann alone,” Mr. Wilentz said. “That situation has not been changed by theories, reports or statements, no matter from what source they come.” Mr. Wilentz asked that it be made clear that he was speaking for himself and not for Col. Schwarzkopf. “The colonel is a good soldier and he takes orders,” Mr. Wilentz explained.

8 CRIMINALS GIVEN LONG PRISON TERMS Jacoby Gang Is Sentenced; McCrimmon Nabbed. Criminal Judge Frank P. Baker today halted w*ith long sentences the criminal careers of eight of Marion County’s most dangerous criminals. Forrest Jacoby, found guilty of banditry, and designated by Judge Baker as the leader of a gang of four that held up the William H. Roberts & Sons Dairy Cos., was sentenced to 25 years in the Indiana State Prison, and Jerry Duke, one of the quartet, to 15 years in the same place. Al and John Head, brothers, and other members of the gang, were sentenced to 10 to 25 years each in the Indiana State Reformatory. Their cases all are to be appealed to the Indiana Supreme Court and bonds w*ere set. George Columbus McCrimmon, Negro, who boasted that he w*as going on a killing spree soon before he escaped from the Marion County Jail Jan. 20. and was taken w*ith his arms full of packages in Jeffersonville, Ind., last night, pleaded guilty to robbery and grand larceny and was sentenced to 10 to 25 years in the Indiana State Prison. Jesse Curry. Negro, another member of the gang headed by McCrimmon, pleaded guilty to the same and received a like sentence. Neal Ware and James Henry Curry, Negroes, other members of the gang, pleaded guilty to auto banditry and grand larceny and were sentenced to one to 10 years. Young Kentucky Killer Executed By United I'ress EDDYVILLE, Ky.. Jan. 31.—James Mathews. 19, was elctrocuted in the state penitentiary early today for the murder a year ago of Cleve Spalding, a coal miner.

Roosevelt Foes Talk a Great Fight--Joe

BY JOE WILLIAMS NEW YORK. Jan. 31. There isn't any big prize fight going on and the baseball season is still some weeks off, so this probably explains why the politicians are blasting vacuous divots out of the frayed fairways of buncombe. They probably figure this is the best time to catch an audience with an open mind, if any. There are so many civic martyrs eager to go to the White House to restore the bloom of health to the ashen jowls of the government the movement has taken on the aspects of a cattle stampede as to numbers and in some instances as to aroma.

HE’D LIKE TO TAKE A WALK, TOO!

BAR WILL URGE RULE BY GUURT State Association to Ask Regulation of Practice in Indiana. A committee of the Indiana Bar Association is to submit a report at the midwinter meeting tomorrow at the Claypool calling upon the state Supreme Court to supervise the practice of law in Indiana. Members of the committee on ‘‘The Inherent Power of Courts to License and Regulate the Practice of Law” are Henry M. Dowling, chairman; Albert L. Rabb, Roy W. Adney and Davis Harrison. The report is to state that it believes that the Supreme Court has ample authority for such regulation, both as to admission to the bar and as to the disciplining, suspension and disbarment of members. Right Believed Inherent The report also is to state that the committee believes that this prerogative is inherent and not dependent upon any legislative action for its existence or exercise. It is to be suggested in the report that the bar association file with the Supreme Court a request that it regulate and cortrol the practice of law in Indiana by adopting such rules and regulations as it may deem appropriate. At present there is no disciplinary body, other than local bar associations. The 1931 act of the Legislature provided for a body of bar examiners so that an examination is required before any person is permitted to practice law. Should the Supreme Court assume its disciplinary role over lawyers, local committees appointed by the court might be established to act as the regulatory* bodies, according to the state association’s plan. M’NUTT WEIGHS DEMAND FOR DILLINGER REWARD May Consult With Other Governors on State's Share, He Says. Gov. McNutt may consult w*ith Governors of four other states regarding payment of Indiana’s share of the reward money for the apprehension of John Dillinger, he said today. Formal demand for the SSOOO was made last week by attorneys for Mrs. Anna Sage, the “woman in red.” Fraud Brings Punishment Norbert Bishop, alias Edgar Riley. 24, of 412 N. Delaware-st, today was fined SSOO and costs and sentenced to 180 days on the State Farm by Municipal Judge Charles Karabell on the charge of issuing fraudulent checks. *

Nobody wants to be right any more. Everybody wants to be President. If all the willing candidates were laid end to end they would reach from Boston to Butte and it is an open question whether that would be far enough. Public servants are a dime a dozen, but a cook that knows anything about making corn pone is still as rare as a ski jump in Florida. Public servants are fearless, forthright fellows. unswervingly committed to the majesty of motherhood, and just as relentlessly opposed to the boll weevil. They dedicate their whole lives to the service of their people. This is much

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 1936

Alternate AAA Sought, Stokes Finds on Trip BY THOMAS L. STOKES Times Special Writer DES MOINES, la.. Jan. 31.—The farmer is taking his Supreme Court AAA medicine with not nearly so wry a face as might have been expected. But don’t think, because there have been no headlines about protest meetings and pitchforks, that the farmer is not thinking a lot, talking a lot, and looking ahead. As yet there is a-Babel of confusion in this Midwestern agricultural country, but this much can be said: If Congress doesn't provide an acceptable substitute, the farmers will make a noise that will be heard in Washington. Having had one national program that has given them a semblance of quality with industry, the farmers have learned that such a program can be worked out, and they (Turn to Page Three) 3 KILLED, 32 HURT IN RAILROAD WRECK Broken Rail Is Blamed by Reading Officials. By United Press SUNBURY, Pa., Jan. 31. —After hours of feverish checking by officials today, the death toll was fixed at three in last night's wreck of a speeding Reading Railroad passenger train which jumped its rails and plunged from an over-pass onto a highway. Thirty-two were injured. A broken rail was blamed by company officials. R. W. Brown, vice president of the road, came here to supervise the railroad’s inquiry. A second investigation will be conducted by th* Public Service Commission The dead: Dr. Guy Rothfuss, 32. Williamsport, brother of Dr. Paul Rothfuss. deputy secretary of health for Pennsylvania: Engineer William Ramp. Tamaqua. Pa., and Fireman Washington Danshaw, Tamaqua. Mrs. Clara Brownell, Williamsport, was the most seriously injured. She is believed to have suffered i> ternal injuries. Her condition is critical. Working in near zero weather, crews began clearing away the wreckage. Traffic was detoured over the Pennsylvania tracks. The wreck was the most serious train accident in the United States since 1934. Taxicab Holdup Nets S8 A bandit robbed Horace J. Smith, 40. of 214 S. Belmont-av, a taxicab driver, of $8 early today, he reported to police. They later found the cab abandoned at 2700 Oliver-av.

easier than going to work, and in many cases twice as profitable. A public servant blistered by a burning question is an interesting phenomenon. Al Smith for example, turned athletic and advocated walking. This is said to be a fine thing for the human system, though its value as political philosophy is obscure. The records show Babe Ruth walked more than any other ball player in history. All it got him was a set of socialistic bunions and a birdie three on the home hole. The other night Mr. Smith flayed the varsity team with a pair of castigatory tonsils, changed busses

MINERS CHEER FOR ROOSEVELT Yell Defiance of ‘Money Bags of Wall Street’ at Convention. By United Press WASHINGTON, Jan. 31.—Hundreds of coal miners shouted and stamped in defiance of “the money bags of Wall Street” today as Edward F. McGrady, Assistant Secretary of Labor, appeared before the international convention of United Mine Workers of America. In an impassioned address to a hall filled with burly miners, Mr. McGrady strode red-faced to the microphone and demanded: “Do you. as representatives of the greatest labor union of all, stand with the President of the United States?” t Almost before his words were heard the miners rose from their chairs and shouted their affirmative answer. The brass band gave a fanfare. Delegates jumped up and down and cheered. As the demonstration subsided, Mr. McGrady shouted: “Yet that be the answer to the money bags of Wall Street ” His words set off another wild demonstration. Delegates whistled and stamped their feet just as they did yesterday when their President, John L. Lewis, hurled defiance in the face of the American Federation of Labor for its fight on the industrial method of unionization for which U. M. W. A. stands. TROOP RULE LIFTED IN NEW ALBANY AREA Last of Guardsmen Return to Homes Today. Last of the National Guardsmen ordered to New Albany and Jeffersonville in the shirt factory strike in those two cities were to return to their homes today with lifting of martial law in Clark and Floyd counties. A proclamation signed by Gov. McNutt restored peace authority to the civil authorities of each county at midnight last night. Four hundred and fifty troops originally were ordered to ihe area, but gradual withdrawals left less than 100 to be recalled today with lifting of the military rule. Frank Kinney Dies Suddenly Frank Kinney, 75, of 315 E. Southst. died today in a City Hospital ambulance after a heart attack near New Jersey and South-sts. He was identified by a son. Emmet Kinney, 1363 S. Sheffield-av.

between the caviar and the custard and asked, "Washington or Moscow?” This led one of the Washington baseball bugs to rema.k: "If Moscow's got the pitching we’ll take them instead.” Mr. Roosevelt seems to be in the position of a heavyweight champion who is entirely surrounded by challengers who talk a good fight. No champion ever had so many challengers. They run from stand up, orthodox, two-fisted punchers to wacky gees with newly discovered punches, such as the grass root upper-lower uppercut and the painless. invisible Townsend knockout. Just as Tex Rickard used to do, (Turn fiyPage Three)

Entered a* Second-Class M*ttr at Postoffice. Indianapolis. Ind.

NEW TAXES NEEDED FOR FARM PLAN, CONGRESS IS WARNED BY ROOSEVELT

Coal Shortage Feared; Mercury 8 Below Here; No Relief Is Promised

Orders Limited to One Ton by City Dealer; New Cold Record Set. HOURLY TEMPERATURES Midnight „. —3 7a. m —8 la. m —4 Ba. m —7 2a. m —5 9a. m. .... —4 3 a. m —6 10 a. m —1 4 a. m —6 11 a. m 2 sa. m —7 12 (noon) .. 4 6a. m —8 Ip. m. ... 6 The sun-resisting cold wave continued to hold Indianapolis in *ts grip today, with the temperature only 6 above at 1 p. m., and with the threat of a coal shortage in the city not many days away as no relief is forecast. During seven of the last nine days, the temperature has been below zero to create a record cold spell, unequalled even by the only other of record, back in February, 1899. Because of this unprecedented and prolonged cold wave, householders have been burning coal nearly twice as fast as they would have in ordinary weather, and most coal dealers in the city, finding their supplies low, have limited retail deliveries to one ton to a. customer. Mine Production Cut Even so, many of the smaller yards are completely out, and larger yards admit that if the cold continues at current intensity their own supplies will have been exhausted within four or five days. To make the situation even more complicated, miners in West Virginia, Illinois, Ohio and Indiana, fiom which states most of the domestic coal comes, have been hampered seriously by the cold, and cne coal dealer here estimated this morning that production of coal has been cut as much as 75 per cent from normal. Adding to that the fact that all coal from out of state must be shipped by rail and thus is five to seven days away from Indianapolis, anc. that the railroads are behind now in shipments, dealers were pretty much in- accord that the situation is growing critical. They were unanimous in asking that persons who have a ton or two in their cellars should not order more, but allow what there is to go to those who have completely run out. Coal shipments are coming into the city daily, but these are not as large as usual. Another factor, coal men say, in the slow shipments is that industry is not taking the slack as fast as it is separated from the domestic coals. The cold has made no threat on the city’s milk supply, however. Only drifted roads between the city and the producing farmers can have an yeffect on the milk supply, and they have not been impassable since the blizzard a week ago Wednesday, any effect on the milk supply, and Daries carry enough surplus for almost a day’s delivery. Relief Supply Adequate Public buildings, including schools, have plenty of coal, and there is said to be an adequate supply for relief needs. Plenty of gas and coke are available to alleviate the coal shortage, Thomas W. Kemp, manager of the Citizens Gas and Coke Utility, announced today. The utility has on hand about 40,000 tons of coke which is being increased at the rate of 1200 tons a day, he said. During the recent cold period gas consumption was 10 to 20 per cent above average. During the 24 hours preceding 7 this morning the fire department answered 39 alarms, mostly to extinguish blazes caused by overheated furnaces and water pipe thawing. The intense cold of last night and early today was caused, according to J. H. Armington, senior meteorologist of the Weather Bureau here, by the radiation of cold from the snow surface under a clear sky, He predicts it will go only to 5 below tonight because he believes southwestern winds will tend to minutely temper the air. Fireman Lawrence Hornacker. 1431 W. 27th-st, was injured when a car driven by Edmund Folkoring, R. R. 9, Box 409, struck a fire truck at 28th and Clifton-sts, as the truck was making a run on Clifton-st. He was treated and sent home. Mr. Folkoring was arrested and charged with failure to stop for a preferential street. The most disastrous fire occurred at a rooming house at 1214 Unionst owned by Jake Leganofsky. He estimated damage at S2OOO. The fire started from an overheated stove. FIRE CAUSES S2OO LOSS Defective Wires Blamed for Blaze in Winthrop-av Home. A fire in the basement of the home of Ira W. Nagruder. 3039 Winthrop-av. did damage estimated at S2OO today. Defective wiring is said to have caused the blaze. *

Hundreds of Families in lowa Face Intense Suffering. By United Press A fuel famine extending across the Midwest from lowa to Ohio threatened thousands of shivering families today as coal dealers reported their supplies almost exhausted. St. Louis dealers were reported rationing orders and fearful the supply of railroad cars available would not be sufficient to meet the tonnage needed. Indiana dealers said expensive grades would be exhausted within 48 hours and that cheaper grades were long since gone. An almost unbroken line of trucks ran from Evansville, Ind.. to nearby mines in Indiana and Kentucky. Buyers were limited to 25 bushels each. Three hundred homes at Seymour, Ind., reported frozen water lines. lowa's Problem Serious One Illinois mine was crippled by a strike and strip mines generally were obstructed by the severe cold. Operators, however, said they could meet the demand. lowa, first to feel the pinch of depleted coal supplies, presented the most serious problem. J. C. Pryor, relief administrator, said supplies in nine counties would be exhausted within three days. Gov. Clyde L. Herring asked President Roosevelt to intercede with miners refusing to work longer t hours and meet the need. Weather forecasters saw no relief from the cold wave which today sent temperatures tumbling uo lb degrees below zero. It will be just as cold tonight, they said, with possibly some let-up tomorrow. Snow flurries were expected. 5000 CELEBRATE AI 5 BIRTHDAY PARTIES Local Balls Aid Fight on Paralysis. Estimates today indicated that 5000 Indianapolis citizens tapped out a rhythmic birthday greeting to President Roosevelt and provided ammunition to combat the scourge of infantile paralysis at five Indianapolis balls last night. In addition, hundreds of others braved the cold to attend residence parties. Committee chairmen thumbed through a pile of tickets and counted receipts today of the parties held by various social and fraternal organizations. Since last night’s subzero hia is kept at home many that had purchase tickets, the local committee could not estimate immediately how much money was received. The James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children will receive 70 per cent of the net proceeds, and the Warm Springs Foundation the remainder. The local celebrations were part of a gigantic national dance against illness and death—a dance to halt the ravages of infantile paralysis. It was the third time President Roosevelt had been so honored on his birthday. The local dances were held at the Indiana Ballroom, the Murat Temple, the Indianapolis Athletic Club, the Knights of Columbus Hall and Walker’s Casino. Most of the starched shirts and evening gowns turned up at the Athletic club party, which was sponsored jointly by the Athletic and the Columbia Clubp. Joseph W. Slickney. John C. Ruckelshaus and (Turn to Page Three) M’KINNEY WINS AID OF CITY HALL GROUP The ‘Word’ Has Been Given, Boetcher Reveals. The word has been given in City Hall to support E. Kirk McKinney for the Democratic nomination for Governor in the state convention in June, Walter C. Boetcher, city controller and Democratic county chairman, said today. “Mr. McKinney is the only local man to declare himself for the office. and we are going to stick with him.” Mr. Boetcher said. Political observers said this meant Mr. McKinney would have the bulk of Marion County's 231 delegates. The City Hall usually controls 80 per cent of that number. Marion County delegates dominated by the Courthouse wing of the party probably will oppose both Mr. McKinney and Pleas E. Green- ! lee, former patronage secretary to Gov. McNutt, it was said.

FINAL HOME PRICE THREE CENTS

Methods of Financing Bonus Still in Doubt, Says President. PATMAN CALLS CAUCUS Inflation Bloc Leaders Summon Supporters to Meeting. By United Press ‘ WASHINGTON, Jan. 31In the face of a sputtering congressional inflation movement, President Roosevelt warned today that the new Administration farm program | must be financed by taxes, but said that methods of financing the $2,249,000,000 bonus still were undecided. The question of passible additional taxes to amortize the bonus. Mr. Roosevelt said, is being studied by Administration advisers. Congress, seeking to avoid dipping into the taxpayers’ pocket during this political campaign year, made clear that the Administration will have to initiate any new taxation. A bitter battle has been threatened in Congress over demands for inflation to cover new bonus expenditures. The Patman inflation bloc's steering committee of 22 House members meanwhile called a caucus for tomorrow of all supporters of the bonus inflation method of payment. ; Rep. Patman said that more than 200 members would consider the question of formal alliance with other inflation groups. $700,000,000 Needed for Farm Aid Chairman Robert L. Doughton of the House Ways and Means Committee, where tax legislation must originate, said: “Os course if the Administration calls on us to do something we will call on them for suggestions.” / In regard to the farm program, Mr. Roosevelt made it clear tKat. if the new farm bill now bdfors Congress passes, it will have to be paid for through substitute taxes. Probably $500,000,000 would be necessary to carry the program in addition to a proposed measure to recover $200,000,000 which the Supreme Court ordered returned to processing taxpayers after invalidating AAA. Doughton Expresses View# It was estimated that about $200,000,000 a year would be required for amortization of the bonus. Rep. Doughtons remarks predicated on the assumption that anew revenue bill would be needed to cover both the farm program and bonus costs. Congress has accepted as a matter of course that either new processing taxes or possibly substitute excise levies would have to be imposed for the farm program. No fight has been indicated on this part of the Administration program. Rep. Doughton said he considered it “premature” to ask Secretary of the Treasury Henry Morgenthau Jr. to come before his committee to discuss the revenue situation. Urges Detailed Tax Study “It is premature,” he said, “until they indicate to us they desire some legislation in regard to taxes, which they haven't as yet.” The North Carolinian said he planned to go to his home state this week-end regardless of the tax situation. He urged again that a detailed study of the tax situation be made and if possible anew tax measure be put off until next January. Mr. Doughton said he would oppose any committee motion to ask Mr. Morgenthau to appear "unless the Administration first asks us to look into the tax situation, otherwise it would look as though we were in a fever for taxes.” Senate leaders may circumvent the drive of House inflationists by attaching the appropriation measure to either the Independent Offices or the Deficiency Appropriation Bill, Senator Carter Glass (D.. Va.) said. The Independent Offices and the Deficiency Bills are before the Senate Appropriations Committee, of which Glass is chairman. Both already have been passed by the House. ROOSEVELT TO TALK AT CLARK DEDICATION Agrees to Take Part in Ceremony at Vincennes June 7. President Roosevelt has agreed to dedicate the George Rogers Clark Memorial at Vincennes on June 7, Gov. McNutt said today. The President is to come to Indiana from a visit to the Texas Centennial celebration and while in the state probably will journey to the Nancy Hanks Memorial at Lincoln City. Spencer County, the Governor said. Bank Bandits Get $15,000 By T'nited pre** ST. CHARLES. 111.. Jan. 31 Calm businesslike bandits imprisoned five employes of the St. Charles National Bank today, waited for the time lock on the vault to open the doors and escaped with approximately $15,000.