Indianapolis Times, Volume 47, Number 291, Indianapolis, Marion County, 13 February 1936 — Page 1

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SPEAKERS ASK BOLTERS JOIN G. OP. RANKS , Republican Orators Map Campaign Strategy in Lincoln Talks. LIST TOPPED BY HOOVER Ex-President Raps Confusion; Knox Out in Open as Candidate. BY LYLE C. WILSON United Pre<* Staff Correspondent WASHINGTON, Feb. 13—A rough draft of the Republican presidential year platform and a G. O. P. bid for bolting Democrats to help them defeat President Roosevelt emerged today from nation-wide observance of the anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. Chairman Henry P. Fletcher of the Republican National Committee admitted today there had been “a good deal of talk” about a coalition presidential Cabinet if the New Deal is defeated in November. Mr, Fletcher was asked whether he would favor inviting bolting Democrats into a Republican Cabinet. “I don’t care to express myself on that,” he replied. He added that the matter had been discussed casually in connection with the campaign, but had not been presented to him. “I think it is too early to talk of that,” he told questioners. , On the presidential front Senator William E. Borah extended his primary candidacy from Ohio and Illinois to California. Issues Mapped by Hoover Former President Herbert C ' Hoover from Portland, Ore., led the parade of Republican Lincoln Day speakers. Col. Frank Knox, Chicago, newly entered in the Illinois primary, made his bow as an avowed candidate for the Republican nomination before a Boston audience. Senator Arthur H. Vandenberg (R., Mich.), a short odds favorite in many winter presidential books, delivered in New York a speech which may put him definitely in the race. He invited Jeffersonian Democrats to join Republican ranks with hope of reward. Mr. Hoover began to Summarize the campaign year platform he has been formulating—plank-by-plank —in a series of addresses. Although silent as to his personal plans, Mr. Hoover presents the issues to the people and for incorporation in the Republican platform to be drafted at the Cleveland convention. The speech heightened interest in his personal political doctrines. The Hoover program now comprizes a well-rounded platform of dissent and challenge to the N *v Deal. The fdrmer President t tically invited Mr. Roosevelt to debate national issues. Charging general confusion in the New Deal high command and poli(Turn to Page Three) STATLER HEIRESS WILL DISPUTE IS NEAR JURY Attorneys Expert to Call Last Witnesses to Stand Today. Bf / United Press CARTHAGE. N. C„ Feb. 13.—Attorneys in the legal dispute over Elva Statler Davidson's will expected to call their last witness today. Onlv a few witnesses were waiting to testify when the jury filed into the bo* to hear remaining circumstances in the mysterious death of thr Statler Hotel heiress in her garage here a year ago. Attorneys expect jury deliberations to begin Saturday on whether j the estate goes to the husband of j the heiress. H. Bradley Davidson Jr., i or he!* foster relatives who were | omitted in the will drawn 19 days j before her death of monoxide exhaust fumes. 12 FRENCH ROYALISTS NABBED AFTER MELEE Sarrant Calls Cabinet o Tonder Demands for Dissolution. Bn T nited Press PARIS. Feb. 13.—Twelve Royalists were arrested today after a skirmish with police following the beating of the Socialist leader. Leon Blum. Premier Sarraut. called the cab- ' ir.et to consider Socialist demands for dissolution of the Royalist organization, Action Francaise. RENEW STRIKE THREAT New York Elevator Union Group Leaves Parley in Huff. By United Press NEW YORK. Feb. 13—Leaders of 20.000 service employes of 1200 mid-Manhattan buildings revived threats of a strike today. The union heads walked angrily out of a conference with building owners that began at 2 p. m. yesterday and lasted until 3:30 a. m. today. Terms of a labor contract apparently were agreed upon last Friday j but the union men said “the law- j yers double-crossed us when they put it on paper." COURTROOM GETS BATH # Venerable Building Springs a Leak; | Garbage Cans to Rescue. The Marion County Courthouse, upon which the last installment was ; paid in 1934, today sprung a leak and seven large garbage cans were placed under defects in the ceiling of the Criminal Court room to catch ihe waif*. Court went on, however, i

The Indianapolis Times FORECAST: Snow, sleet or rain tonight or tomorrow; considerably colder, lowest temperature tonight about 20.

VOLUME 47—NUMBER 291

Icy Pavement Brings Tragedy on North Side

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HEAD OF NAVY SERIOUSLY ILL Claude A. Swanson Develops Pleurisy After Fall in His Home. By United Press WASHINGTON, Feb. 13.—Secretary of the Navy Claude A. Swanson was in serious condition today as a result of pleurisy developing in his left side following a fall in which he suffered a broken rib, the Nava’ Hospital announced. Secretary Swanson’s condition was pronounced “serious but not necessarily hopeless” by hospital attaches. They added that his condition at 11 a. m. was better than it had been yesterday. The development of pleurisy was a sudden turn in the 73-year-old Navy Secretary's condition. He fell in the bathroom at his home several days ago and fractured a lower rib on the left side when he struck a chair. The pleurisy condition developed around the area of the injury, hospital attaches said. Mr. Swanson came to President Roosevelt’s Cabinet as a “big Navy” advocate after more than half a century of political experience. He was Governor of Virginia for four years and later served in the Senate from 1910 until he was appointed to his present post. GAS LEAKS PROBED AS CITIZENS DEFY DRAFTS Belleville, 111., Sleeps With Windows Open After Deaths of Two. By United Press PELLEVILLE. 111., Feb. 13.—Apprehensive residents in several districts of this city of 30,000 population braved drafts from widely opened windows today as Federal investigators began an inquiry Into an insidious gas leakage which already has taken two lives. A score, made seriously ill by the fumes, have received hospital treatment. and still others have been nauseated. A preliminary investigation by Health Officer William Farley indicated the gas was seeping into homes undetected from frozen street mains. BARBER OFFERS ALIBI FOR LIGGETT SUSPECT Blumenfeld Was in His Shop at Time of Shooting, He Says. By United Press MINNEAPOLIS. Feb. 13— Isadore Blumenfeld’s favorite barber testi- j fled today that Blumenfeld was in his shop for his regular evening's shave at the time the state contends he was slaying Walter Liggett, editor. The witness was Theodore Faul, downtown barber who had shaved Bl'unenfeld regularly for six months. Blumenfeld did not leave the shop from the time he arrived until he departed about 6:30, Faul said. Liggett was slain at 5:41. $400,000 IS EXPECTED IN COUNTY TAX SALE Estimate Includes SIBO,OOO Paid by Delinquents, Says Wright. The county expects to receive from $400,000 to $450,000 from the sale of properties put under the hammer for delinquent taxes. Fay Wright, chief deputy county treasurer. said today. Included in this j figure is SIBO,OOO of delinquent taxes paid up prior to the sales, which are | to be concluded today. . “ times index” Amusements 19. Births, Deaths 26 Bridge la Broun 15 Comics 25 Editorial 16 Financial 24 Merry-Go-Round 15 Mrs. Roosevelt 18 Pegler 15 Radio 8 Serial Story 19 Sports 20-21 I Want Ads 22-23 , Woopna Pages ~18-18

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Upper—Frank Bratton, WPA worker, was killed and 3 oti.w workers were seriously injured today when this truck slithered off Michigan-rd, north of the city. Bratton was pinned in the wreckage and workers were unable to remove his body for hours. The truck is shown on its side after the 28-foot slide down the embankment. Lower—The path in the heavy snow at the side of the road shows where the truck slid off the icy pavement. Traffic was blocked for more than a half mile each way from the scene of the accident. ,

ROOSEVELT ENTERS PRIMARY IN ILLINOIS President Seeks Preference in April 14 Poll. /?.!/ United Pres* SPRINGFIELD, 111., Feb. 13. President Roosevelt’s name was filed for placing on the Illinois April 14 primary ballot as to an expression of Democratic party presidential preference today. Petitions containing the required signatures were accompanied by his signed declaration that he was a candidate and a certificate that said he is eligible to be a candidate for President. They were filed by Secretary of State Edward J. Hughes. The petitions came in the regular mail from Chicago. They were sent by National Committeeman Patrick Nash, who recently went to Washington to obtain the President's required signature and consent. U. S. TREASURY MAKES BIG SILVER PURCHASE Buys 50.000,000 Ounces From China; New Metal Ratio Set. B>/ United Pm* WASHINGTON, Feb. 13.—The Treasury disclosed today purchase of 50,000.000 ounces of silver in a deal with China and that silver stocks had touched a record high in ratio to gold in the nation s monetary reserves. Treasury figures showed the ratio as more than 21 per cent, as compared to 12 per cent at the start of the silver purchase program more than a year ago. Disclosure of the China silver deal emphasized the attempt of the Chinese government to stabilize its currency by setting up gold balances in New York and London, ana also indicated co-operation of the United States. LEADERS OF CONGRESS 0. K. TOWNSEND PROBE Democrats, Republicnas Agree to Non-Partisan Inquiry. By United Prr** WASHINGTON. Feb. 13 —A nonpartisan Congressional investigation of the Townsend old-age pension plan has been agreed to by House Democratic and Republican leaders, it was learned today. The investigation is to be the first move by Congress toward exploring the financial ramifications and economic soundness of an oldage “utcoia” movement attracting increasing political attention. The inquiry is expected to be approved by the House Rules Comafter brief hearings.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1936

$7,000,000 IS WILLED TO NORTHWESTERN U. | Huge Bequest From Roger Deering Estate Is Disclosed. By United Press EVANSTON, 111., Feb. 13.—Northwestern University will receive $7,000,000 from the estate of Roger Deering, grandson of the farm machinery company founder, university President Walter Dill Scott announced today. Mr. Deering died Feb. 2 at Albuquerque, N. M„ and his will now is under probate at Miami, Fla. Mr. Scott said the gift was the largest single bequest since 1932, when George Eastman left $14,000,000 to | the University of Rochester. The i bequest will be used to strengthen j teaching. PROTESTS INHERITANCE: WAGES HUNGER STRIKE Former City Man Dissatisfied With Distribution of Estate. By United Press FRANKFORT, Ind., Feb. 13. George Everett Farrell, 30, former Indianapolis radio worker, today entered the eleventh day of a ; hunger strike which he hopes will i : result in redistribution of the $22,000 estate of his grandfather, George ‘ Humberd. Farrell, who claims the estate was to be divided six ways after his [ grandfather's death fn 1932, asserts he received only S2OOO. “I will refuse to eat until I get justice,” he said. IL LIN 0 ISM A N N A MED TO POST IN TREASURY Wayne C. Taylor Appointed to Succeed Lawrence Robert. By Z'nited Press WASHINGTON. Feb. 13.—Presi- | dent Roosevelt today nominated Wayne C. Taylor of Illinois to be assistant Secretary of the Treasury, to succeed Lawrence L. Robert, resigned. The President also named William Driscoll of Pittsburgh to l be collector of internal revenue for; the Twenty-third Pennsylvania District. WOMAN DIES IN BLAST Kroger Store at Mattoon, 111. Destroyed by Explosion, Fie. By United Press MATTOON, HI., Feo. *3.—One woman was killed and five other persons injured in an explosion which, followed by fire, destroyed the new double-front Kroger Grocery and Baking Cos. store today. Miss Catherine Lefever, 27, was ; killed. The explosion also did heavy j damage to adjoining buildings. Loss j ' was estimated at 125,000. i

NYE GAILS PARLEY ON NEUTRALITY ACT Foes of Present Measure Receive Summons. By United Press WASHINGTON, Feb. 13.—A conference of Senate supporters of a permanent neutrality law was called toaay by Senator Gerald P. Nye (R„ N. D.), co-author of a drastic proposal to safeguard American peace in the event of war abroad. exponents of the Administration's plan to extend the existing, temporary neutrality act until May 1, 1937, were asked to meet with Senator Nye at 2 p. m. An earlier, preliminary discussion was had by Senators James P. Pope <D„ Idaho), Lynn J. Frazier (R„ N. D.), Vic Donahey (D., O.), Edward P. Costigan tD„ Colo.), Rush D. Holt <D., W. Va.), Robert M. LaFollette Jr. (P.. Wis.) and Elmer A. Banson IF-L„ Minn.). The conference will attempt to devise strategy to defeat enactment of the extension plan and force passage of a more rigid measure before the existing law expires Pab. 29. HAUPTMANN IRKED BY LEIBOWITZ’ ATTITUDE Declares He Will Not Change Story o’s Lindbergh Crime. By United Press TRENTON. N. J., Feb. 13. Samuel S. Leibowitz, one of the nation’s best-known criminal lawyers, may see his new client, Bruno Richard Hauptmann, in the death house today, but he won’t get a warm reception. The pale, tense carpenter, convicted of murdering the Lindbergh baby was provoked that his new counsel conditioned his employment upon hearing “the truth” from the lips of his client. Therefore, Mr. Leibowitz’ employment may end immediately after his ir terview. Hauptmann sent word from his cell that he already had told the truth, that he had no intention whatsoever of changing his story.

Relief in Indiana WHAT'S the “lowdown” on relief n Indiana? Is there graft in the administration of Federal relief? Are there such things in Indiana as “chiseling” and “boondoggling”? Is relief work tending to pauperize the recipients? Are relief workers reluctant to take regular jobs? All these questions, and a score more, are answered in an authoritative series of articles written for Times readers by Arch Steinel. His series stalls on Page One of the Second Section in tomorrow’s Times.

Entered As Second-Class Matter ••• at Postoffiee, Indianapolis, Ind.

1 KILLED, 3 BADLY HURT IN TRUCK CRASH HERE MERCURY DROP FORECAST

Picnic By United Press MILWAUKEE, Feb. 13. Twenty-seven criplped and sick children, snowbound for 10 days, chattered happily of their “picnic” today. Hospital authorities revealed they were rescued just in time to avert a food and fuel famine. Wrapped in heavy blankets, the children rode three-quar-ters of a mile on bobsleds from the Milwaukee Children’s Hospital Convalescent Home to an interurban trolley line last night and were brought to the main hospital in the city. No one had been in or out of the home since Feb. 3, when eight-foot drifts blocked the road. Rescuers working with shovels behind a tractor and a snowplow cut through the drifts late yesterday. “We put bells on the horses and packed small lunches,” said Miss Hazel Hugelen, home director. “We told the children we were going on a picnic. During the days we were snowbound all the 12 nurses were careful not to let the children know of the threatening fuel and food shortage.”

WOMEN ACCUSE PIERCE, JOSEPH Witnesses Charge Police Killer Suspects Fled From Apartment. BY JERRY SHERIDAN Times Staff Writer GREENFIELD, Ind., . Feb. 13. Five women, two of whom were residents of the Hazel Dell Apartments in Indi mapolis, today told a Circuit Court jury how Paul Pierce and Donald Joseph fled after they are alleged to have shot Detective Orville Quinnette. The women identified the defendunts as the duo who fled the building at 1207 ?ark-av, after the shooting Dec. 7. Both men are charged with the officer’s murder. Miss Grace Wilson who lives in the building and Mrs. Norman Carter, 240 N. Walcott-st, former resident, linked their testimony of the flight with three other women who lived at 608 E. 12th-st. All said that the men fled from the rear of the building, across the yard of the 12th-st residence and north in an alley. Dr. Edwin Moten, Negro, 1330 Cornell-av, identified the defendants as the two armed men who jerked him from his car and escaped in it. Sergt. Ernest Richardson of the State Police told of the capture of (Turn to Page Three) FEAR OF PUNISHMENT LEADS BOY TO DEATH Runaway Youth Killed in Jump From Speeding Train. By United Press CHICAGO, Feb. 13.—Johnny Kirk, 12, was a good boy, but occasionally he ran away from home. At first his parents just tried pleading with him. Then they tried spanking. He was afraid of the spankings, but he ran away, anyway. The last time was Feb. 6. Police found him in Milwaukee. Yesterday he was placed on a train and started home. But he was afraid of a spanking. He looked at the snow outside the speeding train and thought it wouldn’t hurt to jump. His head struck a signal post and he was killed. SURVEY OF CITY HALL SALARIES IS STARTED Standardized Pay for All Employes Sought, Mayor Explains. A salary survey was started at City Hall today by Mayor Kern. Questionnaires asking wages, wTorkirg conditions, hours of work and personal information were given all city employes. The survey’s purpose, according to the Mayor, is to obtain sandardized pay for city employes, especially in the hospital and street departments. PARK HEADS RENAMED Board Officers, Department Leaders Are Re-elected. The Park Board at a reorganization meeting today re-elected all officers and reappointed all departmental heads. Officers are Jackiel W. Joseph, president and Albert H. Gisler, vice president. Department heads are A. C. Sallee, park superintendent, and H. W. Middlesworth, recreation director.

Low Temperatures May Turn High Water into Mass of Ice. AUTO WARNING ISSUED State Highway Commission Warns Motorists Off Perilous Roads. Indianapolis this afternoon fought through rain and high water caused by rain and ice and which resulted in numerous accidents on treacherous, slippery streets. Pedestrians were soaked in short order and numerous pleas for police aid to clear blocked sewers were made. Some relief from the sloppy condition is expected tonight when the mercury is scheduled to slip back to Lhe 20s. The Weather Bureau warned that this drop, although not as heavy as originally expected, will be sufficient to freeze water-covered streets. Sleet or snow probably will fall. Three hundred street department workers and 50 trucks were attempting to open drainways on streets. It was reported that Pleasant Run had left its banks and the high water was menacing residences on 3. Colorado-av. Feeder Water Main Breaks At 42d-st and Ralston-av a feeder water main broke. Water company officials, besieged with calls for help, said the broken line was on 42d-st and would only tie up the water supply for two blocks. Police said that the street over the main collapsed. The State Highway Commisssion warned against attempts to travel on highways. From every part of the state came reports of terrible driving conditions and heavy snow on the roads. Snow sweepers were of no aid, highway officials said, because they formed a second ice coating. Grades and curves are being sanded to aid motorists. The temperatures were in the 30s today, similar to those yesterday that brought a 2.6-inch snowfall, followed by heavy rain during the night. Motorists found streets in the worst condition of the year. The melting snow and rain covered the (Turn to Page Three) STERN AIDS CHARGED WITH ‘SWITCH’ SALE Accusations Are Made by Federal Witnesses. A talkative white-haired printer today entertained a Federal Court jury with accounts of his dealings with the Louis Stern & Cos. investment firm. The witness, Charles O. Henninger, 707 E. Terrace-av, testified that he had switched from U. S. Steel stock to whisky warehouse receipts on recommendation of Stern salesmen. Eleven employes and officers of the firm are on trial on mail fraud charges. Russe H. Hartman, Indianapolis real estate man, testified that he had complained to the State Securities Commission after Stern officials refused to place in escrow stock he was buying. Mr. Henninger also said that Earl Warren, a Stern salesman, told him he owned one-third of some property in Mars Hill, on which the government contends he had only an option. Frank Pappas, 2950 N. Illinois-st; Forrest L. Bain. 621 E. 54th-st, superintendent of Virginia Sweet Foods, and John Glover, Philadelphia, charged they had been persuaded to switch their investments several times and that the firm collected 10 per cent brokerage fee on every transfer. MRS. COOLIDGE SAILS Ex - President’s Wife to Remain Abroad Until Spring. By United Press NEW YORK, Feb. 13.—Mrs. Calvin Coolidge sailed for Europe last night on the North German Lloyd liner Bremen. Her name did not appear on the passenger list. Officials of the ship admitted Mrs. Coolidge was on board traveling under the name of “Mrs. Adams.” It was learned Mrs. Coolidge was going to the south of France and to Egypt and would return in April. APPEAL DATE 1$ FIXED State Supreme Court to Hear Walter Case Feb. 26. By United Press HUNTINGTON, Ind., Feb. 13. Oral arguments in the appeal of Rollo N. Walter, Lagrange banker, from conviction on embezzlement charges, are to be heard by the Supreme Court Feb. 26. Claude Cline, defense attorney, announced ! today. Walter was convicted on two j charges after failure of the La- j grange County Trust Cos.

FINAL HOME PRICE THREE CENTS

17 Men Carried Over Icy Embankment on North Michigan-rd. VEHICLE DROPS 28 FEET Dead Man's Body Wedged in Wreckage; Several Thrown in Creek. A WPA worker was killed and three others injured seriously today when a truck carrying 17 men to work slipped off ice-covered Michigan-rd north of the city and plunged down a 28-foot embankment. Th victim was Frank Bratton, 40, of 4503 Jackson-st, whose body was wedged between the truck and two trees after the machine had crashed through saplings and rolled into a creek bottom in the 4800 block on Michigan-rd. Nine others were injured slight'y in the accident. Traffic was tied up two hours, with automobiles and trucks lined single file for a half mile each way. The three most seriously hurt were Jesse Umholtz, 71, of 1003 Rybolt-st, knee injury; Herman Skatts, 32, Negro, of 2015 W. llth-st, possible broken vertebrae, and Dalton Powell, 44, of 1043 S. Pershing-av, broken right arm. Their conditions were described as fair at City Hospital. Treated at Hospital Also taken to City Hospital were Robert Huddleston, 57, Negro, of Clermont, Ind., back injuries, and Walter Woodson, 60, Negro, of 1227 S. Pershing-av, leg injuries, who were to be sent home later today. Others injured were: Ray Norris, 25, of 2209 Howardst, right side injured. James Strange, 46, Maywood, Ind., right leg injured. Roscoe Wallace, 29, Negro. 934 N, Sheffield-av, left knee injured. Walter Wilson, 40, of 2224 How-ard-st, back injured. Lucian Lang, 24, of 1557 Blaineav, bruised and shaken. James Farriss, 20, R. R. 1, Box 200A, Bridgeport, Ind., back injured. James Bennett, 64, of 1306 S. Pershing-av, body bruised. Slips on Hill Crest Traveling only about 10 miles an hour, the heavy dump truck went into a slow slide on the crest of a hill. The driver, Melvin Drugger, 28, of Mooresville, sf.id he attempted to straighten it out, but was unsuccessful. It slipped from the highway, rolled over and over down the bank, crashed into some saplings, threw occupants to all sides, and settled in the bed of a creek, where water was about seven inches deep. With great difficulty the uninjured carried the injured to the roadway and all traffic on the glassy road was stopped. Ice Delays Ambulances Deputy Sheriffs Walter Davis and Roscoe Bredell called for ambulances, but because of the icy roads they were delayed in getting there and some of the injured sat for as long as three quarters of an hour on the roadside before they could be treated. At the foot of a grade nearby, 10 outbound transport trucks were lined up, uneble to make the icy grade. Several other WPA trucks, all bound for the project at 79th-st and the Big Four Railroad, were behind the truck that crashed and occupants saw the accident. “I don't know how it happened,” said Drugger. “I had the truck (Turn to Page Three) DOCTOR RAISES HOPES ON VACCINE FOR COLDS Virus Kept Alive 20 Months Aids Research, He Says. By United Press NEW YORK, Feb. 13.—The ability to keep alive in a test tube for 20 months the virus identified as the cause of the common cold, has brought science closer to the development of an anti-cold vaccine, Dr. A. Raymond Dochez, professor in the Columbia School of Medicine, said today. , The virus has been known for some time, but Dr. Dochez’s announcement that it can be kept living as a result of recent experiments gave the first hope that a vaccine to cure common colds might be developed soon. MOTOR SHARES STRONG IN AFTERNOON TRADING G. M. Goes Up; Chrysler Reaches 95*; Packard Hits New High. By United Press NEW YORK. Feb. 13 —Strength in motor shares featured mid-after-noon stock market trading today after profit-taking had pared earlier gains that had carried the list into new highs. General Motors, appearing in blocks up to 5000 shares, rose to 59 a* for *4 gain. Chrysler reached 9514 for It* gain and Packard was at a new 1935-36 high of 9*4 up *4. White Motors also was active around 23*4, anew high, on 4* advance, >