Indianapolis Times, Volume 48, Number 1, Indianapolis, Marion County, 12 March 1936 — Page 1
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STRIKERS MAY BE HELPED BY JOB AID BILL Amendment Is Drafted to Give Benefits to Workers Locked Out. VOTE EXPECTED TODAY Industry, Opposed at First, Believed Likely to Accept Move. BULLETIN Senate Democrats this afternoon in caucus decided to read the public welfare hill in sections with amendments barred until reading; had been completed. Leaders said the Senate could not dispose of the measure by the end of the week, indicating; the session would he extended several more days. Workers going out on strikes in which employers are adjudged at fault may receive benefits under the unemployment insurance bill if a proposed amendment is accepted this afternoon by the Indiana House of RepreesnCatives. Labor and industry are at variance over the suggested amendment, with the result it was revised and, in effect, provides; 1. Strikes adjudged caused by employers will result in unemployment insurance benefits. 2. If one union in a plant goes on a strike and another union agrees to aid the strike then neither union receives benefits. Industry May Accept 3. If, however, workers in other unions in the striking plant do not agree to aid the strike, they, as well as other employes, shall receive unemployment benefits if the plane closes and they are involuntarily out of work. Rep. Martin J. Downey (D., Hammond), was to introduce the amendment when the House meets this afternoon. Labor leaders are in favor of the measure. Representatives of industry, who at first were opposed to portions of the section, are said to be willing to go along. Meanwhile, the House by a vote of 87 to J, passed a joint resolution to have Gov. McNutt- appoint a commission to formulate anew tax base for the state’s social security measure. The lone vote against the resolution was cast by Rep. J. Blair Mills <R., Lynn). “Just Crumb,” Is Claim Rep. Joseph A. Andrew warned the House the resolution was but “a crumb.” He declared that a non-partisan commission should be formed and that $50,000 should appropriated to permit scientific study of the entire tax setup of the state and seek a more equitable method of raising revenues. A constitutional amendment was approved by the vote of 86 to 1 to place on the ballot at the November election the question of permitting Negroes to form a unit of militia in Indiana. The amendment was passed by two former Legislatures. The morning session in the Senate broke up shortly before noon, when the majority indulged in a wrangle over the speed, or lack of it, which has marked the upper house's deliberations on the welfare bill. Several Senators voiced dissatisfaction with the committee of the whole procedure and insisted the Senate should act immediately to amend the measure, which already (Turn to Page Three)
•WILL IT HURT?’ ASKS KILLER GOING TO DEATH Ohio Man Is Electrocuted for Cincinnati Double Slaying. By f 'nited Bret* COLUMBUS. 0., March man Peacock's time had come and he was taken from his cell and escorted to the execution chamber. A cigaret still dangling from his lips, he sat down on the chair. "Will it hurt?” he asked the guard straepmg him in, smiling sardonically. "I don’t know.” replied the guard. "I never tried it.” A few minutes later Peacock. 23, was dead. He killed Morris Hockfeld, Cincinnati shoe merchant, and his wife, during a hold-up. Me was electrocuted in Ohio Penitentiary last night. LAMSON TRIAL CLOSING Three-Year Fight Against Murder Charge Nears Jury. By United Bn*t SAN JOSE. Cal., March 12.—Except for rebuttal testimony, expected to be brief, and closing arguments, David A. Lsmson's three-year fight against charge of murdering his wife was completed today. Attorney Leo R. Friedman rested the defense case in Lamson's fourth trial late yesterday.
Eggs-Citing A burglar entered the home of George Kleinschmidt, 709 E. Minnesota-st, and threw eggs all over the walls and rugs, police were told today. The burglar took three things: 75 cents, time to ransack the house thoroughly, and deliberate aim at a couple of pictures on the wall. He left a fingerprint and police are working on the case.
AT LAST! THE JRUE STORY jfet 'GARBO THE MYSTERIOUS'—TURN TO PAGE 13 FOR THE SECOND CHAPTER
The Indianapolis Times FORECAST: Partly cloudy tonight followed by fair and warmer weather tomorrow; lowest temperature tonight about 35.
VOLUME 48—NUMBER 1
'Gorgeous' By Laura Lou Brookman NEA Service Inc., 1938.
CHAPTER ONE 'JpIIE young man said hastily, “I’m sorry—” His voice was low, pleasantly modulated. Toby noticed that, even before she noticed the broad, rough tweed shoulders, the hat brim dipping jauntily, the brown eyes. Toby’s gray-blue eyes met the brown ones. She said, “It’s all right,” and smiled in the way that brought the dimple into one cheek. Then she hurried on toward the employes entrance of Bergman’s department store. "Shouldn’t go whirling around corners,” she reminded herself severely. “Bumping into people! to look where you're going—” And then Toby was at Bergman’s. Other girls, by twos and threes and some of them singly, were crowding through the doorway. Toby pushed aside, sighed involuntarily as her eyes met the time clock. She had made it, all right! Meanwhile, on the busy corner half a block away, the young man with the brown eyes and the jaunty hat brim watched her disappear. He could do this quite easi j (though Toby was a little thing) because her cap-like hat was bright green. He watched until she was lost in the crowd before the doorway. Then he murmured, “Bergman's,” halfaloud, eyeing the huge electric sign which swung from the top of the building almost half-way to the street. Smiling and leisurely, the young man walked to the curb and summoned a cab. That is how Toby Ryan met Tim Jamieson. Not, of course, that they had really met. Brushing into a stranger during a Manhattan rush hour, making apologies and hurrying on is a common enough experience, quickly forgotten. But, afterward, Toby Ryan remembered the encounter and knew it was really the beginning of the whole thing. n SHE didn’t know it that morning. Inside the big department store the day’s routine had begun. Toby was “in the jewelry,” which meant she sold pins, rings, bracelets, compacts—gay, brightly colored baubles ranging in price from 29 cents for the imitation ivory bracelets to $79.50 for the “debutante watch-” (special this week only) glit(Turn to Page Seven)
UNION AND REALTORS NEAR STRIKE TREATY U. S. Official Selected as Wage, Hour Arbitrator. By United Press NEW YORK, March 12.—Leaders of 40,000 striking skyscraper workers and representatives of 8000 building owners came within a single point today of ending a 12-day-old strike. They agreed upon Ferdinand Sillcox, head of the United States Forestry Service, as arbitrator of wages and working hours at issue, but gave him no authority until direct negotiations determine whether strikers are to be reinstated where strike breakers have been employed. Representatives of the union and the Realty Advisory Board conferred for 14 hours to agree upon the arbitrator, but soon after they adjourned James J. Bambrick, union president, telegraphed Mayor Fiorello H. La Guardia that further conferences were useless until the landlords agreed to reinstate strikers without discrimination. HEARST ASKS LOBBY COMMITTEE INJUNCTION Action Comes as Black Says Probers May Not Heed Restrainer. By United Press WASHINGTON, March 12.—Legal action against Senate lobby committee methods spread today when William Randolph Hearst asked a District of Columbia Supreme Court injunction to restrain the committee from examining telegraphic correspondence. Mr. Hearst sought an order, similar to one granted yesterday to the Chicago law firm of Winston. Strawn & Shaw, to prevent Western Union Telegraph Cos. from turning over copies of telegrams. The suit was filed in the face of assertions by Senator Hugo L. Black (D„ Ala.>, committee chairman, that the Senate might not submit to the injunction and would take whatever steps it deemed necessary to defend procedure adopted by the investigating group. Times Index Births 23 ; Movies 13 Books 17 | Mrs. Roosevelt 14 Bridge 17 i Pegler 17 Broun 17 I Pyle 18 Comics 25 I Radio 5 Editorials .... 18 Serial Story.. 15 Fashions 15 Short Story . 25 Financial 22; Society 14 Hoosier Editor 18 Sports 20 Johnson 17 state Deaths. 26 Merry-Go-R'd 17 i Want Ads ... 23
PARK SITE ON WEST SIDE TO BE INSPECTED Action Assured by Board on Proposed Area on Eagle Creek. FACTIONS REACH ACCORD Agree Territory Between Washington, Michigan-sts Should Be Bought. Action on a West Side park was assured today as the Park Board decided to inspect a proposed site on Big and Little Eagle Creeks. The Rev. C. G. Baker, Hawthorne Community House superintendent, told the board that groups that had differed on proposed sites last summer were agreed that 150 ocres on the creeks between Washington and Michigan-sts should be purchased. Jackie! W. Joseph, board president, said an inspection trip had been delayed due to inclement weather, blit that the board would visit the proposed site next Thursday. Mr. Baker said that although options on tracts in the proposed site would expire soon, he believed the city could purchase the land for a “reasonable price.” The board has $35,000 available for the purchase. Accuse Works Board Tony Flack, West Side publisher, headed the delegation, which included Mr. Baker, Ralph Phelps, Mrs. Anna Brand, Mrs. Lloyd Pottinger, Washington High School Parent-Teacher Association president; Mrs T. V. Petranoff and the Rev. L. H. Kendall. The Park Board also accused the Works Board of failure to live up to an agreement to pay for repairs on esplanades in the middle of some city streets. The Park Board served notice on the Works Board it would not pay a $125 plumbing bill for repair of an esplanade fountain. Removal Is Urged A. C. Sallee, city park superintendent, said maintenance of the esplanades cost the Park Board from SSOOO to S7OOO a year and that the Works Board had agreed to pay the water bill and for repairs. Although the water bill was paid for by the Works Board last year, the Park Board was forced to pay for repairs, Mr. Sallee said. Members said they believed the esplanades should be removed.
ROOSEVELT FAR AHEAD IN GEORGIA VOTE TALLY Single County Gives President 1424 Votes to Talmadge's 35. By United Press ■ HAMILTON, Ga„ March 12.—1n a surprise vote, President Roosevelt today piled up an overwhelming majority in a second test of strength with Gov. Eugene Talmadge in a Harpis County presidential preference primary. Unofficial returns from 12 of 16 precincts in the southwest Georgia county gave Mr. Roosevelt 1424 votes to 35 for Talmadge. TRAFFIC CODE BOOR ISSUED BY POLICE Citizens Invited to Call for Free Copies. Carrying a plea for safety and promising thorough police enforce- j ment of traffic regulations, the In- j dianapolis Police Department today issued the Indianapolis Traffic Code. Capt. Louis Johnson, traffic department chief, urged that motorists and pedestrians obtain copies of the code, available at headquarters without cost. The pamphlet contains all city ordinances pertaining to traffic, in addition to important state regulations. Capt. Johnson asked co-op-eration of citizens in the safety campaign and stressed protection of school children. KILLS BROTHER, SHOOTS SISTER DURING QUARREL 15-Year-Old lowan Has Confessed Crimes, According to Police. By United Press INDEPENDENCE, la.. March 12. Fifteen-year-old Rodney Pace shot his 18-year-old brother to death during an argument over “attentions” to their 13-year-cld sister. Sheriff A. W. Hammelman said today on the basis of a “confession” by the youth. Pace was held in county jail pending possible murder charges. The sister, Thurzia, was shot in : the head during the quarrel between j the brothers. She may not live. HUNT LOST GASOLINE River Barge Reported to Have Been Hijacked. By United Press EAST ST. LOUIS. HI.. March 12. —An airplane skimmed low over the Mississippi River south of here today in search of a barge loaded with 225.000 gallons of gasoline, re- ; portedly hijacked at dawn.
THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 1936
Going Modern An 81-year-old Butler University tradition was broken today as President James W. Putnam announced the faculty had recommended that a dance be held on the campus to raise funds to equip a recreation room in Jordan Hall basement. During the 81 years of the institution, no dancing has been permitted on the campus, despite vigorous student demands. The faculty recreation and welfare committee, headed by J. Douglas Perry, journalism professor, asked the faculty to authorize such a dance at the faculty meeting yesterday afternoon. Following the Butler-Wabash basketball game recently, students staged an impromptu dance in the fieldhouse gymnasium.
SNOW CHASES AWAY SPRING Sun Plays Hide-and-Seek; Northwest Hard Hit; Floods Reported. (Photo on Page S) Although the temperatures remained above freezing Indianapolis today was treated to a series of freak snow storms that chased away the spring-like atmosphere. During the forenoon heavy snow, carried by a west wind, was interspersed with sudden appearrance of the sun. The local snowfall was light compared to the blizzard that raged in Minnesota today. Wire dispatches said that transportation had been cut off in the northern state and that the Great Lakes area was snow-covered. Rising temperatures were forecast for tomorrow. Refugees driven from their homes in northwestern lowa by flood waters shivered as temperatures broke sharply downward. The Missouri River rose to a spring peak at Falls City, Neb. In the East, loosening ice jams, rain and thaws sent rivers of New York, Pennsylvania and New England out of their banks, causing tremendous property loss and forcing residents to flee.
COP’S OUSTER LAID TO CITY POLITICIANS Tavern Operator Says They Inspired Charges. William Pennish, tavern operator, admitted in Superior Court today that politicians asked him to make charges against Patrolman William F. Gillespie with Chief Morrissey in 1934. Gillespie Ls appealing his discharge by the Safety Board in March, 1934. on charges of accepting gifts, conduct unbecoming an officer. neglect of duty and failure to make on arrest. Pennish testified that he paid Gillespie $2 a week "protection money,” and that Gillespie arrested him on charges of possessing pool tickets. Over a period of eight years, Pennish said, he took in SIOOO a day for baseball pool tickets and received a 25 per cent cut of this amount. Two other witnesses, who also had been arrested by Gillespie, charged they paid him “protection” m the form of cigarets and pool tickets. They were Melvin Atherton and Joe Tobak, both operators of establishments in the 2900 block on North-western-av. “Did political hangers-on ask you to see Chief Morrissey about Gillespie?” Paul Rochford, Gillespie’s attorney, asked Pennish. Pennish said they had. COUNT UCHIDA IS DEAD Former Ambassador From Japan Is Pneumonia Victim. By United Press TOKYO, March 12.—Count Yasuya Uchida, former foreign minister and ex-ambassador in Washington, died today of pneumonia. Uchida would have been 71 in August. He was president of the South Manchuria Railway Cos. during the early days of the Manchurian war and was foreign minister when the Japanes® army was creating the independent empire of Manchukuo. Mayors Ask WPA Continuance I'l) United Press WASHINGTON. March 12—The mayors of 100 of the largest American cities today asked President Roosevelt to continue the Works Progress Administration and requested $2,340,000,000 for the program.
No Reprieve for Bruno, Gov. Hoffman Repeats
By United Press TRENTON. N. J.. March 12. With the deadline for a “legal” reprieve for Bruno Richard Hauptmann only a few hours away Gov. Harold Hoffman today reiterated that he had no intention of ordering another stay for the Lindbergh baby killer. “I have no intention, now, of granting a reprieve,” the Governor said. “I first made this announce-
GERMANY OFFERS TO NEGOTIATE, IGNORES PLEA FOR TROOP RECALL; LOCARNO POWERS ARE INFURIATED
Nazis Willing to Dicker If Paris Refrains From Border Movements. FRANCE MADE TARGET Berlin Claims Rivals Now Have War Strength of 30,000,000 Men. Ci/ United Pres* BERLIN, March 12.—Germany offered today to negotiate with France and Belgium and to refrain from sending any more troops into the Rhineland pending such negotiations. In the face of the adamant French and Belgian demands for withdrawal of the German treops, however, Germany did not offer to bring back the troops already there. Germany also proposed that France’ and Belgium refrain from increasing their border forces. The offer means that Germany proposes not to send any more troops into the Rhineland, but not to withdraw any, pending negotiations. Isolation Is Threatened If the offer is rejected, the statement said, Germany will withdraw it and choose isolation from the other powers of Europe. Germany, it was declared, “will never agree” to permanent conditions involving renunciation of any of her sovereign rights. The declaration said: “France has for protection of her independence, which she claims is menaced, the following: “Firstly, she has erected the largest system of fortifications that ever existed along the German frontier. “Secondly, she has as legal guarantors of her integrity Great Britain, with her entire forces on land and sea; Italy, Belgium, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Russia—with alone over 17,000,000 soldiers, as well as France herself. Point to War Strength “These states between them have a peace strength of over 3,000.000 men and a war strength of approximately 30,000,000. “In the face of this historically unique guarantee, France claims it needs in front of the largest fortifications in the world an area in Germany which, being demilitarized, is open to attack. “France further declares that after Germany, instigated by France’s recent action, declared the Locarno Pact thereby violated and again began exercising her sovereign rights within the realm of the Reich, the 19 battalions now moved into the Rhineland constitute a menace to French security which is guaranteed by half the world.” Hitler at Karlsruhe Bu United Press KARLSRUHE, Germany, March 12.—Adolf Hitler came by airplane today to this flag-bedecked Rhineland city 10 miles from the frontier to review a section of the troops he has sent into the demilitarized zone and make an important speech. As he stepped from the plane, he was greeted by Gov. Robert Wagner. Hitler then reviewed the troops and an honor guard of the Nazi party drawn up at the Airdrome. New Gun Adopted By United Press LONDON, March 12.—The British army has adopted “what is probably the best anti-tank gun in the world.” Alfred Duff-Cooper, war minister, told the House of Commons t >day in introducing the new army estimates. Lssue of the guns will be begun with the least possible delay, he said. BOOKS ROUT BURGLAR Prowler Knocks Detective Novels to ; Floor, Awakening Resident. Mrs. Malgaret Schmid, 1431 Pleasant-st, has a couple of detective story novels on tables upstairs for going-to-sleep reading. Last night a burglar was prowling around and knocked them to the floor. This awakened Mrs. Schmid, sleeping downstairs, and she called her son, Carl. They routed the burglar. He got nothing.
ment on Jan. 17 and I have never indicated any change. The Governor's statement was viewed as dooming Hauptmann Unless startling new evidence warrants another appearance before the board of pardons or a second trial. Since this is admittedly a forlorn hope the German carpenter seems virtually certain to die in the state prison death house at about 8 p. m. March 31.
.Entered ns Serond-CUsn Matter at l’ostoffice. Indianapolis, Ind.
THE RING OF STEEL AROUND NAZILAND
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How Europe’s powers encircle Germany in new crisis.
Hint of Royal Romance Puts England in Uproar Everybody Joins in Guessing Game After Edward’s Insinuation Marriage Is Possible. By United Pi t ss LONDON, March 12—The mystery of whether King Edward VIII will remain the bachelor King of England ha 4 all his subjects talking and guessing today. Despite his civil list message to the House of Commons, well-informed
observers insisted that marirage for the 41-year-old monarch is unlikely or remote. On the other side of the debate, it was pointed out that his request that Parliament provide for the contingency of his marriage was unusual and probably unprecedented and that, therefore, he must have something or someone definitely in mind. Indulge in Guessing These could see no reason for Edward’s mention of marriage if he was not actually considering it. They indulged in a furious guessing game as to who the lucky Princess might be. More than a half dozen candidates were named. They included the Princesses Eugenie, Irene and Catherine of Greece, the Grand Duchess Kyre of Russia, Princess Juliana of the Netherlands, Princess Alexandrine Louise of Denmark and Princess Frederica of Brunswick-Luneburg. Princess Eugenie was favored by persons who usually make the smartest guesses about such things. She is the 26-year-old cousin of another Greek princess, Marina, who marri ;d Kin? Edward’s brother, the Duke of Kent. Eugenie, daughter of Prince George, and first cousin of the King, is a good-looking girl who dresses smartly. She is taller than Edward but the British royal family never has been prejudiced against queens being taller than kings. A perfect symbol for the British public’s complete mystification as to Edward’s possible, eventual co-sov-ereign was the front-page box, printed by the London Star. Under it was the caption, “Her Majesty the Queen.” Inside the box was a big question mark.
3 CITY GOLF PROS ABE REAPPOINTED Stonehouse, Vaughn, Heinlein Named by Board. Appointment of four golf professionals for municipal courses were announced today by the Park Board. Russell Stonehouse, Riverside; John Vaughn, Pleasant Run, and Bill Heinlein, Coffin, were reappointed. Paul W. Douglass was transferred from Sarah Shank to South Grove to replace Massie Miller, who has accepted a position in Richmond, Ind. Appointment of a Sarah Shank professional is to be announced later. The appointments were made upon recommendations by Mavor Kern. STOCK PRICES BREAK Heavy Selling Develops on Mart Early This Afternoon. By United Press NEW YORK, March 12. —Heavy selling developed on the Stock Exchange early this afternoon. Prices broke fractions to more than 3 points. Bonds joined the decline, featured by weakness in German issues.
STREET CAR CO, TO BEGIN REPAIRS SOON $3,120,000 Program Is Outlined to City Realtors. Indianapolis Railways expects to launch its $3,120,000 improvement program early this spring, Charles W. Chase, utility president, told the Indianapolis Real Estate Board this afternoon. Tiie program, which is being financed with a Public Works Administration loan, includes a $750,000 new car shop; garage and office headquarters at 1100 W. Washing-ton-st; the reconstruction of 26 miles of car tracks; purchase of 57 additional trackless trolleys for Central. Lincoln and Minnesota lines and construction of 10 miles of trackless trolley overhead. Sixty-five per cent of the companys’ lT)-year improvement program now is complete, and the remainder is to be finished this year, Mr. Chase said. The complete program called for a total expenditure of more than $7,500,000.
ASTAIRE UNO ROGERS OFFERED $1,090,000 Fred Balks at Program for 4 Films, Is Report. ISy United Bren* NEW YORK, March 2. —The World-Telegram said today that Fred Astaire, film star, and RKO are at odds over a reported $1,000,000 tentative contract offered to him and his dancemate, Ginger Rogers, for a series of four pictures. r.KO insists that he continue his record-breaking collaboration with Miss Rogers, but, according to the World-Telegram, Astaire has refused. He wants six or eight months absence, presumably to visit his brother-in-law and sister, Lord and Lady Cavendish, at their castle in Ireland. According to the newspaper’s informant, Astaire contends that film after film starring him and Miss Rogers would tend to diminish their popularity. TERRORI SM IN SPA IN~ SPREADS TO MADRID Heavy Police Guards Patrol All Sections, Dispersing Rioters. By United Brett MADRID March 12—The left wing terrorist movement, in which more tlisPn 20 have been killed and 70 wounded since Saturday, spread to the capital from the southern provinces today. Infuriated Communist and Social- | ist mobs formed in the working 1 class districts. Heavy police guards patrolled every section of Madrid,! instructed to use any means short j of gunfire to disperse rioters.
FINAL HOME PRICE THREE CENTS
Hitler Complicates Tense Situation With His Latest Proposal. ISOLATION THREATENED France, Belgium Likely to Press for Economic, Financial Sanctions. BULLETIN By United Press PARIS, March 12.—The French Senate answered Adolf Hitler's repudiation of the Locarno Treaty tonight by ratifying by a heavy majority the Franco-Soviet pact of mutual defense. BY LOUIS F. KEEMLE United l're>.s t able Editor. Adolf Hitler complicated the already tense European situation today by making a proposal almost certain to be re j ected indignantly by France and Belgium. The latter demanded that Hitler withdraw his troops from the Rhineland. He countered with a government statement offering not to send any more troops in, but to retain the ones there as a symbol of German sovereignty, pending negotiations. If Hitler’s proposals for negotiating a stable peace in Europe ar® rejected, the statement said, Germany will withdraw from the European family of nations and isolate herself. The news created a highly unfavorable impression in London, where the powers are conferring and Britain is trying to persuade France and Belgium to make an offer to Hitler which he might find acceptable. Peace Outlook DiiA Today's developments dimmed the outlook for an early, peaceful settlement of the dispute. If Britain and France reject Hitler’s offer and put through a League resolution condemning Germany as an aggressor. there is every prospect that Hitler will refuse to return to the League, cutting herself off from all European negotiations. I hat would create a sore spot in ituioQe which might take many years To heal. 'llie prospect of military action against Hitler in the present dispute was still not acute. It seemed more likely, unless some form of compromise is reached, France and Belgium would bring about the condemnation of Hitler and press for economic and financial sanctions by their allies.
Locarno Powers Stunned R}f t hit cil I'vesm LONDON, March 12.—The Locarno powers, stunned by a German statement proposing to keep troops in the Rhineland as a “symbol,” decided today to adhere to their intention of making joint representations to Germany, proposing withdrawal of the troops and a promise not to fortify the Rhineland. The British, French and Belgian negotiators who are conferring here lesented Adolf Hitler's threat to | withdraw his proposals, including j those for peace made in last Satur- ; day s Reichstag speech, and go into isolation if his offer is not accepted. Tension was increased greatly when the German statement was leceived. It was construed as refusal to withdraw the troops or to pledge nonfortification. Information which the French recieved after a luncheon conference at the French embassy and a meeting of the British cabinet indicated that the British, who have been working for a compromise, were veering toward the French. It was believed extremely unlikely that the French or Belgians would accept Hitler's offer of today. In view of the complicated situation, the Locarno powers were expected to a-sk postponement of a League Council meeting in order to gain further time for consultation, Italy in Background By l n itrd I’n ss ROME, March 12.-ltaly's role in the important Locarno discussions in London today and in the League Council meeting will be that of an interested observer, holding vital cards but determined to remain in the background until the game swings to its own decided advantage. Authoritative sources stated today that Italy “most probably” will refuse to participate in any discussion of sanctions against Germany. Italy's representative will be Dino Grandi. ambassador to Britain. He probably will be instructed to leave the council table during any talk of penalties, unless a prim- political agreement is reached suspending sanctions against Italy and offering Italy a favorable settlement of the Ethiopian war. Italy does not want to take too prominent a part in the Locarno conference until it is able to get political concessions.