Indianapolis Times, Volume 48, Number 65, Indianapolis, Marion County, 26 May 1936 — Page 3

MAY 26, 1936

INDIANA PRISONS CROWDED; MUNICIPAL COURTS HANDLE 1655 CASES DURING MONTH

Lack of Space, Employment for Prisoners Held Biggest Problems. (Continued From Paso One) considers more than 1000 cases, has on Its full-time staff only a secretary, one investigator and two clerks to carry on its work. It was established in 1933. Prison Operates Factories A giant, disciplined community of men, the Indiana State Prison finds employment for its inmates on farms and in sign-tag-tin, shoe, clothing, bookbindery, shirt, tobacco, furniture, soap, cement products and can industries within the prison property. Saturday afternoons are half holidays with movies provided in the winter and baseball and field sports in the summer. To properly classify men as to their work and associates in the prison. Dr. P. H. Weeks, prison physician, has recommended complete pyschiatric and pyschometric tests of men entering the institution. Individual Study Needed “T am convinced," Dr. Weeks said in the reports, "that the institution should organize a modern social service department. A complete psychometric test should be made on every admission to prison. This system would enable us to classify the men and assign them to the work for whirh they are best qualified. "Furthermore, classification and individualized study would no doubt develop much valuable data to be utilized by the parole and pardon board in deciding the advisability of releasing men to society.” The population at the Indiana Woman's Prison is less than two per cent of the adult male population in Indiana penal institutions. The average age of the woman in the penal department at the prison is 30 years, six months; in the correctional department 31 years, two months. Social Diseases Frequent Os 2G5 women on correctional commitments, 166 were first offenders and 99 repeaters. F. H. Luck, prison physician, found that on June 30, last year, 63.2 per cent of the w omen had venereal diseases. The Indiana State Farm has as inmates only short-term offenders, who work on the farms, in quarries, canning factory, furniture, willow basket, brick and rock wool plants, greenhouse, dairy and abattoir. Os those committed in the year ending June 30, 1935, a total of 1108 were aged between 20 and 30. 396 between 16 and 20, 149 from 60 to 70 and 29 over 70. Law Curtails Market A varied number of products are made at the farm, but drastic legislation against the sale of prison- • made goods on the open market '■'as curtailed the sales, Ralph Howa.d, superintendent, has said. "The marketing of the products is impaired (by the legislation)” Mr. Howard said, "but with the advantage of the state-use system and the assistance and encouragement by the Adminittration to this end, we hope to keep our men employed and be able to show a modeest profit.” The state-use system is the sale of prison-made goods to tax-sup-ported institutions. Net cost to the state for the operation of the institution, deducting $227,924 as gross sales of industrial products, was $154,041 net in the year ending June 30. 1935. The net annual cost of maintaining one prisoner was $134. ioulhs on Merit System The clemency commission acts only on the petitions of inmates of the adult institutions. At the girls’ and boys’ schools, inmates are rated on a merit system or may be confined until their twenty-first year. Guided by recommendations of courts, prosecutors, prison heads, neighbors of convicts and its one investigator, the clemency commission has six points it considers in hearing ?. petition. They are: The nature and circumstances of the crime; history prior to commitment: conduct while an inmate; character, capacity, habits, tendencies, attitude, meniel and physical condition; probabilities the prisoner will so conduct himself as to beccm? a useful member of society and the effect of his parole upon the administration of justice upon society. Minimum Time Fixed Other regulations concerning clemency are; Inmates with minimum terms of one year may have hearing at end of six months; two years, 12 months; three years, 18 months: five years. 24 months; 10 years, 30 months; beyond 10 years. 36 months; life for murder, 15 years; life for other than murder, 10 years. Inmates of the state farm are exempt from these provisions and may petition for clemency when they have served half of their minimum time. No parole violator is eligible for a second parole until he has served two years after being declared a violator. Second-time parole violators must serve an additional five years. Redirected Behavior, Goal Prime purpose of the educational program at the Indiana Boys’ School, according' to Supt. E. M. Dill, is to reshape bahavior patterns. The number of boys enrolled June 30, 1935, was 493. A total of 238 were returned on new commitments. 68 returned for parole violation. 27 returned for replacement and three recommitted. Os 129 incorrigibles questioned, parents of 26 were dead, of 29 the father was dead and of 24. the mother dead. Lack of suitable employment for boys due to economic conditions has added • large burden to the task of rehabilitating delinquents, Fiank D. Johnston, parole and receiving clerk, said. Few Found Jobs “Owing to lack of employment," he said, “it has been practically impossible to find work for parole boys I in the towns and cities of the state, and c.ne result has been that very few homeless boys were found places, i “It is not an easy matter to locate j

Traffic Charges Are Most Frequent, Records Here Reveal. Records of the two municipal courts at police headquarters disclosed today that 1655 cases have been disposed of in the first 25 days of the month. Court No. 4. over which Judge Charles J. Karabell presides, had disposed of 1158 of the total, in comparison with 1130 cases last year. In court No. 3, presided over by Judge Dewey Myers, 497 cases had been disposed of, the records showed. The number of cases it handled last year during the same period of time was 616. Traffic Cases Most Frequent Traffic cases which are assigned to Court No. 4 account for the large docket, attaches said. The number of fines paid, it was said, might indicate money is more plentiful this year than before. On the other hand, a larger number of more serious charges have been heard in the two courts than is .usual, they said. Court Speed Problem A survey released today by Edij torial Research Reports showed how the "speed-up" system of rushing cases through municipal courts is a growing problem in other cities. The report said: "One of the most important charges laid against municipal courts is that too little consideration is given individual cases. In many cities a single court has jurisdiction over cases ranging from traffic violations, juvenile delinquency, and small claims to major crimes, defendants in the latter classification being bound over to higher courts. Dockets crowded with miscellaneous cases make swift settlement necessary. “In the Memphis city court it is not unusual for 60 cases to be decided in less than an hour. In Toledo, the Commission of Publicity and Efficiency made a survey of the criminal branch of the municipal court several years ago and found that in a court session lasting two and a half hours from 40 to 150 cases were disposed of. Criticism Is Made “The commisison criticised the practice of holding court only during the morning and pointed out that ‘with an average of two and one-half hours in the court day, law violators receive judicial attention at the rate of two and one-half minutes each.’ “Chicago has made possible greater speed in dispasing of cases by establishing some two dozen specialized civil and criminal branches of OFFICIAL WEATHER —United States Weather Bureau Sunrise 4:21 i Sunset ; ;M TEMPERATURE —May 26, 1033 7 • m 39 1 e. m 73 —Today—6a. m 62 ]0 a. m 4 l• m 63 11 a. m 1} 6• m 19 12 (Noon) 19 9 a. m 13 1 p. m 81 BAROMETER 7 *• m 30.01 1 p. m 29.94 Precipitation 24 hrs. ending; 7 a. m... .02 Total precipitation since Jan. 1 12 03 Deficiency since Jan. 1 4.38 WEATHER IN OTHER CITIES AT 1 A. M. Station. Weather. Bar. TemD. Amarillo, Tex .. Cloudy 29.98 58 Bssmark. N. D Clear 29.92 52 Boston clear 30.00 62 Chicaco Clear 30.00 60 Cincinnati Cloudy 30.04 64 Denver Cloudy 29.92 56 Dodge City. Kas Cloudy 30 02 62 Helena, Mont Clear 29.84 52 Jacksonville, Fla. ... Clear 30 10 74 Kansas City, Mo Foggy 30.02 58 Little Rock. Ark Cloudy 29 96 72 Los Angeles Cloud'v 29.80 58 Miami. Fla Cloudy 30.02 76 Minneapolis Cloudy 29.80 66 Mobile. Ala . Rain 29.98 72 New Orleans Cloudy 29 94 72 New York Clear 30.04 60 Okla City. Okla Cloudy 29.94 66 Omaha. Neb Clear 29.98 62 Pittsburgh Clear 30.06 60 Portland. Ore Clear 29.56 62 San Antonio. Tex Cloudy 29.78 66 San Francisco Rain 29.74 54 St. Louis ..Clear 30.00 68 Tampa. Fla PtCldv 30.02 72 Washington. D. C Clpudy 30.10 70 a boy who has been delinquent, owing to the prejudice that many persons have against such a youth. Frequently emotional upsets caused by home conditions lead to delinquency, the research director. O. J. Breidenbaugh. reported. Psychological examinations were given 118 boys and two cases were referred to a psychiatrist. Seventeen cases of syphilis, half of them congenital, were discovered by Dr. M. M. Aiken, school physician.

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WOMAN ARTIST ACCUSED OF SLAYING INFANT

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Mrs. Elba Riffle Pe dwell, 32 (above), alleged slayer of her newborn baby, was being held today in the Rochester jail, where she faces first-degree murder charges. Mrs. Penwell. well-known artist, strangled her baby with a stocking, according to an alleged confession, and hid the body in a coal pile, where it remained 19 days. The body later was concealed in the rear compartment of an automobile, according to po-

the municipal court, in addition to the district police branches. Albert Lepawsky, in his study of the judicial system of metropolitan Chicago, points out that ‘each branch, instead of being an autonomous center for the conduct of the whole range of cases within the court's jurisdiction, specializes in a limited class of proceedings.' “The Chicago municipal court system includes an attachment ar.d garnishments branch, a small claims branch, a rent branch, as well as jury and non-jury branches for civil cases. From criminal proceedings, there is a felony court, a speeders’ court, a traffic court, a boys’ court, a domestic relations court, and morals court. “ ‘Modern judicial organization is so responsive to the problems of metropolitan civilization,’ said Lepawsky, ‘that a specialized racket court was established at one time.’ ”

Tomorrow!... BIRTHDAY EDITION IN Natural Color A striking six-page gravure supplement with a whole page of the latest Dionne pictures IN NATURAL COLORS ... on bame coated paper, suitable for framing. A page of bridal costumes . . . college queens and campus views . . . and many 3 other attractive features. C Order your copy from your neighborhood Times carrier or phone RI. 5551 Tomorrow (Wednesday) in The TIMES

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lice, and Lscovered when the car was repc sessed by a dealer. Mrs. Penwell is expected to plead insanity. She has been living with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Riffle, and is the mother of another child, 7. Mrs. Penwell won honors with her water colors at the 1935 Indiana State Fair and has exhibited work in many northern Indiana cities.

APARTMENT OWNERS TO INSTALL OFFICERS B. S. Drake to Assume Duties as Fresident of Association. B. S. Drake is to be installed as president of the Apartment Owners Association of Indianapolis tomorrow following a luncheon in the Washington. Isadore Feibleman, retiring president, is to officiate. ’ Mr. Feibleman is to serve as vice president for a year. Other new officers are Mrs. T. D. McGee, secretary; H. H. Woodsmall, re-elected treasurer; Harvey J. Elam, reelected counsel, and William P. Snethen, manager. T. D. McGee is to pay tribute to retiring officers. J. Allen Dawson is to report on proposed rules for the leasing of apartments.

ENROLL EARLY FOR PARTS IN LOCAL MOVIE Applications Being Accepted for Times-Loew’s Talking Film. (Continued From Page One) Hollywood director with a Hollywood production staff in full action. The Times-Loew's movie, when completed, will be viewed by local audiences at Loew’s Theater, and, later will be shown to producers in New York ana Hollywood. 15 Leading Roles While there are sequences that call for talented young men and women, there are places in "It Happened In Indianapolis," for persons who have no particular talent. It has been found that many people who have never even considered a screen or stage career turn out to have hidden talents and personality before the movie camera. The picture will require a cast of over 120. There are 15 leading roles and more than 100 supporting and extra parts. And now for the full details of this novel event: 1. Any one between the ages of 16 and 22 is eligible and may register for a part. 2. Applicants are requested to fill out the ENTRY BLANK below and take it to Leonard A. De Menna at the Antlers Hotel between 3 and 5 or 7 and 9 p. m. 3. Full instructions regarding lighting and voice tests will be given when you present this ENTRY BLANK. 4. Official casting will start Sunday May 31 at the Antlers Hotel and your application (on the form below) must be entered as soon as possible. Especial attention is directed to high school students as the story is based on high school activities.

ENTRY BLANK Indianapolis Times-Loew's Theater Talking Picture "IT HAPPENED IN INDIANAPOLIS” I wish to take part in the talking picture production to be filmed in Indianapolis and shown at Loews. Name Address Age School TAKE THIS BLANK TO LEONARD A. DE MENNA AT THE ANTLERS HOTEL BETWEEN 3 AND 5 OR 7 AND 9 P. M.

Black Legion Link With Fire at Coughlin’s Church Hunted

Little Flower Shrine Blaze Brought Into Inquiry at Detroit. (Continued From Page One) an existence of a chapter of the band in that city. Numerous guns and revolvers, ammunition, and literature pertaining to race conditions in the schools were found. Jackson authorities likewise were inquiring into a mysterious fire near the city last night which destroyed a farm house. They believed that it possibly was connected with the Black Legion’s night riders. State Probe Ordered At Lansing. Atty. Gen. David H. Crowley prepared to hold grand jury investigations in every county where the Black Legion is known to have operated. He left for Jackson shortly after noon to confer with prison authorities over the situation there. Gov. Frank D. Fitzgerald issued a stern order that every state worker proved to be a legionnaire be summarily dismissed. The Detroit Times, Hearst evening newspaper, reported it had found an application blank signed with the name of Prosecutor McCrea in the files of the organization. McCrea. smiling, said the signature on the card looked like his, but denied that “I have ever been a member.” Raids Bring Results, Report While police pressed their inquiry to determine if any mysterious deaths of recent years might be traced to vigilante terrorism, McCrea disclosed that raids upon five homes in suburban Ecorse had resulted in the seizure of guns and more literature concerning the strange band. Asa result of these raids, McCrea's office said, evidence was found definitely linking two bombings of recent months with Black Legion activities. One bombing was that of the home of Village President William W. Voisine and the

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other of a tavern and resort known as “The Whip.” Arms seized in the Ecorse raid. McCrea said, included six revolvers, five rifles and two shotguns. The‘raiders seized literature concerned with the drawing of racial lines in the public schools when they visited the King E'ectric and Brake Service Cos., Colburn said. Arms Are Seized He charged that Charles D. King, the proprietor, was a "major" in the vigilante band. At King's store and home, ammunition and arms were seized. Two automatic pistols were seized when the raiders visited the residence of Ecorse Township Clerk Jesse Pettijohn. McCrea planned to confer again today with A. F. Luop. reputed state commander of the legion, w-ho told reporters yesterday that he was only the recruiting officer for the Legion, which he said was an organization devoted to “Americanism.” He denied all such acts of terrorism as the Poole death and said the organization was one devoted to “defense of the Red. White and Blue.” McCrea revealed evidence tending to show the Legion organized in all parts of the nation. He intimated that he would ask the cooperation of Indiana and Ohio authorities. Those states with Michigan comprise the Legion's “Northwest sector.” Twelve of the 25 legionnaires charged with executing Poole because he knew too much about the organization, awaited their preliminary hearing on murder charges tomorrow. McCrea's officers sought 13 others on “John Doe” warrants. FIOREN ZA CASE ENDED Defense Rests After Completing Insanity Evidence. By United Press NEW YORK. May 26.—The defense rested today in the trial of John Fiorenza, charged with murdering Mrs. Nancy Evans Titterton. woman writer, in the bathtub of her apartment. Henry Klauber. defense counsel, announced completion of his case, based chiefly on insanity, as court opened. The defendant did not take the stand.

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THOMAS NAMED BY SOCIALISTS Public Ownership of Key Industries Is Urged in Platform Draft. By United Press PUBLIC HALL. CLEVELAND, May 26.—The Socialist convention prepared today to complete a platform for Norman M. Thomas to stand in in his third campaign for President. The first draft of the platform, calling for public ownership of the nation's key industries and wid# congressional control over agriculture and industry, was brought on the floor yesterday by the resolutions committee. It was returned to committee, however, to permit consideration of a minority report. Mr. Thomas. Socialist standard bearer In 1928 and 1932. was selected again by virtual acclamation. In his acceptance speech, he pledged a militant campaign against “the massed resources of Republican captains of industry” and the “political power and the public purse in the possession of the Democrats.” George A. Nelson, Milltown, Wis.. who “wasn't well enough fixed financially” o get to the convention. was selected as Mr. Thomas’ running mate. He is a "dirt” farmer and one of the original Yukon ."sourdoughs.” Mrs. Mary Donovan Hapgood, wife of Powers Hapgood, Indianapolis. had been placed in nomination for the vice presidency, but declined. PRISONER FLEES FARM Lawrence County Robber, 52, Escapes at Michigan City. By United Press MICHIGAN CITY. Ind., May 26. —George Bird, 52, sentenced from Lawrence County in April. 1931, to 10 years in the State Prison on a robbery charge, escaped last night from the honor farm. He had 18 months to serve until he could havo gained his freedom.