Indianapolis Times, Volume 48, Number 66, Indianapolis, Marion County, 27 May 1936 — Page 1

CROUCH MAKES CONFESSION OF KILLING, CLAIM Suspect in U. S. Agent’s 1 Death Captured in Local Hideout. OFFERS NO RESISTANCE Given No Chance to Use Gun as Officers Wake Him From Sleep. Harlan Crouch Sr., 4’J, who was captured by police and Federal men as he slept in a, hideout at 427 E. Louisiana-st, today confessed firng the shots that killed John R. Foster, 37, of Marion, United States revenue agent, Lieut. Roy Pope, police homicide squad head, claimed. “I thought we were being pursued by hijackers,” Lieut. Pope quoted Crouch as saying. “James Jacobs, who was riding in the car with me, handed me a rifle, and I let them have it.” Foster was killed May 14 during a chase of suspected rum runners near St. John, 13 miles south of Hammond. Guy Goodin, another agent, was uninjured. Crouch’s statement that he thought V was firing at other gangsters conflicts with one attributed to Jacobs following his capture several days ago by Chicago Heights police. Authorities quoted Jacobs as saying that Crouch opened fire because he thought the pursuing car contained Federal agents. Asks Speedy Trial Demands for immediate indictment and a speedy trial were made in Chicago by E. C. Yellowley, Federal Alcohol Tax Unit head. Yellowley said he would appear before Federal Judge Thomas W. Slick at Hammond, Ind., later today. “I will ask Judge Slick for a special grand jury to indict Crouch at once,” Yellowley said, when informed of the capture. “We hope to have an immediate trial. A murder warrant against Crouch already has been sworn out and will be served on him when he reaches Hammond.” Yellowley also said that his agents would pursue every one suspected of harboring Crouch during the two weeks he was hunted and would prosecute all found to have aided him. Captured with Crouch was a man who gave his name as Sam Burns. Police said the second prisoner was Sam Pendgraft, alias Blackburn, who has been wanted two years to answer charges of auto banditry and assault and battery. Also taken to police headquarters for questioning were Miss Pearl Pendgraft, 32, whom police said was a sister of Sam, and 14-year-old Dewey Wiley. Held for Questioning A man who gave his name as Paul Mueller, 33, of 2631 Applegatest, later was arrested by city police for questioning in connection with the case and slated on vagrancy charge under $20,00!) bond. Police believe Mueller returned Crouch to Indianapolis from an out-of-town hideout recently. “How did I get in this place?” Crouch asked officers who shook him out of a sound sleep. “What time is it?” Police said the hunted man had a ,45-calibcr revolver under his pillow, but had no chance to use it. The house had been surrounded. Officers with machine guns were stationed at front and rear doors, and others armed with sawed-off shotguns guarded windows. Crouch on Probation Crouch was on probation from the La Porte Circuit Court, Alexander Spychalski, court clerk, said. He received a suspended 1 to 10-year sentence from the La Porte court on Nov. 15, 1935, on a charge of carrying concealed weapons, records show. Four Taken to Hammond Four men accused of aiding Crouch to escape from Federal agents were taken to Hammond Monday for action by the Northern District Federal court. Sam Curry, owner of a Mooresville chicken farm; his son, John Curry, and Tommy Burns and Frank Dold, farm tenants, were released from Indianapolis Municipal Court to the custody of Federal authorities. Neighbors told police the house where Crouch was captured was operated by Mr. and Mrs. Earl Hall. It was an orderly establishment, they said. Mr. Hall is employed as a truck driver for the Wheeler Rescue Mission. $286,000 EXCISE TAXES TO BE DISTRIBUTED Marion County Civil Units Are to Get $32,000. The State Excise Department announced today that $192,092 would be available for distribution to civil units and $94,487 to school units June 1. The figures represent excise tax collections from Dec. 1 to June 1. The $32,084 available to Marion County civil units is to be distributed as follows: Indianapolis, $31,305; Beech Grove, $333; Marion County, $100; Ravenswood, $133, and Speedway City, $212. FLEEING SUSPECT SHOT Wounded Prisoner Held in Probe of Series of Burglaries. By T nit,,l Press FRANKFORT, Ind., May 27 Wounded In an alleged attempt to evade arrest by state and local police, Edward Smith, 28, was held today in connection with an investigation of a series of burglaries in central Indiana.

- - . /.' - v * * ■ The Indianapolis Times

VOLUME 48—NUMBER 66

ALLEGED SLAYER RUSHED TO POLICE STATION

* MS< 3 isl yKaP" Iml . j§ Jm l jflßEl idS w * i ® JSb tlaß |HHgraMNsfl[ -•• . mmm' IfSB HHHHhH H MW4 I ibkjm y v m s&gjSji ynf wt y.z r-jBSI

—inan Croucn, uauess ana rea-eyea, was rusnea to police station following his capture at 427 E. Louisiana-st, early today. The accused Federal agent slayer is shown being led into headquarters by officers who made the arrest.

Board Appoints Teachers; City May Raise Salaries

De Pauw Educator Named Head of Department at Shortridge. (Complete list of teachers appointed is on Pages 14, 15 and 21). Accepting the recommendations of Superintendent Paul C. Stetson, the School Board today had appointed the full teaching personnel of Indianapolis public schools for 193637. Nearly all of those named are to receive a fiat SIOO restoration of pay cuts next year. The board accepted 29 resignations, granted eight leaves of absence, approved the retirement of 12 teachers who have reached the age limit and affirmed 11 changes of principals in the elementary schools. Charles J. Wilkerson, English instructor at De Pauw University, was appointed head of the department of English at Shortrdige High School. Miss Flora Love who, with a committee, has been in charge of the department, is to retire this year. Teachers appointed but unassigned . are Misses Theta Byrkett, Ruth Holmes, Martha Horner. Clio Kurtz, Ida Pingpank and Helen Consand, substitute. Virgil Stinebaugh. who has been in charge of junior high schools and curriculum studies since 1933, was promoted to assistant superintendent of schools. Changes In assignments of elementary principals are as follows: Frank Echolds, principal No. 82, transferred to No. 75, succeeding Mrs. Maude Moudy, resigned. Miss .Frieda Herbst, principal of No. 13, is to succeed J. L. Dunn, who retires this year as principal of No. (Turn to Page Three) FAVORS BILL, IS REPORT F. D. R. Sees Need for New Guffey Measure, Union Head Says. By United Press WASHINGTON, May 27.—President Roosevelt believes a bill along the lines of the new Guffey-Vinson measure is necessary to maintain temporary stability of the coal industry, pending permanent reform by Congress, John Lewis, head of the United Mine Workers, said today after a White House conference.

Dionnes Are Growing Up! They’ll Be 2 Tomorrow

Bit United PrtM CALLANDER, Ontario, May 27. Oliva and Mrs. Dionne, parents of the world famous quintuplets, will not be invited to the party celebrating the babies’ second birthday tomorrow, it was revealed today. Last year, the parents were invited to the party in Dafoe Memorial Hospital, which is the quints home, but, because they still are not reconciled to the province taking charge of their famous offspring, they did not attend. This year they will not have the opportunity of rejecting an invitation, though if they go to Dafoe Hospital they’ll be welcomed. The hospital today was gayly bedecked, five frosted cakes with a name on each were in the pantry, new toys were wrapped and readyall for tomorrow’s party. A dress rehearsal of the radio part of the party will be held this afternoon. Dr. Allan Roy Dafoe, their physician; Judge J. A. Valin, chairman of the board of guardians, thftlr two nurses, Jacqueline Noel .■ ' " • •* >-V j

FORECAST: Fair tonight and tomorrow; slightly cooler tonight.

Employes Given Hope of Increase at Parley of Kern and Aids. The 2000 employes of the Indianapolis civil city today anticipated a partial restoration next year of salary reductions. Mayor Kern and department heads gave them this hope in a conference yesterday. The conference was called by the Mayor to inform his aids that practically all data had been collected for a salary survey. He cautioned them to use the utmost economy in preparation of their 1937 budgets. Mayor Kern pointed out that the data had not yet been classified and that the increase in salaries, if finally allowed, could not be determined until this was accomplished. The new salary scheduled is to be prepared after careful comparison of city positions with corresponding positions in private business and wages paid by 25 or 30 municipalities similar in size to Indianapolis, it was said. Persons who have made a study of the proposed increase believe it may be approximately 7(4 per cent or one-half of the 15 per cent by which the salaries have been reduced. It was recalled that previously Mayor Kern had promised firemen that he would recommend such an increase. In preparing their budgets the department heads were told to reduce all other items as much as possible in an effort to offset the prospective increase in salaries. The mayor also urged speed in transmitting the estimates to City Controller Walter Boetcher so that ample time could be given to a study of salary adjustments. According to figures in the city controller’s office, if the salary increase averages 7(4 per cent it would raise the civil city’s annual pay roll by $261,012.71. The pay roll for the current year is $3,480,169.52. Such an increase would require raising of the tax rate approximately 5 cents if based on the present valuation of $540,000,000, it was said.

and Yvonne Leroux, and the babies will go before the microphone. This birthday Papa Dionne is likely to be working on the refreshment booth which he is building near his home. He had not made up his mind whether he would attend the “grande messe” the Rev. Father J. B. McNally will conduct at the Sacred Heart Parish Church at Corbeil tomorrow morning. The mass of thanksgiving is for the intention of the quintuplets. Last year, Mr. and Mrs. Dionne did not attend the service. All their friends and neighbors will be at the service this year. All the men, women and children in the district will be there.

TODAY’S TIMES includes a six-page rotogravure section featuring the Dionne quintuplets.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1936

SCHOOLS AND HOME FAILING YOUTHJHARGE Head of Institution for Ohio Girl Delinquents Makes Assertion. PROGRAM CHANGE URGED Woman Advises More Social Plan of Training Young People. BY SAM TYNDALL Schools, churches, the home and correctional institutions share the blame for juvenile delinquency in America today, Rose C. Beatty, Ohio penologist, attending the Central States Probation and Parole Conference in the Claypool, told The Times today. Mrs. Beatty, superintendent of the Ohio Girls’ Industrial School, second largest such institution in the nation, charged that parents and public school teachers and curricula have failed to teach selfcontrol in the new freedom to which youth now is heir. “We have arrived in anew era for dealing with the youth of our country and the training in our delinquency schools has not kept pace with the change,” she said. “We are living in a different age —youth is seeking freedom; boys and girls are thinking today; they must make mistakes to arrive, and the first thing we must do before we can help them is to realize and understand this.” The second day of the four-day Central States Probation and Parole Conference opened with an open forum breakfast. Mrs. Beatty spoke at 10. Frank t. Flynn Jr., University of Notre Dame case work director, also spoke. An inspection of the Indiana Reformatory at Pendleton was scheduled for 12:30. Urges Change in Viewpoint “We should not change our standard of morals,” Mrs. Beatty said, “but we should look upon morals with a different point of view. “Our delinquency institutions should adopt a more social program of training. We should have psychiatrists, young teachers and in intelligent trained personnel.” Youth hasn’t been taught selfcontrol, she said. Training is up to parents, churches and the schools, she added. Mrs. Beatty, who said that she was a school teacher at one time, blamed much of the delinquency on the schools. She said that not only were the teachers old-fashioned, but that the school curriculum was too regimented. “Our institutions for youthful waywards should no longer be places for punishment but places where the child is oriented and made to realize that it is more fun playing the game of life according to the rules of the game,” she said. Neither enthusiasts for indeterminate sentences and supervised parole systems nor advocates of longer sentences and greater prison discipline have any facts to prove that either method will lessen crime, Stanley P. Ashe, Western State Penitentiary warden at Pittsburgh, Pa., told the conference. Imprisonment Safer for Public “Imprisonment certainly makes it safer for the public,” he said, “but only for those cases in which we permanently incarcerate or execute. “Personally, I do not expect the indeterminate sentence, probation and parole to be a panacea for recidivism. I do believe that carefully supervised parole, with proper personnel and with vastly increased facilities in our school system for adult education, along with a nationally organized system for job analysis and placement will lessen the number of repeaters in our institutions.” M’NUTT SILENT ON TOWNSEND SUPPORT Will Not Issue Public Indorsement, He Says. Gov. McNutt does not intend to make a statement sponsoring the candidacy of Lieut. Gov. M. Clifford Townsenc. for the gubernatorial nomination either before or at the Democratic state convention here June 16, he indicated today. The Governor was asked: “Before the Democratic convention meets are you going to make any statement sponsoring the candidacy of Lieut. Gov. Townsend?” “No, I’m not going to make any statement,” he said. “Either before or at the convention?’” he was asked. “That’s right,” he answered. Gov. McNutt is to be the convention’s keynoter. Mr. Townsend may be placed in nomination by his mother, who lives in Hartford City, or by Harvey Cole, Fifth District leader, it was reported.

Times Index

Births 27 Books .. 19 Bridge 17 Broun 19 Clapper 19 Comics .......29 Crossword .... 5 Curious World 12 Editorials 20 Fashions 16 Financial 22 Fishbein 20 Flynn 22 Forum 20 Grin, Bear It 19 Hunt 19

Jane Jordan . .16 Merry-Go-R’d 19 Movies 23 Mrs. Ferguson 20 Mrs. Roosevelt 16 Pegler 19 Pyle 20 Questions 20 Radio -....10 Scherrer 20 Serial Story .. 9 Short Story ...29 Society 17 Sports 24 State Deaths .*.13 Wiggam 19

SNOWBERGER CRASHES

u a st

STRIKES WALL ON JEST SPIN Driver, Mechanic Uninjured; Car May Not Be Able to Qualify. Russell Snowberger, veteran Detroit racing pilot, crashed on the southwest curve at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway today during a practice run in preparation for the qualification trials which were to be resumed at 4 this afternoon. Although the driver and his mechanic escaped injury, the car probably will not be repaired in time for the qualifying deadline tomorrow at 4. Snowberger was circling the course on the second lap of a test run when he lost control and careened into the outside retaining wall. He had completed the initial lap at a speed of 111 miles an hour when he heard a noise in the lower part of the car and glanced over the side to locate the source of trouble. The front axle and steering apparatus of the car, anew six-cylinder creation entered by Joe Thorne, were damaged. His riding mechanic was Blackie Richards of Indianapolis. Both were shaken, but able to walk from the wrecked charger. The accident was expected to eliminate Snowberger from the list of 14 drivers who were to stage late attempts for the 500-mile race Saturday. Twenty-nine nominees for the classic already have passed the tests. Some may be dislodged by better performances today from 4 until sundown and tomorrow, when final chances are to be given the pilots from 1 to 4. QUEEN MARY STARTS ON MAIDEN VOYAGE Super-Liner Expected to Set New Record. By United Press SOUTHAMPTON, England, May 27.—The Queen Mary, Great Britain’s proudest ship, put out to sea today on her maiden voyage. The super-liner, which is expected to smash all commercial speed records in a run to end Monday at Ambrose Lightship, off New York, was edged slowly from her pier at Southampton by six tugs. While half a million proud Britishers cheered her on her way her nose swung eastward toward the Isle of Wight and the passage to the open sea. A favorable sea and a following wind awaited her beyond the jagged entrance to the Needles, gateway to Southampton. Twenty-one hundred passengers, a crew of 1000, and 5000 bags of mail were aboard when Sir Edgar Britten, commodore of the line, gave the quiet order which started the ship on her first North Atlantic run. MARKETS AT A GLANCE By United Press Stocks—Firm in moderate trading. Bonds—Corporate issues higher; U. S. Governments mixed. Curb—Utilities and industrials strong. Chicago Stocks—lrregular. Call Money—l per cent. Foreign Exchange—Steady; sterling higher. Cotton—Unchanged to 2 points higher. Grains—lrregularly higher; wheat slightly lower. Silver in New York—Unchanged.

Scores File Entries for Parts in Local Movie

Indianapolis is fast becoming “Hollywood-conscious.” An enthusiastic reception greeted the announcement that The Times and Loew’s Theater would film a complete local talking movie, “It Happened in Indianapolis,” within the next two weeks and scores of local aspirants answered the call for actors and actresses. How often have you heard some one say to you: “Mary, you should go into the movies. You’re twice as good-look-ing as some of those actresses out there,” or—- “ Jim, that voice of yours should get you a job in the talkies. It sounds almost like Clark Gabie’s.” Well, the opportunity to find out whether or not you could make good as a movie star is here. Every one, between the ages of 16 and 22, inclusive. is eligible to try for a part in “It Happened in Indianapolis.” There are absolutely no strings at-

Entered as Serond-Clas* Matter ••••• at Postoffice, Indianapolis, Ind.

ATKINS SCANS BID TO LOCATE IN NEWCASTLE Availability of Natural Gas Makes Offer Attractive, Official Says. FACTORY EMPLOYS 800 Vice President Conferring With Business Group on $250,000 Offer. E. C, Atkins, vice president of the E. C. Atkins <fc Cos., Indianapolis saw manufacturers employing more than 800 men, was in Newcastle today to hear a proposal for removal of the industry to that city. Mr. Atkins told The Indianapolis Times today that the most important consideration in the proposal from his standpoint is the availability of natural gas at Newcastle. It was reported to be available there for as low at 32 cents a thousand cubic feet. “Are you open to a proposition like that?” Mr. Atkins was asked. “Yes,” he replied, “if the terms are right.” Fred T. Loftin, Indianapolis industrial housing consultant* and intermediary in the proposed deal, said that the Newcastle Community Council is prepared to build a factory for the company and to move equipment from Indianapolis. The Newcastle Community Council of business men, Mr. Loftin said, planned to finance the proposed $250,000 factory for the Atkins company as the center of a community housing project. Federal funds would be obtained and the project would liquidate itself and pay for the factory, he added. The Atkins company, situated at 402-428 S. Illinois-st, has manufactured its own gas since 1902. Several appeals have been made by the firm to introduce natural gas here for industrial plants. DEFINITE PLAN ON JOBS URGED Trained Workers Essential, U. S. Employment Chief Tells Parley. Public employment services should develop a planned program in order to become “an integral part of the new industrial system,” w. Frank Persons, director of the United States Employment Service, said today. Mr. Persons addressed the twen-ty-fourth annual convention of the International Association of Public Employment Services which opened this morning at the Claypool. The convention was opened with welcoming addresses by Gov. McNutt and Mayor Kern. “A professional attitude of service workers is necessary, and the director of a service should take his place in the community along with doctors, lawyers and the superintendent of schools,” Mr. Persons said. “The most important part of our improvement program is the development of professional attitudes and practices. Well educated persons with specialized training and knowledge are necessary to the service,” he said. H. C. Hudson, superintendent of the Ontario Service, said that although public employment services had been established in Canada since 1918, they had not progressed as much as the United Services duringduring the last year. J. Neish, Manitoba Service superintendent, and Alfred Crowp, Quebec superintendent, said that the employment situation in their provinces was improving. New Senator Takes Oath By United Press WASHINGTON. May 27.—Scott M. Loftin, Jacksonville, Fla., was sworn in today as new United States Senator from Florida. Mr. Loftin was appointed to fill the seat of the late Park Trammell.

tached to the offer. It is a project sponsored by The Times and Loew s in an effort to stimulate interest in amateur and professional dramatics and screen work. But more important than that, it is the chance of a lifetime for boys and girls, especially those of high school and college age, to test their personality, voice and “filmability” in the presence of a real movie production staff, imported just to film this picture. Leonard A. De Menna, veteran director, is interviewing aspirants for roles in “It Happened in Indianapolis’’ daily at Parlor B, in the Hotel Antlers. In speaking of those who should be invited to try out for parts in the picture, Mr. De Menna said: “We are looking, not especially for persons with a great deal of dra - matic talent, but for boys and girls of high school aqd college age, who .{Turn to Page Three)

FORCED TO JOIN BLACK LEGION, MEMBERS SAY

Reputed Chief of 3 States Deplores ‘Unfortunate Detroit Affair.’ DENIES POLITICAL LINK Group ‘Promoting Best Interests of America,’ Ohio Man Claims. (A scientist’s interpretation of the Black Legion is on Page 5). limes Special LIMA, 0., May 27.—Deploring “that unfortunate affair in Detroit,” Vern F. Effinger, reputed chief of the Black Legion in Indiana, Ohio and Michigan, today said the organization “will go right ahead promoting the best interests of America and American citizens.” As he did so, he pointed to a printed copy of the Ku-Klux Klan’s famous dedication of 1924 which begins with the quotation “God Give Us Men.” “Men whom the lust of office can not buy,” he said in elaboration, “tall men, sun-crowned, that stand above the crowd. “The thing I value most,” he said as he pointed to the document, “is that framed thing over there.” He evaded answering questions that would have tied the Legion and the Klan definitely, neither confirming nor denying. He pointed out that thfe Legion is a "secret organization.” Claims Six Million Members Effinger was interviewed by special reporter of The Indianapolis Times in his basement office-home. He wore a large black felt hat, hightopped shoes with light socks, and smoked a cigar. He leaned back expansively in his swivel chair. He admitted he was a member of the Klan, had been an organizer in 1924. He estimated there were six million members in the Legion. When asked where they were, he said: “You’d be surprised. Brother, you don’t know.” Scores ‘Liquor Men’ Mr. Effinger emphatically denied that the Black Legion intends to seize the government. “Why should we do that?” he asked. “A two-party system is the only system/’ he went on. “That’s the way it always has been in this country. We are not political. We approve the best man for any office, regardless of politics. These liquor men,” he rambled on, “have got to be curbed. Liquor is the curse of the country.” Mr. Effinger, in his basement office, has a dozen folding chairs, which could easily be arranged for a meeting of a small group. CONTEMPT CITATION FOR DOCTOR VOTED House Action Advised for Townsend, Two Aids. By United Press WASHINGTON, May 27.—The House Old-Age Pension Investigation Committee today voted six to two to recommend a contempt citation to the House for Dr. Francis E. Townsend and two aids, who have refused to appear for questioning. The by the same vote, also agreed to refer the case to the United States District Attorney’s office for court trial instead of recommending trial .by the House. Those to be cited are the Rev. Clinton Wunder, New York, and John B. Kiefer, Chicago, both directors in the Townsend movement. The committee did not act on defiance of its powers today by Sheridan Downey, Townsend’s attorney. WEATHER TO REMAIN FAIR HERE, FORECAST Temperature of Last Week Aided Crops, Bureau Says. Predicting fair weather here for tonight and tomorrow, J. H. Armington, United States meteorologist, today reported that temperature conditions of the past week have been favorable for crop growth. Much of the extreme north and considerable of the extreme south of the state is dry and in need of rain, he said. In other parts, however, the soil is moist. Mr. Armington said the progress of wheat and oats varied in the state with moisture conditions, but averaged fair. Some wheat in central Indiana fields is showing heads. Mint, he added, varies from poor to good, and needs rain. There is cultivation of com in central and southern areas, he reported, and some planting is being done in the north.

FINAL—STOCKS HOME PRICE THREE CENTS

Beaten, Compelled to Swear Oath, Four Claim at Detroit. EXAMINATION DELAYED 12 Accused in Slaying Are Ordered Returned to Jail. By United Press DETROIT, May 27. Prosecutor Duncan C. McCrea announced today that he has asked the aid of the Federal government in his investigation of the vigilante Black Legion. “My request was made directly to Atty. Gen. Homer S. Cummings at Washington,” McCrea said. By United Press DETROIT, May 27.—Examination of 12 members of the Black Legion charged with the kidnaping and murder of Charles A. Poole, 32, was adjourned today for six days despite the objections of their attorneys. All were ordered returned to county jail after Judge Ralph W. Liddy refused to entertain motions for bail. Wayne County Prosecutor Duncan C. McCrea, who is investigating reports of wide-spread terroristic activities of the Legion, requested the adjournment in order that his office might pursue its inquiry. He promised the court that “within four or five days I anticipate we will be able to bring other defendants into court and have a hearing for all of them at one time.” Claim Six Million Members “John Doe” warrants charging 12 other members of the Legion with the murder of Poole, who “knew too much” about the inner workings of the band, have not yet been served. Meanwhile, inquiries into the Black Legion were to be extended state-wide in efforts to determine whether other mysterious deaths, tortures inflicted on citizens, bombings and even arson could be attributed to the vigilante group. The Legion obtained new members by beating them until they agreed to join and kept them as members by brutal terrorism, four members charged today. This development came as Atty. Gen. David H. Crowley opened Michigan’s campaign in Wayne County (Detroit) to break the terroristic society of night-riders, one of whose leaders boasts of 6,000,000 members. Beaten, Forced to Join In Washington, Rep. Samuel Dickstein (B„ N. Y.), alarmed by evidence that the Legion has at least some semblance of national organization, demanded a congressional investigator to "ascertain its real purpose and whether it has any international connections.” The charge of the four Legion members was made public by Arthur T. Mitford, chief intelligence officer of the municipally owned Detroit Street Railway. He discovered them in following the command of Mayor Frank Couzens to weed out all members on the city pay rolls. All four were suspended. Another employe of the railway, a man dead who had been believed a suicide but is now listed by authorities as a possible victim of Legion vengeance, invited them to a party, the four men told Mitford. Death Probe Reopened They thought it was an ordinary function dedicated to routine conviviality. Instead it was a conclave of Black Legionaires. They were asked to join. They refused. They were beaten until they swore the terrible oath of the organization which prescribes death for member* who betray its secrets or refuse to obey orders. Mitford did not divulg" their names. But the man who took them to the party was Alfred Roughley, who was-found dead in his automobile, victim of carbon monoxide. His was one of a number of supposed cases of suicide reopened by the expose of the night-riders, who are alleged to have killed in such a way, in some instances, that their victims appeared to have killed themselves. SHERIFFS DOUBT LEGION IS ACTIVE IN THIS AREA Officers Report No Trace Found in Central Indiana. Central Indiana sheriffs today doubted that the Black Legion, terroristic order, is operating in this part of the state. Sheriffs in seven counties said they had no reasons to suspect the organization was functioning within their counties. At Martinsville the sheriff’s office reported investigation of a rumor that the Legion was functioning there, but said no evidence could be found. Other counties reporting were Hendricks, Boone. Hancock, Madison, Johnson and Shelby.