Indianapolis Times, Indianapolis, Marion County, 19 December 1936 — Page 1

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FORECAST: Mostly cloudy and unsettled tonight and tomorrow; rising temperature tomorrow, followed by colder tomorrow night.

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FINAL

Uscrires -nowarnl VOLUME 48—NUMBER 243

SNOWFALL OF THREE INCHES BLANKETS CITY

First Storm of Season Brings Hazards to Cars And Pedestrians.

AUTOS, TROLLEYS SKID

Several Injured in Mishaps On lcy Streets; Danger Spots Remedied.

MARION COUNTY TRAFFIC TOLL TO DATE

TRAFFIC ARRESTS December 18 Speeding .....

Running red light Running preferential street ..

Improper parking TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS Accidents 13

” n = : Indianapolis today shoveled itself

from under its first heavy blanket of the winter.

A five-hour snow fall which cov-three-inch | resultant |

layer of ice, hampered all forms of

with a and a

the city of ermine,

ered coat

traflic,

Vehicles moved with caution due |

to dangerous conditions while pedestrians and Christmas shopping crowds of countless thousands stepped cautiously due to the treacherous conditions under foot. Despite winter's first real blast, only one serious traffic accident was reported, although a number

HOURLY TEMPERATURES ‘aes 3 10 a Mm... «+26 11 a. wm... A 2 12 (Noon) RX Ap...

minor mishaps occurred. Wind-

shields blurred by snow and falling temperatures, were partly responsi- |

ble The weather bureau warned that there may be more snow tonight. Lowest temperature tonight is ex pected to reach 28, with the mercury rising slowly tomorrow. The forecast for tomorrow night is colder. |

Trolleys Blocked |

Indianapolis Railways Co. officials | reported a temporary tieup between 7 and 10 p. m. yesterday when snow end ice caked in track switches. Sweepers and sanders, placed service at 7:30 p. m, worked | throughout the night in order to| clear tracks for the morning rush | hour, officials said. Street cars and trackless troileys | were reported running several min- | utes behind schedule today be- | cause of slick tracks and slippery | streets. Traction cars and railroad trains | were delayed last night, but were | running close to schedule today, it| was said. Officials attributed the railroad delay partially to the heavy | seasonal mail and express loads. | Three persons were injured early | today when the truck in which they | were riding collided with a track- | less trolley after its wheels had be- | come caught in slippery street car | tracks in the 1700 block on E.| 10th-st. | The injured are Robert Weber, 32. of 1937 Park-av, truck driver; Thomas Maver, 15, of 4346 Englishav, and Paul Weaver, 13, of 850 N. Temple-av. They were taken to City Hospital for treatment. Paul Maver, father of Thomas, escaped injury in the crash. William Purcell, 20, of Flackville, and William Claffey, 34, of 1449 Fletcher-av, were injured slightly when the car in which they were riding skidded into a snow sweeper on Illinois-st near 21st-st last night. A police radio car was damaged when a taxicab struck it as Patrolman Charles Schwinn, 1§ N. Oriental-st, was driving into a filling station at Russell-av and S. Meridian-st to remove snow from the windshield. Harry Dabrick, 26, of 1844 Dexter-st was the eab driver.

Police Cite Dangers

YOUR GIFTS COME IN

Snow |

of |

3 of Family Overcome by | Furnace Gas

William H. Gerke, president of the Sargent-Gerke Co. his || wife, Irene, and son, William Jr., were found unconscious in their home, 3496 Birchwood-av, today from the effects of monoxide gas which escaped from a faulty furnace. | All three were taken to St. || Vincent's Hospital where they were revived after attempts by the Fire Department rescue squad had failed. They were || reported in serious condition. Mr. Gerke Sr. summoned aid after noticing that his wife was ill. When Dr. Harry O. Foreman arrived, however, he found all three unconscious and notified the police and fire departments, St. Vincent’s Hospital attendants said the prompt arrival of Dr, Foreman probably saved their lives. The family was preparing to eat breakfast when they were overcome, Police said a butterfly damper in the pipe leading from the furnace to the flue slipped shut. When the thermostat was moved up forcing the draft, the gas could not escape through the pipe, but came out the open draft door in the front of the furnace. It then quickly the house. The Gerkes were sitting in the living room when help arrived. Hospital attendants said possibility of pneumonia was the greatest danger.

I |

permeated

HICKS UNSHAKEN

* IN DEATH STORY

‘Terms * Confession False; | Blames Victim's Sister As Testimony Ends. Times Special | BROOKVILLE, Ind, Dec. 19.—

Withstanding attempts of the prose- | cution to “break” him, Heber Hicks,

-| on trial in Franklin Circuit Court

| for the “head and hands” murder of | Capt. Harry Miller, left the stand | today with the deciaration that his purported confession of the crime “was mostly false.” The case may go to the jury late Monday. Defense witnesses are expected to finish later today. Hicks testified that Miss Flora Miller, sister of the retired Cincinnati fireman, plotted her brother's death. She told him, Hicks said, that the slaying was done by William Kuhlman and Frank Gore Williams. also under indictment for the murder. Special Assistant Prosecutor Charles A. Lowe asked Hicks if he knew a Joy Sparks. “I was sentenced to life in prison for her murder in 1918,” the defendant answered in a husky voice.

BOB BURNS

Says, kinds of

jokes that I jest won't stand still for. One is a “mother-in-law joke” and the other is a joke about women talkin’ so much. I'll run out on ’em every time if I know what's comin’. But I heard a true story about a talkative woman the other day that was so sincere and so pathetic and different that I jest thought I'd pass it on to you. I have a friend here in Los Angeles that happens to be the judge in a divorce court here and sometimes I hang ‘round his courtroom thinkin’ maybe I'll pick up some ideas to blame on my kinfolks.

Well, sir, a man come to this judge all pale and haggard and he said, “Judge, I jest can't stand that woman no more.” He says “She's jest about to talk me to death—she talks and talks and talks all day long and

| the last thing she says at night

before she drops off to sleep is ‘and’ so I'll know she's got somethin’ else to say in the mornin.” The judge says, “Well, why don’t you talk her down?” and he says, “I can’t do it, judge, I have to stop once in a while to take a breath. “But,” he says, “my wife talks on the ‘intake,’ too.” He says, “It runs in her family. Her aunt studied six languages and then’she got despondent because she couldn't talk in all six of ‘em at the same time.” (Copvright. 1936)

HERE +» + v.50 »

TOWNSEND MEN WIN ASSEMBLY CAUCUS POSTS

Farm and Labor Coalition Supports Candidates of Next Governor.

STEIN AGAIN IS SPEAKER

Thurman Gottschalk Chosen President Pro Tem. of The Senate.

BY TRISTRAM COFFIN Times Staff Writer

FRENCH LICK, Ind. Dec. 19.— Efficiency of the organization of Gov.-elect Townsend was demonstrated today as observers analyzed

results of the General Assembly caucus elections here last night. Backed by a strong farm and labor coalition, Townsend candidates made a clean sweep in both the House and Senate. New Senate officers are: Thurman A. Gottschalk president pro tem. Berne; Curtis White. Indianapolis, caucus chairman; William B, Janes, New Albany, caucus secretary; Norman Gordon, New Albany; Senate secretary; Bernard O'Neill, South Bend, assistant secretary; John Hoff, Auburn, doorkeeper. and Ira Hayworth, Peru, postmaster. House: Edward H. Stein, Bloomfield, speaker; Frank G. Thompson, Bluffton, floor leader; Paul B. Sturm, Dana, caucus chairman; Miss Bess Robbins, Indianapolis, caucus secretary; Edward Beggs, Indianapolis, chief clerk.

Labor Wins Requests

Agricultural and labor groups asked for the election of Senator White and Rep. Sturm. Carl Mullen, State Federation of Labor president, announced his organization would meet Monday to draft a legislative program. He said the establishment of a State Labor Board, enactment of a State Labor Disputes Board and revision of the Workmen's Compensation Law may be discussed. Mr. Townsend in a brief, informal address before the Democratic legislators asked that committees for Lake County and public safety be created in the General Assembly. He was applauded when he said: “I don’t intend to be the Legislature. I hope the Legislature will be helpful to me.”

McNutt Advisers Attend

Legislators interpreted Mr. Townsend’s ‘address to mean that there would be little, if any, administration measures demanded at Lhe 1937 session. Although Gov. McNutt was unable to attend the parley, two of his advisers, Frank McHale and Bowman Eider, were present. Alex Pursley, Fifth District chairman, and Virgil M. Simmons, state conservation director, key men in the Townsend crganization, also were here. Patronage is to be distributed according to the vote for the Governor in the 92 counties, Mr. Heller said. Approximately 5000 applications for jobs have been received, he stated.

CHIEF MORRISSEY ILL: TREATED IN HOSPITAL

Chief Morrissey was reported “resting comfortably” at St. Vincent’s Hospital today where he was taken last night for treatment of a stomach disorder. Five policemen volunteered to go to the hospital for blood tests when it was learned a transfusion might be necessary. Fred Simon, chief of detectives was appointed acting chief of police to serve during Chief Morrissey’s illness, it was announced.

TIMES FEATURES ON INSIDE PAGES

Books ....... 11|Johnson ..... 12 Bridge ...... 6! Merry-Go-Rd 12 Broun ....... 12} Movies 18 Churches .... 2| Mrs. Ferguson 11 Clapper ..... 11] Mrs. Roosevelt !1 Comics 16 | Music ....... 17 Crossword ... 16 Obituaries ... Editorials ... 12] Pegler . Fashions Si Radio ....... Financial ... 13} Scherrer 11 i Serial Story. 13 | Short Story.. 12 | Society ...... Grin, Bear It 16 | Sports 8 In Indpls..... 5] State Deaths. 14 Jane Jordan. 6 | Wiggam

POSTAL CLERKS SORT THEM

7 i

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1936

Gay Windsor Morose Over Separation

By United Press ENZESFELD, Austria, Dec. 19.—Edward, Duke of Windsor, misses Mrs. Wallis Warfield Simpson so much that, losing the bouyancy of spirits which marked his first days here, he is becoming irritable and morose, it was reported today. “He certainly appears to miss Mrs. Simpson badly,” a member of the Rothschild Castle staff told a local merchant. Some one should bring Mrs. Simpson to him from Cannes, or take him to her, if he is to bé kept from a nervous breakdown within the next few months.” One reason for the Duke's present low spirits, it is said, is anxiety lest something happen to prevent the award of a final divorce decree to Mrs. Simpson.

By United Press CANNES, France, Dec. 19.— Mrs. Wallis Simpson intends to improve her golf as soon as curious crowds permit her a measure of privacy, it was understood today. A report was revived today that she has bought a villa at Cap Bon, on the shores of the Gulf of Hammamet 60 miles from Tunis on the African side of the Mediterranean,

2 REPORTS SPUR HUNT FOR PLANE

Mountaineer and Youths Tell Of Fires in Jagged Wasatch Range.

By United Press SALT LAKE CITY, Dec. 19.—Two

new correlating reports today sent searchers hurrying by land and air

back into the jagged fastness of the Wasatch Mountain range to hunt for a Western Air Express airliner that disappeared five days ago with seven passengers aboard. While 19 planes flew in parallel formation south of where the search has been conducted the last few days, Vice President Allan Barrie of W. A. E. piloted a plane back into the old territory to check reports of a fire that followed an explosion and of lights that appeared last night near the same spot in the Wasatch range. Clyde Crandall, Springville, brought the report of the explosion and fire which followed early Tuesday morning. He said he heard what he thought a loud thunderclap, then saw the fire leap up on the mountains. A. J. Leslie, Springville nightwatchman, also said youths called his attention last night to fires or lights in the vicinity where Crandall said he saw the fire. Meanwhile another search was underway in the Idaho Panhandle for a Northwest Airlines plane missing more than 20 hours with a crew of two.

PROPOSE MARINE BAN IN SOUTH AMERICA

By United Press BUENOS AIRES, Dec. 19.—United States marines who landed in recent years in Haiti, San Domingo, Cuba, Mexico and Nicaragua will do so in the future only after consultation with all 21 American republics. Action guaranteeing this, and putting President Roosevelt's “good neighbor” policy into concrete form, awaited almost certain approval by the Inter-American Peace Conference today. Proposed by five small, Central Only Argentina, which has stressed its loyalty to the League of Nations and opposition to the Monroe Doctrine, voiced opposition to the measure.

(Donor’s List, Page 5)

Generosity laughed at snow and cold today as Clothe-A-Child of The Indianapolis Times reached 686 needy youngsters pledged new garments for Christmas. With the streets blanketed by a heavy fall of snow, giving indications of an old-fashioned white | Christmas, the numerous kindly donors to Clothe-A-Child literally dropped from everywhere — by phone, person, and mail—to give

WARNS HITLER AGAINST AIDING REBELS, REPORT

Eden Reveals England's Grave Concern Regarding

Troops in Spain.

GERMAN DEMANDS SEEN

Nazi Government Would Halt Financial Aid to Loyalists.

(Copyright. 1936, by United Press) LONDON, Dec. 19.—Unofficial but usually reliable sources said today that Capt. Anthony Eden, Foreign Secretary, firmly warned the German ambassador, Joachim Von Ribbentrop, of Great Britain's grave view of Germany's dispatch of “volunteers” to Spain, The German ambassador called at the foreign office at 11:15 a. m. Eden and Von Ribbentrop had conferred yesterday morning and the envoy was understood to be leaving immediately — possibly today — for Berlin to report the British misgivings to Chancellor Adolf Hitler. Coincidently, the Manchester Guardian’s diplomatic correspondent reported that Germany was sending regular army units to Spain under the guise of “volunteers” to fight with the Rebel forces there. He identified some of the German troops in Spain as being from the 6th Grenadiers and 13th infantry regiments, ordinarily stationed at Muenster, in Westphalia. The German ambassador was reported to have indicated to Eden that Germany 1s willing to take measures to ban the sending of volunteers, providing first that all other powers concerned take similar action. A second contingency he was said to have made was that the ban be extended to all forms of so-called indirect intervention in the Spanish civil war, meaning primarily financial assistance such as is allegedly being afforded the popular front government by Soviet Russia and France. British quarters appeared disatisfied, especially with the second German ‘condition. They regard the “volunteer” troops question as separate from the indirect interference to which Berlin was believed to have expressed objection.

FREE CHIANG IN 3 DAYS, CAPTOR TOLD

Nationals Order Air Attack if Release Is Denied.

By United Press SHANGHAI (Sunday), Dec. 20.— The national government has warned Young Marshal Chang Hsueh-liang it would send war planes to bomb his rebel headquarters at Sian-Fu unless he releases Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek immediately, it was announced officially today. The warning gave Marshal Chang three days, including today, to permit the generalissimo to go free. It added that if he is not ieleased by then—presumably Monday night—bombing operations would start. The government's action apparently represented a determination to take advantage of its strong position and a measure of disagreement among government officials themselves. A truce had been declared at Nanking prior to the air announcement, to permit peaceable negotiations for Chiang’s safe return

from the Shensi provincial capital.

the campaign its record day for all time—100 children pledged clothing. The 100 children means $1000 dropped into unfortunate homes to pay a friendly Christmas greeting. While shoppers kept doors swinging, taking children to and from Clothe-A-Child office, 206 W. Mary-land-st, hundreds of others gave their bit at Mile-of-Dimes, sidewalk cashier. Five shopping days remain in Clothe-A-Child. Persons or groups desiring to dress a boy or girl, be-

Ret

SH THEM TO THE TRAINS

Entered as Second-Class Matter at Postoffice, Indianapolis, Ind.

‘ ..An Angel Fair Awakened Little Boy Blue.’

By United Press ANSAS CITY, Mo., Dec. 19.— Five-year-old Donald Cox asked an appointment with Santa Claus for Christmas Day in a letter to him, but today there was no need to mail the letter. Donald “was suffering from a brain tumor that was pressing on a nerve to his eyes. He was slowly becoming blind, He wanted the operation that would make his eyes well—so he could see Santa Claus. “I'm going to write him a letter,” Donald said. “Then he'll have all my presents ready to bring here to the hospital.” With the aid of nurses, he started his letter and for inspiration the cardboard Santa and placed it beside his bed. Yesterday morning he finished his letter, asking for a red wagon and many toys.

” 2 ” ATER, nurses came and told him, gently, that this was the day for the operation. Donald grinned and turned to the cardboard Santa. “I'm going to be operated on, Santa,” he said. “Then my eyes will be all right and I'll be able to see you when you bring my toys.” As they took him to the operating room, Donald assured a physician he was “Okay” and reminded the nurses to be sure he had said in the letter that he'd be well enough to see Santa on Christmas Day. The long, tedious operation took hours. Blood transfusions followed in an effort to save the weakened lad. Then he died. Nurses, tears streaming down their cheeks, took the cardboard Santa and placed it with the letter in the little bed Donald occupied.

CRIME STORY FALSE, SUSPECT NOW SAYS

Didn’t Stage 100 Holdups, Only One, Police Told.

Richard Barry, 23, of 436 Vir-ginia-av, today denied his alleged confession to more than 100 robberies and said he made it in “an effort to help out the police,” Fred Simon, chief of detectives, announced. The statement followed failure of detectives to verify the story he told police yesterday in which he described 30 crimes he said he committed and 70 others of which he “could not recall the details.” Detectives said Barry, in his second statement, confessed only to the holdup of a filling station at 4900 S. Meridian-st Dec. 16. Roscoe Hasch, 31, of 721 S. East-st, is charged with taking part in the same robbery. The two men were bound to the grand jury by Judge Dewey Myers in Municipal Court on charges of auto banditry and vehicle taking in connection with the S. Meridianst robbery. They were arrested by Muncie police Thursday while sleeping in a car. Among the crimes included in Barry's original confession were the robbery of a Kentucky bank in which he claimed to have obtained $2000 and the holdup of a county sheriff in Kentucky, which he said netted him 25 cents. He first said he used a dummy in his get-away cars to confuse police.

EXTRA POSTAL SERVICE

The main postotfice and the Illi-nois-st substation at South and Illi-nois-sts are to be open tomorrow from 8 a. m. to 10 a. m. for mailing of parcels, sale of stamps and registering of letters, Adolph Seidensticker, postmaster, announced today.

Snow Spurs Interest in Clothe-A- Child; 100 Donors in One Day Set Record

tween the ages of 5 and 12, will have the opportunity to become clothing Santas up to and through Christmas eve or as long as they can shop. Call Riley 5551 for your child. Children’s needs are checked by Community Fund relief agencies and the social service department of the public schools. Busy citizens will find Clothe-A-Child at your service to dress a boy or girl for you. A check mailed to The Times will outfit your choice.

nurse obtained a red.

PRICE THREE CENTS

bur Tor | STOCKS DROP AS

I. C. C. REFUSES

Entire Market Feels Effect; Tickers Are Swamped.

Chicago Grain Prices Down as Foreign Demands Drop.

By United Press NEW YORK, Dec. 19 Railroad stocks broke today when the Interstate Commerce Commission issued an order refusing to allow continuance of the emergency

freight rates beyond Dec. 31.

The report came in the last hall hour of trading when the market was irregular in a narrow range. Rails shot down and the whole market weakened with them. Just before the close the selling was at its height with tickers unable to keep pace. Atlantic Coast Line touched 47 and then tumbled to 414, where it was off 5% points. New York Central dropped to around 40 from its high of 43'%. Southern Pacific was ‘down more than a point. Atchison broke more than 2 as did Chesapeake & Ohio, and Delaware & Hudson. Tickers were six minutes late at 11:46. The whole market was falling. Steel common, which had touched 773%, dropped to 757, where it was off 13; points net. Other steels broke with it. Motors were weak, Utilities joined the downturn,

Wheat Prices Lag As Demands Slide

By United Press CHICAGO, Dec. 19.—Profit-taking induced by weakness in foreign markets and a slackening of demand for wheat by both Germany and Italy forced a reaction in wheat futures on the Chicago Board of Trade today. ‘At the close wheat was 7: to 1% cents lower, December $1.38'2; new corn was unchanged to 2 cent lower, December $1.087:; old corn was 5% to. 3% cent higher, May $1.0312; oats were 15 cent lower, December 513.

Rye Futures Down Limit at Winnipeg

By United Press WINNIPEG, Man, Dec. 19.— Grain traders turned abruptly to the selling side of the market on the Winnipeg Exchange today and July rye futures broke 5 cents a bushel—the limit permitted in one day’s trading—after four days of upsurging prices. July was quoted at $1.01%% bushel. Desire of traders to pocket their profits after the four-day swing to higher prices was directly respensible for the break. World markets in all grains were lower today, indicating a widespread desire of traders to wait for weekend developments before making further purchases of grains.

BANKER IS ARRESTED

By United Press WASHINGTON, Dec. 19.—The Department of Justice announced today that William A. Butler, investment teller in the Central National Bank of Cleveland, had been arrested by Federal agents on charges of embezzling $42,000 in bank funds.

CHURCH PROGRAMS

Music and Pageant programs for Christmas observance in Indianapolis churches are presented today on Pages 2, 3, 4 and 5.

AND SO TO YOUR MAI

SE SRERES SE

OFFERINGS FALL

LMAN

RAILY RATE PLE

| holders Charges On Freight to End On Dec. 31.

VOTE STOOD 9 TO 2

Purpose for Which Levy Made Passed, . Ruling States.

By United Press WASHINGTON, Dec. 19.— The Interstate Commerce Commission today refused the request of American rails roads that existing emergency freight charges be continued after Dec. 31, when they ara scheduled to expire. The carriers had requested postponement of the sure charge expiration date, pending consideration of proposed

change in base rates. The commission refused the road’s request by a vote of 9 to 2, in an opinion stating: “The emergency which we under= took to meet in our original decision in March, 1935, does not now exist. “A continuing revival of industry appears likely to result in a further increase in traffic, and no sharp general increase in operating exe penses is immediately in prospect.

Should Be Prepared

“Shippers and receivers of freight have every reason to expect the climination of the emergency charges at the end of this year, and an extension, in the light of our previous expressions, under existing conditions they express the opinion would amount almost to a breach of faith.” : : Refusal to comply with the care riers’ request for continuation of the surcharges was regarded as a ‘viee tory for coal operators who had vigorously protested continuation of the charges, which had been bring= ing revenue of $10,000,000 a month to the carriers. Coal is the principal product care ried by the railroads.

The Bituminous Coal Commission also sharply criticised the sugges= tion that surcharges be continued, ; The commission pointed out in its majority opinion that “the care riers and those supporting their pee tition urge that their margin of neg revenue is so slender that it should not be reduced to the extent of $10,000,000 a month. 7 “We are not convinced that so great a loss of revenue will follow, It is difficult to calculate accurately the real amount yielded by these charges, and estimates obviously have in them many elements of une certainty.

Should Aid Traffic

“Furthermore, it is unquestione able that in certain cases the charges have had a restrictive effect on rail traffic, and it is to be exw pected that their removal may ree sult in some increase in traffic. “While the immediate result of our refusal to authorize a contine uance of the emergency charges will put in effect rates lower than those now in effect, we are not called on to find that all existing basic rates will be maximum reasonable rates in the light of present conditions. “We have fully recognized a nume ber of valid objections to the emers gency charges which are accentii= ated by long duration, which have been commented upon in our prior reports in this proceeding, and need not be repeated. - “They produce tariff complicas tions and make it difficult to ascers tain applicable rates.” . The commission pointed out that | the net railway operating income of the carriers during the first 10 months of this year was $636,148,283 —nearly 28 per cent greater than the sum earned during the core responding period last year, It recalled that the roads pointed out a rising trend in their taxes and that many of them claimed they would have incurred deficits withe out the emergency charges.