Indianapolis Times, Indianapolis, Marion County, 8 March 1937 — Page 1

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ONDAY, MARCH 8, 1937

The Indianapolis Times

= HOWARD

REPORT COY THREATENED

SOIL PROGRAM MEASURE SENT

T0 TOWNSEND

Legislation Asked by F. D. R. Gets House Approval, 83 to 1.

CLOCK MAY BE SET BACK

Appropriation Bills Are Sent To Joint Conference For Action.

A bill to authorize State participation in President Roosevelt's national soil conservation program passed the House, 83 to 1, today and went to the Governor,

The House also passed a Senate bill containing minor Administration amendments to the Alcoholic Beverages Act The anticipated Lake County delegation attack on the measure failed to materialize. Before the Senate passed the House Tax Limitation Bill it

amended the measure to take out!

its stringent provisions. It was reported the House mayv not concur in these amendments and force a aeadlock, Under the Constitution, the Leeoislature is required to adjourn sine die at midnight. If there is a jam. leaders may turn the clock back and keep both houses in session until tomorrow morning The House refused to concur in Senate amendments to both appropriation hills and sent the measures to joint conference committees. Technical errors in the final draft caused the delay Senate leaders said.

Train Bill

Meanwhile, Governor Townsend sighed into law the Full Train Crew Bill and the “key” Highway Safety Bill which would provide more stringent requirements for securing automobile drivers’ licenses. After killing the bill by amendmets last week, the House revived the Indianapolis Police and Firemen’s Merit System Revision Bill and passed it, 73 to 5. The House changed this measure to allow the Mayor to continue to appoint chiefs of the police and fire departments. In its original form

Signed

the bill was opposed by Sheriff Ray |

on the grounds that it gave present chiefs life-time jobs. The Senate must concur in this House change. A bill to increase annuities from the teachers retirement fund from $700 to $1200 annually passed the House with an amendment. This amendment, which must be aproved bv the Senate, would require an investigation into the retirement fund to determine whether romors of its insolvency were irue. If enacted. the bill would not take affect until July 1, 1939,

Three Measures Passed

Three House measures to place an estimated $30.000,000 in tax exemp: property on the tax duplicates in 1944 were passed by the Senate. The House now must concur in Senate amendments, Only property used exclusively for religious, educational, fraternal and charitable purpose would be tax

exempt after the seven-vear grace

period. Owners of tax exempt property would have to file annual lists explaining reasons for exemptions with the county auditor. Other legislative included:

developments

1. Concurrence by the Senate in! bill to!

House amendments to the modify the Marion County Juvenile Court The judge would be empowered to name court referees under terms of this measure. 2. Passage bv the Senate of a House bill vesting feeble minded and epileptic institution governing hoards with the authority to order steralization of inmates. 3. Concurrence bv the House in Senate amendments fo four Highwav Tax Distributions Rills. One (Turn te Page 10)

BOB BURNS |

Says: March 8. —1

think one reason why us human beings are so much further advanced than other kinds of animals is that we have the power of reasoning things out. There's no problem in life that we can’t figger out ef we jest put our mind to it. That's the reason you shouldn't lose your temper when something annoys vou. The blood rushes to your head and heats your brain— and it takes a cool head to reason things out. I think one of the coolest headed men I ever saw was mv Uncle Squincy. He was showin’ me his farm one day and as we was goin’ through the stable, one of his mules hauled off and Kicked him plum across the barn. He got up and he savs: “Don’t think nothin’ of that—that mule does that to me every dav.” And I says: "Why in the world don’t you take a club to him?” And he savs, “Well, I thought of it once or twice, but I figgered I'd better not—it might make him mean.”

(Copyright, 1937)

ere ret ree ree ee ee

| fort | sted Ritter of Florida to have the

| ments of the

| tion.

VOLUME 48—-NUMBER 310

Job Insurance

Appeal Betore Highest Court

Bu United Press WASHINGTON, March 3. — The Supreme Court, without indicating what action it ultimately will take in several long-pending controversial cases before it, today took mrisdiction of a new appeal involving constitutionality of State unemployment insurance legislation. The new unemployment insurance case involves the question of constitutionality of the Alabama Unemployment Insurance Law, an act 9 tended to supplement the New Deal's social security program. The Court today rebuffed the efof former Federal Judge Hal-

tribunal consider Senate impeachment proceedings which resulted in his removal from office. In other decisions the Court: Ordered the Illinois Federal District Court to dismiss a plea by Communists for an injunction against the State election officials to compel the latter to place Cemmunist electoral candidates on the last November ballot. Granted the plea of former Chicago school teachers for a review of their unsuccessful suit challenging reduction in their pensions.

A.F.OFL.MAPS (1.0. BATTLE

Green's Forces to Compete With Lewis’ Group for New Unions.

(Editorial, Page 1%) By United Press President William Green of the American Federation of Labor said today the federation would immediately launch concerted organizing drives in aluminum, flour, cereal and cement mills as well as gasoline stations. Mr,

Green made his announce-

[ment after meeting with organizers

to lay plans to combat encroachrival Committee for Industrial Organization.

John L. Lewis, C. I. O. chairman, | meanwhile discussed with his chief | his |

strategists the next steps in campaign to unionize workers mass production industries. As rival groups met, symptoms of a further split in organized labor

| ranks developed throughout the naThe biggest unit of the Alum- |

inum Workers Union from the Federation to enroll behind Mr. Lewis’ “one big union” banner. State and city federations debated whether to oust C. I. O. sympathizers in accordance with an order from Mr. Green permitting them to do so Both Factions Back Roosevelt The A. F. of L. bolters planned to meet at New Kensington, Pa. April 12 and to turn over the $27.000 in their treasury to the C. I. O. war chest. Four Chevrolet plants (Turn to Page 10)

broke away

at Flint,

LIGHT RATE SLASH MAY COME TODAY

Order Would Follow Two Years of Hearings.

A temporary ordar reducing electric rates in Indianapolis by more than $500,000 annually will be issued late today or early tomorrow.

Public Service Commissioners said

teday. The order would come er hearings which began more than two years ago on the order of the Public Service Commission for the Indianapolis Power & Light Co. to show cause why rates should not be reduced. Early mm the hearings the company offerea to cut rates. $412.000. Several months have been spent collecting testimony on property inventory, income, and intangible valuations. The expected temporary rate will remain in effect until a permanent rate, based on the evidence, can be set, Commissioners said.

aft-

‘rush of connected events.

{ full patronage control.

S TIME] ==

FORECAST— Fair and colder tonight and tomorrow; lowest temperature tonight about 28,

STATE HAS SWEEPING RAMIFICATIONS

Swing Democratic Balance of Power In County,

May

PROBE

MONDAY, MARCH §,

FUTURES ARE AT STAKE

Significance Underscored by McNutt’s Demand for ‘Searching Inquiry.’

By VERN BOXELL Peie Cancilia's blow that felled Wayne Coy in the State House a week ago today is bringing repercussions in State, City and County affairs. Like many “incidents” that precipitate major political events, Attorney Cancilla’s assault on the State Welfare Director has been shoved into the background by the

To Cancilla, the slugging was merely what he described in advance as “a little job” he had to do. To others it was the spark that touched off a series of political blasts, Political futures are at stake. Joel A. Baker, a county Democratic boss, has been linked with Cancilla in the Coy attack, and with other intimidation. A minority member of the County Welfare Board, F. O. Belzer, has revealed the board's inaction since it named Joel Baker as Countv Welfare Director and gave Baker Reports are current that the Board will resign. Three Marion County judges have been brought into the case. McNutt Asks “Searching Probe” And the McNutt-Townsend state Democratic machine, which was aligned with the Joel Baker group | in the party's state convention last |

| year, has turned on its former allies. |

Political significance of the case | was underscored when former Gov- | ernor McNutt hurried back from | Washington and declared “a | searching probe necessarily will help the party.” Meanwhile, Mayor Kern. whose administration was involved when a police officer attempted to intimidate a Senator, was en route to Florida today for a vacation. Previously, he had deplored tie Cancilla attack as a “disgrace to the city.” Kern Investigation Asked On the eve of the Mayor's departure, Councilman Schumacher filed a Council resolution asking the Mayor to investigate police lobby activities. Other developments have come in quick succession as the Legislature pressed its investigation of the fugitives Joel Baker and Cancilla. Mr. Coy, before undergoing ond operation today, said he would stay here “six months if necessary, to clean up this mess.” He had been scheduled to go to the Philippines as Mr. McNutt's assist- | ant. Before Cancilla’s attack on Mr. | Coy, he drank with Joel Baker in a taproom, told a waitress he “had a little job to do.” A half hour later (Turn to Page Three)

CLEAR BUT COLDER FORECAST FOR CITY LOCAL TEMPERATURES hom... 36 16 Be Mh... 11 a. 12 a. mm... 1

a sec-

38 40 38 38

Temperatures were about six degrees above normal today, a considerable drop from yesterday when the maximum was 67. It will get colder tonight and tomorrow but remain fair, the Weather Bureau predicted.

‘BIG PUSH’ ON MADRID OPENED BY REBELS

By United Piess MADRID, March 8. Rebels opening a strong offensive for the encirclement of Madrid began a mass attack today at Almadronas, near Guadalajar, 25 miles northwest of the capital. Loyalists offered stiff resistance. The Rebel drive was believed aimed at cutting the road from GuadalaJara to Cuenca.

Two Killed and 64 Injured

Bo United Press | GENOA, March 8.—Two persons were Killeq and 64 injured on the

liner Rex, fastest and largest Ital- |

ian ship, during a storm, it was confirmed today. The former “blue ribbon” holder of the Atlantic left New York on Feb, 27. ; A rigid censorship, imposed the minute the damaged vessel limped into port yesterday, hid details of the ship's worst crossing, but independent sources said one of the persons Killed was a passenger, an ftalian returning home tourist-class after several years in the United | States. The other was a member of the Ww, an elevator boy, Giant seas i

lurched the Rex and threw him | against a metal railing with such |

| force that it pierced his abdomen. |

Most of the 64 injured were hurt lon March 4 when the ship still was in the Atlantic, nearing the Rock of Gibraltar. A gale swooped down on the ship from the Straits area. Many pas{sengers slipped on the skidding decks or were thrown from com- | panionway ladders, or their bunks. A few of the passengers did not {learn of the casualties until the | ship docked because they had been too frightened by the storm to leave their staterooms. It was reported that nona of the | condition,

injured passengers was in a critical Sharley's Restaurant, 144 E. Ohio

Mildred Patricia Farrvan,

“mystery girl” of the Joel Baker probe, displayed her “personality” smile to committee members when she testified this morn- |

qualification for assistance to the

Second-Clasy Matter Indianapolis, Ind,

Entered as at Postoffice,

HOME EXTRA

PRICE THREE CENTS

AGAIN

PROBERS HEAR ‘MYSTERY GIRL, XPAND INQUIRY

Victim of State House Slugging Undergoes

Second Operation; Assailant and Ousted Welfare Head Still Hiding.

COUNTY WELFARE BOARD MAY QUIT

‘Morrissey to Make Report to Safety Board;

" Witness Is Called to Testify on Joel's 1935 Lobbying Activities.

(Editorial, Page 14)

Wayne Coy, victim of Peter A. Cancilla’s attack in the

State House last Monday, has received a threatening letter

at Methodist Hospital, a Baker Investigating Committee

‘member said this afternoon he had been informed.

The

‘member asked that his name be withheld.

~Times Photo, | ing. She said she guessed that “personality” was her

appointment as investigator on: aged, for whom she “felt sorry.”

| Verbatim Testimony Today of Mystery Girl and Rep. Ropkey|

The complete verbatim testimony at today's hearing of the Baker Investigating Committee follows: MILDRED PATRICIA FARRAN

Q—You may state your name to the committee, A—Mildred Patricia Farran, Q—Where do vou live, Miss Farran? A—546 Eastern Ave. Indianapolis, Ind.

Questions by Fred E. Barrett to Chairman of the Committee, Senator Bedwell—

Q—Now, Mr. Chairman, at this time may I respectfully request to ask the witness a prelimiary question? A-—Mr. Barrett, nobody has a right to appear here and question witnesses before this Committee. This is not a court and I am not going to allow any request.

Q—May I have exceptions to the rule? A-—You may have all the exceptions you want,

Questioning of Miss Farran resumed by Senator Bedwell. Q—How long have vou lived at that particular address? A-—About eight or nine months,

Q—Are you employed in the city of Indianapolis? A-—Not at this time, Q—What is the nature of your employment? A--Well, I have held political jobs for the last four years. Q—And what was the political job? A—I have had several different places. Q—Well, what different places have you held political jobs? A—I was with the Marion County Auditor’s office. I was with the State Board of Agriculture during the last session, regular session. and I was with the Marion County Welfare Department up until the latter part of December. Q—How long were you with the Marion County Welfare Department? A—About five or six months. | Q—And until the latter part of December, 1936? A-—VYes, sir. Q—What particular position did you hold with the Marion County Welfare Department? A—Investigator for old-age pensions. Q—You were working under the supervision of whom? A—Mr. Baker was director at that time. Q—Mr. Joel Baker? A-—Yes. sir. Q—After your employment py the Marion County Welfare Department have you been employed? A-—No. I haven't. Q—Where have you lived ‘that time? A-—Same address. Q—Are you acquainted with Joel |

since

| Baker? A-—Yes, I know him politi-

cally. Q—Well, do you knew him per- | conally? A—Well, you almost have | te know anyone personally to know them politically,

Delicious Steaks! Balanced Meals, | Adv, a.

» . A

| Fashions

| Forum

Q—=You know Pete Cancilla? A— Yes, I do. Q—How long have you been acquainted with him? A—I couldn't say how long. I have just known him around town. I don’t know him as far as his personal life is concerned. I don’t know anything about him. Q—On the first day 1937, where were you? State House. Q—Where? House. Q—Were you employed here the State House? A—I was not, Q—When did you come to the State House? A-—That morning. Must have been around 11 o'clock. Q—With whom A—Alone. Q—How long did you stay at the State House? A-I left here about, I don’t know what time it was, it was after Mr. Cov was hit. Q—How long after Mr. Coy was

of March, A—In the

A—In the State

did you come?

Twenty-three columns of the complete verbatim testimony at Saturday's hearing of the Baker Investigation, Pages 4, 5, 16 and 17.

hit? A-—-I would about 20 or 25 minutes, Q-—Where did vou go after you left here? A—I went to the Harrison ‘Hotel. Q—What was your reason for going to the Harrison Hotel? A-—I had a room there. . Q—Did you maintain a room at the Harrison Hotel? A-—I had that room over the week-end. Q—How long had you maintained vor roem at the Harrison Hotel? A—Must have been two or three days. Q—What was the number of that | room? A—415, I think. Q—Did you see Joel Baker or Pete Cancilla after you went to the Harrison Hotel? A—I did not.

say

TIMES FEATURES ON INSIDE PAGES

Broun

Financial Fishbein

| leaving? | leaving as they were coming,

what he would want.

| g0 down and see—,

Baker morning of March 1. 1937. before you came over

Q—Did you see Joel Pete Cancilla on the

to the State House? did not. Q—Did you see them the day pe- | fore that? A—Well, I could not say. | Q—Do you remember? A—No. 1 do not. I know I saw them that morning. I saw them when I start-] ed to leave here. Right before Mr. | Coy was hit. I started to get on the elevator as they got off. Q—You started to get on the elevator as they got off. A—VYes, sir. Q—You mean you were just com- | ing to the State House as they were | Is that it? A—No, I was

A—No, sir, I

Q—As they were coming— A— | Coming in. { Q—And were they together? A=—| They were, yes. ‘ Q—Did you speak to them. A— | Yes, I stopped and talked to Mr. | Baker before I got on the elevator. | Q—What was said between you! and Mr. Baker, hefore they got on the elevator? A— I don't know just | what was talked about. { Q—Well, you remember anything! that was talked about? A—No, I don’t. : | Q—Did he tell you why he was going upstairs? .A—No. Q—Did he mention anything about his reason for coming over | to the State House that morning? A—Well, now when he got off that | elevator I don't know just what brought it up, but he told me that he thought that maybe he might go down and see Mr. Townsend and he would like to have a public hearing qn that bill. It had some | good points, and that if he could get some amendments on it that is From what I | understand he intended to see Mr, | Townsend at that time, Q—Where did this conversation take place? A-—By the elevator, when I started to get on the elevator, and he got off. Q—That is here on the second | floor of the State House? A—That | is right. | Q—~He said he thought he would | A—Governor Townsend. Q-—About that bill? A-—Yes, sir. | Q—Did you know what bill he! was talking about? A—Yes, I did. | I knew he was interested he had |

| talked to me hecause he knew Ij

was interested in it. Q—Were you interested in 1737 A—I listened to it because I could see some bad points about the bill. Q—Had you gone over that bill with Mr. Baker? A-—No, I had not. Q--Had you read the bill? A— No, but I had read what was in| the papers. I knew if they were | going to put college graduates regular social workers on those jobs | that IT didn’t think it was right.

I | felt sorry for the old people. Q—So you said, or you talked to i Turn tej Page Two)

)

His statement came as Mr. Coy underwent a second

operation for serious head injuries and as the committee

prepared to investigate alleged lobbying activities in the

1935 Legislature by Joel A. Baker, deposed County Welfare Director. Charles Harschbarger of the Standard Nut Mare garine Co. was to testify this afternoon. The committee member said he understood the reported threat letter was turned over to City Police. Capt. Michael Hines of the Detective Department said he had not been

informed of such a letter,

Cancilla’s Records Are Subpenaed

State Safety Director Donald Stiver said he had not

‘seen the threat letter but declined to deny the report Mr,

Coy had received a threat. Mrs. Coy also declined to comment. Mildred Patricia Farran, friend of Joel Baker and dise charged Welfare Board employee, testified this morning that

she was appointed by Baker because of her “personality.”

' She said she was with Baker and his aid, Peter A. Cancilla,

at the State House last Monday morning, and was with

Baker at the time of the Coy assault.

Rep. Ernest Ropkey (D. Indianapolis) testified that he

saw Rep. Martin Downey (D. Hammond) put papers into | Joel Baker's pocket resembling the Welfare Merit Bill with ‘which Baker disappeared. :

Cancilla’s records, seized by Prosecutor Herbert Spencer

in raids last week, were subpenaed and are being studied by

the committee. Judges to Be Called Later Criminal Court Judge Frank P. Baker and Superior Judge L. Ert Slack, chairman of the County Welfare Board, were told by the committee that they would be called later, perhaps either tonight or tomorrow. The Rev. Linn A. Tripp, Welfare Board secretary, had not been found this morning. A subpena for him was signed Saturday. A complete report on intimidation and lobbying charges subsequent demotion to

against police officers and the

patrolman of Detective Sergeant John Dalton is to he made

by Police Chief Morrissey to Safety Board members to-

morrow,

“The matter arose since our last meeting and tomorrow will be our first opportunity to consider it,” Theo Dammeyer,

Board president, said.

At the Court House, Prosecutor Herbert M. Spencer said a possible indictment naming Joel A. Baker as an accomplice in the Cancilla attack on Wayne Coy was being studied. At least one State official will recommend that the legislative committee attempt to extradite Joel Baker on charges of lobbying without license if he is found outside Indiana. The City Council was split today on a resolution by John Schumacher to investigate the City Police Department in connection with the intimidation of legislators by police officers. A majority expressed themselves as favoring the resolution, which is to come before the Council next Monday night, in order to clear the name of the Kern Administration, The Mayor left for Florida Saturday on a vacation.

Meanwhile, reports continued at the State House that

the Marion County Welfare Board, which originally ape

y(Turn to Page Three) | Af.