Indianapolis Times, Indianapolis, Marion County, 19 May 1937 — Page 1

The Indianapolis Times

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VOLUME 49—NUMBER 59

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 1937

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

PRICE THREE CENTS

REPORTF.D.R. FAVORS COURT COMPROMISE

Leaders Behind Plan for One New Judgeship Each Year, Is Rumor.

IRE ROUSED BY FARLEY

Senator Robinson Believed In Line for Van Devanter Seat.

(Editorial, Page 14; Photos, Page Three and Bottom of Page)

By THOMAS L. L. STOKES

Times Special Writer

WASHINGTON, May 19.— The Administration ran up the compromise flag over its Supreme Court bill today. Not publicly, for President Roosevelt took the “no news today” tack at his press conference. But privately, it was learned, word has been passed to Administration leaders in the Senate to press for a compromise sponsored by Senator Logan (D. Ky.).

The Loganiplan would authorize creation of one new judgeship for each present judge who is past. 75, but only one in each calendar year. This would permit the addition of four justices within two and a half years, in addition to the replacement of Associate Justice Van Devanter, Indiana, upon his retirement June 2.

One could be appointed as soon as the bill was passed, one in January, 1938, one in January, 1939, and one in January, 1940. That is, if none of the four remaining members past 75—Chief Justice Hughes and . Associate Justices Brandeis, McReynolds and Sutherland—retired meanwhile. Upon the eventual retirement or death of these four, the Court would revert, under the Logan plan, to its present nine-man membership. Strategy Revealed

The Administration eompromise strategy was disclosed at the Sen-

ate Judiciary Committee meeting which brought a 10-8 vote against * the President's bill to enlarge the Court. Chairman Ashurst, hitherto sternly “no compromise,” voted for the Logan substitute. The Administration’s only hope now is a compromise, and its ability to gain that is by no means certain. It is generally agreed that the original scheme is dead, particularly in view_ of the retirement of ‘Associate Justice Van Devanter and Jim Farley's criticism of two Democratic Senators—McCarran (Nev. and O'Mahoney (Wyo.). Mr. Farley was quoted as saying. (Turn to Page Three)

BOB BURNS Sov nay

‘ you expect to get any place, you hav’ta look ahead, but if you happen to have some trouble that seems to “be slowin’ you up, it)s a good idea to look behind and see what's causin’ it. T h e chances are you'll find that most of the trouble. is in your own mind. My cousin Milford w a s drivin’ along in a buggy one day and he suddenly felt that-he was A goin’ up a steep hill. This feelin’ kept up for two hours and he got to feelin’ sorry for the horse and then after. while, he got to noticin’ that the air was gettin’ a lot" lighter from such a high altitude. Pretty soon he got. short of breath and his heart startéd to ‘pound and finally he met a man and he hollered to him, “How much further is it to the top of the hill?” The man looked around and says, “You ain't goin’ up no hill, brother, you've lost both of your hind wheels.” (Copvright. 1937)

Republic Denies Meddling

With S. W. O.

South h Bend

7000 Hoosier er Aut Workers Idle as Studebaker Union Walks Out.

By United Press

SOUTH BEND, Ind, May 19.—| Virtually all work in the Studebaker

automobile plant, employing approximately 7000 persons, was halted | today by reported refusal of union members to work beside nonunion employees.

Every department except the foun- |

dry division of the plant was closed. Company officials and representatives of Studebaker Local 5, United Automobile Workers of America, met immediately to attempt a settlement, Although a contract between the union and Studebaker company never has been announced, the union has had recognition for almost two years and employees are represented in each department by a grievance committee.

Morgan Workers at Austin Walk Out

Z'imes Speciat AUSTIN, May 19.—Demands for increased wages and an eight-hour day were to be maae by 700 striking workers of the Morgan Packing Co. this afternoon. While a picket line of 30 men formed outside the plant, which was closed yesterday by a walkout, C. I. O. organizers were joined by 50 union men from Anderson. At the same time, the company’s Scottsburg plant was ciosed pending settlement of the strike. ° William Thomas, Madison, C. I. O. organizer, said the strike would bs extended to other ‘plants at Brownstown, Columbus, Franklin and Edinburg. : Mr. Thomas said a committee of strikers would visit Ivan C. Morgan at 3 p. m. to demand a minimum wage of 40 cents an hour and a uniform 8-hour day. Mr Morgan, packing company executive, said: “Some of the construction workmen began a parade yesterday. They went from department to department, about 130 of them, and were hollering and making noise "and threats. They got hilarious and I ordered the plant locked up.” Mr. Morgan said a group of C. I. O. organizers from Anderson were in Austin today attempting to organize his workers. Strikers, according -to union organizers, are reported to include besides construction workers, truck drivers, packing room employees, wareroom workers, machinists, printers and enginemen.

MARION YOUTH KILLED

By United Press CLAYPOOL, Ind., May 19.—Jack Rohr, 20, Marion, was killed today and three others were injured, one seriously, when their automobile swerved off State Road 15 two miles south of here and overturned five times.

C. Balloting; Plant t Closed

" Steel Comper Claims Only ‘Observers’ Sent To Aliquippa Mill

By United Press

Philip Murray, chairman of the Steel Workers’ Organizing Committee, today charged at Pittsburgh that the Republic Steel Corp. has | sent policemen and “thugs” into | Aliquippa, Pa., “to interfere with | the Government-supervised tion” scheduled for tomorrow in the | Jones & Laughlin: Steel Corp. As National Labor Relations Board officials immediately opened an investigation, Jones & Laughlin issued a statement in which it said it is “neither directly or indirectly involved in any attempt to wreck the election,” to determine whether the S. W. O. C. should represent the 27,000 J. & L. employees in collective bargaining. Republic, in a formal statement issued at Cleveland, said it had sent a “few trained observers” to Aliquippa for the election. The company denied any of these men were present during the recent strike or that they were sent to interfere with the election.

Asks Actor Boycott

In Hollywood strikers from nine major movie studios demanded that union workers and their families boycott pictures of Robert Montgomery, Frank. Morgan, Franchot Tone, Humphrey Bogart and Edward Arnold. The five are directors of the Screen Actors Guild, which refused to join eight unions of technicians in the strike. A strike of 1500 employees seeking wage increases from the Consumers Power Co. in Michigan spread to three citie sof the Saginaw Valley today, leaving two without light and power and crippling the third. In Aicoa, Tenn., 3000 Aluminum Corp. of America workers struck in protest against ‘wage differentials between the company’s northern and southern plants. Ship Crews Strike In Houston, Tex. company officials anticipated little trouble in obtaining crews to man the Lykes Bros.’ vessels against which the International Seamen’s Union called a strike in Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic ports. The National Maritime Union said crews would be furnished Tor any of the 10-ships. In Hamtramck, Mich., the ceramic division of the Champion Spark Plug Co., was clcsed by a sit-down strike when U. W. members sought to negotiate with company officials for higher wages. Workers in the Franklin Car Shops of the Bethlehem Steel Corp. at Johnstown, Pa., walked out; demanding higher pay.

ROOSEVELT TO CRUISE By United Press WASHINGTON, May 19.—President Roosevelt will take his first spring cruise this week-end when he boards the U. S. S. Potomac at Quantico, Va. Saturday afternoon for a trip down the Potomac River.

C. IL. O. Steel

Union Strike

Closes Adams Plant Here

The J. D. Adams Manufacturing Co. was closed today by a strike called by the Amalgamated Association of Iron, Steel and Tin Workers of North America, a C. I. O. unit. Orval J. Kincaid, field representative of the Steel Workers’ Organizing Committee, estimated that 400 men were on strike, Strikers were picketing the plant at 217 3. Belmont Ave. The firm manufactures road machinery. A statement, signed by W. R. Adams, vice president, read: *“The management of the company has recognized the Amalgamated Association of Iron, Steel and Tin Workers of North America as the bargaining agent for those of the company employees who belong to the union, but has refused to recognize the union as the exclusive bargaining agent. “Conferences were held between the union committee and the management on May 10, 14 and 18. The union has requested a general wage increase of 15 cents an hour. The company was obliged to refuse that increase because the company’s earnings are nct sufficient to permit any general wage increase now. “The management states that it has advanced its selling prices re-

FLAME-THROWING TANK IN ACTION . . . .

cently but on account of competttion it has been unable to advance its selling prices enough to cover increases in wages and material costs which have occurred:during the past year. “The company has stated that it is continually considering individual wage rates and advancing them as performancd justifies. In an effort to compromise and avoid a strike, the company Tuesday offered an immediate general wage increase of 3 cents per hour, and offered to continue negotiations with the union committee. “This was refused by the union and the strike started Wednesday: morning.” Robert, Sullivan, 140 S. Elder Ave., president of Local No. 1262, said the union is asking a straight 15 cents an hour increase in all wages; one weeks’ vacation with pay after one year's employment and two weeks’ vacation with pay after five years employment; a closed shop; time and a half pay for. all overtime work and a 40-hour week for all employees. He said the management had agreed to the last two points before the strike.

was taken Sunday.

* Thousands of spectators watched Italy’s newest war machine—a flame throwing tank—when it was

demonstrated recently in Rome. a ‘great streamer of fire.

Resembling the fire-spitting dragons of ancient fables, the device shot out Termed one of the most destructive and demoralizing of modern war instruments,

the demonstration was made more awsome by the great clouds of smoke which gecompguied { the flames,

elec- |.

WALLIS WONT VOW WINDSOR HER OBEDIENCE

And Duke Will Not Have to Promise to Support Baltimorean.

FILE MARRIAGE PAPERS

Mayor of Monts Expected to Perform Ceremony At Chateau.

By United Press MONTS, France, May 19.—Mrs. Wallis Warfield will not have to promise to obey the Duke of Windsor when they marry June 3, it was understood today. And the Duke will not have to promise to support her, it was reported. The Duke and Mrs. Warfield will maintain separate financial re-

sources after their marriage and not

“pool” their goods and assets. Papers, conforming to the French marriage laws, were filed with officials of the village today at the town hall—birth certificates of the Duke (June 23, 1894) and Mrs. Warfield (June 19, 1896); papers attesting to Mrs. Warfields two divorces; extracts from British and American marriage laws, and consular certificates certifying that both parties were free to marry. Dr. Charles Mercier, Mayor of Monts, is expected to perform the

ceremony in the library of the Cha-

teau de Cande where the Duke and Mrs. Warfield are guests.

Form of Marriage Service

Dr. Mercier is expected to ask: “Do you, Edward, take Wallis Warfield to be your lawful wedded wife?” and “Do you, Wallis Warfield take Edward Windsor (the Duke’s family name as well as his title) to be your lawful wedded husband?” : When they both say yes, he will continue: “In the name of the law I declare you united in the bond of marriage.” Then he will read Articles 213, 214 and 215 of the civil code, these take the place of the “obey” and “support” promises, for they rule that a wife must obey her husband

and the husband protect his wife;

that the wife must follow where the husband goes; that husband and wife owe each other mutual fidelity, help and aid, and that the husband must shelter his wife and provide her with ‘everything in life accord‘ing to his resources and station. Neither is required to take an ogth to obey these injunctions.

About 20 Guests To Attend Wedding

By United Press LONDON, May 19.—A small group of loyal friends of the Duke of Windsor will go to Monts, to attend his wedding to Mrs. Wallis Warfield, it was announced today. “There will be about 20 guests from England, all personal friends of the Duke,” said Lieut. Dudley Forwood, equerry, who came here with papers connected with the wedding. “They will go as friends, not in any official capacity.” Since his arrival yesterday, Lieut. Forweod has visited a number of the Duke’s friends.

TRAILER RESIDENT FOUND DEAD IN BED

Mrs. Lillian Haenes, who had been living in e trailer in the rear of 2941 Chester Ave., was found dead in bed there today by police. Police were called by Mrs. Bernice Brunner, 2939 N. Chester Ave., who said that the two Haenes children, Harold, 8, and Marthebelle, 10, had told her their mother was dead. . Mrs. Haenes recently had been treated for heart disease, it was said. Deputy Coroner Norman Booher investigated.

MISSING OHIO COED IS FOUND IN BOSTON

By United Press BOSTON, May 19.—Miss Ruth Baumgartner, 24, Ohio Wesleyan University student missing since

Mr. Kincaid said the strike vote [May 1, was found.by police at a

hotel in the Back Bay today.

‘HE’S JUST BEGUN TO

Police Seek Woman Bitten By Rabid Dog

Police and health authorities today began a search for an unidentified woman, known to have been bitten by a rabid dog at Union and Morris Sts. yesterday. Charles Ragle, 48, of 342 E. Morris St. reported to officers that he saw the dog bite the woman about 8:30 a. m. and “called police after the animal tried to attack him. A radio car followed the dog to 1449 S. Talbot Ave. where officers destroyed it. They took the dead animal to Dr. C. F. Stout, veterinarian, who said it had rabies.

TERMS SLAYING CHIVALROUS ACT

Acadian Claims He Acted As ‘Perfect Gentleman’ In Killing Wife.

By United Press VILLE PLATTE, La. May 19.—A drama intriguing this picturesque Evangeline countryside came to climax today as Melvin Vidrine appeared in court to explain that he had been the perfect gentleman in killing his wife, Frozina. She had shot herself, he will tell his Acadian neighbors, most of whom are his relatives, distant and close, and he merely fired the bullet that completed her suicide—the coup de grace. Additionally, to complete his chivalry, he buried her in the woods, deeply enough so the hogs couldn’t root her out. The old Court House Square was jammed with the descendants of the Acadians (locally; Cajuns) who made the historic pilgrimage from Canada to Louisiana described in Longfellow’s “Evangeline.” They argued shrilly in French patois the merits of Melvin's explanation. Those related to him and not to Frozina believed firmly in his innocence; those related to Frozina and not to him believed as firmly that he was guilty of murder. Among them was Sheriff Charles H. Pechu, a smiling, gracious aged man who knows every man, woman and child, both white and colored, in the parish. He recalled, in amiable reminiscence, that 13 years ago he hanged a second cousin of Melvin for murder, which might indicate, he believed, that Melvin was hottempered. Yesterday he was one of the State's chief witnesses. He recalled that after Frozina’s bodv was discovered in the woods and Melvin had been arrested, he had asked his prisoner to make a statement. At first Melvin said he had come upon Frozina in death agony, that she had begged for the coup de grace, and, since he was a gentleman, he had no choice but to administer it. Later, he declared, the Sheriff said, that he and Frozina had quarreled because they had not had the priest sanctify their marriage, and in the heat of the moment he had shot -her. Thén he felt sorry for her, he had to fire a second shot into her Lead. The Sheriff said he didn’t know which story to believe.

‘FRANCE, RUSSIA ACT

TO KEEP ARMS PACT

By United Press PARIS, May 19.—France and Russia have agreed to maintain their military alliance and to co-operate actively in maintaining the present status in Central Europe, it was understood today. This implies strong opposition to the Italian-German plan to share spheres of influence in Central and Eastern Europe. It also indicates France will agree to no German proposals for a security pace for Western Europe at the expense of France's friendship with Russia.

HULL OPENS CHINA PHONE By United Press WASHINGTON, May 19.—Secretary of State Cordell Hull spoke over the telephone today to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Chung-hui in Shanghai, inaugurating the first direct telephone service between the United States and China.

LOCAL TEMPERATURES 48 10 a. m... 11 a. 12 a. 1 p.

52 55°

m... m... 58 m

Senator Ashurst, Senate Judiciary Committee chairman, made it clear today that he intends to carry the Court reform fight to the Senate floor in an attempt to override the committee’s adverse vote. His action followed resignation of Justice Van Devanter.

AUTO RACE AND WELFAR CONFERENCES WILL BRING

MORE THAN

FATHER KILLS

STEPSON, SELF;

I National Meeting of Jewish Agencies Opens ns Today.

100,000 HERE

&

Sellout Is Reported by Leading Hotels And nd Clubs.

2 OTHERS SHOT THREE TO TO SPEAK ROOMS NE ENERDID

Daughter Somer’ When Her,

Parent Invades Home On Vermont St.

(Photo, Page Three)

Twelve-year-old Virginia Scraggs, her eyes red from crying, roamed through the house of a neighbor today, wondering when her mother would come home. She was spared last night by her angry father, who killed his 15-year-old stepson, wounded his wife and a roomer, exchanged shots with a policeman and then killed himself. The father was Charles Elwood Scraggs, 40, who returned to his home at 519 E. Vermont St. after a three weeks’ absence and accused the roomer, Brady Horton, 35, of “wrecking my home.” Horton was released from City Hospital today in the custody of police. Mrs. Bertha Scraggs, 35, was reported in critical condition at the same hospital. Marion, the stepson, died in an ambulance en route there.

Separated From Wife

Police said Scraggs had separated |

from his wife three weeks ago and had gone to visit relatives in Rochester, N, Y. He returned last week and took an 1ll-year-old son, Joseph, to visit relatives in Putnam County. Meanwhile, it is said, Mrs. Scraggs and the others in the family had lived on relief food from the township trustee. Scraggs’ father, Joseph P. Scraggs, told police his son had bought a gun aboui a month ago. Scraggs last night went to the rear door of his home, police said, and found it locked. Inside, Mrs. Scraggs, Horton, Virginia and Marion were eating. Scraggs, it is said, kicked on the door and shouted. Mrs. Scraggs opened it and her husband entered, brandishing a gun and accusing Horton of trying to break up his home, police said. “I'm going to kill you all!” Mrs. Scraggs said he shouted. She replied, she told police, that “you're not going to kill anyone, but if you have to kill someone, why kill me?” He shot then, she said, and the bullet struck her in the side. He shot again, and Horton fell. Marion then attempted to take the gun from his stepfather and was shot three times, police said. Daughter Flees Meanwhile, Virginia had fled to the home of neighbors and called police. Scraggs, after Marion, left the house and ran down the street, gun in his right coat pocket. He encountered Patrolman Gilbert Jones, at E. Michigan St. Patrolman Jones was off duty, but said the man was running so swiftly he decided something was wrong. He previously had heard the shots and screams. He stopped Scraggs, he said, at New Jersey St. and Massachusetts Ave., after pursuit. “I tola him I was an officer-and asked him what the shooting was about,” Officer Jones said. “He struck me and I hit him on the. chin. He drew a gun and jumped behind a tree. “He then shot at me and I returned the fire. I shot at him four times, and he reeled and fell.” There were powder burns Scraggs’ head, indicating, said, that he shot himself during the battle with the officer. It was discovered that the car Officer Jones used as a barricade had been struck twice by bullets and that the utility pole nearby had been nicked. Mrs. Scraggs charged from her hospital bed that her husband had been married previously under the name Scroggs and that when he

on

applied for his bonus recently she |

found it out. His former wife and (Turn to Page Three)

shooting

police.

Group Is I Amma 53 Affiliated With

National Body.

The National Conference of Jewish Social Welfare is to open a five-day session tonight with. addressés by presidents of its three asso-

ciations in the Columbia Club.

The Jewish Conference is one of 53 groups associated with the National Conference of Social Work, which is expected to attract "10,000 persons here for sessions beginning Sunday and continuing through

May 30.

“Jews should be most zealous of giving minorities, especially those in their own organizations, an opportunity for expression and discussion in the Jewish Community Centers,” Allan Bloom, National Association of Jewish Center Workers’ president, told members of the executive committee today. Back Security Benefits The executive group voted to adopt a resolution favoring the including of social workers under the benefits of the National Social Security Act. Speakers for next week’s public sessions are Edith Abbott, Chicago; U. S. Senator Robert Wagner, author of the Wagner Labor Act; Mayor Neville Miller, ! Charles P. Taft, Cincinnati; Dr. Mordecia W. Johnson, Howard University president, Washington; Governor Frank Murphy, Michigan; Judge Florence E. Allen, U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals, and Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins. Speakers tonight are to be Harry L. Glucksman, Jewish Welfare Board © executive director; Mr. Bloom, Indianapolis Jewish Community Center executive director, and Dr. Jacob S. Golub, National Council for Jewish Educa(Turn to Page Four)

HIGH SCHOOL BASE BIDS TOTAL $403,000

Wing May Be Added, A. B. Good Says.

Bids on the new Irvington High School, estimated to cost approximately $450,000, were opened today by the School Board and :given to a committee for tabulation. A. B. Good, business manager, said he was pleased with the. proposals. He said the low base bids totaled approximately $403,619, and that a classroom wing which the Board had discussed dropping due to high building materials costs might be added. Low base bid on the construction work, not including the wing, was $27¢.000, by the J. L. Simmons Co. of Bloomington, Ill. Base bids by three Indianapolis firms were W. P. Jungclaus Co., $289,750; Service Construction Co., $281,641, and E. A.

Carson Co., $296,888. They did not -

include the . proposed wing, on which the Simmons Co. estimated an additional $29,000, the other firms higher.

J. HENRY RORABACK, G..0. P. CHIEF, DEAD

HARWINTON, Conn., May 19.—J. Henry Roraback, National Republican’ committeeman, utilities magnate and for mere than quarter of a century head of a strong state Republican organization,

died today.

Louisville;

pending jot of $750,000 By Visitors Is

Predicted. —r

If you could stand way off and take a good look, Indianapolis would present a very swollen appearance during the last half of May.

Already choked with cotiventions during the first two weeks, the. city must accommodate about 10,000 visitors next week. And the Speedway “crowd, ‘with something “like 100,000 out-of-town guests expected, will be here the ‘end of next week. Downtown hotels already. are booked solid until the first of June, The crowd of 10,000 next week, most of whom are to attend the National Conference of" Social ‘Work, is expected to spend. about threee quarters of a million dollars, ace cording to Henry T. Davis, Indie anapolis Convention Bureau president. . : According to Mr. Davis, it is one of the busiest periods he has seen in his 12 years in the convention business here.

Bureau Faces ob ;

The Convention Bureau" operates a housing clearing house, and helps organizations arrange their conventions. - With downtown hotei® full, the bureau has a job ‘on ‘its hands. Mr. Davis said he ‘hopes to have a list of 1000 rooms in private homes ready to accommodate the overflow. The National Social Conference opens Sunday. As a prelude, varie ous national organizations are to - hold meetings. A ‘otal. of About 10,000 is expected, most of whom will stay through the entire week: The Indiana State Dental ‘Ase sociation, with an estimated: regis tration of 1000, was to close today, . The Service Star Legion of Ine diana, scheduled to end today, res . ported 100 delegates. The Indiana Funeral Directors Association convention drew: about 1500, and is to meet through Priday, along with the Eupanions) Clinic of 500 persons. -

Others Convene Here.

Others include: National ‘Council of Jewish Education, 150; National

| Association of Jewish Center: Work=-

ers, 150; National Conference of Jewish Socigf Welfare, 300; Indiana State Dietetic Association, 50; General Secretaries Association of Y. M. C. A, 200; National Probation Ase sociation, 200; Commun Chests and Council, Inc. iso; Todians Coaches Association, 350; National Association of Employed Officers of the Y. W. C. A, 100; American'As~ sociation of Medical Social Workers, 50; Family Welfare Association of America, 400; National Conference of Juvenile Agencies, 250;-F. & A. M, of Indiana, Grand Lodge, 700. And the 25th annual 500-mile (Turn to Page Three)

TIMES FEATURES ON INSIDE PAGES

13 10 14 13 22 22 23 14 10 16 13

Books Bridge Broun Clapper Comics Crossword Curious World Editorials Fashions | Financial .... Fishbein .....

Sosness Merry-Go-R’d Movies Mrs. Ferguson I. Mrs. Roosevelt, Music | c.sesee Obituaries ... Pegler ..,.... | Pyle esscssscen i, Radio ..i.... Scherrer :...:'] Serial -Story.. 2 Forum 14 | Short .Story.. Grin, Bear It 22|Soeiety .eceeis, In Indpls..... 3! Spor Jane Jordan.. 10 Johnson 14

esse esses cscs sss

THEATER BOMBING SUSPECTS CAUGHT IN INDIANA . .

Capt. John Taylor of the Fi. Wayne detective bureau is shown (left) ahestioning: Fred C. Blacker, komo, who is said to be the leader of a gang responsible for 100 movie bombings througheut the nation, Twe

—Acme Photos. ' -Keoe-

others also are held on fugitive warrants for a New York bombing. They were arraigned. yesistday i in *

Wayne, and the cases continued.

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