Indianapolis Times, Indianapolis, Marion County, 15 July 1937 — Page 1

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FORECAST: Probable th

= VOLUME 49—NUMBER 108

apoli

THURSDAY, JULY 15, 1937

undershowers this afternoon or tonight, followed by fair tomorrow; not much change in temperature.

Second-Class Matter rr stofice. Indianapolis, Ind.

MINE BLAST KILLS 3, ENTOMBS 16

REPORT ROOSEVELT

WILLING

JUDICIARY BATTLE

TO DROP

President Ready to Leave Decision of Shelving in Hands of Congress, He Is Said To Have Told Senators.

DELEGATION URGES WITHDRAWAL

Action Understood to Have Been Taken Following Sudden Death of Robinson; ‘Freshmen’ Present Plea.

(Editorial,

By United Press

Page 18)

WASHINGTON, July 15.—President Roosevelt, it was

reported today, is willing to leave up to Congress the decision | She was 46 and lived at 2739 Shelby

on whether the Supreme Court reorganization shall be

shelved.

This was the statement, it was reported, that he made

today to four “freshman” Senators who visited him in his only one case, that on a charge of

White House living quarters.

The Senators—Guy M. Gillette of Iowa, Prentiss M. Brown of Michigan, Charles O. Andrews of Florida and Edwin C. Johnson of Colorado—called to urge the President, it was understood, to withdraw the Court Reorganization Bill or ask that it be recommitted to committee—a move that would shelve the measure for this session at least.

They urged this action, its

was understood, in view of the legislative and pchtical situation created by the sudden death of Senate Majority Leader Joseph T. Robinson yesterday. Mr. Roosevelt, the United Press was advised, told the Senators that | the question of what was to be done with the court reorganization meas- | ure was up to Congress. He was] represented as feeling that it was not up to him to advise Congress what actioff should be taken. The Senators, however, were understood to feel that the White House was willing to accept philosophically whatever the Congressional decision might be. Previously Divided The four freshmen Senators, previously divided in their stand on the court question, they were reported to haev advised Mr. Roosevelt that they would support a motion to recommit the bill to the Senate Judiciary Committee should such a motion be made. : It was beileved that if the White House conversations were. reliably reported that the chances for dropping the Court Bill for this session were enhanced.

Opponents of judicial changes contend that they have more than enough votes to recommit the bill and a philosophic attitude on the part of the White House would, many believe, bring quick agreement on such a plan by Senators on both sides of the bitter row. Make No Further Statement The four Senators were reported to have authorized Brown to make a statement saying that they would vote for recommittal of the bill, but they later put out only a brief statement saying they had discussed the Court plan and “can make no further statement at this time.” Administration leaders insisted that there was no let up in the fight for the bill and it was sad that the President maintained the attitude that he was eager for action on the measure this session. Half a dozen leaders on both sides (Turn to Page 12)

BOB BURNS

S. Say. July 15.—The

main thing that has made the human race progress to its present high standard is that spark that we all have in us that makes us want to better ourselves. Some people may appear indolent and without any ambition at all, but if you'll approach ’em in the right way, A youll find the spark is there— just waitin’ to be fanned into a flame, My Cousin Dillard never appeared to have any ambition at all, and all he did was lay on the bank and fish, day after day. One day, while he was fishin’, I walked up to him and I says, “Why don't you try to better yourself?” and he says, “I'm perfectly satisfied.” He said, “I wouldn't trade places with President Roosevelt.” 1 ‘says, “Wouldn't you for a millior ,dollars?” and he says, “No.” 1 ‘says, “How about five million?” and he says, “No.” After a while I says, “Well, how about 10 million?” Cousin Dillard sat up and he says, “All right, now you're talkin’ real dough—I might consider that!”

(Copyright, 1837)

SEN. ROBINSON RITES ARRANGED

President and Colleagues Are to Attend State Services Tomorrow.

(Raymond Clapper, Page 18)

By United Press WASHINGTON, July 15.—Senate leaders of both parties shared today in the work of completing plans for tomorrow's state funeral in the Senate Chamber for the late Joseph T. Robinson, as Washington mourned the death of the Senate majority leader. Veteran Senators, personal friends of Senator Robinson for more than a score of years, joined with “freshman” legislators, stenographers, elevator operators and other hill workers in mourning Senator Robinson’s death. The task of perfecting arrangements for the funeral fell to Col. Edwin Alexander Halsey, secretary of the Senate, and Chesley W. Jurnev, Senate sergeant-at-arms. Theirs is the task of rearranging the Senate Chamber to permit the colorful solemnity which accompanies the services. President Roosevelt will be present, as will those members of the Senate and House, the diplomatic corps, the Cabinet and the Supreme Court who are able to attend. The fureral will be the 14th such function in the Senate chamber since 1860. The last state funeral (Turn to Page 12)

JURY TO GET FIRST SCOTTSBORO CASE

By United Press DECATUR, Ala. July 15. — The fate of Clarence Norris, one of eight “Scottsboro boys,” will be given to a jury of 12 white men today. Judge W. W. Callahan planned to charge the jury immediately after today’s session opened. Last night, for the fourth time in six years, the State asked the death sentence for Norris for alleged criminal assault of two white Women aboard a freight train in 1931. Meanwhile, arrangements were completed for the trial of the second Negro defendant, Andy Wright. He pleaded not guilty when arraigned yesterday and his trial will start as soon as a verdict is returned in the Norris case.

FCC CHAIRMAN ILL BOOTHBAY HARBCR, Me., July 15.—Chairman Anning S. Prall of the Federal Communications Commission was ill at his summer home here today.

AVERAGE FINE | __ Grins Reflect Polar Flight Success

OF $13.50 GIVEN 72 MOTORISTS

Auto Is Identified By Son.

ONE PENALTY IS WAIVED

Dozen Speeders, 4 Reckless Drivers Among Those Facing Court.

Marion County's 87th traffic victim was identified as Mrs. Mabel Cassidy today by her son, as Municipal Courts fined 22 traffic law violators a total of $297. When his mother failed to come home today, Byron Cassidy asked police help in locating her. Lieut. Roy Pope sent him to City Hospital where the identification was made.

St. Average of fines paid today, including court costs paids, was $13.50 per offender. Fine and costs were suspended in

| reckless driving. Costs were sus- | pended in six cases and judgment wis withheld in three cases.

Driver Gets 60 Days

Heaviest sentence was given Anderson Lumbert, 709': Muskingum St., who was fined $20 and costs and sentenced to 60 days on the State Farm for drunken driving and $1 and costs for drunkenness. His driver's license was suspended for one year by Judge Dewey Myers. His truck struck a car driven by Howard Bishop, 951 W. 31st St., and three parked cars. Witnesses said Lumbert and a companion ran after the accident. He was captured about one block from the scene, police testified. Nolan Sleith, alias Harley Bornman, 544 S. Bast St. was fined $10 and ‘and sentenced to 30 days in jail on a drunken driving charge and $1 and costs on a drunk charge by Judge Charles J. Karabell. His driver's license was revoked for one vear.

One Charge Dismissed The case against Vincent Safranek, 3712 N. Keystone Ave. charged with drunkenness and drunken driving, was dismissed by Judge Myers, who said the “evidence was so poorly presented that | if I hadn't asked the man some questions the defense would not have had to bring up a single witness.” iN Judge Myers found Safranek guilty on a charge of reckless driving and fined him $5 and costs. Melvin Richards, 1427 Bridge St., told Judge Myers he “just didn’t think” when he drove through a preferential highway, and ran into a car driven by Charles Talbott. The (Turn to Page Four)

FAIR TOMORROW, BUREAU FORECASTS

Cooler Weather Is Expected After Showers Today.

LOCAL TEMPERATURES

Center of the low pressure drea which has been causing all the rains here slowiy is moving over Lake Superior and into Canada. This means, J. H. Armington, U. S. meteorologist, said, more showers late this afternoon and tonight. But tomorrow should be fair. One year ago today the maximum reading was 103 degrees, but today the thermometer is expected to hit its peak somewhere between 85 and 90 degrees. The temperature tomorrow should be about the same or a little cooler. The thermometer hovered in the high 80s yesterday, more than 16 degrees lower than July 14, 1936, when the mercury shot up to 106.1 degrees and established an all-time heat record for this city.

Supremely happy and showing no signs of fatigue from their hazardous exploit, the three Russian airmen who set a nonstop flight record of approxi- = » ”

————————————

JOB PROBLEM RKS GOVERNOR

Patronage for Democrats’ Perplexes Townsend.

By JERRY SHERIDAN Along with steel strike and other problems of state, Governor Townsend and his aids have another worry on their hands, perhaps not so important but certhinly just as perplexing. It is the matter of jobs for “deserving Democrats” who helped elect the Marion man to his high

post. Today it was learned that some state party leaders are looking to Washington for a solution of the problem. Recent capital conferences between Hoosier and national party leaders may result in an increased share of Federal appointments for Indiana jobhunters, it was said. One State official, high in Democratic ‘circles, said the State is beginning to be recognized as a factor in national politics and will receive an increasing share of jobs. Most of the appointments are expected to be minor ones. The problem in the Townsend administration is one of quantity rather than of importance of appointments, it was reported. { A State Democratic Committee member reported that the pressure for jobs was increasing among county Democratic chairmen. “Federal appointments are the (Turn to Page Three)

POWERS HAPGOOD’S

WIFE IS ARRESTED

By United Press WORCESTER, Mass, July 15.— Mary Donovan Hapgood, red-haired C. 1. O. organizer, was taken from a picket line in front of Reed & Prince Manufacturing Co. plant today and arrested with seven others on a peace disturbance charge. Only a fortnight ago her husband, powers Hapgood, New England C. I. O. secretary, was released from the Auburn, Me. county jail on & habeas corpus writ pending a State Supreme Court review of his conviction for contempt of an antistrike injunction. He was serving a six-months’ sentence.

ARSON-MURDER PLOT LAID TO OIL LEADER

Buy United Press LANSDOWNE, Pa., July 15.—Albert R. Knight, 55, once-wealthy oil company executive, was arrested at his home today on a charge of attempting to burn three of his children to death to collect $250,000 insurance on their lives.

Ray Probes Robbery Motive in Girl’s Killing and Shooting of Stepmother

Sheriff Ray today slowly gathered together the tangled threads of evidence that he hopes will ead him (0 a solution of the strange slaying of 12-year-old Helen Schuler and the wounding of her stepmother in their Beech Grove home. As the coroner's office began an inquest, Municipal Judge Dewey Meyers ordered both Mrs. Etia Jones, 37-year-old widow, of 1635 N. Talbot St., end the wounded stepmother, Mrs. Lottie Schuler, 36, held without bond on vagrancy sharges. The Sheriff sought to interview Mrs. Schuler, but physicians told him she was in no condition to see

anyone, and that only her father, Emory Maze, New Bethel, had talked to her today in St. Francis Hospital. They said she told him: “Pop the woman nearly got me.” Sheriff Ray then went to the scene of the shooting yesterday. Next door, he interviewed Mrs. Doris Kendall, Mrs. Jones’ aunt. He said Mrs. Kendall told him Mrs. Jones came to her house before the shooting occurred abzout 10 a. m., then went to the Schuler home and was with the 12-year-old Helen alone for about five or 10 minutes. Mrs. Schuler was absent.

Mrs, Jones then returned to the ln

Kendall home, the Sheriff said Mrs. Kendall told him, and went back when Mrs. Schuler arrived. The Sheriff said he was investigating a robbery motive in the slaying of Helen—a theory that placed Helen in the position of an innocent victim to a robbery. : Meanwhile, Roy L. Volstad, attorney representing Mrs, Schuder, said that his client told him Mrs. Jones called for an appointment three or four days ago. He Mrs. Schuler on the on the following

story: . ‘Mrs. Schuler arrived at home, and (Turn to Page Three)

‘Deserving |

~ ae

Reception for

Soviet Airmen Being Planned

By United Press SAN DIEGO, Cal. July 15.—The three Russian fliers who flew over the top of the world to establish a new nonstop distance record and

demonstrate the feasibility of the | Polar aerial route, rested here today

ratory. to a round. of. civic receptions and Bn of aircraft factories. & The trio—Michael Gromov, Andrei Yumashev and Sergei Danilin —flew more than 7000 miles along a route that carried them from Moscow over the pole and then south |over the Arctic wastes across Can(Turn to Page Three)

MICHIGAN TRUCKING TIED UP BY STRIKE

Union Claims Walkout in State on Wide Front.

By United Press Thousands of truck ‘drivers left their cabs today as the American Federation of Labor ordered a state-wide strike in Michigan in

protest against the collapse of negotiations with owners for higher wages. Truck drivers handling intra-

state shipments were ordered to the nearest terminal at midnight, although officials of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Stablemen and Helpers said there would be no interference with shipments of milk or other perishable goods. Union officials predicted that the strike would be 100 per cent ‘effective among 76 per cent of the state's operators. : Meanwhile, the National Labor Relations Board at Detroit today summoned additional witnesses to support its contention that the Ford Mator Co. allegedly practiced intimidation and coercion in the transfer or discharge ‘of 39 ee1ployees Who were members of the United Automobile Workers of America.

As the hearing resumes in Detroit’s Federal Building, eight men will be examined on charges of ascault before Judge Ralph W. Liddy in Common Pleas Court as a result of the May 26 riot Walter L. Fry, president of a Detroit auto seat cover company, who once ended a sit-down strike of girl employees by sitting down himself, called upon the United Automobile Workers’ Union today to incorporate and “prove its responsibility and ability to fulfill contracts.” “Then,” he said in a letter to union officials, “I shall consider signing your submitted contract.”

ILLINOIS MINISTER ARRESTED IN SLAYING

By United Press PITTSFIELD, Ill, July 15.—Illinois authorities prepared today to confront Rev. E. C. Newton, former Paris, Mo. Baptist minister, with $1930 in bills believed carried by Mrs. Dennis Kelly, 45 before she was slain. They hoped to get a statement from him concerning her death. The Rev. Mr. Newton was held in Pike County jail charged with the murder of Mrs. Kelly, while officials awaited the arrival of Sheriff Wendell Johnson. The Sheriff left here early today for Hannibal, Mo. where Sheriff Russell Wilkes, of Paris, Mo., was to turn over the

money to Illinois police.

FINAL, HOME

PRICE THREE CENTS

RESCUE CREWS FEAR ALL LOST

rE 4 = ‘imes- c Photo. mately 7000 miles from Moscow to San Jacinto, pictured in the lower photo. Left to right, the fliers are Pilot Michael Gromov, Copilot Andrei Yumashev and Navigator Sergei Danilin.

&—

PLEDGES STATE AID TO MINERS

Townsend Shocked by Blast: 126 Killed in Past Indiana Tragedies.

| |

While rescue crews worked franisally to reach 58 men trapped in ‘the Baker mine near Sullivan, i Governor Townsend today pledged | “all the State's resources to assist the people of the affected community in this terrible disaster.” Shocked when informed of the tragic explosion immediately on his return from Washington, the Governor said: “We have dispatched Mining Bureau rescue squads and a number of State Policemen to the scene. In addition, State Labor Commissioner Thomas Hutson, under whose direction the Bureau of Mines operates, is making a personal investigation and will report to me.” | State Safety Director Donald | Stiver said 18 State Police officers | were on the scene to assist in rescue work and in maintaining order. Meanwhile, Bureau of Mines ‘and Mining officials checked their records and disclosed that 126 men lost their lives in three previous Hoosier disasters. Heaviest toll was taken in the City Gas mine and dust explosion in Sullivan Feb. 20, 1925, when 51 lives were ‘lost. Thirty-eight were killed in the Little Betty explosion in Sullivan County Jan, 28, 1931; 37 died in the Francisco No. 2 blast Dec. 9, 1926, in Gibson County. In the Little Betty tragedy, 10 were rescued but died later. A total of 1774 miners have been killed at their work since 1898, according to the Indiana Bureau of Mines. and Mining. A. G. Wilson, chief mine inspector who rushed to the scene today, said that “when we inspected the Baker mine in February, all safety deyices were found in good order.” In the fiscal year 1937, ending June 30. 27 Hoosier miners were killed,. the Bureau reported, most of them by falling slate. In the last 10 years, 311. were killed, with the heaviest one-year toll in 1918, when 114 were killed. In 1936, only 16 lost their lives,

AMELIN'S CHANCES HELD 1,000,000 TO 1

By United Press HONOLULU, July 15.—The Navy continued its search today for Miss Amelia Earhart and Frederick J. Noonan. her navigator. who have been missing since July 2, when they failed to reach Howland Island on their 2500 all-water flight from Lae, New Guinea. Chances of finding the fliers alive were placed at one in a million by the aviators of the Carrier Lexington, but there was no reported change in the Navy's plans for the mop-up search of the ocean near Howland Island and 6000 miles westward to the Gilbert Islands.

TIMES FEATURES ON INSIDE PAGES

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IN 2 EXPLOSIONS

150 Workers Climb ‘Safely to Surface of Sullivan Shaft as ‘Mine Damp’ Sets Off Detonations.

HUNDREDS GATHER AT ENTRANCE

Men Still in Pit ‘Probably Dead,’ Says Super intendent; News, However, Kept From Forlorn Families.

By TOM OCHILTREE Times Staff Writer

SULLIVAN, July 15.—The bodies of three men killed in an explosion at the Baker Mine here today were removed this afternoon and rescue workers prepared to go after 16 other entombed men, who also were feared dead. Two explosions rocked the Baker Mine shaft about 7:15 o'clock this morning. More than 170 miners at work in the

shafts of the Glendora Coal Co. climbed to the surface, begrimed and stunned but not otherwise injured. Nineteen were reported entombed and rescue crews ime mediately started attempts to reach them. It was not until this afternoon that the first three bodies were brought to the surface. Harry Kennen, superintendent of the mine, said that the men underground were “probably dead.” Huddled around the mine entrance were an estimated 500 persons, many of them relatives of the entombed men, Identification of the three bodies brought to the surface was not made immediately. From the shaft came almost nauseating odors of the gas which caused the explosions. In the group of relatives standing forlornly at the shaft entry were many women and children. They had not been told that the men still in the shaft probably were dead.

Second Blast Most Powerful

Investigation into the tragedy was launched immediately by the Glendora Co., representatives of the Indiana Labor Department and Federal mining officials, who rushed here from Terre Haute. It was reported that the explosions occurred in the section of the mine designated as No. 15 and No. 16, east of the south run. Apparently only one miner, Wesley Bond, 35, of Cass, escaped from this section of the shaft. There were two explosions, said Mr. Bond. The first apparently was caused by gas and probably ignited coal dust, which he said caused the second and even more powerful detonation. Mr. Bond said he heard the first blast and started running toward the main section of the mine. He was far enough away to escape injury when the second blast occurred, he said.

Knocked Down by Explosion

The force of the concussion, however, knocked him on his face. He stumbled to his feet and ran desperately for the entrance. Francis Trulock, 44, of Sullivan, who was working in | Section 11, east of the south run, said: “There was a blinding flash on the second explosion, Apparently all of the boys were not trapped. Most of them, I think, were dashed to death against the wall by the force of the explosion.” News of the disaster, one of the worst in Sullivan County in many years, was flashed to all of the surrounding neighborhood by party line telephone. Relatives of the miners came racing immediately to the shaft. Scenes of Hysterical Joy

There were scenes of hysterical joy as some families came upon fathers and brothers standing near the entrance, who were among the 170 who ran to the surface when the first blast occurred. Business in Sullivan, Cass and other communities in this section was at a standstill for almost an hour as residents sought to inform themselves of the tragedy. Many city officials rushed to the tipple, learning what they could of the disaster, and attempting to assist coal com= pany officials. The Baker Mine is approximately 18 years old. Tt is 415 miles northeast of Sullivan and the section in which the men were killed runs two and a half miles underground in the ‘direction of the city.

No Fire—Just a Flash

Members of the rescue party which brought the three bodies to the shaft entry said they did not believe there was any fire following the explosion—only a flash. State Police, WPA workers and Boy Scouts took up posie tions on the roads leading to the mine, directing traffic and atteripting to relieve the congestion, Small knots of people were gathered on street corners inl Linton, Dugger, Switz City and Sullivan, discussing the ca : -

mB) First reports that four bodies had been brought up and

were entombed were described by Mr. Kennen