Indianapolis Times, Indianapolis, Marion County, 17 February 1939 — Page 1

FORECAST: Fair tonight and tomorrow considerably colder tonight with lowest temperature about 18; rising temperate tomorrow,

ures “wowstn] VOLUME 50—NUMBER 294

WIRE RECORDS

OF ROMIG CASE GIVEN PROBERS

\ Testimony Grand Jury Canceled at Last Minute.

ONE MAN I$ RELEASED

‘New Information’ Furnished By Anderson Police, Simon Claims.

Telegraph company records of wire. correspondence between ‘police

here and in other cities on the Romig case were taken to the office of Prosecutor David M. Lewis today ' as the Grand Jury prepared its investigation. Company officials and City Police who worked on the case will testify before the jury next week, Prosecutor Lewis said, adding that plans for first testimony to be taken today were canceled at the last minute. Prosecutor Lewis said the jury’s investigation will take several weeks.

Free Restaurant Man

Meanwhile, police released an Indianapolis restaurant: and rooming house proprietor who had been held in connection with the case. They

said they were “positive he was in|:

no way involved.” An ex-convict still is held, together with his 21-year-old stepdaughter. Police claimed they have established as fact that he was in the Romig apartment the day of the murder, that he pawned jewels stolen at the time Mrs. Carrie Lelah Romig was slain, and that he had one piece of the stolen jewels in his possession when arrested Feb. 9 in Anderson. Detective Chief Fred Simon said thai calls about the case still are being received by police and that Anderson officers have furnished them with new information on the movements of the ex-convict.

Plans to Ask Indictment

The prosecutor said he will ask an Indictment charging first-degree murder in the perpetration of a Tomhery, which carries a mandatory

‘ “wm “confdent we have enough evidence to get such an indictment,” he said. 5 The ex-convict and his stepdaughter are held on vagrancy charges without bond. . The husband .of the woman, a Glén Alum, W. Va., coal miner, conferred with police today. He told reporters that he and his wife never had ‘met the exconvict before January this year when he visited them at their home.

Avoca Killing Called ‘Religious Mission’ Z2'inkes Special BEDFORD, Feb. 17. — Samuel Pierce, 69-year-old Avoca farmer, killed his neighbor, Earl Roy Roach, as a “religious mission,” Sheriff Lincoln Dunbar said the prisoner now insists. When he allegedly confessed the crime at the Indianapolis State Police headquarters, he refused to tell his reason, saying “I don't want it fetched up at the’ trial, ” "police said. But on his way back to Indiana hill country yesterday, Sheriff Dunbar said Pierce whistled and sang hymns, interrupting only long enough to tell the Sheriff he “felt better since confessing” than at any time since he was possessed with the “mission” to kill, the Sheriff reported. Pierce confessed he ambushed and shot Roach Sunday, the Sheriff said.

. WEATHER FORECAST A REAL HODGEPODGE

: TEMPERATURES 6 a. m.. 38 1la.m 7 a. m.. 41 12 (noon). 34 8 a. m.. 40 3 1 p. m.... 36 9 a. m.. 38 2p m... 38 10 a. Meee +34 yd ?

If you don't like Indianapolis weather as it is now, just wait! The Weather Bureau predicted clouds and possible drizzling rain today; cold weather tonight with a minimum temperature of about 18, and fair and warmer weather, to-

morrow.

OPERATE ON DIES “FOR APPENDICITIS

WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 (U. P). —Rep. Martin Dies (D. Tex.) today underwent: an emergency appendicitis operation. His office said the - operation was successful and he. was - in “good condition.” Rep. Dies; chairman of the House Committee investigating * un-Amer-ican activities, morning and taken to Emergency Hospital.

TIMES FEATURES ON INSIDE PAGES

[R] ve es

* Altos cesenase: .19 Movies . Books sesseuns 17 Mrs.: Ferguson . 18

we ¥

Before

was stricken this

18 | Scherrer ..... 17| | Serial Story...

Lak’ a Rose!

Baby of Less Than Two Pounds Doing Fine In Incubator.

N infant weighing only one pound. 13 ounces at birth was reported in good condition at Methodist Hospital today.

born Saturday to Mr. and Mrs. Volhey Charlés Wilson at their home, 823 N. Keystone Ave. Miss Mary Warstler, nurse, said the infant has regained her birth weight. Other conditions also indicate her progress is satisfactory. Miss Warstler said it was unusual for an infant born at six months to live. Five hours after the birth, the infant was taken to the hospital and placed in an incubator. Her diet "is alternate sips of breast milk and ‘tea, fed with an éye dropper. No one ‘but the nurse is allowed close enough even to see her. Physicians said she would be kept at the hospital until she weighs six pounds. Average weight at birth is seven pounds, Miss Warstler said.

INDUSTRIALISTS SNUB. HOPKINS

NATIONAL AFFAIRS HOPKINS snubbed by National Association of Manufacturers. MURPHY fights politics in Justice Department. DEMOCRATS seek strategy for success in 1940. DEWEY, Vandenberg and Taft lead for G. O. P. nomination, Gallup Poll shows (Page Two). HUGH WILSON appears but testimony is secret. TAYLOR resignation linked to foreign policy dispute. INSURANCE officers dispute interlocking directorates. ROOSEVELT speeds to Key West to watch naval games.

By RAYMOND CLAPPER Times Special Writer WASHINGTON, Feb. 17.—Businessmen have asked, begged and demanded co-operation from this Administration for so long that when the new Commerce Secrecary Harry king . made his first friendly gesture; you would thought it would be gracefully received. But,, it wasn’t. Secretary Hopkins was given a thorough snubbing. The inside of ‘his incident is significant. Mr. Hopkins wanted to make his first ‘speech, outlining his general policy, before the National Association of Manufacturers. Last December the N. A. M. abated somewhat its bitterly hostile attitude toward the Administration and adopted a set of co-operative

.|resolutions—which even Secretary

Wallace agreed with 09 per cent. True, this came about only after a hard fight within the organization. Diehards wanted to put up reso'utions saying in 10,000 words, “To hell’ with Roosevelt.” But some of the self-controlled members, feeling that co-operation toward recovery was more impor(Continued on I'age Three)

1797 ARE SAVED AS

Fire Destroys Main Building "-At Quebec Institution.

QUEBEC, Feb. 17 (U. P.) ~Fire and fuel tank explosions completed the. destruction of the Beauport insane asylum early today after 1797 hysterical patients had been led or dragged to safety into a 15-below zero temperature under the direction of a battalion of militia. The fire had been raging in the east wing since 8 a. m. yesterday but did nat get completely out of control ‘until last night. ' Then it reached the central building, which with five wings comprises the vast institution operated by: the Roman Catholic Order of Grey Nuns. Oil tanks began exploding, hutling flaming embers 1500 feet. A hurried call was sent for troops and the 1300 inmates still in the building were evacuated. ' Many of the patients weie violent. Soon after midnight, however, all patients had been: safely quartered in other parts of Quebec—in jails, hcspitals, barracks and even in private homes.

The voice of Alf M. Landon is increasingly heard in America’s foreign relations. The Republican nominee for President ‘in the last election, whe served as a delegate to the recent Pano American conference in Peru, has writ ten ‘the following outspoken article for: publication : in observance of Brotherhood Week, Feb. 19 ‘to 26.

By ALF M. LANDON (Copyright, 1939, NEA Service, Inc.) Great emotional and physical disturbances rule much of the world today. We have: heard the accents of force grow loud, grow louder, until they come to the ears of all peaceful men like the relentless pounding of a hurricane of which no man knows the course. : We have -seen armies and airplanes organized for instant attack, and vast fleets mobilized. We have which ‘but

The baby is Rita Eileen Wilson,

DUCE’S i AT HIS VILLA

Authoritative Sources Say Assassination Apparently Had Been Planned.

——

EX-MANIAC IS SEIZED

Private Detective Wounded Critically in Capture Of Suspect.

ad ROME, Feb. 17 (U. P).—A man

private detectives on Wednesday while apparently waiting to assassinate II Duce, an authoritative source revealed today. The shooting, which was said to have occurred outside Sig. Mussolini’s residence, the Villa Torlonia, was described by an informant as follows: Sig. Mussolini was due to start for his office in the Venice Palace. His automobile was waiting for him. The detectives noticed a stranger loitering across the street from the main gate. He crossed to the Steen ger and asked him what he was doing there. In reply, the man fired a shot from a revolver in his pocket. The bullet struck the detective in the abdomen and he crumbled to the ground. He was reported near death.

Mussolini Hears Shooting

Sig. Mussolini heard the shooting and emerged from the villa: just as members of his staff were pouncing on the man and giving first aid to the wounded detective. The names of the assailant and of the wounded detective were not revealed. The assailant, it was stated, was released from an asylum only last week and papers in his pocket showed he had once been certified insane. News of the incident was not generally circulated in Rome, where the public is engrossed with the funeral ceremonies for Pope Pius and the approaching election of a new Pope. It was the first known attempt on

ents bearing on the private

Be by the Fascist state that it is probable the story of the shooting: at the Billa Torlonia will bring official ‘denials, at least at first.

Reports Are ' Rechecked

Early reports of the incident were not sent out of the country until they could be rechecked through yesterday and today with trustworthy unofficial news sources. Many attempts have been made on the life of Sig. Mussolini, His most narrow escape was April 7, 1926 when a revolver shot fired by, the Hon. Violet Albina Gibson, an Irish woman and sister of Lord Ashbourne, struck him in the nose. The bullet pierced both nostrils. - His lips were burned by powder. This shooting occurred as Sig. Mussolini emerged from Capitoline Hall. As he raised his hand in the Fascist salute, Miss Gibson fired but the salute caused him to straighten

ASYLUM IS LEVELED

his, body and the bullet only grazed his face. Didn’t Know Why

Police saved Miss Gibson from the mob and she was later committed to an asylum. She said she could not explain why she made the attempt: on Il Duce’s life. From 1922 until 1926 four other attemps were made on Sig. Mussolini. Others have been made since. The last publicized attempt was in March, 1933. -A bomb was exploded in St. Peter’s Cathedral. Leonardo Bucciglioni and Renato Ciana were sentenced to 30 years. By 1932 Sig. Mussolini was convinced that his life was in constant danger. He permitted the recruiting of a special guard. That was shortly after the assassination of President Paul Doumer of France.

FLU LIST GROWS AT POLICE DEPARTMENT

Fifty-one members of . the Police Department were on ‘sick ‘leave today, most of them ill with influenza. Fourteen were added to the list since yesterday. Chief Morrissey, who has been ill with the flu two

days, was reported improved ic

Keep European Hates Out Of U. S., Landon Pleads

terrible action and their return to place.

in the spread of doctrines inspired by hatred. We have seen cruel persecution for: political, racial and religious reasons, . We dre loathe to believe that such

{ideas .and practices can spread to

America. But let me say that New World society can no more isolate itself from the moral and psychological effects of the horrors being lived by the Jews of Austria and Germany than it can isolate itself from international broadcasts. There is startling contagion in trend. Mass brutality is contagious. The mind that views brutality and injustice . with indifference, because it primarily affects the Jews, is pot awake Si the real danger.

1S SHOT DOWN

just released from an insane asylum |. shot one of Premier Mussolini’s

“of I Duce are $0 ‘closely |

8 S——

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1939

Wilbur Winship . ne In a Tear to-heart talk with proposition: construction jobs and therell be them’ to the Street Commissioner’s a construction job now in progress.

swiped and 184 were broken at a

‘Come On, Boys! Bring em, Back’ ’

Lat

as Second-Class

Plan Would Reduce Roads’ Share to 20 Per Cent.

HAILED BY MAYOR

Measure Revised to

Shift Burden Onto State.

Mayor Sullivan announced today

the City Administration will support {the revised House . track elevation

bill reducing the railroads’ share of elevation costs from the present

150 per cent to 20 per cent.

The bill, introduce Feb. 8 under

|sponsorship of the Associated Raili roads of Indiana, was reported out : (favorably yesterday by the House

Railroads Committee, after it had been rewritten in committee. To-

: |by voice vote, without debate.

. Under its original provisions, the City and County would have divided 80 per cent of the elevation cost in

¢ all cases.

Following an agreement between

|the railroad group and City offi-

Times Photo. he'll ask no questions the City’s nocturnal playboys, Wil-

bur H. Winship, Street Commissioner, today made them the following

Bring back those red lanterns picked up as a prank from street

no questions asked. Either return office at City Hall, or leave them at The City needs them. -

Mr. Winship reported that in 1938 a total of 560 red: lantérns. were

total loss to the City: of $700.

Dillinger’s

Sig. Mussolini's tife in recent years.| xp. +

Life History To BeFilmed

HOLLYWOOD, Feb. 17 (U, P.) —The story of John Dillinger, one-time Public Rat No. 1, will be made into a movie. Warner Brothers Studio announced it will make the film. George Raft was under consideration for the Dillinger role and James Cagney as Melvin Purvis, the G-Man who traced Dillinger. Charles Blake, a Chicago news~paperman ‘ who covered the: Dillinger story, is working on the script.

P.B. DENNING NEW COUNTY WPA CHEF

Succeeds Carl Kortepeter in Post.

(Early Story, Page 12)

Pose BB. Denning today was appointed .to succeed Carl F..Kortepeter as Marion County WPA ad-

John K. Jennings, State WPA administrator. Mr. Denning, who tives at 4536 Central Ave., has been state property agent for WPA. Before that he was field engineer and assistant district director at Muncie. Mr. Jennings, Kortfepeter's resignation, said he “was opposed to WPA administrators holding another Government job for which they were paid.” He said he" told Mr. Kortepeter he would have to give up his WPA position or Marion County Flood Prevention Board membership. “A'man can’t serve two masters,” Mr. Jennings said, “There are some in my office who hold éther Goveinment posts but as far as I know they aren’t paid for the others: If I find that they are paid, I shall have to take the same action. It is the policy of my office.”

ministrator, - it was announced by |:

HOOSIER PARTY

Capital * Jackson: Faces Ouster As Chairman;

By DANIEL M. KIDNEY ‘1° Times Staff Writer

WASHINGTON, Feb. 17. ~ Hoosier Democrats here have heen tipped off

Omer Stokes Jackson from his posiYo of Democratic ‘state. chairman in Indiana, it was learned today. The shift, it is reported, will be made as soon as the’ State Legislature adjourns or shortly thereafter. According to purported plans the post will then be given to Fred Bays, who is now a4 member of the Public ‘Service Commission. Since much of the criticism of Mr. Jackson's handling of the job is based on the contention that he cannot give adequate time to it and.

|also function as Attorney . General,

it is expected that Mr. Bays will resign from the State Commission when’ he takes over, the reports say.

: Greenlee Supported Pleas Greenlee. member of the National Bituminous Coal' Commission here, was advocated for the party chairmanship in the State in a full front page editorial in the

| | | Noblesville Morning’ Times ‘on "Feb. referring to Mr.|3, yl :

“Sentiments ‘ of the" editor, ‘Daily M. Hudler, were seconded by Editor Henry Smith in the Paoli weekly.

the matter quite a compliment was indicated when ‘Democratic 'congressmen from Indiana received copies of the ‘Noblesville Paper: in NBCC envelopes, :

, Omer: Stokes "Jackson -réfused to comment today on Washington reports that he: may be’ ousted as: Democratic State, Chairman in order that he may devote all his' time fo his duties as Attorney, General.

_lton St. | (the railr ad insisted it ‘was unable . to pay

Demoorals ‘Hear :

that’ an quster is scheduled for.

That Mr. Greenlee ‘himself thought’

cials, the bill was rewritten to throw a part of the burden on the State. As revised the bill provides that

" |where streets involved in elevation

work ‘are designated as State highways, the State would assume the city and county’s 80 per cent share of the cost. No change was made in the provision -limiting the railroad’s share to 20-per cent. “The new bill, if enacted, will | open the door to ‘track elevation on the South: Eide,” Mayor Sullivan said.

Efforts: fo clevate the Indianapolis {Union (Belt) Railroad tracks at ‘|Madison Ave, Rast St. and Single- © late last year when

per cent of the costs: Under thé present law, the City pays 34 per cent and the County 16 per cent. While the revised bill increases the City’s share of the cost 6 per

{cent and ‘the County 24 per cent,

the City’s share of the proposed work actually will be reduced since the State would pay 80 per cent of the cost for Madison Ave., which is a State route, Edward H. Knight, City Corporation Counsel, pointed out. The bill, as amended, further provides that where a roadway involved in elevation work is outside the city and is not a State route, the County assumes the entire 80 per cent, of the cost not borne by the railroad. The 1933 State Highway grade separation law provided that the State assume 80 per cent of the cost of elevation work on State routes]. outside cities. Mr; Knight said he believes. Belt Railroad officials will not oppose the proposed track elevation if the bill is passed and -the railroad’s share of the cost reduced to 20 per cent. “They wouldn't have bothered to seek a reduction in their share if they hadn’t felt able to pay the reduced share,” he said. As a result of the railroad’s refusal to meet its 50 per cent share of the cost, the City lost a FWA! grant of ‘more ‘than $400,000 last year,

Bill on Water Bomnony

Purchase . Advanced

The House today advanced ‘to third reading a bill designed to pave the way for the possible purchase of the Indianapolis ‘Water Co. by the City. “This measure, approved ‘by City officials, would permit the purchase price to be raised by revenue bonds.

STUDENT SHOT, KILLED CHAMPAIGN, Ill, Feb. 17 (U. P). —William ‘Spurrier, '20, Toledo, O., University of Illinois. sophomore, died of a bullet wound in the back today despite three blood transfusions supplied by members of: his fraternity. He was shot early yesterday from the window ¢ of a smal

“|Champaign hotel.

Entered _ at Postoffice. Indianapolis. Ind.

“Matter

LEGISLATURE TODAY : HOUSE / Advanced to third reading the bill to facilitate the possible purchase of fhe Indianapolis Water Co. by the City. Advanced to third reading the : bill to lower the railroads’ share of track elevation ‘costs. * Plans series of Ways and Means Committee hearings on ' $84,801,416 biennial appropriation bills. Leaves in committee State Wage and Hour Bill after failure of an attempt to force measure onto floor. Considers on third reading . two Republican election reform House measures to provide a central ballot counting system in large counties and a recount by separate precincts.

SENATE

Passes amended House Bill to extend ‘provisions of . the Teachers’ Retirement Fund. Scheduled to receive bill to establish State Harbor Board. (Page 12.) Public Policy Committee to rewrite Republican House liquor reform bill. Prepares to take final action on its four bills to recodify the State’s: motor vehicle and safety laws. Administration leaders reportedly searching for some means of making up the revenue lost if the bill to cut in half the retailers’ gross income tax rate is passed. Rewrites in committee, bill dealing with a broad reassess‘ment for taxation purposes of all property in the State.

|FIGHT FOR LABOR

BILL IS PLEDGED

Wembirs of House Fail in First Attempt to Pass Pay Plan.

House membpers supporting organized labor-sponsored legislation promised today to continue their fight to force from the House Labor Committee the State Wage and Hour Bill, after their first attempt failed yesterday afternoon. The motion of Rep. Edward L. Chubinski (D. East Chicago) to require the committee to return the bill to the House with or without recommendation, was tabled on a voice vote after the committee chairman, Rep. Roy J. Harrison (R. Attica), declared that the measure still was under consideration. In announcing the result of the voice: vote to table, Speaker Knapp, who did not grant a roll call vote for want of the proper number of seconds, said: “This doesn’t kill the bill. It still is in the committee.” Introduced by Rep. Arnold C. Nahand (D. Indianapolis) this bill would fix the minimum wage at 25 cents an hour for the first year, 30 cents from the second to seventh year, and 40 cents

after that period. Hours would be limited to 44 hours the first year, 42 the second and 40 thereafter; with time and a half for overtime. The State labor commissioner would have the power to investigate complaints through a six-member wage board named by (Continued on Page 11)

ACCUSED OF FAKING * DEATH OF FATHER

Mrs. Mildred Smith, 43, of £457 College Ave., was arrested by police today on a Grand Jury indictment charging her with obtaining money under false pretense. The indictment accused her of obtaining $50 from a local mortuary on the pretense that her father had died in Ohio and that she wanted the money: to. go there and claim the body. The indictment charged

that the woman’s statement of her father’s death was false.

EX-COUNTY EMPLOYEE IS ACCUSED OF THEFT

Harry Parsons, 46, former employee of the Marion County Highway Garage, was arrested today on grand larceny and vagrancy charges in ‘connection with the disappearance of tools worth $125 from the

‘We know of the intense activity garage.’ . ° Complaint - that the tools were"

missing was made to police several days ago by County Commissioners. Parsons, who lives at 475. 8S. Pine St., was employed at the garage as a mechanic until Jan, 1

GILBERT WHITE DEAD PARIS, Feb. 17 (U. P.) —Gilbert |S White, distinguished American mural painter, died today after an operation. Mr. White, who was horn in Grand Haven, Mich., was 61. He spent 1 most of the last 40 years in

ah .ROOF SET AFIRE = ‘Burning coffee grains, blown by & fan Jan wrom ‘a chaff tower at. the

oosier Coffee Co., 1417 Southeast- |th roof aft s

HOLLYWOOD, Feb. nm (u. P)—

meant . insults of experts — from Groucho Marx to Charlie ‘McCarthy —spurring him on to do a little insulting himself. The - red-nosed ‘doinedian; iwho rides to work in an automobile with a silver-plated ‘engine and hires a special man to carry his sherry| bottle, was guest last night at a special ‘meeting of the Masquers Club to honor him and, as William

|in_ his: place, for 40 years more. While many of Hollywood's bestkbown actors howled their Skee 3 and

'W. 'C. Fields entered his 40th year as'a Thespian today with the well-

Collier Sr. pointed out, to’ keep him Legerde

Then the speakers continued, like this: ME Groucho Marx: “If I'd had any idea I'd have to talk here, I.wouldn’t have eaten dinner. As it is I'm none too happy about it.” Dr. Leo C. Rosten, Carnegie Foundation ‘scientist studying the movies: “Any man who hates babies and dogs can’t be all bad.” £ Dudley Field Malone: “The last

time I saw Bill, he would not remember.”

Film Comedians Have a , Fields Day; Sentiment- Hater’s Eyes Grow Misty

“I came just for the food,” McCarthy retorfed. There were more eults, and

there were also many a pat on the| back from a roster of celebrants in-| cluding ‘George Arliss, Robert Tay- | lor, Joe E. Brown, Bert Wheeler, sv Mervyn Leroy, Eddie Cantor, Ned| Sparks, Leslie Howard, Chico Mass, %

Harold Lloyd, Herbert Billy Gilbert. The Masquers, who omptise 4 coun of the Ne

Hollywood ; York ‘Lambs - Sul, were out in

Mr. Collier introduced a magi. Mr.

cian, and called him a Master of

demanded Mr.

main, “What's that?”

- Fields. “A brand of Scotch whisye {1 - Later

Then Mr. Collier called u

Townsend Warns ii Possible Paring of School Funds. 2

OBJECTIONS MADE

Retailers Say 1 Per Cent Law ‘Forcing Us to Wall.

Governor Townsend today would neither confirm nor deny reports that Administration forces in the Senate were preparing to bloek pase sage of the House bill to reduce the gross income tax rate for retail mers chants. Asked if there was Administras tion “heat” on -this measure, the Governor replied: a “You can answer that as well as I can. If the revenue is lost in this way, we’ll have to nidke it up some other way or reduce: the amount of 3 money the . State distributes " Sui schools,” It was learned that shortly after the bill passed the House by @ unanimous vote, Democratic Senate leaders conferred with the Governor on the situation. A publicity man who is said oy have. attended .the conference ise

|sued a news release to State papers

in which he stated the Governor raised a number of objections to ree ducing the tax at this time. -The Governor's office denied this but said these objections were voiced by Democratic -legislative leaders attending the conference. : Objections Listed They were: 1. A will not reduce retail coms modily prices. . “It. will not reduce the tax burs do of the retailer; since:it will mean = shijung of his tax to His prope y. : 3. “It will mean the reduction of

the State's: share of teachers’ sal«

aries from. $700 to approximately. , and the consequent payment

" Fi by local taxpayers.

4. “It will mean that customers of retail stores will assume ‘the ma= jor portion of . this $4,500,000 pay~ ment. 5. “It will place the small retailer in the same competitive position he now is, for the bill applies to: all retailers. What the bill will do is’ to save somé of the larger stores: some. $50,000 per year, while. the jie 55 fellow will be helped from 0

Retailer groups have requested the reduction because, they claim, they ‘are being “forced to the wall” byl the present rate. They also attribe ute a large number of business faile ures to the tax, which they charge is “unfair” to them. The bill would reduce the retails ers’ gross income tax rate from 1 per ead to 1% ou 1 per cent. It alsa ould reduce their exempt ; $3000 to $1000. Pion om The Senate Finance Committee’ has announced it will consider the measure owing a ubli next Tuesday Th Publie hearing Spirits Tax Suggested :

Among measures - designed to make up loss of revenue that ‘would result from a gross income tax change is a Senate bill, which has been advanced rapidly to second reading in that chamber and which would levy a tax of 10 cents a gallon on all spirits manufactured. or sold in the State. Some legislators are objecting to this measure on grounds that it will ‘cause distilleries to slow down production in their Indiana plants. If production is kept on the present level, however, it is estimated this tax would raise two million dollars ly e bill now being draf reduce the States a tied ta id from $700 to $400 is adopted, it. will result in an annual savings to. the 5 State of six million dollars end a corresponding increase in the load of local property tgxpayers. Be~ cause’ of the powerful pressure teachers’ groups exert on the legise lature, it was predicted that chances 4 of a measure of this sort. Passing, 3 are not very: bright. The Governor already has bees reported as retreating from one the budget-balancing policies ‘outa lined in his special budget mes: ~the neki fund o of the a Setirens t fund on a pay-as-y

59 ba le bill calling for ] change has nly ‘withdrawn, though a is ie