Indianapolis Times, Indianapolis, Marion County, 31 March 1939 — Page 1

The Indianapolis Times

FORECAST: Mostly cloudy tonight and tomorrow; somewhat warmer tonight with lowest temperature 40 {0 45 degrees.

VOLUME 51-—-NUMBER 17

FRANCE, BRITAIN PLEDGE POLES AID

FINAL HOME

FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 1939

MANAGER

STUDY

MAY BE BLOCKED BY TECHNICALITY

House Clerk Says Resolution Was Neither

Signed Nor Handed

to Him for Enroll-

ment After Legislative Passage.

BACKERS RALLYING TO ‘SAVE’ PLAN

Weiss Declares Measure Is Operative and Court Mandate Can Compel Setting Up of Proper Commission.

By WILLIAM The resolution setting up

R. CRABB a city manager study com-

mission, generally believed to have been passed by the Legislature, may have been blocked by a technicality in the closing days of the session, it was learned today. State and legislative officials appeared uncertain as to its present status but reportedly the resolution was neither

properly signed or enrolled.

The City Manager Committee of the Indianapolis Junior Chamber of Commerce, one of the organizations sponsoring the resolution, was to hold a special meeting this afternoon

to discuss the situation. Rep. Howard Batman (D, Terre Haute), who led the fight for the resolution on the| floor of the House, said he| would confer with Governos'| Townsend and Attorney Gen-| eral Omer Stokes Jackson next week to determine what action can be taken to save]

the measure. Senator Jacob Weiss (D. Indianapolis) said the resolution, despite the fact it did not go through all the prescribed technical steps of envolling and certification, is still operative. If any of the persons designated to appoint members of the commission object, a court mandate can be obtained to set up the commission, he said. The Indianapolis City Manager League called a meeting of heads of several civic organizations at the Y. W. C. A. this afternoon to discuss the advisability of forming a Citi-| zens Council for Betier Government. | House Passed Resolution

William Insley, chairman of the League’s executive committee, presided at the meeting. The City Manager resolution was introduced into the House of Representatives early in the session and was passed a month later by that chamber and sent to the Senate.

3500 MAY LOSE

STATE WPA AID

Number to Be Regulated by

Final Amount Congress Votes in Relief.

NATIONAL AFFAIRS STATE WPA may cut 9500 from rolls, HOUSE may get plea for extra 400-million appropriation. PUBLIC debt nears 40-billion all-time high. ROOSEVELT makes heavy imprint on judiciary. NEW DISPUTES on economy may follow reorganization.

By DANIEL M. KIDNEY Times Staff Writer

March 31.—

WASHINGTON,

There will be 9500 persons dropped from WPA relief rolls in Indiana {during April and May under the 100 million dollar additional appropriation bill up for passage in the House today.

Should none of the additional 150

million dollars asked for by Presi-

Its No Fun, So Gee—Be Careful!

“Gee, I wish I could have all the fun the other boys and girls will have.” The little fellow speaking, uttering both hope and warning from his City Hospital bed, is Maurice Hiten, of 901 Charles St.

Maurice ts only 6, but he has a message for the 65,000 or more Indianapolis chil-

dren who will scamper from

school build-

tngs this afternoon for a spring vacation. Maurice can take it, but it’s pretty tough not to be able to get out and play—play to a

boy’s heart's content. And it

isn’t so com-

fortable lying in bed this way. His right leg is fractured so near the hip that it’s necessary to truss up the other one, too. Maurice was playing marbles March 5 —Dbut needed more. On the way to the store

Maurice darted across the street

struck by a car.

NEW MINE PACT DEADLINE NEARS

Accord by Midnight Sought,

So 338,000 May Continue

ond was

* x

Reminder Five Died in 1938 Recess |

A reminder that five public

: | | |

GOEPPER DEAD OF PNEUMONIA

County Democratic Leader,

Entered as Second-Class

at Postoifice, Indianapolis, Ind.

WARSAW NOW KEY TO PEACE LONDON TOLD

U. S. Consulted in Cabinet’s

Discussion of Radical

Policy Change. —————— i

LONDON, March 31 (U., PJ). - Great Britain forcefully warned Fuehrer Hitler today against another grab in Europe, declaring that

Britain and France will fight if Poland’s independence is menaced during the present European security consultations and Poland fights back. Prime Minister Chamberlain made the momentous announcement in the House of Commons, disclosing a revolutionary change in Britain's European policy. He revealed that Britian is in close consultation with Soviet Russia on the matter, After the speech, a Government spokesman indicated that the military pledge may apply to the Polish Corridor and even to Danzig.

“At Mercy of Poles”

Asked whether German action affecting the Corridor would bring British aid, the spokesman pointed out that the statement clearly guarantees British assistance in event of “any action.” Regarding Danzig, he said the pledge would apply if Poland resisted action against Danzig with its national forces. A British journalist remarked: “Well, then, we are completely at the mercy of the Poles.” The spokesman, asked about the possibility of a similar pledge to Rumania, emphasized that the statement was merely a “preliminary” announcement. He said the United

States had been kept informed of the Government's deliberations. He indicated that the British decision eliminates the possibility of PolishGerman negotiations on Danzig and the Corridor.

Solidarity Stressed

In his speech Mr. Chamberlain revealed the solidarity of France and Britain, saying the French Government had authorized him to make it plain that it stood in the same position as the British Government. Mr. Chamberlain made the spe-

Matter

PRICE THREE CENTS

CHAMBERLAIN PROMISES MILITARY SUPPORT IF HITLER TRIES NEW GRAB

Democratic Bloc Draws Line Against Aggression ‘For Duration of Consultations’; Russia Stands in Background.

FUEHRER TO ANSWER TOMORROW,

Italy Ready to Fight and Certain of Victory, . Duce Cries; Japan Takes Cue to Seize French Islands Near Philippines.

(Chamberlain Text, Page Nine)

hand in Central Europe.

Prime Minister Chamberlain

France, known to have

FEAR NAZI AIMS ARE WORLD-WIDE

Roosevelt Friends Believe Americas Imperiled by Aggrandizer.

WARM SPRINGS, Ga, March 31 (U P.). — Nazi seizure and encroachment on other nations constitutes a definite threat and points—in the absence of checkmates— to aspirations of world domination by the German Reich, sources close to the White House said today. The world is fearful, friends of President Roosevelt said, that Fuehrer Hitler will not stop with Europe but will carry his program of national aggrandizement to other continents, Africa and possibly the Americas. President Roosevelt at the Little White House was keeping an especially close watch on foreign developments. Mr, Roosevelt talked to the

By JOE ALEX MORRIS

United Press Foreign News Editor

Great Britain and France today called Fuehrer Hitler's

In a declaration unprecedented since the World War,

announced in the House of

Commons that during the present crisis British armed might would go to the aid of Poland in event that nation is attacked, and her armies fight back.

the finest troops in Europe, stands with Great Britain. Thus an aroused democratic bloc put military teeth into Europe's faltering “halt Hitler” movement and sought— without abandoning the hope that the great powers can yet live peacefully together—to end the Nazi method of expansion by threat of armed

force.

Mr. Chamberlain made Britain's pledge to Poland at a time when only the vaguest Nazi threats had been made against the Warsaw Gov. ernment. Nazi officials had denied that Germany had anything but peaceful intentions toward Poland and vigorously denounced as “English lies” the recent reports of Gere man troop movements toward the Polish Corridor or Danzig. Thus the Chamberlain pledge requires no etal back-tracking by Herr Hite er. Great Britain took full cognizance of the fact that reports of troop movements were not confirmed. In that way, Mr, Chamberlain avoided embarrassing Herr Hitler by threatening him with war at a time when, the Fuehrer was already committed to pursuing an aggressive program, The British Prime Minister ob-

69, Was Elected Assessor In November.

viously hoped that, by making his declaration now, he would give the Germans an opportunity to hold back and aid in stabilization of peace without losing face.

Fuehrer Speaks Tomorrow Herr Hitler, who speaks tomorrow, may make his attitude known then. Mr. Chamberlain’s statement meant that the democratic bloc had drawn a line against Nazi-Fascist expansion in both the East and West.

dent Roosevelt, be appropriated, the Indiana rolls would have to be cut 28,500 during the next two months according to figures presented in the Appropriations Committee hearings by Col. F. C. Harrington, WPA administrator. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, which also is charged with investigating WPA, Rep. Louis Ludlow defended the 100 million dollar bill and urged its passage. He is the dean of the Hoosier Democrats, all of whom are expected

State Department and several European embassies by telephone this morning. He planned to call Europe again late this afternoon,

WASHINGTON, March 31 (U. P.). —The Treasury revealed today Government action has been instituted in the New York Federal District Court placing a lien against German Reichsbank balances held by the New York Federal Reserve Bank.

cific statement that in the event of any action which clearly threatened Polish independence during the present consultations and which the Polish Government considered it vital to resist, the British Govern(Continued on Page Five)

STOCKS SINK WITH WAVE OF SELLING

NEW YORK, March 31 (U, P.).—

school children died of inJuries during last year’s spring vacation was made today as 65,000 Indianapolis children began their annual spring holiday. School records show the fatalities last year during the spring recess took the lives of a T-year-old girl who died of burns; a 16-year-old Shortridge freshman who fell under

It provided for a seven-member commission to decide on the best method for Indiana cities to obtain the city manager form of government. One member was to be appointed by the Governor, one by the Lieutenant Governor, one by the Speaker of the House, two by the president of Indiana University and iwo by the president of Purdue University. Amended by Senate

On Job Next Week.

NEW YORK, March 31 (U.P) wy With the deadline for automatic suspension of mining in the nation’s most productive soft coal region almost at hand, negotiators for

operators and union miners of the Appalachian bituminous area attempted today to draft mutually sat-

Albert H. Goepper, Marion County Assessor, died today at his home, 3055 N. Meridian St. He had been ill with pneumonia and had been semiconscious since Tuesday. He was 69. He started his business career with the Paul H. Krauss Co., haberdashers. He later became associated

The resolution passed the House and was amended by the Senate to change the reporting date of the commission from Oct. 1 to Dec. 1. The House then concurred in the Senate’s amendment. At this point the resolution was to have been enrolled, but the clerk of the House said the measure was never given him by the Speaker to take this final step. As a result, it was not signed by the Speaker or the Lieutenant Governor, Speaker James Knapp said it was not necessary for him to hand down the resolution; that it should go directly to the clerk. The minutes of House Clerk (Continued on Page Three)

‘WARM WEEK-END,’ IS BUREAU FORECAST

LOCAL TEMPERATURES « Me... 6a. m.... 42 «Mu... Wa Mm... 43 e Mees 12 (noon). 43 « M.... Ip.m... 3%

3 36 37

40

1t looks like a warm week-end “as far as we can tell now,” the Weather Bureau said today. The Bureau, however, said skies would be mostly cloudy tomorrow, and promised that the mercury will not sink any lewer than 40 degrees tonight. A light snow flurry this morning lasted only a few minutes.

TIMES FEATURES ON INSIDE PAGES

211 MOVIES vuunnee 22 Mrs. Ferguson 22! Obituaries ... 32 Pegler 16 | Pyle senrves 32! Questions 22 Radio 25 | Mrs. Roosevelt 32 | Scherrer 22 Serial Story.. 22| Society 12| Sports. .27, 28, 3 State Deaths. 21{Wiggam

26 22 23 22 21

Books Broun Clapper «cc... Comics Crossword ... Curious World Editorials .... Fashions ..e.. Financial .... Flynn Forum ..cceee Gallup In Indpls..... Jane Jordan...

cers teccece

21| 21] 32 24 29 13

22

sree

William H. Larrabee, and Rep. Gerald W. Landis, Republican, voted for the entire amount before and intend to support restoration of the 150 million now, they said.

—A battalion of Guardsmen today helped firemen of this city of 25,000 and departments from three neighboring cities battle a downtown fire which already had caused an estimated 2 million-dollar damage.

to support the measure.

Halleck to Take Floor Rep. Charles A. Halleck, dean of

the Republicans {from Indiana, intends to take the floor to charge the Administration with making no effort to live within the 725 million dollars which WPA was voted earlier in the session.

The request had been for $875,-

000,000 and the President has contended the entire 150 million should be restored.

William T. Schulte and Democrats,

Reps.

Failing that, they will vote for the

100 million.

The estimate of Indiana cuts are

based on figures contained in the | hearings made public today.

They show that WPA rolls in In(Continued on Page Three)

GUARDSMEN BATTLE

$2,000,000 BLAZE

Ohio Battalion Aids Firemen

As Sandusky Stores Burn.

SANDUSKY, O., March 31 (U. P.). Ohio National

The blaze was discovered at 4

a. m. in the city’s largest department store. It soon had spread to a dry 21 z00ds store adjoining and to an old 33 structure at the rear.

Shortly after daylight, one build-

ing had been consumed and three others damaged beyond hope of salvage. Flames raged at another store, but Fire Chief Wilson McLav \hlin said he believed thev had been controlled.

isfactory terms for extension or renewal of the wage-hour contract which expires at midnight. The present agreement, signed two years ago, provides for a 35hour week and a basic daily wage of $6 in the North and $5.60 in the South. Both sides in the contract conference which started March 14 have waived conflicting demands for an increase or reduction in wages. A subcommittee of the joint conference—led by Charles O'Neill of New York for the operators, and John L. Lewis, president of ihe United Mine Workers of America, for the miners—resumed discussions today mindful of the fact that if they fail to reach an agreement thousands of mines will be shut down and 338,000 miners thrown out of work next week. Arrangements already have been made for the maintenance of skeleton crews of pumpers and watchmen in the mines in the event of a shutdown.

Strike Order Given

Miners in Indiana

TERRE HAUTE, March 31 (U. P.).—Approximately 2000 United Mine Workers’ members, employed in Indiana strip mines, were ordered to strike tomorrow unless a new contract is signed today with the Indiana Coal Producers’ Association. Truck and shaft miners will not be affected by the order. Officials of District 11 of the union ordered the strike, seeking renewal of the contract which expires at midnight tonight.

NATIONAL AND STATE BANK CALLS ISSUED

WASHINGTON, March 31 (U. P)). —The Controller of the Currency today issued a cail for the condition of all national banks as of March 29. The Federal Reserve Board issued a similar call.

The Indiana Departmeni of Financial Institutions today issued a call for the rondition of all state bans as of March 20,

nip suai a.

| Howard of the Scripps-Howard | Newspapers.

the wheels of a truck while bicycling; a youth who drowned when he fell off a raft; another youth who was killed in a motorcycle accident, and a 10-year-old girl, accidentally shot. “We hope parents, children and motorists will exercise greatest possible care to avoid accidents during this vacation so such tragedies will not occur again this year,” William A. Evans, director of schools’ safety education, said.

with his father-in-law, August M. Kuhn, Active in Democratic politics for

a number of years, he was nominated for County Assessor last April

and was elected in November. He is survived by his wife, Mrs.

Cora Kuhn Goepper; two daughters, Mrs. Charles E. Cox Jr., of Indianapolis, and Mrs. Edward B. Anderson of Winnetka, Ill.; two sisters, Mrs. and Miss Lena Goepper of Indianapolis,

Otto N. Frenzel of Carmel,

and four grandchildren, Services will be at 4 p. m. tomor-

Prices fell to around the lowest levels of the year as a sudden wave of selling struck the stock market around noon today. U. S. Steel, market bellwether, dropped to a new low for the year at $52 a share.

2 DIE IN PLUNGE MICHIGAMME, Mich., March 31 (U. P.).—The engineer and fireman of a Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic train were drowned last night when the locomotive struck a landslide and plunged into the Beaufort

The Treasury said that the Bureau of Internal Revenue filed a lien March 15 in New York Federal Court against the German balances. It said the action was taken to enforce collection of income tax claims against the Reichsbank. Officials insisted the action was a routine tax collection matter and

had no diplomatic aspects. The

Treasury claims that the Reichsbank owes the United States Government

$144,454 taxes on income from com-

mercial transactions in the United

row at Flanner & Buchanan.

River.

States from 1924-1927 inclusive.

How Long Will Bloodless Conflict Content Hitler? Europe Feels the Answer Will Shape Its Future

Editor's Note—This is the fifth of a series of uncensored cable dispatches from Paris to the Indianapolis Times by Roy W.

Mr. Howard spent five weeks visiting the major European capitals, and talking to. statesmen, diplomats, military leaders and other authorities, as well as to “the man in the street.”

By ROY W. HOWARD Copyright, 1939, Scripps-Howard Newspapers. PARIS, March 31. — High above the great door that leads to the magnificent office of Fuehrer Hitler in the new Reichschancellery there are carved, on a massive block of red marble, the initials “A. H.”? Hitler has gone the other Little Corporal one initial better. Bonaparte was content to hallmark his architectural monument with the single letter “N.” Several hundred years B. C., a famous Chinese soldier announced that the highest form of military strategy was to attain objectives without fighting. By this measurement Hitler has proved himself a master strategist. Whether the Fuehrer will be content much longer with

dless victories, or whether the Mitials over the door indicate the flowering of a

Carves his “A,

H.” in marble

Napoleonic complex that will be appeasable only by armed conflict, is Europe’s greatest unsolved problem. Germany today is an armed camp, yet life moves methodically and efficiently, with little deviation from the normal beyond an obvious tenseness. The era of heiling Hitler

even before one’s shaving mirror has given way to a saner attitude. The much publicized Autobahnen —express highways—are models of efficiency, though they lack variety. The many new Government buildings are monuments to the new Reich or had dreams- expressed

architecturally according to your taste, The two combine to give, in large part, the answer to Germany's vaunted elimination of unemployment. In America they would be called WPA or PWA projects and we would continue to publicize our unemployment. The old night life of Beriin is pretty much a thing of the past. Germans are glad to sleep during the lapses between Der Fuehrer’s fits of conquest. The better hotels and restaurants give the foreigner little evidence of the known shortage of certain foods. These shortages are best observed in private homes and in the country. With war talk buzzing in every other European capital, all of it hinging on where Hitler will strike next, there is surprisingly little discussion of the subject in Germany except among the Nazi elite and the younger generation. One reason is the airtight press censorship, which doesn’t permit the public to obtain sufficient news to cause great agitation. Germany learns the Feuhrer’s plans after the fact. A second reason is the grimness of the subject for those who recall the suffering and tragedy of the great war. Like the Italians, the German people do not want war, But wheras the Italians are convince? that (Continued on Page Nir 2

Premier Daladier of France, ale ready had declared that not one inch of French soil would be yielded to Italian demands for greater power in the Mediterranean, although other concessions might be negotiated to give the Fascists a better economic break. In reply to France, Fascist Premier Mussolini told a cheering crowd at Reggio di Calabria this morning that Italians are “ready to don their knapsacks and are cere tain of victory.” More important than the immediate developments in Italy's quarrel with France was the determination of Mr. Chamberlain to save his collapsing diplomatic front against Nazi expansion, Hope for Other Nations

Mr. Chamberlain obviously hoped that Rumania, Jugoslavia, Bulgaria, Turkey and Greece would either be influenced by or lend their support to the antiaggression movement, but it appeared that Britain and France had decided to go ahead with their own commitments because they considered speed a vital factor. The role of Soviet Russia in the changing European alignment continued vague. There were indications that both London and Paris had kept in close touch with the Moscow Government during the present negotiations. In any event, the Soviets are vitally interested in. Nazi eastward expansion because it is aimed toward the Russian Ukraine and their estimated 2,500,000 troops would be an important factor in any conflict in Eastern Europe regardless of previous pledges. Japan also may be a factor. Throughout the last two years, the Tokyo Government has taken advantage of every European crisis to further its campaign for hegemony over Eastern Asia. Frequently, the Japanese moves have been so closely co-ordinated with Nazi or Fascist marches that it appeared they might have been arranged in advance. This morning, the Tokyo Govern= ment announced it had annexed the Spratly Island group (French) off the southeast coast of jench IndoChina. :