Indianapolis Times, Indianapolis, Marion County, 13 November 1940 — Page 1

/

{A

b

[

)

|

I

|

EI

The Indianapolis Times

FORECAST: Fair and continued cold tonight and tomorrow; lowest tempreature tonight 15.

FINAL HOME

WO

Weoupes “wowsssl VOLUME 52—NUMBER 212

i

AT ONCE,’ SAYS

| FRANK FINNEY 5

WW

_ the State considerable money.

G. 0. P.-Democratic ig

On Patronage Reported

\ BULLETIN

The “Two Per Cent |Club,” Democratic campaign collection agency, will be disband immediately at the request of Gov-ernor-Elect Henry F. Schricker, according to Frank Finney, president of the organization. “I believe the Hoosier Democratic Club should be done away with,” Mr, Schricker: told officers of the club today. “I am |of the opinion that party workers, or those who have benefitted jobs, regardless of party affiliation, be allowed to contribute. Such| funds, however, should be received through the regular channels of the political party organizations and accounted for in those offices.” Mr. Finney, who also is| State Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, said he was not certain what steps should be taken for the disbanding of the organization but he believed it would be necessary to call in the officers for formal Meanwhile, he said, the collection of contributions will be stopped at once by the club, and all donations will be accepted by the State chairman. State Democratic Fred F. Bays, referring Schricker’s statement, said

Impending.

Chairman

Committee. The Democratic State C tion last summer went on 1 as approving the “Two Per method of collecting can funds and urged that it be retained.

By LOWELL NUSSBAUM Rumors of an impending “patronage deal” between Democrats and Republicans swept through| State political circles today. Headlining these rumors was an unconfirmed report that Governorelect Henry F. Schricker has met with leading Republicans to lay the groundwork for a “working lagreement” during the next four years. All of the uneasiness about the situation revolves around the Reorganization Act and the |topsyturvey election result which gave the State a Democratic Governor, a Republican State ticket and a G. O. P.-dominated Legislature. . The Reorganization Act puts all appointive powers in the hands of the Governor. Many political workers have been under the impression that the Republicans would repeal, lock, stock and barrel, the whole Reorganization pattern and take full patronage control unto themselves. But .this has been woven (into a crazy-quilt pattern of conjecture during the last few days. |

None Sure of Ground Broken down in component parts, the situation is something like this: 1. The Indiana election result was so close that neither party can be completely sure of its |ground. Almost every political move must be

weighed with an eye on 1942, when off-year Congressional and many Neither side is willing to provide its

municipal elections are to be held. opposition with political ammunition for 42, 92. The Reorganization Act saved The only real debatable point | is the which

patronage provisions, ive the

Governor full power.

3. The Republicans cannot go into

office and permit a Democratic Governor to handle the bulk of|the political jobs available. But, [just as obviously, the G. O. P. cannot put itself into the position of increasing State expense for its own [political ends. To revamp the ad strative machinery might mean a big increase in jobholders (and payrolls)

and expose the G. O. P. to ttack.

Other Side of Pict 4. The other side of the picture— Governor-elect Schricker. [He can not sit idly by and watch |all the Governor's powers ripped away. To pattle with a Republican Legislature would result in sure defeat. It seems true that it would make | him a Democratic martyr, but martyrs get slight individual consolation in realistic politics. out of all this has grown the flood of rumors, which can be rounded up ly: hs The Republicans intend to real the Reorganization | Act in (Continued on Page Seven) m————————

8-POUND SON IS BORN TO MRS. IRVING [PAGE

An eight-pound boy, Christopher, 's born Monday at’ Coleman Hosnital] to Dr. and Mrs. Irving Page. pr. Page is director of the Lilly Laboratory for Clinical ' Research. Both Mrs. Page and the child are doing weil.

se

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1940

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

oN Br A A CR NA

BR.

DEATH TOLL ON LAKES CLIMBS

' 118 Sailors Lost, 51 Missing;

Temperature Here May Drop to 15.

LOCAL TEMPERATURES

e323 10a. m.... 23 22 Nam... vv... 21 12 (noomn).. 26 vas IY NP Me as

By UNITED PRESS Temperatures 20 to 25 degrees below normal nipped almost the entire nation today as the storms which caused 116 known deaths and untold property damage: appeared to abate. At least 18 sailors were killed on the Great Lakes when gales sent five boats to the bottom and grounded six others. At least four more boats and 51 sailors were missing. ? A score of hunters died in the Middle West, many of exposure. An unknown number of fishermen were missing. Others died in accidents on highways, in the cities and in the air. Minnesota reported 23 deaths, eight of them hunters who were lost when the storms blew across the Middle West Monday. Michigan reported 22 dead, but the number was mounting steadily as the bodies of more eamen were found washed ashore. . Illinois reported 15 dead, Iowa 8, and Pennsylvania and New York 6 each. Wisconsin reported 5, Indi(Continued on Page Three)

U. S. BOMBSIGHT SENT T0 BRITAIN

Outmoded Type Offered R. A. F. for Trial.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 (U, P). —The United States has released to Britain an outmoded type of airplane bombsight which is considered nighly effective, but not as accurate as the secret sight now used by U. S. Army and Navy planes, it was learned today. The bombsight was handed to the British for experimental purposes and the Royal Air Force, if satisfied with its ‘performance, may place orders for it in this country. Emphasizing that the bombsight is not the much-publicized secret device now used by American armed forces, officials said, however, that it incorporated many of the features of the regular sight. Officials disclosed that two of the sights were sent to Britain aboard one of the American destroyers traded to that country for bases in this Hemisphere.

TIMES FEATURES ON INSIDE PAGES

Clapper 12 Comics Crossword ... 23 Obituaries . | Editorials .... 18 | Pegler (Fashions .... 21 Pyle Financial .... 25 Questions Flynn 18 Radio 10 Forum .. 18 |Mrs. Rapsevelf 17 Homemaking. 21 {Serial Story . In Indpls. .... 3 (Side Glances 18 Inside Indpls. Jane Jordan.. ohnson sees.

17 Movies

18

20 Sports ...

Bombers Attack, Says British Ship

NEW YORK, Nov. 13 (U. P.).— Mackay Radio today intercepted a radio message from the British steamer Empire Wind which .said she was being attacked by bombers in the North Atlantic 200 miles off the west coast of Ireland. Fhe mesage said that the Empire

1 wind had been bombed and was

sinking at 3:10 a. m. (Indianapolis Time). The attack was said to have started at 2:52 a. m.

Lloyds Register of shipping has no listing of a vessel named Empire Wind. Old freighters bought in the United States have been given names prefixed by the word Empire.

EXAMINE LOCAL MEN FOR DRAFT

More Than 100 Will Take Tests—And Here Are The Rules.

By EARL RICHERT “Take off your clothes. Let's have a look at you.” More than 100 Marion County men were scheduled to receive this order this afternoon as the first group of local draft registrants took medical examinations at the National Guard Armory, 711 N. Pennsylvania St. From the group that passes the tests, 53-will be ordered to report to Ft. Harrison between next Tuesday

and Nov. 25 for induction into the U. 8. Army. The examinations were to be conducted in the ‘Armory. gymnasium by medical examiners from all 15 local draft boards. The examinaton by all the examiners is being held to establish a uniform system

{of examination at the beginning,

Capt. Glen W. Lee, State Selective Service medical assistant, said. The examinations are the same as those given by the regular U. S. Army. They will be fairly stringent. However, a draft registrant can tell fairly well in advance whether he will pass the test, Capt. Lee said. “If you don’t know of anything wrong with you, it's a pretty safe (Continued on Page Three)

F.D.R.Pledges

Sabotage? FBI Rises to Meet the Menace

Smoldering wreckage, twisted timbers and steel, remained after a mysterious explosion destroyed the United Railway Signal Corp. plant at Woodbridge, N. J., killing six women and two men.

DIES CALLS FOR 5-MILLION FUND

Stiffened Guard Looms for Defense Units After Powder Plant Blasts.

By UNITED PRESS The Federal Bureau of Investigation, strengthened to meet the threat of sabotage against the national defense program, intervened today in the investigations of mysterious explosions, accidents and fires in public and private enterprises that have caused estimated damage of $1,000,000 in the last week.

Ten acts of sabotage in connection with recent explosions in plants working on national defense orders

chairman of the Congressional Committee investigating subversive activities. He did not disclose where the sabotage occurred, but said he would ask Congress to appropriate $5,000,000 to continue his committee’s investigations in an effort to stop this menace to national defense. Rep. J. Parnell Thomas (R. N. J.), a member of the committee, said that three explosions in Pennsylvania and New Jersey yesterday ‘can hardly be placed in the category of coincidence” and warned that other disasters might be expected “until the Federal Government gets hard-boiled.”

Urges Shake-Up

“We need a shake-up in our Government so that there will be no more coddling of subversive groups or activities,” he said. “The Federal Government should co-operate with the employers so that they can get tough about whom they hire and fire.” The three powder plant explosions occurred within -an hour of each other yesterday. An explosion destroyed a 10,000-barrel oil storage tank in Canton, O., last night. Cause of a $500,000 fire at the Municipal Auditorium-National Guard Armory in Atlanta was unexplained. Emery dust was found in machinery at the Todd Seattle Dry Dock, in Seattle, where two vessels are being converted into transports for the Navy. In South San Francisco, a giant crane collapsed in the

(Continued on Page Three)

Well Wishers

To Work for Nation's Unity

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 (U. P.). —President Roosevelt today gave America .a pledge to work for national unity during his third term “shoulder to shoulder with all who place true Americanism above all other considerations.” His statement indicated his determination to rise above partisanship in a search for national unity on the principle that only “in union shall we find our true strength.”

His pledge was delivered in a

statement acknowledging “tens of

thousands” of congratulatory tele24 | Mrs. Ferguson 18 grams and letters which he received . 11 after his election.

Mr. Roosevelt's statement fol-

pledging co-operation for naunity in development of

The text: “In the face of a constantly

messages, I feel that I must, in this statement, extend my hearty thanks to all who have thus remembered me. “I am heartened and encouraged by all these messages of good-will from thousands of well wishers. “Not less appreciated than the others are the pledges of loyalty and support received of sincere men and women who did not cast their votes for the Administration. These messages, in particular, reflect a spirit of national unity in essential things which is most welcome. In union we shall find our strength. ‘ | “To all who-have sent their greet(ings I give this assurance of grati-

17 lowed by two days of post-election tude and heartfelt appreciation. In 17 address of Mr. Willkie to the na-|acknowledging these _pledges of ition, { tional . 24 {imetican defense and other essen- nation, I pledge anew my. determin- | tials. 17 | Society .... 20, 21| : 14, 15 g 18 State Deaths. 11 mounting number of congratulatory (siderations. : k

loyal support and full co-operation {in forwarding the interests of the

ation to work shoulder to shoulder with all those who place true Amerjcanism. above all other con-

were charged by Rep. Martin Dies, |

true

MAKE RELIEF CLIENTS WORK, SCHENCK ASKS

State Farmers to Vote on Resolutions Urging Welfare Change.

‘A law requiring “constructive service”

was advocated today by Hassil E. Schenck, president, in his annual message to the Indiana

Farm Bureau. Thousands of Hoosier farmers filled flag and flower-bedecked Tom-=-linson Hall for the bureau's 22d convention and officials expected attendance to be the greatest in the

- |organization’s history.

Mr. Schenck declared that the dependent class should be educated “to the knowledge that they are charges upon society and that they have a responsibility to give to society something in return for the assistance granted them.”

Backed by Resolutions

His stand was supported by two propoged resolutions to be presented to thé convention Friday morning. One resolution said the bureau favors “tightening up of public welfare and poor relief law, so it will be more equitably applied as intent of the law provides.” Another urged that “all able-bodied recipients .of relief be required to do gainful work for some division of government.” Mr. Schenck also said that “the

relief program of the future must

be continued on the basis of decreasing the size of the dependent class.” He charged that welfare and relief costs have grown to such an extent that “last year they cost the public $2 for each $1 spent for education.” } Warning that relief bonds issued now must be bought back in the future, Mr. Schenck warned that this method only will add to the relief burden.

Other Proposals Due

In addition to the two on relief, the resolutions committee will propose others: 1. Re-affirming the bureau's stand on the Gross Income Tax Law. (The bureau advocates retention of the present law in most of its features.) 2. Re-affirming its stand on the Tax Limitation Law. (Mr. Schenck said in his address that the present law “is working efficiently.”) 3. A new assessment law for real property. (The bureau advocates assessments based on the system of evaluation suggested by such: Government agencies as the Federal Housing and Farm Security Administrations.) 4. Reforestation of strip coal lands and a system whereby stripped land may continue to pay taxes. (Anson (Continued on Page Seven)

TRAFFIC TOLL 121 AS TRAIN KILLS 2

Big Four Express Hits Car At Addison St.

Two persons were killed last night to bring the City-County traffic toll for this year to 121 as compared with 80 last year at this time. Killed last night when their car was struck by a Big Four express train at the S. Addison St. crossing were John Gerbick Jr., 26, of 2724 W. St. Clair St.,, and Mrs. Mary King Atkins, 30, whose address was not determined. The accident occurred at 11:40 m. The force of the impact

+r the victims from the front

seat into the rear seat of the car and the engine dragged the car 100 feet along the railroad right-of-way. Funeral services for Mr. Gerbick will be held Saturday at 8:30 a. m. at Stevens & Sons Funeral Home and at 9 a. m. in Holy Trinity Church. Burial will be in the St. Joseph Cemtery. Mr, Gerbick, who was a native of Italy, came to Indianapaolis in 1930 and since then has been em-

ployed at the National Malleable||

Castings Co. here. He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Gerbick, three sisters and an uncle, Lewis Gerbick. With the exception of his father, and uncle, the survivors live in “taly.

NAZI ENVOY PROBE LEFT UP TO DIES

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 (U. P), —Secretary of State Cordell Hull has advised Chairman Martin Dies of the House Committee investigating un-American activities that he must decide for himself whether to hold public hearings on the activities of German consular agents in this country, the State Depart-

ment disclosed today. :

by all able-|§ bodied adults receiving relief |}

Mr. Mason

at Crete, now gives Great Britain

advantage, in addition to added security for British transports passing through the Mediterranean. Detachments from .the Mediterranean fleet can now be made, if the London Admiralty desires for running down armored German raiders in the Atlantic. Too, great-

PRICE - THREE CENTS

Per Cent Club’ Is Dissolved at Request of Schricker

IN RAID ON TAR

War Moves Today

By J. W. T. MASON

United Press War Expert

Crippling of a major part of Italy's first line battle fleet with damage to other Fascist war vessels at Taranto by British bombers must rank as the most important naval success of Europe's war. The British victory is a direct result of Italy's invasion of Greece, whicn allows Great Britain for the first time the use of offensive bases within easy striking range of Italian ports. The serious reduction of Italian sea power, coupled with the added strategic value of the new British naval stations

overwhelming predominance in the

Mediterranean. Far-reaching results are certain to accrue to Britain's

er protection can be given supply ships approaching British coastal waters, and it is possible the blockade of the French and Spanish Atlantic Coast may be tightened. The Taranto victory is the war's (Continued on Page Seven)

Legation af

Pacific.

tary quarters. Italian detachments were falling back through Konitsa, leaving equipment and prisoners behind them. The Greek legation in Sofia went even further in its claims. It said the Italian forces have been driven from all territory in Greece which they invaded in the first few days of the war. Damage to six Italian warships in an air raid on Taranto Harbor was by no means all that Britain claimed.

Claim Supply Ship Sunk

The Admiralty said that on the same night of the raid on Taranto Harbor one Italian ship was sunk

in the Straits of Otranto, two others. set afire and probably sunk and a fourth vessel of the same type seriously damaged. The Straits of Otranto separate Italy and Albania and it was believed the supply ships were attempting to prevision Italian forces based in Albania.

Toll in London Heavy

The Royal Air Force, operating from England, from Greece and from North Africa, struck again and again at Italian and German bases in the last 24 hours, pounding the German-held French port of Lorient -—an importan: Atlantic Coast submarine base—with such huge bombs that London believed it had been made useless, . Attacks also were made on docks

Italians Routed From Greece,

Sofia Declares

By JOE ALEX MORRIS United Press Foreign News Editor British bombs battered Axis warships and bases with unprecedented fury today to offset German bids to bring Soviet Russia into the Nazi Eurbpean front and Japanese threats of a new thrust into the South

Italian reverses continued in Greece, according to British miliIt was claimed that in the Pindus Mountains sectors

at Flushing, Holland and Dunkirk, France. The British communique also said that several German airdromes had been attacked and that only one British plane was missing. At the same time big fleets of British and Axis warplanés battled over southern England and the Channel as enemy raiders resumed bombing attacks that took a heavy toll in London during the last 24 hours. London said three German planes were destroyed today.

Famous Church Is Hit

"Two American ambulance stations, a motion picture theater and an air raid shelter were hit. Seven were killed in the theater and 35 hurt. London officials also disclosed that the famous 'Church of St. Martin in the ¥ields, in the corner of Trafalgar Square, and the Royal Col~ lege of Surgeons had been damaged in recent air raids. The bomb which crashed through a theater roof exploded in the auditorium where 70 persons were sitting. The lighting system failed and rescuers groped through the darkness, guided by the screams of the injured. Girl ushers tore up their ciothes to make bandages. It was feared that others were still trappea in the debris. Several dead were removed from a shelter that was wrecked by a (Continued on Page Three)

his Danzig estate.

" the basis for his book.

Dr. Rauschning

In The

A WORD ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Herman Rauschning, author of “The Voice of Destruction,” was a member of the innermost Nazi circles from 1932 to 1935. Son of an East Prussian army officer and graduate of the Central Gazette School, he devoted his time in the twenties to managing.

In 1931 he became a convert to National Socialism and: there began .the many conversations with Adolf Hitler of which he kept an almost stenographic record in his journal.

what National Socialism is. . . . To have published these conversa tions only six months ago (before invasion of Norway, Denmark, Belgium, Holland and France) would have earned me at that time an accusation of malicious invention and defamation. . until today is the world prepared top accept the truth, ., ,”

Dr. Rauschning's Book Begins Monday

This journal is

He was made president of the “Landbund” in 1932, and in 1933 became president of the Danzig Senate. He dined frequently at the Chancellery and had free access to the inner circles of Hitler's friends and lieutenants. In 1935, he was unable to stomach any longer the brutalities in Germany, had a public disagreement with Hitler, and was forced to flee the country. This book was written in 1939 and of it Dr. Rauschning says: “In the circles of intimates, Hitler spoke openly his innermost ideas—ideas which have ‘been kept secret from the masses. Only in exclusive circles is it known what Hitler really intends and

+ +» Not

Times

Affects Balance in The Mediterranean,

Churchill Says.

LONDON, Nov. 13 (U. P.), —The Admiralty reported today that British air and naval forces had knocked out seven to -10 Italian warships and supply vessels and damaged others in two smashing vie-. tories that “decisively” affected the balance of naval power in the Mediterranean. Six or seven warships, including main units of the Fascist fleet, virtually were destroyetl by a Brite ish air attack on the harbor of Tae ranto at the heel of the Italian boot, Prime Minister Winston Churchill tol da cheering House of Commons, It was believed that British topedo planes made the attack. Three Italian battleships, two cruisers and two auxiliary ships were listed as casualties, In addition British naval forces went into action at'about the same time in the Straits of Taranto on the other side of the Italian “heel,” sinking one and possibly three supe ply ships and scoring a hit on one of two destroyers that “escaped” behind a smoke screen, the Admirale ty said. The British Press Association’s naval correspondent said that it was believed the attack on Taranto may

have been made by planes carrying aerial torpedoes rather than bombs,

Leaves Italy 3 Battleships

The British report of, the Taranto attack, which would leave Italy with only three usable battleships, was believed to mean that the British could now reduce their naval forces in the Mediterranean in order to bolster the war against Axis submae rines in the Atlantic Ocean. The planes, presumably operating from an aircraft carrier, caught the pride of Benito M ini’s Navy snuggled in its harbor inside the heel of the Italian boot, from whence it had never. ventured to challenge British ships on the Med= Heranean, and all but| annihilate ed it. Despairing of a line battle against the numerically superior Italian fleet, Admiral Sir Andrew Cunningham, British commander-in-chief on the Mediterranean, put jn prac tice the old theory of Lord Nelson: “Go in and get them if they won't come out.”

Confirmed by Pictures

The British planes did the work surface craft could not do, because of the Italian shore defenses. The results, announced today after they had been confirmed by photographs taken by British reconnaissance planes, were given out by the Ade miralty as follows: One battleship of the Littorio class down by her bows| until her forecastle is under wafer and listing heavily to starboard. There are four ships of this class, two newly built and two still building. They are of 35,000 tons, mounting nine 15 inch guns and numerous smaller guns and carrying 1600 officers and men, : Two Cruisers Listing

One battleship of the Conte Di Cavour class, beached |with her stern under water up to the after turret and listing heavily to star boa¥d. There are four ships of this class, all newly reconditioned. They are of 23,622 tons, mounting 10 12inch and many smaller guns. Another battleship of the Cavour class possibly damaged, but details (Continued on Page Three)

GREEN EXPECTS F. D.R. TO ASK LABGBR PEACE

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 (U. PJ), —President William Green of the American Federation of Labor said after a conference with President Roosevelf, today he expected that the Chief Executive's message to the A, F. f L. convention opening

new efforts for labor peace.

Mr. Green said he thought that there was “some improvement” in

this to what he described as a de~ cline in the influence of C. I. Op President John. L. Lewis among the rank and file of C. I. O. members, The international iy

selves have indicated & s r ¢ sire for unity, he added. = =

8 |

in New Orleans Monday would urge

the labor situation and attributed

i 1

EE

>

ANTO

fia

tf

: pe 4 ‘ITALIAN NAVY RIDDLED’-BRITAIN CLAIM 6 TO 7 WARSHIPS VIRTUALLY DESTROYED

4

&