Richmond Palladium (Daily), Volume 39, Number 75, 6 February 1914 — Page 1

0 AND 8UN-TELEGRAM VOL. XXXIX. NO. 75 RICHMOND, IND., FRIDAY EVENING, FEB. 6, 1914 SINGLE COPY 2 CENTS

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Gray's "Naval Policy

Out of Harmony With Administration's Plans To Add Ships to Navy Richmond Union Men Brand Congressman's Reply to Petition for Increased Naval Strength as Wilful Misinterpretation of Purpose. Demand Explanation of Gompers Attitude on Universal Peace. "Representative Finly Gray has wilfully misinterpreted the petition sent to him by a number of local working men, asking his support of a 'two-battleships-a-year naval policy," said a member of the Richmond Central Trades council today, in commenting on the letter Mr. Gray sent to Ellsworth Bass, secretary of the local trades council, in which he insinuated that the signers of the petition were in favor of war, and that he, as a peace advocate, could not support such a policy. Mr. Gray's charge that Samuel Gompers, president of the American Federation of Labor, has repudiated the action of the local trades council, has not been accepted by members of the council as a fact, and a letter has been sent to him asking for an explanation. Inasmuch as the movement for a large navy is now nation-wide and championed by one of the largest trades unions affiliated with the American Federation, local trades union men are unwilling to accept the statement that Mr. Oompers has no knowledge of this movement. PREPARE TO PROTEST GOMPERS' ATTITUDE. However, if Mr. Gompers personally informs the Richmond trades council that he has been correctly quoted by Mr. Grey and is out of sympathy with the movement the council is prepared to forward a vigorous protest against such an attitude on his part. "The petition sent Mr. Gray did not originate among Richmond working men, and in the second place no representation was made to Mr. Gray that the signers of the petition were exclusively trades union men," said another central labor committeeman today. "The petition was drafted by the International Machinists' union and one copy of it was sent to Richmond for the signatures of all citizens who have common sense enough to know that only preparation for war can guarantee peace. "At the recent trades council banquet this petition was presented for the signatures of all who desired to sign it, no matter whether they were trades vnion men, merchants, lawyers, newspaper men or belonged to any other profession or unorganized craft. "Mr. Gray should also know that this petition received the unanimous indorsement of the Richmond Central Trades council after it had been presented by -i. M. Thomas, local representative of the Machinists' union in the council. (Continued on Page Ten.)

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We're Not Seeking Pensions " Say Postoffice Employes Here

Lawrence Handley, Superintendent of Mails, Says That Hamill Bill Is "Rot." "The Hamill Bill to retire civil service employes is all nonsense. It's as foolish a bill as the teachers pension bill of last year. The time is not ripe for that kind of legislation." This was the statement of Lawrence Handley, superintendent of mails at the post office, when interviewed today as to the local feeling on the pension bill which is before the house committee on civil service betterment. Under the provisions of the bill, eight able-bodied men could be retired six of them on pensions of 5500 annually or more. Sarah Moorman, the stamp clerk, has been in the post office service for thirty years. The Hamill bill provides that all civil service employes of all departments of the government be pensioned, if they desire, at the close of twenty years service at forty per cent, of the salary they received in active service. This holds for employes up to twenty-five years in the service. From twenty-five to thirty years of service, employes would receive fortyfive per cent of his salary; from thirty to forty years they would receive half of the salary for the remainder of life. Retire After Forty Years. At forty years of service, the bill would automatically retire employes of the civil service, unless they voluntarily retire sooner. William H. Hansche. John E. Donlin, William B. Arnold, Emil Steen, Edgar A. Dickinson have been in the service for about twenty-five years and would come under the forty-five per cent salary retirement. Lawrence Handley, John Maag and John Ixtt have been in the service twenty years and under the privisions of Hamill's bill could retire at forty per cent of their present salary. The local clerks and carriers associations are not in favor of the passage of such a bill as the Hamill bill but would advocate a bill providing ?or the pensioning of employes of the civil service at the age of seventy years, regardless of the previous length of service. The post office employes fear that the public would deride them or at least would cause persons to entertain ill feeling against them, should they advocate such a bill. Because we are fortunate enough'to be working for the government, does not. make us favor a bill, like that,"

Neva Deardorff Heads Bureau At Philadelphia

A position not often attained by a woman, that of chief of the division of vital statistics of the Bureau of Health of Philadelphia, Pa., is now occupied by Miss Neva Deardorff, a "former Richmond girl and daughter of Mrs. Elizabeth Deardorff. This announcement has been made by Mayor Blankenburg. The post of chief of vital statistics carries with it the responsibility of compiling and tabulating the figures showing gain and losses in the expenditure of money of the city government. She will have power to put into action ideas regarding the saving of public money in the operation of the different departments. She will have K

v L. H. HANDLEY. Superintendent Handley said. "There is no more reason why the government should retire one of us than there is they should pension a hod carrier after he has been at it twenty years." There is no pension retirement act now but the Richmond civil service employes believe one would be a great benefit to the government which would retire on pension old carriers especially in big cities, who are able to do only one-third work at full pay and are kept in the employ of the post office because of faithful service. Another idea of the Richmond office employes is for the government to retain part of the salaries of the employes. "We would pay our own pensions that way," one said. "It would simply be a case of the government saving money for us and when we are too old to work actively, to retire us on what had been kept out of our salaries. Some of the men save and after twenty years have enough saved to retire. Others spend all their money and have nothing. A bill providing those features, probably will never be passed, however." a number of clerks and accountants under her supervision. Miss Deardorff was appointed to that position with the same salary as the man who preceded her. She graduated from the Richmond high school in 1904. She came to Richmond with her mother from Hagerstown. Following her graduation from the high school she entered Michigan University and after graduation and obtaining a degree she received a scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania. After receiving a Ph. D. degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 19 J 1. she became connected with the Philadelphia Bureau of Municipal Research,

REDUCTION III LIGHT RATES PETITIONED IN REPORT MADE TODAY

Average Decrease Asked of State Commission 16 2-3 Per Cent. CITY OFFICIALS GO TO INDIANAPOLIS Bond Believes Board Will Acquiesce in Petition of City. City Attorney Bond and Superintendent Kleinknecht of the municipal plant left for Indianapolis today to present to the Indiana public utilities commission a petition requesting the authorization of a general reduction of the lighting and power rates of the plant, averaging all told about sixteen and two-thirds percent. The commission recently handed down a ruling that it would not authorize a permanent rate reduction of the rates of the local municipal plant unless the inventory to be taken of the plant by the commission justifies it. The commission indicated, however, that the proposed rate reductions could be placed in effect temporarily, beginning March 1, as the city petitioned. "I feel confident that the rate reductions will eventually become permanent," said Mr. Bond, before leaving for Indianapolis, "because I know that when the appraisement of the plant is made the commission will realize that we were justified in the action we took. I also am confident that as the business of the plant increases we will be in a position to reduce the rates still lower, from time to time." Depreciation Provided. In the petition filed with the commission this afternoon it is asserted, that under the reduced rate schedules the city can properly provide for depreciation and all other reasonable, proper and necessary charges against the municipal plant fund, and it is set forth that the average reduction in the various classifications will total about sixteen and two-thirds per cent. Concerning the reduction in lighting rates, the petition reads: "Charge for current used for lighting, which shall also include that used in motors having less than two horse power capacity,, will be per lew, consumed . each month, through one meter and for each connection, '"according to the following schedule for lighting rates: Less than 51 k. w 7 cents Over 50, less than 201 6 cents Over 200, less than 501 .... 6 cents Over 500, less than 1,001 5 cents Over 1,000, less than 2,501.. 5 cents Over 2,500 xk cents Bills are payable for discount on or' before the tenth of the month, as customary, with the usual discount. A minimum charge of 50 cents for lighting current on all connections is provided; also a minimum charge of $5 per month per k. w. capacity on all double-throw switches for lighting and connected with th3 competitive central station. Concerning rates for power the petition reads: Charge for 60-cycle alternating current used for power, which shall include nothing less than two horse power in motors on one connection, consumed each month through one meter and for each connection, according to the following schedule: Less than 501 k. w 3 cents Over 500, less than 1,001 2 cents Over 1,000, less than 5,001.. 26 cents Over 5,000, less than 10,001. 2V4 cents Over 10,000, less than 25,001 2 cents Over 25,000 1 cents An addition charge of 20 per cent for direct power current will be charged. A minimum monthly charge of 75 cents per connected horse power for each power connection is provided ; also a minimum monthly charge of $2.50 per k. w. capacity for each double-throw switch, and with' the competition isolated for both lighting and power. Free meters are also provided in the list of rules and regulations, as well as many otfier minor matters. MURRAY CONVICTED OF SHORTWEIGHING New Paris Man Fined $10 and Costs By Mayor Bobbins. The arst arrest made by George McKinley, the new sealer of weights and measures, resulted in the conviction of Henry Murray, of New Paris, O., charged with selling butter under weight to the Home for Friendless Women. Mayor Robbins fined Murray $10 and costs. Attorney Byram Robbins, for the defense, tied an ap peal to the circuit court. Murray was arrested Monday by Inspector McKinley, after he had weigh ed a quantity of butter, purported to weigh eight pounds, and found It to tin the scale at seven and one-half pounds. Mrs. Thomas, matron of the home, testified she had noticed that the but jter varied in weight, and had report ed ll 10 me Doaru oi iaay managers, who instructed her to take action if it occurred again. A week ago last Saturday Mrs. Thomas said she had the butter weighed, and found the crock to contain but six and one-fourth pounds, a shortage of one and three-fourth pounds. She ealled the attention of Inspector McKinley, which resulted in the filing of the charge. Although this is the first arrest made by the weights and measures inspector, it is understood that a number of cases - are under surveil'.JUnce of Ijuoector McKinley.

GIRL BURGLAR, AGED ONLY EIGHTEEN

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FRIEDA KILLNER. While trying to pass a certified check she had stolen from the apartments of the Rev. William Schoenfeld, in New Vork city, Miss Frieda Kellner, 18 years of age, was arrested by the police and is now in jail. When questioned the girl broke down and confessed to climbing down the fire escape to the minister's apartments, where she forerly . was employed, and stealing jewelry and money valued at more than three hundred dollars. Miss Kellner also confessed to two other robberies committed last August, in which she stole $155. She is considered one of the nerviest and most clever thieves that has fallen Into the hands of the police for some time. Mi ROMELY PLANTS RfcSOMf OPERATION Laporte Feels Impetus of Increased Working Forces At Plant. MONEY NOW IN SIGHT Report Accepted, Financial Backing Secured For Business of 1914. With 150 men working at the GaarScott plant of the M. Rumely company, and officers giving assurance that more men will be taken on to fill the orders that are coming in, industrial circles here today are looking with optimism toward a gradual resumption of work in the big concern. Officials of the M. Rumely company in this city said today that a feeling of decided rest was noted in the affairs of the company, and that it was facing the future with assurance, of a successful season, News dispatches froiaLaporte to the Palladium today said: "While official confirmation can not be obtained for the report, the statenew: would seem to be well founded tfiJte M. Rumely company has been able to obtain the money required for the operation of its plants on the basis of business which is in sight for 1914. "The feeling of optimism which prevails in commercial circles here is also accepted as proof of the improved financial conditions which have come to pass in the affairs of the company. "The working forces of the company have been increased here, and while no large number of men have been put to work, it is believed here by men on the inside that the plants at Richmond and Battle Creek will soon fell the impetus." STEWART TO GIVE TEMPERANCE TALK Oliver Wayne Stewart will give a temperance lecture at the North A Street Friends meeting house on March 9 under the auspices of that organization. CARUSO FALLS ON STAGE. NEW YORK. Feb. 6. Enrico Caruso fell sprawling on the stage In the second act of "The Girl of the Golden West," when his spur got tangled in the blanket worn by Miss Destinn, the heroine. A minute passed before the tenor got untangled. WEATHER FORECAST j FOR INDIANA Snow tonight Colder . South portion. Saturday fair and colder with cold wave. TEMPERATURE Noon 40 YESTERDAY Maximum , , 35

I Minimum ,uJhiM'MMtMdtM4Mi 20

Love For Pretty Emma Impels Married Man To Desert Wife

Nagging Wife Prevented Him From Buying a Sack of Tobacco After Working Hour, Asserts Fugitive in Explanation of His Desertion and His Love for Emma.

INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 6. "I love him. I love him so well that if he gets a divorce from his wife, I will marry him," declared pretty Emma Smith, 17 years old, who was found in company with Shelby Combs, 27 years old, when the pair was arrested at a rooming house last night. The pair eloped from South Lebanon, Ohio, and have lived in Indianapolis since Dec. 21. A telegram from the sheriff at South Lebanon, Ohio, stating that Combs was wanted on the charge of wife and child desertion, caused the arrest of both Combs and Miss Smith. That the love of the girl for Combs is mutual Is evident for Combs declared this morning, "I am willing to support my children, but I hope I can get a divorce from my wife and marry Emma. I love her. I love my children, but my wife would not even let me go out to buy smoking tobacco after I returned home from work." When it was suggested to Combs that it was possible that a white slave charge might be placed against him for bringing the girl across the state line he seemed much worried and asked if he could not be tried on the wife and child desertion charge in Ohio. The two met last August when Miss Smith rented a room at the Combs home. Friendship ripened into love.

MEETINGS FOR MEN AT Y, M, C, 11, Secretary Brings Dayton Preacher to Address Mass Gathering. QUARTET WILL SING Local Talent to Furnish Music for First Afternoon Venture. So successful have been the Sunday afternoon men's mass meetings at the Honeywell tabernacle that the Y. M. C. A. has decided to hold a meeting Sunday afternoon at 2: SO o'clock. General Secretary Learner-made the announcement today that Daniel McGurk, D. D. of Dayton, O., would be the speaker at the big meeting Sunday afternoon. Dr. McGurk is pastor of the Grace Episcopal church in Dayton and is known throughout the states of Ohio and Indiana. He has conducted men's meetings in many parts of both states with signal success. Dr. McGurk will speak on "The Inescapable Christ." The lecture deals with the' problems of the average man and his attitude toward religious life. Brings Along Singer. Dr. McGurk will be accompanied by Peter Quartel, of the Dayton Rescue Mission, an evangelistic singer of wide repute. During the Honeywell meettins the Chicago evangelist made an effort to obtain the services of Mr. Quartel but at that time the Dayton man was busy and was unable to come to Richmond. A double quartet, a mens chorus led by J. A. McAfee, and an orchestra will furnish the musical program for the afternoon. Secretary Learner, who is taking charge of the arrangements for the meeting will preside. A special campaign is being made among the shop men. Announcement tickets have been distributed to every laboring man. The Y. M. C. A. is making preparations to hold Sunday afternoon meetings throughout the remainder of the winter. Only tentative plans are under way at this time. However, in a few weeks it is expected that some formal announcement will be made by the association. DEMOCRATS PRAISE TAGGARTS STAND Governor Lauds Committeeman's Refusal to Run For Office. INDIANAPOLIS. Feb. 6. Democrats today are reviewing with a sense of satisfaction the extreme laudation given National Committeeman Taggart at the thirty-third annual banquet of the Indiana Democratic Editorial association here last night. He was praised for his qualities of leadership and for his unselfishness in putting aside aspirations to be a candidate for high office. If there is an element of discord between Senator Shively and Taggart, It was not In evidence last night, and it is said here today that the way seemingly has been cleared to return Shively to the United States senate. Not the least of tbe praises heaped upon Taggart came from Governor Ralston, who not only attributed Democratic success to tbe editors, but did not forget to mention Taggart in terms that were unmistakeable. The governor's reference to Taggart's refusal to run for office, was greeted with acclaim. Senator Shively was one of the speakers at the affair that brought together the leading Democrats of the state, and all candidates for state ot itic oa the Democratic ticket

SUNDAY

Bachelors, Hist! There's a Reason For Single Bliss

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 "Bachelors remain single because of the inability of men to support wives who demand present day fashIons," declared Dr. Mary Walker, the only woman having congress permission to wear trousers, speaking at the banquet of the National Custom Cutters Association. Attired In faultless dree cult, she pleaded with the tailors to bring about more sensible fashIons for women by starting with their own wives. "Its only a question of time before women will dress as men do," she said. "It's the only sensible and economical way. I have never worn a corset. The Lord knows how to make women without their going Into the ocean to get a whale to splinter themselves up with. SCHOOL ARRANGES GARDENING CLASS Garfield Boys Offered of the B. P. O. E. Grounds. Use 26 WILL TAKE WORK Through the kindness of the Elks' lodge in permitting the experiment classes in gardening at Garfield school the use of the rear of their lot on North Eighth street, twenty-six young garden and horticultural enthusiasts will be able to do actual field work this spring. Prof. N. C. Heironimus. principal of Garfield school, where the experiment of teaching the classes in gardening is being tried, announced today that the Elks' lodge had offered the use of the ground. The class, composed of fourteen boys and twelve girls, is in charge of Prof. V. W. Cottingham, of the English department, who is experienced In teaching agriculture. The class includes students of the Seventh grade, whose ages range from 13 to 14 years. Test Out Plans. The new class, which was formed thsi year, is a part of the experiment in the city schools which is being conducted under the supervision of Prof. J. H. Thompson, assistant principal of the high schooL Several of the schools last year offered courses lasting but a few weeks, dealing with gardening, but did not attempt actual field work. At this time the class is making preparations for spring outdoor work by studying textbooks and doing laboratory work. The book used is "Principles of Agriculture Through the Home and School Garden," by Stebbens. The bood deals with the analysis of the soil, germination of seeds, the planting of seeds, care of young plants and methods of artistic planting. Both Professors Thompson and Cottingham are urging the students in the class to plant vegetable and flower gardens at their homes so that they may observe the results after school has been dismissed. Owing to the fact that school Is closed the early part of June, the activities of the class will be limited to seeds and plants which mature early. To Extend Work. If the class this semester is a success it is possible that the garden curriculum will be added to the schedules of all public schools in tbe city. As soon as the weather permits, the class will be taken to the Elks' ground and their begin the preparation of the soil for planting. The early planting will consist of early blooming flowers and vegetables. Each day the class will visit the garden plot to watch its progress. Arrangements for procuring of seed to be planted have not been completed. It Is thought that the school will apply to Congressman Gray, thereby receiving seed which has been tested by the government agricultural department. With tested seed the class will not experience much difficulty in the selection of proper seed to use in the experiments.

MAYOR AND CABINET AS CIVIC STUDENTS PONDER CITY'S BEST

First Time in Richmond's History, Its Executive Officials Gather. REPORTS INDICATE EFFICIENT METHODS Give Taxpayers Full Dollar's Worth, Slogan of Administration. Richmond's first school of municipal government was held last evening st the council chamber. It had sixteen pupils, including Mayor Robbins, the members of the board of public works and the heads of each department except finance, E. G. McMahan, and he was -permitted to play "hookey" en a legitimate excuse. While the mayor presided ever the meeting, each of his subordinates shared with him the duties of teacher," and the Intelligent, enthusJastlo interest shown in city affairs gave assurance to the fact that If the ecenony, efficiency pledge of the administration is not fulfilled, It will not be from the lack of serious effort on the part of the mayor and his cabinet officers. The meeting really was a unique event In the city's history. It was the first real cabinet meeting ever held by a municipal administration, and was a positive indication that the demands of the citizens of Richmond for governmental efficiency were being responded to. Monthly Reports Filed. Each department chief submitted a report of the activities In his department for the first month of the new regime and these reports were discussed freely, pro and con, even by the newspaper men. at the request of Mayor Robbins. These reports Indicated that city affairs were in a satisfactory condition and that reforms are being introduced. After reports had been read, several of the officials made short addresses, all of which sounded the keynotes of harmony and co-operation. "I want all of you. to work together and give Richmond a full dollar's worth of government for every dollar expended." admonished the mayor, and he was promptly informed that this Is the policy pursued in each department. . Wants Help of Taxpayers. President Bavis, of the board, announced that It was the hope of that body that the taxpayers would co-operate with all departments in their efficiency programs, and that criticism and complaints were not only welcome but courted, and he pledged that each complain would be promptly investigated and the best possible remedy provided. "Complaints are frequently bothersome, but if the best interests of the city are to be served they are necessary, and I am greatly pleased with the desired evidence by all these officials to have the people of Richmond bring their troubles to them for remedies." said City Attorney Bond. "I was pleased to have a woman call me up the other day and complain over her gas bill. Through an bonest mistake she had been overcharged 99 cents, I discovered on Investigation." A "complaint" box Is to be placed in the board of public works office, and the board expects the public to take advantage of this opportunity for airing its troubles, either real or imaginary. President Bavis In his report on the board of public works announced one of Its first acts was to vest more authority in the department chiefs subordinate to it, giving them the right (Continued on Page Six) INSPECTORS TO GET SOPPLIESJATURDAY All Unvoted Ballots Must Be Returned to Canvass Board. COUNT VOTES TUESDAY Inspectors who will serve at the Progressive primary next Monday tomorrow will receive ballots and election supplies. Chairman Price and other officers of the committee to be at headquarters throughout the day -to wait on the Inspectors. The county ballots, in accordance with the: election law, are printed on white paper; the township ballots on yellow. Special instructions have been prepared for election boards relative to j the counting of the vote, particularly as to the disposition of unvoted balvoted were destroyed by burning as soon as the polls were closed. Under the existing law all ballots must be preserved and returned to tne canvassing board together with voted ballots. The canvass of the vote will not take place until Tuesday morning, the inspector to meet at 10 o'clock at the court house for this purpose. Inspectors, however, have been instructed jto telephone returns to the circuit court room on Monday night,' in order that the result may be known before the official canvass. Chairman" Price, who has been in touch with the various precinct committeemen, said today that Indications pointed to a good vote throughout the county. In Richmond it is hoped that the Progressives will poll a big percentage of tbe normal vote, chairmaa Price said,

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