Richmond Palladium (Daily), Volume 40, Number 136, 20 April 1915 — Page 1

RICHMOND

VOI " YI Mfl 1 ICt Palladium and Sun-Telegram Ub. ALf., fNU. lOO v ConoUdatd. 1907 RICHMOND, IND., TUESDAY EVENING, APRIL 20, 1915. SINGLE COPY, 2 CENTS mm JV

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Ultimatum to G. O. P

ROOSEVELT WILLING TO SUPPORT G. 0. P. IF CANDIDATE MEASURES UP TO A HIGH CLASS STANDARD Colonel to Continue Fight if Old Guard Holds Control and Nominates Reactionary at National Convention Statement Prepared by Frank Knox, Western Manager of the Progressive Party in 1912 Fight Republicans Expect Division Upon Accepting Ultimatum.

SEEKS TO DEFEAT WISON'S NEXT CANDIDACY Senator Borah Eefoves if G. 0. P. Platform Is Sanely Progressive, Former Standard Bearer Will Rejoin Old Party Denies He Is Candidate for Presidency Former President Will Lead Progressive Ranks if Republicans Abide by Old Reactionary Platform Planks.

Arthur Sears Henning, writing for the Chicago Tribune, asserts that former President Roosevelt will aid the Republican candidate for the presidency if the leader is the "right man," otherwise he will continue to fight the old guard. The article says in part: "Theodore Roosevelt will get back into the Republican party next year and take with him the remnant of the Progressive party, if "The Republican national convention nominates a progressive Republican. "But he will remain outside of the fold and do his utmost to revive the Progressive party, it "The Republican national convention nominates a reactionary Republican. "This is an authoritative statement PiVOIlCE-CHURCH FROM POLITICS . Shreve Durham Scores Men Using Religion as Political Weapon. . "Keep religion out of politics, that's my advice. There are a lot of cheap Protestants and a lot of cheap Catholics who seek to Inject religion into politics in the interests of their individual, self-aggrandizement." The statements was made by J. Shreve Durham, who has charge of the Richmond Home Visitation campaign now in progress. He spoke to callers In his office in the Masonic temple today. "What is needed," continued Mr. Durham, "is a Catholic or Protestant big enough and good enough to run for office, be elected and then resign with the explanation that he did not care to hold an office won by political maneuvers through the medium of religion. Even the president of United States is not too big to resign. "The church plays an important part in an election but it is emphatically not the church which is injecting religion into politics. It is the cheap politicians who know the value and influence of having the moral or active support of fellow members of a church. The church has no place for politics and the two should be kept distinctly separate if we desire to improve the conditions of both." JAILER AWAITS THOMAS Anderson Thomas, accused of the murder of Louis Bader at Liberty last August, has not been brought to Richmond by Sheriff Post of Union county. Sheriff Steen said today. Thomas will be treated as a prisoner out of the ordinary by the jail attaches who are awaiting his arrival at the county jail. Sheriff Steen expects him to arrive tomorrow or possibly late tonight. Arrangements for the trial will be made in court within a short time, when the prosecuting attorney of Union county and the attorneys for the defense of Anderson Thomas reach here to take up the matte, with the court. WeatherForecast FOR INDIANA Fair tonight and probably Wednesday. Somewhat cooler north portion. Temperature. Noon 81 Yesterday Maximum 79 Minimum 41 FOR RICHMOND Partly cloudy tonight and Wednesday; possibly local thunder showers. GENERAL CONDITIONS Fair weather continues throughout the United States with the exception of rain in Texas and fw of the southwestern states.

of the attitude of Colonel Roosevelt concerning which there has been a great deal of speculation during the last fortnight. The statement was prepared and made public by Frank Knox, the western manager of the Progressive party in the 1912 campaign. "In effect this statement is an ultimatum served upon the Republican party by Colonel Roosevelt. He puts forth the terms upon which the support of himself and followers may be obtained in the 1916 presidential election "That there will be a division of opinion in the Republican party upon Continued On Page Ten.

RUSSIANS LOSE TWO BATTALION IN CARPATHIANS VIENNA, April 20. Another Russian reverse was announced today in dispatches from Austrian headquarters. Three battalions of Russian troops in the Carpathians were caught between two Austro-German forces and forced to surrender after one battalion had been completely destroyed. The Russians were trapped in a little valley into which they had been led by a Hungarian peasant whom they had forced to act as their guide. SEND REINFORCEMENTS. PETROGRAD, April 20. Six hundred thousand new Russian troops who had been held back from the front until they could be given equipment, are now being sent to the Carpathian front. GERMANS ON OFFENSIVE. BERLIN, April 20. German gains and French repulses are features In today's official report from the general staff. It tells of the re-capture of the villages of Ember and Menil by the -Germans and of other gains at various points. German forces have taken the offensive in Alsace. GERMANS VICTORIOUS IN FAR EAST AFRICA BERLIN, (Wireless) April 20. British forces landed on the coast of German East Africa were defeated near Jassin and suffered a loss of 700 men in a two day battle, it was officially announced here today. The following statement was issued; "Mail reports confirm that in a twoday battle German troops near Jassin completely routed a strong corps landed from British cruisers and transports. The British lost seven hundred men, among them parts of four companies. "The Germans captured many rifles and large stores of ammunition. The German casualties were seven officers and thirteen men killed and fourteen officers and twenty-two men wounded. TWENTY TOWNS VOTE CHICAGO, April 20. Twenty-two Illinois cities, town and villages today were voting on the question of abolishing saloons. The women voters were admitted to be the big factor in the elections. A year ago when women of Illinois first exercised their right to vote on the wet and dry issue, 1,000 I saloons were put out of existence. "Y" CANVASS OPENS The three-day campaign to raise $3,000 to meet the deficit in the treasury of the Y. M. C. A., opens tomorrow, in charge of the association trustees and the nance committee.

BARNES RESTS CASE WHEN ONE MAN TESTIFIES Main Evidence in $50,000 Libel Suit Against Theodore Roosevelt to Come in Rebuttal.

USES FIVE MINUTES SYRACUSE, N. Y., April 20. William Barnes rested his $50,000 libel suit against Theodore Roosevelt today after only five minutes of direct testimony. The plaintiff's only direct witness was John McGrath, of Oyster Bay, private secretary to Col. Roosevelt, who testified that he took and delivered to the newspapers and press associations of New York the Roosevelt statement of which Barnes complained. Mr. McGrath will be examined at the afternoon session but Mr. Ivans Continued On Page Seven. OBREGON FORCE DEFEATS VILLA Officials Foresee End of Outlaw General's Rule in Mexican Republic. WASHINGTON, April 20. The end of the reign in Mexico of General Francisco Villa is in sight, according to the general belief in official circles today, Consular dispatches to the state department confirm the Carranza claims of a great victory by General Obregon at Celaya. They told of Villa's retreat northward. These reports together with some other official advices stating that the Carranza forces appear to be winning on the west coast, strengthen the belief that Carranza is about to gain the ascendancy in the revolution torn republic for the present at least. Other reports reaching Washington have indicated that Villa's defeat has caused his men to lose much of their former respect for him, and that thousands are deserting. Military experts believe that Villa with the remnant of his forces is making for the American border. Border reports today indicated, however, that Carranza soon may have another revolt on his hands. These advices tell of a gathering there of followers of the former Dictator Huerta. CARPENTERS ACCEPT ARBITRATION OFFER CHICAGO, April 20. With the striking and locked out members of the Chicago Carpenters' union On record as favoring arbitration of the present labor war, the full membership of the Carpenter Contractors' association was called into a meeting today to decide whether they would agree to the appointment of mediators and allow the striking carpenters to go back to work immediately pending a settlement of the trouble. John A. Metz, president and four members of the executive committee of the carpenters district council, have signed an agreement presented by the state board of arbitration, offering to have their wage demand of seventy cents an hour passed upon by a mediation board. 150,000 IN ENGLAND SIGN "DRY" PLEDGE LONDON, April 20. More than 150.000 persons in England and Scotland have now taken a pledge to abstain from the use of intoxicating liquors until the end of the war, according to leaders of the temperance movement today. It was stated that impetus had been given to the movement by the activity of the churches. Ten thousand protestant churches throughout England observed Sunday as "King's Pledge Sunday." The largest meeting was held in Central London, where more than two thousand persons renounced liquor during the remainder of the war period. Both the drink question and the matter of accelerating the output of war munitions are expected to be up before parliament this week. MUSICIAN VISITS HAGERSTOWN FOLKS HAGERSTOWN, Ind., April 20 Frank A. Hubbell of Adrian, Mich., is spending a few days among friends here enroute to San Francisco, where he will join Waters' concert band and orchestra for the season. Mr. Hubbell is the baritone soloist in the band and a violinist In the orchestra.

PURCHASE OF L. II. & P. PLANT BY RICHMOND APPROVED BY COUNCIL IN EXECUTIVE SESSION; MONOPOLY FOR CITY MEANS LOW LIGHT RATES

Text of Resolution

The following; communication to the common council and signed by William J. Robbins, mayor, C. A. Kleinknecht, superintendent of the city light and power plant ; Alfred Bavis, John McMinn and Charles E. Marlatt, board of public works ; William A. Fahlsing, W. K. Bradbury, L. A. Handley, Pettis A. Reid and C. W. Jordan, special citizens committee; and William A. Bond, city attorney, was presented last night : "We, the undersigned officers of the city of Richmond, and the special committee appointed by the mayor to act with us in the cause now pending before the public service commission of Indiana for the purpose of fixing charges for electric current in said city and matters relating thereto, have had the same under consideration for some time. Advises Purchase. "We have endeavored to give due consideration to all questions involved, and sought to determine, after full deliberation, the best thing to be done and the wisest course to pursue, both for the present and the future of our city and its inhabitants. We have deemed it proper and in fact necessary to look into the future as well as to consider both the present and the past ; and after having carefully considered and minutely analyzed all the available information we are unanimously of the opinion that good business judgment demands that this city shall acquire, as soon as practicable, and in accordance with the provisions of the law for so doing, all the property of the Richmond Light, Heat and Power company, within said city and vicinity thereof that is used and useful in producing, transmitting and serving electric current. Ask Co-operation. "In order to consummate this plan, your assistance is necessary in order that available funds may be provided when necessary but we hope to receive not alone your official assistance, but in addition thereto your hearty approval and earnest co-operation in the working out of many questions which will necessarily arise before the final consummation of such plan. "We, therefore, respectfully request that you take such action either approving or disapproving the plan suggested as you may deem proper, and that you appoint from your number a committee of three or more members to act with us in considering the questions involved, and with your approval, to aid in the consummation of such plan."

e v- ACTIONOF COUNCIL "The following resolution was adopted by council: eleven of the twelve members voting aye. John White, councilman from the second ward, who is an employe of the Richmond Light, Heat and Power company, was present but did not vote. "Resolved by the common council of the city of Richmond, Indiana, that good business judgment requires and present urgent public necessity demands, that this city shall acquire, as soon as practicable all the property of the Richmond Light, Heat and Power company within said city and the vicinity thereof that is used and useful in producing, transmitting and serving electric current and this council stands ready and willing to provide, in accordance with the lawful requirements therefor the necessary funds for so doing, and to take such other action as is necessary under the law, to attain such result. "And be it further resolved that the board of public works and the city attorney of this city are hereby authorized and instructed to pursue promptly and as by the law provided to carry into .full force and effect the provisions of this resolution so that the city of Richmond shall at an early date acquire all the property of the Richmond Light, Heat and Power company within such city and the vicinity thereof that is used and useful in producing, transmitting and serving electric current."

EARLHAM TRUSTEES ACT TOMORROW ON PETITION FOR COLLEGE PROBE

Action on the petition of members of the Friends church here for an investigation of "definite statements relative to conditions at Earlham college" by Prof. Elbert Russell following the acceptance of his resignation April 7, will be taken by Earlham trustees tomorrow. It is understood a meeting was called by Amos K. Hollowell of Indianapolis, president of the board, for 10 o'clock tomorrow morning. At this meeting the trustees will decide whether an investigation will be made, and, if so, to what extent. SOUTH SIDERS PLAN DEDICATION SERVICE FOR CLUB HOUSE Dedication services for the new building of the South Side Improvement association in Beallview park, will be a big occasion for members of the organization. At tonight's meeting final arrangements will be made for the dedication, and the directors will act on the report of Chairman John Bayer, who is in charge of preparations. The affair will be informal. Hans Koll will act as toastmaster and Judge Comstock will make the principal address, followed by Perry J. Freeman and others. The services will be opened by roll call of members. A quartet led by August Sturm will sing. A German banquet will close the affair. The affair is for members only and a few prospective members who have been invited.

If the petition is favorably acted on, a committee composed of Friends interested in the college, but uninfluenced, will do the investigating. In his statement of the reasons for his resignation, Prof. Russell declared that "In the past few years it has relaxed in religious and moral requirements while at the same time increasing its scholastic and athletic requirements. Disorder and relaxation of discipline in the boys' dormitory and differences of policy, made it difficult for me to maintain a high standard of religious life."

RECEIVERS NAMED FOR ROCK ISLAND IN FEDERAL COURT CHICAGO, April 20 Jacob M. Dickinson, former secretary of war, and H. U. Mudge, president of the Rock Island, today were appointed receivers for the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railway company on petition of the American Steel Foundries company. Federal Judge Carpenter, who heard the petition, fixed the bonds of the receivers at $100,000 each. The petition of th foundry company charged that the Rock Island can not meet its obligation of $5,000,000 which fall due before May 1. Before the receivers were named the railroad company entered an appearance In which it agreed to all the charges contained in the petition. SAVES TWO BOYS. ROUNDOUT, N. Y., April 20. Plunging into Hudson river, Everett Morris, a "down and out," saved two boys from drowning and earned the price of a meal from an onlooker.

Public Utilities Commission Law Permits Municipal Concern .To Take Over Competing Corporation at Valuation and Upon Terms Fixed by State Board Citizens Committee and City Officials Evolve Plan Which Promises to Solve Long-drawn-out Controversy Between Competitors. COST TO CITY IS ESTIMATED AT $200,000 President Bavis of Works Board Declares Privately Owned Utility Would Always Remain Heavy Millstone About Neck of City Plant, Preventing Cheap Electricity for light and Power for Richmond Proposed Deal Means Realization of Dream for Several Years.

City council last night enthusiastically indorsed a project for the purchase of the electric plant of the Richmond Light, Heat & Power company, a subsidiary company of the United Gas & Electric corporation of New York. Following the regular session of council one of its members, Oscar C. Williams, moved that council assemble as a committee of the whole in executive session, for the purpose of considering business "of extreme importance to the city." The motion was adopted and the councilmen, the majority of whom did not know the purpose of the executive session, city officials and members of a special citizens committee, recently appointed to take charge of the city's inter ests in the electric rate case pending before the state utilities commission, adjourned to the office of the board of public works. - Behind closed doors a report waa

SKIDDING AUTO GOES IN DITCH INJURING TWO Beach McMullen, Driver, and Charles Boyd of Greensfork, Escape Death Near Olive Hill. M'MULLEN SERIOUS Beach McMullen, liveryman of Greensfork, was probably fatally injured and Charles Boyd, his companion was painfully hurt when an automobile driven by McMullen skidded and turned turtle at the bottom of Olive Hill on the road between Richmond and Greensfork late yesterday afternoon. McMullen suffered a concussion of the skull, fractured bones and internal injuries. He was brought to the Reid Memorial hospital where he is now confined in a semi-unconscious condition. Attendants announced that be was better today than during the night but that his injuries were very serious. Cresh Wrenches Back. A bruised back and a wrenched ankle were the extent of Boyd's injuries. He was not taken to the hospital. The machine was not greatly damaged. Accounts concerning the accident vary. McMullen while being brought to the hospital, could give no rational explanation of the mishap and while Boyd claims the car was not moving at a rapid rate of speed, Joe Hurst and Gene Long, stockbuyers of Centerville who witnessed the accident, disagree with him. McMullen was driving his two-seated roadster down Olive Hill in the direct ion of Centerville. At the bottom ofj the hill and for some distance on each side of the road is a fifteen-foot em-i bankment. As the car swept around the curve on its approach to the bridge, it skidded, and went over the embankment, turning completely over and landing with the wheels up. Boyd was thrown about seven feet from the machine as it turned over but McMullen was struck on the head and pinioned underneath the car. With Continued On Page Seven. $100 SETTLEMENT LEAVES PLAINTIFF TO LOSE ABOUT $10 A $5,000 damage suit was settled for $100 in circuit court yesterday when Zachariah Ulrich, an aged man, agreed to accept that amount instead of putting his suit against the T. H., I. and E. Traction company to trial. Ulrich was offered $35 to .reimburse him for his doctor bills at the time of his injury, but refused and filed the $5,000 suit. Yesterday a jury was selected and a small amount of evidence was introduced. Ulrich agreed to pay all court costs except those caused by the traction company. He will have practically the entire bill to pay. It is estimated by court attaches, that after paying attorneys, court costs and doctor bills, Ulrich loses about $10.

then submitted to council, signed by Mayor Robbins, the members of the board of public works, the members of the special citizens committee, L. A. Handley, William Fahlsing, W. K. Bradbury. Charles W. Jordan and PetUs A. Reid. City Attorney Bond and Plant Supt. Kleinknecht, urging that the municipal legislative body give its approval to the plan and to pledge Itself to appropriate what sum will be required to consummate the deal and to co-operate with the officials and special citizens commission in carrying out the project to a successful culmination by appointing a committee of not less than three of its members to assist in the work. City Dreams of Monopoly. City officials for years have dreaded of the city enjoying a monopoly CJ the electric business and the councilmen, although surprised by the unexpected proposal for the purchase of the municipal plant's competitor, were instantly ready to give whole hearted approval of the plan. After a general discussion the committee of the whole was dissolved and council then adopted the resolution, which appears elsewhere. Mayor Robbins appointed W. P. O'Neal. Elbert Russell and Oscar Williams as the special council committee to act with the board of public works and the citizens' committee. It was explained to council by Mayor Robbins and City Attorney Bond that the city, under the provisions of the Indiana Public Utilities Commission law, had the authority to take over the electric business of the Light, Heat & Power company.

Cites Engineer's Figures. It was further stated by Supt. Kleinknecht of the municipal plant, and by E. E. Watts, electrical engineer who has been employed by the city to prepare an inventory of the city plant, that under existing rates the city plant could within three years after the proposed merger earn enough to redeem the bonds issued for purchasing the competing plant, but to provide for the original bonded indebtedness, $139,000 which falls due in 1927. Recently the engineers of the state commission placed a present value of $161,500 on the electric plant of the Light, Heat & Power company, which valuation was accepted by that company in a brief filed with the commission a few days ago. This present value will figure in sale price for used and useful values of the electric branch of the Light, Heat & Power company, to be established by the state commission, plus certain intangible values, including going concern, these intangible values to be determined In the main by the profits of the electric business of the company, which last year was only a little in excess of $11,000. as shown by the book audit recently taken by the commission's auditors. No franchise value would be figured in, the company having surrendered its franchise. Plant to Cost $200,000. Although the city officials decline to state what they anticipate the commission will establish as a sale value j of the L., H. & P. electric plant. Mr. Watts said today that he "thought it would be close to the present value of the plant as established by the commission engineers." It is believed the city officials think the sale value will , be about $200,000. t Judging from the business the municipal plant has done the first three months of this year there will be available in the general fund and the sinking fund of the plant by September 10. this year, approximately $100,000 which can be applied to the purchase of the competing electric plant. The remainder of the purchase price could be raised through thi Continued On Paqe 8evtn. I