Richmond Palladium (Daily), Volume 46, Number 148, 3 May 1921 — Page 1

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4. VOL. XLVI., No. 148 Palladium. Est. 1S3I. Consolidated with Sun-Telegrram. 1907. RICHMOND, IND., TUESDAY EVENING. MAY 3, 1921. SINGLE COPY 3 CENTS

WORKS BOARD DEATH IS AIM OF CITY DADS Council Takes First Move To Secure Direct Control City Affairs Pass $20,000 Appropriation. RESULT OTdEADIM

Council made the first move toward taking direct control of city affairs when an ordinance abolishing the board of public works was introduced at the regular meeting of council Monday night and passed the first two readings by a unanimous vote. The ordinance will be up tor passage at the next meeting of council, May 16. A committee on public improvements composed of members of council to take over the duties of the present board of public works and the board of public safety. This committee will be appointed by council, according to the provisions of the ordinance. The proposed measure call3 for the abolishment of the board of works the second Monday of June at 12 o'clock noon. This is a legal move on the part of council, as the question of a board of works is optional with cities of the third class, local attorneys state. Move Is Surprise This move on the part of council was a surprise to city officials and came as a result of the deadlock that has existed between the board of works and council for the past month ever appropriations for the city light plant. The introduction, of an ordinance calling for the appropriation of $20,000 for the city light plant, was the signal for a concerted attack of conncilmen on the present administration of the plant. Councilman Ford insinuated that graft was prevalent in the administration of the plant, couching his words in such a manner that City Attorney Reller was moved to take the floor and denounce the attitude assumed by Mr. Ford in. attacking Mr. Lyon, consulting engineer of the plant, and deplore the condition of affairs in the city if they hd reached such a stage that everyone was assumed guilty of graft antil proved innocent. - -- Urges Appropriation In introducing the appropriation ordinance City Controller Bescher stated that the city light plant would not function unless the appropriaion was made. X statement of alleged needless expenses at the light plant was read by Councilman Ford, who withheld the names of the party having prepared the notes for him. This charged that "General Electric flow meters, including two new ones, were thrown out at 1 he plant, costing the city for labor nnd meters on this work $3,600. The lrge turbine had been out of service for three weeks, having burned out under the supervision of the master mechanic, that certain boiler had burned out while the expert was in charge. New offices had been built at the plant at a cost of $800. A clerk had been added to the force at a salary of $125 a month. That the machine shop had been made into a locker room for changing clothes at a cost of $700, that the present power house help was inexperienced. That 65 men now :vere employed at the plant doing the work that, was formerly done under the direction of Mr. Jefiery with 39" Officials Indignant James P. Dillon, superintendent of the light plant, gained the floor after the introduction of this statement. He stated that the charges made were too fallacious for him to even deign to answer. Matt Von Pein, president of the board of works, stated :hat it was beneath his dignity to go into detail on this matter but that he would deny each and every assertion and invite an investigation. Councilman Weidel charged that there was an organization trying to wreck the plant in an effort to get it turned over into prhate hands. After the heated argument by council, board of works and Mayor Zimmerman. City Attorney Reller tried to bring the two forces together in an effort to get the ordinance passed. He stated that the present administration lacked co-operation and confidence. That each group was pulling against the other, and that the only solution was to get together, put all the cards on the table and let everybody see where the matter stands. A public mass meeting was suggested as one means. Council failed to agree with this suggestion and turned it down. Pass Appropriation. Finally, after virtually every councilman had exercised his power of oratory. Councilman Stegman moved that the appropriation ordinance be passed as an emergency maasurtr. It was voted for unanimously, even those most fluently opposed to it voting for the suspension of rules and the passage. A committee on public morals was created by a special ordinance presented and passed as an emergency measure at Monday night's meeting. This provides for a committee of three persons to censor all carnival companies intending to exhibit in Richmond. Before they will be allowed to show they must obtain a good character permit, and pay a fee of $25 a week. AH expenses incurred must be paid by the exhibitors. A fine of not loss than $25 nor more than $300 and . imprisonment not to exceed six months is provided, as a penalty for owners of carnivals failing to comply with the law. Sam Vigran, Albert Morell and Lawrence Handley were nominated a3 members of the public morals committee. Their formal election will not -vjoiir until nest council meeting.

BUILD LEGAL BATTLE OVER INDICTMENTS IN SOFT COAL CASES

(By Associated Preta) INDIANAPOLIS. May 3. Foundation for a legal battle over the indictment in the soft coal conspiracy case, in which 226 operators, miners, retailers and corporations in six states, are accused of criminal partnership to Increase prices was laid today in the federal court here by defense counsel filing motion to quash the indictment. No date for argument of the numer ous legal questions raised in the motions forming the opening line of at tack by the defense, was set by Fer dinand Geiger, of Milwaukee, presiding in the absence of Judge Anderson, who Is ill. Counsel for the government as the defense, however, expected no further action until fall. To Attack Indictment Besides 'the motions to quash, the defense served notice that further attack on the indictment would be made later if necessary by demurrers to the indictment and in addition," the miners annuonced that they would offer a plea In bar against their prosecution. This action of the miners was said by the counsel to indicate that they would seek to justify any of their acts which the government charges linked into the alleged conspiracy to violate the Sherman anti-trust act. Outstanding among the questions raised by the motions to quash, filed separately by the miners and operators, was the contention that the anti-trust act was suspended by the Lever fuel control act passed in 1917. RICHMOND VETERANS WOULD INVITE G, A. R. TO MEET HERE NEXT Efforts will be made by members of the Richmond Dost of the G. A. R. to secure the annual state encamp ment for Richmond in 1922. according to announcements made Monday afternoon after an Informal meeting of members of the local post who will attend the state conclave at Newcastle next week. Members of the local post stated that they believed Richmond could secure the encampment If an invitation was extended to the Civil war veterans. The treatment accorded the G. A. R. men at their last encampment here in 1912 was appreciated by the veterans. Members of the local post stated that this would be strongly in favor of Richmond. The Chamber of Commerce will' be asked to aid local ex-soldiers in inter esting the state G: A. R. in coming to Richmond, Members, of . the Spanish American war veterans organization and the American Legion are said to look favorably on the proposed invitation. Citizens May Help. Citizens of the city would have to become interested in the movement to bring the conclave here and a representation would probably have to be on the job to secure it, according to M. D. Poulter, head of the local G. A. R. post. The matter will be discussed at the meeting of the post Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock, in the post rooms of the court house. Before that time members of the post will get in touch with various bodies in the city and see if they are interested in bringing the encampment to Richmond. Richmond's G. A. R. post is recognized as one of the best in Indiana, and the treatment given visiting Civil war veterans has been proverbial over the state, according to post members. About 30 members will attend the encampment at Newcastle beginning next Monday. SCHOOL COUNT SHOWS INCREASE OF 487 IN YEAR'S ATTENDANCE Richmond's public school enumeration made under the direction of Miss S. Ethel Clark, head of the social service bureau, shows an increase of 487 pupils over the total of 1920. The report was filed with J. H. Bentley, superintendent of the Richmond public schools, and announced Tuesday. At present there are 6,184 pupils enrolled. A supplementary report given In connection with the enumeration shows that 360 pupils were lost during the past year by families moving; 50 students married; six died and 32 cannot be accounted for. Despite this loss of 448. the 1921 enumeration exceeds that of last year by 4S7 pupils. Each school and the number of students attending during 1920, and the number attending at present, follows: 1920 1921 Finley 823.. 888 Warner 644.. 702 Starr 1071.. 1040 Whitewater 458.. 568 Hibberd 758. Vaile 714. Baxter 464. Sevastopol 462. Joseph Moore 303. 714 763 595 587 327 Total 5,697 6,184 Expect Senate to Boost Naval Appropriations WASHINGTON, May 3. The senate naval committee today turned its attention to Ihe annual navy appropriation bill passed ' last week by the house. Some increase over the $396,000,000 authorized by the house bill is expected, but senate committee members predict that the bill will reach the senate without as great an addition as the $100,000,000 voted just before the bill failed in the senate last March. An effort to Increase the navy personnel from 100,000 to 120,000 men is expected, the present authorized strength being 143,000 men with 117,000 actually in the service and 43,000 enlistments to expire during the next fiscal year.

Most Beautiful Noblewoman

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A new portrait of the Queen of Roumania This is a new and hitherto unpublished portrait of Queen Marie of Roumania. She is considered the most beautiful of all Europe's women in royal circles. It is reported that she contemplates making a tour of this country some time this year.

THINK U. S. CLOSES REPARATIONS INCIDENT; COUNCIL TO CONSULT ON NAVAL ACTION

(By Associated Press') WASHINGTON, May 3 In urging Germany to make at once "directly to the allied governments" adequate proposals on reparations, the American government was believed by the allied diplomats here to have definitely closed the. reparations incident scrfar tath.JJjiited;SjUteJ to Administration Officials declined today to comment on the communication, saying that it spoke for itself. Nor would they indicate the consideration which caused its dispatch somewhat unexpectedly at a late hour last night. It was stated, however, that action was taken without any communication having been received from the allied supreme council at London. The state department has been kept informed as to events in the supreme council, and it had become evident that the German proposals were unacceptable as a basis for discussion. That view had been taken by France and Belgium from the first. The United States apparently has not yet given up hope that a final settlement will be reached by discus sion, thus avoiding co-ercive measures which, in the view herr would be ' likely to be attended by economic confusion. Officials will not say, however, whether the United States will consent to sound out the allied governments with regard to further German proposals. Has Consulted Envoys Since the receipt of the proposals on April 26, Secretary Hughes has been in frequent consultation with allied diplomatic representatives here. He had previously made it clear to Germany that he would transmit the proposals to the allies only if acceptable to them. In the event they should be returned to Germany, it was understood the American government would continue to work for a settlement through discussion. This was pointed to by some as an explanation of the suggestion in last night's communication that Germany at once "make directly to the allied governments clear, definite and adequate proposals which would in all respects meet its just obligations." The decision to return the proposals, It was believed, was reached inWeather Forecast MOORE'S LOCAL FORECAST Cloudy to party cloudy; continued cool. The weather will continue cool tonight, with mostly cloudy. By Wednesday there probably will be a break of the rainstorm which is centered over the South Atlantic states, but the development of a storm over .the Rocky mountains indicates a consid erable period of unsettled weather, with brief intervals of fair. For Indiana, by the United States Weather Bureau Overcast and continued cool weather tonight and Wednesday. Temperatures Yesterday Maximum 44 Minimum 37 TODAY Noon 45 Weather Conditions The Hudson Bay cool wave in connection with the rainstorm over the Ohio valley and South Atlantic states continues to control the weather east of the 100th meridian. Heavy frosts in Iowa and freezing and below in the Dakotas and Minnesota. A warm wave is overspreading the northwest with tempera tures ranging from 68 to 74 in Colo-J rado, Wyoming and Montana. Barometric Pressure 7 a. m .29.26 10 a. m. ..29.23 Noon . ... 29.99

in Europe to Visit U. S.

dependently of any direct official advices from either the supreme council meeting at London or the German, government. LONDON, May 3 The allied supreme council today decided to take no naval action against Germany without consulting the United States. V This was agreed to after a very full dfsraBsiOTJic-t1wqfirtr,mem with Admiral Beatty of England and Admiral Grasset of France, regarding (Continued on Page Eleven) AMERICAN REPLY CHANGED IN FORM SENT TO GERMANY fBy Associated Press WASHINGTON. May 3 It developed today that the copy of the American reply to Germany as given out at the state department la3t night, contained a phrase which had been deleted from the original as sent to Germany. As the note was despatch- ! ed to Berlin the second sentence read: 'In reply tto the German memorandum) this government states that 13 finds itself unable to reach the conclusion that the proposals afford a basis for discussion, acceptable to the allied governments." In the copy made public there was added to this sentence the phrase, "and that these proposals cannot be entertained." Correct Copy The copy subsequently was corrected and Under Secretary Fletcher called at the White House early today to assure the president that the phrase quoted above had not been included in the communication as dispatched. It was explained that the phrase was a repetition in a sense of what the note said otherwise, and consequently was deleted as unnecessary. In sending the reply last night, Secretary Hughes, apparently acted somewhat unexpectedly. President Harding was at the theater during the evening and Under Secretary Fletcher called there to see him just before 11 o'clock. Later he visited the White House and presumably laid the draft before the president. It was approved and immediately afterward put on the cable while copies of it were made available to the press. BL00MIN6T0N CHURCH MAY CALL DR. J. J. RAE BLOOMINGTON. Ind.. May 3. The congregation of the First Presbyterian church of Bloomington. may extend a call to the Rev. J. J. Rae, of Richmond. Dr. Rae occupied the pulpit of the First Presbyterian church here last Sunday and it was said today that a. meeting of, the congre - gation to be held on the evening of May 11, the matter of extending a call to the Richmond minister would be considered. Dr. J. J. Rae, pastor of the local First Presbyterian church, was out of town Tuesday. Nothing could be learned of bis plans from members of the church. Six Civilians Killed in Five Hour Irish Battle (By Associated Press) LIMERICK, Ireland, May 3 In a five-hour battle last evening near Galbally between 150 civilians and crown forces, six civilians were killed and 14 wounded, it was officially announced today. Two soldiers were wounded, one of them seriously.

COMSTOCK EXPLAINS PROPOSED MEMORIAL FOR WORLD WAR VETS Explanation of the proposed Wayne county memorial building was made before the Rotary club at noon Tuesday by Paul Comstoek, chairman of the memorial committee. .

Mr. comstoek said mat tne next' step toward securing the building rested . witn tne citizens or w ayne i county. The memorial committee drew up plans for the building and I filed them with the county commissioners several months ago. To provide a site and pay for the cost of erecting such a building as that proposed, it Is estimated that the total cost will be about $500,000 to the county. This expense would be met by a small tax levy which could be spread over a term of 20 years. This additional levy, according to Mr. Comstoek, would not be heavy upon any individual. Site on A Street. He reported that the most desirable site found by the committee was on he south side of North A streets, opposite the North A street Friends meeting house. According to present specifications, the front of the buiiv ! ing would be about 181 feet. one-1 half of the square would not be large enough to accommodate this wide i front, he explained, so it would be necessary to have the entire front from Eleventh to Twelfth streets. As the lots at this point extend back about 262 feet to the alley, first

north of Main street, it would prove J on the property of the company by the commission in its report, adequate for the building, he said, 'je company had asked for a valuation of more than $350,000. virntSS8Taedfnt1hrnut! Richmond city officials contended at the hearing before the cornwidth of North a street and the fact j mission last December that the value was not in excess of that there would be a street. Eleventh; $535,000.

and Twelfth, on each eide of the buildIng for the parking of cars. Urges Action "The statue permitting counties to erect memorials is now on the books," said Mr. Comstoek, and it may not be there forever. While we have the opportunity to build such a memorial we should take advantage of it." Present plans provide for a seating capacity of 2,500 in the auditorium of the building, counting the main floor and balcony seats. Rooms where pat riotic and other organizations of the ' county could hold meeUngs aad enjoy, banquets would be a part of the building. Mr. Comstoek said that the next ste is to familiarize the public witl i the plans and gain backing. After that, petitions would be circulated. When more than one half of the county's tax payers have signed the petitions, they would then be filed with the county commissioners, who would then appoint three persons to act with two persons to be appointed by the judge of the circuit court, whleh committee would arrange for tlrtwJet.,B' -'-' - -Club To Co-operate H. R. Robinson, president of the Rotary club, assured Mr. Comstoek, following the talk, that the club would consider appointing a member to serve with other organization representatives in forwarding the memorial project. Dr. L. F. Ross, who was named chairman of a committee to investigate the possibility of a community chest program for Richmond, reported

mat a similar committee irom tne York whJch h perhaps, more forwanis club was to work with the Ro-I oity Krt niUyona than nnv nthPr dis-

tary committee. Members of the Rotary club expressed themselves favorable, Tuesday, to the two clubs sponsoring a public meeting, to be held in a large auditorium, where the question of promoting a community chest program could be discussed. No details were arranged. COOLIDGE ANSWERS CHARGE OF SOLONS WASHINGTON, May 3. Vice-President Coolidge today sent a letter to the Massachusetts legislative committee, investigating charges of irregularity during the 1918-1919 session, which is to be made public tomorrow at Boston. The comimttee was understood to have been referred to Mr. Coolldge's messages and public utterances on legislation while governor, for any information as to his attitude at the time on the question it has under discussion. The letter is understood to say that Mr. Coolidge as Lieutenant Governor on 1918, took no part in legislative affairs, and that his conferences as Governor with legislative leaders, supplemented merely his public acts. DAY NURSERY FINANCE MANAGED SEPARATELY The Day Nursery board decided today not to enter into the community chest plan. The board said that it wanted to maintain a separate identi ty, in order that it could stay in closer touch with the people, which: it believed is impossible under a centralized finance board. Former Union Official Charged Embezzlement CINCINNATI, O.. May 3. Charles 1 M. Owens, 50, of Covington, former ! grand secretary and treasurer of the j brotherhood of railway clerks, freight handlers and station employes, with offices in Cincinnati, was indicted on the charge of embezzlement by the grand Jury in criminal court today. He is accused of having taken $3,500 in Liberty bonds while he had $40,000 worth of the securities in his custody. Owens is out on bond. Frederick Arkenburg, Civil War Vet; Dies at Dayton Frederick Arkenburg, 79 years old, veteran of the Civil war, died at the Dayton Soldiers Home Monday morning, according to word received here. Mr. Arkenburg waa formerly of this city. Funeral services will be held at 9 o'clock Wednesday morning from the Soldiers Home at Dayton.

SMALL CONSUMERS BENEFIT, INDUSTRIES TO PAY MORE BY NEW GAS RATE RULING

. . , . .. 0 . . . . D D k Decision of rubhe Service Lommission on Kequest or rucn-

mond Light, Heat and Power Company for Re-valuation of Property and Fixing of Rates Provides Flat Rate of 75 Cents per Thousand Feet Will Mean Decrease of 20 Cents for Users of Less than Thousand Feet and Increase of 30 Cents per Thousand Feet for Users of More than 10,000 Feet. PURPOSE TO PRESERVE GAS FOR DOMESTIC USE

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., May eras rate for small consumers and

dustrial concerns is provided in the ruling; handed down by the Indiana public service commission as a result of the hearing on a petition filed by the Richmond Light, Heat and Power company K , , ., ... e i.u

lor a re-vaiuaiion Ol lis pruperiy ami iui tuc lining ui iui natural and artificial gas, according to announcement made Tuesday. A valuation of $650,000 for rate making purposes was placed

Rates Set Out

INDIANA ONE OF FOUR STATES WHICH PERMIT NON-CITIZENS TO VOTE PAI.AIJIfH SEWS nt'BEAr WASHINGTON. May 2. A political ottnaflnn irViIrK Viae ovict Arl in TnriiflnA . t.t ctnto -Anniat, u. rnntUutio over & century ago which nermits an alien resident to vote in all elections as soon as he has taken dily Repr7 sentative Siegel, of New York, In a recent debate on the immigration bill in the house. The fact that Indiana is one of the four states of the union which grants the right of suffrage to non-citizens was mentioned by Siegel in his reply to objections which had been raised by Representative Banders of Indiana to modifications of restrictions against immigration. Siegel intimated that a state which permitted unnaturalized citizens to vote should at least maintain silence when proposals for the limitations of immigration were discussed. Other states which grant suffrage to aliens who have merely made declarations of Intentions of becoming citizens are Texas, Missouri and Arkansas. Rep. Siegel represents a congressional district in the city of New j eign born citizens than any other dis trict in the country. Needs Amendment Commenting on the statement made by Rep. Siegel, one of the members of the Indiana delegation has called attention to the fact than an amendment to the constitution of Indiana is required before the right -ot suffrage is denied to foreign born residents of the state who have not completely qualified for citizenship. "There was a motive for granting the right to vote to aliens who had merly taken out their first papers when the constitution of Indiana was drafted," remarked the Indiana con gressman. "At that time a greater part of Indiana was maxshland, and to secure settlers inducements had to be offered. Apparently, the right of suffrage to non-citizens had its ap peal, for many aliens came to the state In its early history, and they were greatly responsible for the cou version of practically all the swamp lands into productive farms. "However." he continued, "the con dition which existed when the consti tutional right of suffrage was granted to aliens who were not citizens no longer exists. That provision of the constitution should be changed. Incidentally no harm would be done to make some other changes in the basic law of Indiana." It is probable that Indiana will soon be one of three states which permits non-citizens to vote. It is stated that Texas will soon require full citizenship as a qualification for the ballot. URGE EXPANSION OF HOOVER'S PORTFOLIO (By Associated Preyj WASHINGTON, May 3. Expansion of the department of commerce to embrace ail the non-regulatory government bureaus relating directly to industry, trade and transportation as distinguished from agriculture, was recommended by the conference of industrial and business leaders which met here last week at the request of Secretary Hoover to consider the reorganization of the department. In a letter to the secretary conferees declared that all statistical activities of the government relating to production, stocks, consumption and distribution and movement on the basic commodities at least excluding agriculture should be concentrated in the department of commerce. The basic industries would voluntarily aid in the collection of, these statistics, the conferees said, adding that they desired to co-operate with the representatives of other industries and trade associations in further study of the details of the department's expansion. .

3. Substantial decrease in the an increase in the price for in-

The report provides for a flat rate of 75 cents per 1,000 cubic feet. This means a decrease of 20 cents per 1,000 cubic feet for the users of less than a thousand cubic feet. It means an increase of 30 cents per 1,000 cubic feet for consumers ot more than 10,000 cubic feet. Gas rates during the recent past have been 95 cents for the first l.ooo cu. ft.; 85 cents for the next l.OOu cu. ft.; 80 cents for the next 1.000 cu. ft, 75 cents for the next 1.000 cu, ft.; 65 cents for the next 1,000 cu. ft., 00 cents for the next 1,000 cu. ft., and all over 10,000 cu. ft., 45 cents net. The change by the state commission will make all this come under the flat rate of 75 cents per 1,000 cubic feet. The commission In its report states that it is their purpose lu making this ruling to help preserve gas for domestic use. The commission has gone further in its report and directed the company to reorganize and wipe out Its common stock which at present has no equity, according to the commission. It directs the Light. Heat and Power company to rearrange all its finances so that the total amount of securities will not exceed the valuation of $650,000. Effective May 1. Rates announced by the commission will become effective May 1 and first how on the bills of June 1. This ruling by thj public servic? commission is fcaid to be one of the most sweeping in regard to public utilities ispued recently because of it s-etting a precedent for the establishment of gas rates over the state. The commission did not set a rate for artificial gas, stating that there i:d not appear to be any immediate n-d for use of artificial gas, in the opinion of the commission. Fix Valuation. Valuation of the plant was arrived at by the original cost method, this being placed at $700,000 by the commission, being arrived at through examinations by the commission's engineers and the reports of Benjamin Perk, accountant for the city of Richmond. Twenty pervcent was deducted for depreciation. An allowance of $15,000 for working capital and $75,000 for going capital was added to this amount to arrive at the valuation of $650,000. The rates determined by the commission on this valuation will allow a return of eight per cent, according to the commission's report. The report consists of 3S pages and is one of the largest and most specific prepared by the commission in regard to public utilities, it is said. "The report of the commission is a victory for the city." City Attorney Reller stated after being informed of the contents of the state commission's report. "The fact that no rate was fixed for artificial gas is another victory for the city, as a rate on this was objected to at this time, because the city felt that it was unnecessary." 'The report means a substantial decrease to the ordinary consumer and an increase to the Industrial user.Mr. Reller said. The chief reason for the shifting of tne ouraer. or cost for gas was to conserve the supply as much as possible, it was stated. ' ., GREEKS IN TROUBLE WITH ALBANIANS

(By Associated Preis ATHENS. May 3. Serious conflicts' have occurred between Albanians and Greeks at Noritxa, a city on the border betwen Greek Macedonia, and A i bania. Eleven Greeks are reported to have been killed and many woundedi The melee was the result of an attack on the Greek orthodox church at Nor-: itza by Albanian officers and soldiers, who are alleged to have demanded that the service be conducted la tho' Albanian language. Ia the confusion ihe Greek bishop disappeared and .his fate Is unknown. r ' - - . .; Greek newspapers "declare the JiS-'-turbance was due to French tad -ian influence and it is said the C:' government considers aendls; r army to occupy the disturbed sr . ..it , . ' . f ; ... . y . J