Richmond Palladium (Daily), Volume 93, Number 5, 5 January 1923 — Page 1

A A. A. AND SUN-TELEGRAM VOL. XCIII No. Palladium, Est. 1831. Consolidated With Sun-Telegram. 1907. RICHMOND, IND., FRIDAY EVENING, JAN. 5, 1923. SINGLE COPY, 3 CENTS

E RICHMOND

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FRANCE FREE TO ENFORCE REPARATIONS Britain Denies Asking New Parley

(By Associated Press) LONDON, Jan. 5. The Berlin correspondent of tlie Central News says that he learns from a well-informed source "that In accordance with a request made by the British on Wednesday the United States government intends to call an International conference in Washington next week to consider the reparations deadlock." , The correspondent points out that such a conference would come in time to save the French from the neces sity of taking separate action. The British foreign office this after noon denied that it had requested the United States to call an international conference on reparations, as reported by the Central News correspondent

vA 5 PARIS. Jan. 5. France free to han-

) die the reparations questions accord ing to her own formula turned today to the task of making Germany pay. The French government apparently has the support of Belgium, it is less cer tain of Italy's aid. Fremier Poincare will discuss Bel gium co-operation with Premier Theun before the latter returns to Brus scls this evening. He also planned to have a talk with Bonar Law, prior to the British rime minister's departure for London earlier in the day. It was understood, however, that the Lausanne conference would be the subject of this conversation. It is regarded here as probable that Premier Poincare will take as the basis lor action against Germany the recent decision of the reparations commission in adjudging Germany in default in her deliveries of wood. In a few days, it is confidently believed the commission will also find that Germany has defaulted in her coal deliveries. Not to Participate. Sir John Bradbury, British member of the commission is understood to have advised President Barthou that

he will not attend the meeting next Tuesday at which the coal deliveries and Germany's request for a moratorium will be taken up. This decision is held in French circles as an indication that Great Britain intends to abstain from participating in the affairs of the commission, and will bej represented by an observer. ! The presence or absence of the British member, is immaterial, it is pointed out, inasmuch as the majority decision on the timber default must only be confirmed at next week's meeting to become operative. Sir John Bradbury cast the only dissentL ing vote on the question of the deUJ - fault.

' If Germany is officially declared to I be behind in her coal deliveries onlv the physical manifestations of coercion would be necessary. These steps it is believed will no doubt involve the military occupation of at least part o. the Ruhr valley along such lines as may be agreed upon by the French and Belgium premiers. It appears rather uncertain that the "polite disagreement" between France and Great Britain will be limited to the reparations question. Feel Apprehension Nothing could be more fatal than to imagine, says the Journal, that Fiance could, for instance, trail behind Britain at Lausanne. France's policy, this newspaper says, is based on freedom of action and cannot be divided into compartments. French opinion as echoed by the press, remains moderate. It is measured in the expression of the hope that the Entente Cordiale will be resumed as before the war, with each party maintaining freedom of action. It would seem, however, that some ap prehension is felt lest the gap beiween the two countries widen in view of the vital chaiacter of the disagreement. All the newspapers pay homage to (he sincerity of Mr. Bonar Law, although they deplore that he allowed himself to be persuaded too easily by his financial experts. Single Out Bradbury Sir John Bradbury is singled out as the villian in the piece and seems to have inherited the unpopularity of Mr. Lloyd George here. Pertinax declares that Bradbury drafted his government's proposals and that "he sought in the accomplishment of the task to avenge the personal defeat he con siders he incurred in the reparations commission on the subject of the German default in deliveries of wood." "He even went so far," the writer adds, "as to tell the Germans 'I hope the British plan will be well received by your press.' " Criticism of Premier Poincare, although infrequent, is not lacking. It comes from the radical group. Robert de Jouvenel. in L'Oeuvre, hopes that the premier's provision will prove accurate and Bonar Law's faulty in the near future. "But frankly," the writer continues, "we do not count upon it. Already the dollar and the pound sterling have risen, while the mark has dropped a little more. Hope of stabilizing German currency as the only, means of obtaining ad auate payments is dwindling. Let us hope that we shall not he obliged next year to lend six hundred and fifty millions, as Germany has just been forced to do with Austria." " ROME. Jan. 5 The failure of the Paris conference caused no surprise here inasmuch as it had been foreseen from the moment that Premier Mussolini decided to take no part in the negotiations on the ground that an agrement could not be reached along the lines favored by Francp or Great Britain. The Giornale D'ltalia suggests a meeting of Italy, France and Belgium as the three countries opposed to the British scheme.

Perfumes of King Retain Scent After 3,000 Year Lapse (By Associated Press) LUXOR. Egypt, Jan. 5. Perfumes which still retain their scent after a lapse of more than 3,000 years were found in four alabaster vases removed yesterday from the outer chamber of

the tomb of King Tutenkhamun. It is believed that the perfumes, which are somewhat musty, were intended for use in annointing the king's body. Lach of the vases was carved from a single block of translucent alabas ter, through which the sun sparkled when the treasures were brought into the light of day after their long seclusion. It is evident that the blocks from which the vases were carved were chosen with the greatest care, as each Is flawless. The carved openwork handle of each jar formed part or the whole block. 6. 0. P. STATE HOUSE CONTROL THREATENED AT STORMY SESSION (By United Press) INDIANAPOLIS, Jan. 5. An insurgent move that threatened to throw control of the state house of repre sentatives to the Democratic minority developed in a meeting of Republican members which began last night and broke up shortly before dawn today. A loud wail arose from some members against assignments made by Speaker Raymond Morgan when he named the house committees. It was understood the session was stormy. The switching of only two Republican votes from the party ranks would be sufficient to cause a tie vote. There are 52 Republican and 4S Democratic alignment of the house, Republican members. In view of the narrow partyleaders were making desperate efforts to bring all into line. Appointment Makes Trouble All the fuss had its inception in the appointment of Luke Duffey of Indianapolisas chairman of the house "plunder" committee. This committee distributes the patronage. Harry Rowbottom of Evansville had understood he was to be chairman of the committee. 'When Duffey was named chairman Rowbottom promptly refused to serve and said he did not care for any other appointments. It was said Governor McCray sent for him and made an effort to get him back into line. Other reports said that Duffey had sought election for the purpose of steering highway legislation through the legislature and desired the chairmanship of the roads committee. This post Is said to be reserved for another representative since Duffey leads the powerful plunder committee. BRITISH COMMISSION SPENDS DAY MAKING GALLS ON OFFICIALS (By Associated Press) WASHINGTON, Jan. 5. The British debt funding commission here to negotiate a funding of their war debt to the United States, occupied most of today with formal courtesy calls to American government officials, and indicated that the actual discussion with the American commission would not get under way before next week. The courtesy calls today included a visit to the White House, and to Secretary Mellon, of the treasury, the American commission chairman. There was no announcement as to procedure, but predictions by high treasury officials yesterday, that a funding plan would be completed before the British delegation sailed for home, on. Jan. 20, was somewhat discounted. It was declared in some quarters that the British representatives were planning to ask for certain funding terms, which are not now permitted under the law. No Statement Made. Since the arrival last night of ths commission, headed by Stanley Baldwin, chancellor of the exchequer, and Montague C. Norman, governor of the zank of England, there has ben no official statementc as to what program the commission was prepared to present as a basis for discussion In advance of their presentation, the reported British plans, but did state proffers to make beyond the limitations established by law. As to the advisability of seeking any changes in the debt funding act to give the American commission more latitude in the negotiations a difference of opinion appears to prevail between treasury officials and some members of the commission. Differ on Changes The former stated yesterday that no thought, was being given to changes in the act, while some members of the commission, including Secretary Hughes and Representative Burton, Republican, Ohio, have taken the view that certain changes should be made. Members of the commission declined to discuss the matter further, however, in advance of the British presentation. Despite the absence of official statements on the subject, reports persisted today that the first step by the foreign delegation would be to attempt to establish to the satisfaction of theAmerican commission and as a basis for later calculations the approximate annual amount that Great Britain can pay. The British delegates were said to feel that the establishment of such a basis as a starting point was essential to the assured success of the negotiations. WANTS CANAL PASSAGE FREE TO ALL U. S. SHIPS WASHINGTON, Jan. 5. All ships flying the American flag, whether engaged in foreign or domestic commerce, would be permitted to pass through the Panama canal without payment, of tolls unfTer a bill introduced yesterday by Representative Lineberger. Republican, Canifornia.

INTERFERENCE

IN MOB CASE TO BE CURBED Court Warns Against Intimidation (By Associated Press) BASTROP, La., Jan. 5. Investiga tion at an open court hearing in Moremasked band depredations in Morehouse parish, and specifically the kidnapping and slugging of Watt Daniels and Thomas Richards, citizens of the village of Mer Rouge, was inaugurated before Judge Fred L. Odom of the Sixth Louisiana judicial district here today after a declaration from the bench by Judge Odom, warning against disorder or intimidation of witnesses during the hearing and declaring that "every right thinking, law abiding citizen of the parish wants to see the slayers of Daniels and Richards brought to justice." "Every facility that the court can possibly afford is going to be extended to the state's officer in this probe," Judge Odom declared. "I want all those who desire to attend these hearings, and all those who may be called as witnesses to know I am going to permit no interference," said Judge Odom in his statement. "There must be no disorder in or about the court house, and there must be - no tampering wltU witnesses. I have never anticipated the slightest disor ders during these proceedings. There will, in my opinion arise no situation with which the sheriff cannot cope. Troops Are Ready "The hearings have been carried on with safety, without the presence of the state militia. However, the troops are here, and in order that the people may be reassured I will state that they are subject to the orders of the court, and I shall not hesitate to call them into action it an emergency should arise." Bastrop parish seat, was quiet, but with an air of suppressed excitement. A detachment of cavalry was sta tioned across the road from the parish court house, a machine gun unit was on guard at the court house, another machine gun detachments guarded the ! parish prison and a company of infantry was encamped within a stone's throw of the court building. At Mer Rouge headquarters of a de tail of department of justice investigators who have assembled evidence which is expected to result in sensational disclosures and wholesale arrests, another Infantry company and a cavalry detachment was on duty. Probe Outrages. The kidnapping and slaying of Watt Daniels and Thomas Richards and other outrages of lesser importance wa3 expected to form the chief subject matter of the investigation. A. V. Coco, state's attorney general and his corps of assistants were here to conduct the inquiry. Immediately after the arrival ot Mr. Coco, yesterday, he announced the appointment of Howard Warren, state senator of Shreveport. as his special assistant. Mr. Warren will act in conjunction with Mr. Coco and T. Semmes Walmsley, George S. Guion and Paul W. Sompayrec, assistant attorney general. Mr. Coco would not estimate, the j time 'which might he required nor comment on the possibilities of the in quiry. We are here to investigate conditions; how long it will last, its scope and the result will depend on developments at the hearing," he declared. Coco Non-committal. Pressed for an intimation as to the witnesses probably would be more than ten and less than a hundred. IT; was equally as non-committal as to how many arrests likely would result and when they would be made. Only one man thus far is held on charges of murder in connection with the kidnapping and killing of Daniels and Richards, T. J. Burnett, a carbon plant worker, who Is in jaln here. Dr. B. M. McKoin, former mayor of Mer Rouge, who was arrested in Bal timore in connection With the death of the two men and later released from the charge with the understanding that he would return to Louisiana, was expected to arrive here today to offer testimony that he had no con nection with the Morehouse kidnapping. Odom to Preside The hearing will be presided over by Judge Fred L. Odom of the Sixth judicial district court. Questions of procedure will be determined at the initial session. Judge Odom stated that the attendance at the hearings would be limited to the seating capacity of the court roonf, approximately 500. Adjutant-General L. W. Toombs of the Louisiana National Guard, maintained his headquarters here as the ranking military representativ of Governor John M. Parker, and with him rests the question of whether martial law will be declared. He reiterated today that such action would depend on developments. "Should the occasion and necessity arise quick and decisive action to meet any situation will be taken," Colonel Toombs said. TEXAS LUMBER QUEEN FIGHTS MURDER CHARGE (By Associated Press) HEMPHILL, Tex., Jan. 5. Indignantly refusing to make the $25,000 bond set by Justice W. H. Pratt. Mrs. Lillion Knox, "Lady Bountiful" of East Texas was ready today to carry her fight against the charge of slaying her wealthy husband to the court of Dis trict Judge A. v. Stark, in the neighboring town of San Augustine. The two-day examining trial of Mrs. Knox at Hemphill, ended dramatically yesterday afternoon when Justice Pratt ordered the widow bound over to the grand jury on a charge of murder with bond set at $25,000. The action today at San Augustine will be in the nature of habeas corpus proceedings. 4,

U. S. Destroyer Rescues

5 NO PROVISION MADE FOR ENLARGEMENT OF RICHMOND POSTOFFIGE I A I, I, A 1)1 1 M MOWS Kl UK AU WASHINGTON, Jan. 5. No city in the sixth Indian? congressional district is included in the list of 140 municipalities which require larger postoffices prepared and submitted to congress by the postmaster general and the secretary of 'the treasury. There are, however, eight Indiana cities in the list: Fort Wayne, Hammond, Kokomo, Logansport, . MuncTe. South Bend, Terre Haute and Vmcennes. No explanation has been offered as to why the head of the postotfice department and the treasury department have ignored tiie congested condition of the posioffice at Richmond, Ind., which has existed for several years. As far back as 1918 postal inspectors, it is said, recommended the building of an extension to the Richmond postoffice, advising the department that working space of the present building there was too crowded. Some time later Representative Elliott introduced a bill to appropriate 175,000 to enlarge the Richmond postoffice but it was never acted upon because congress has not passed a pub lic buildings bill in recent years. j Representative Elliott has also in-! troduced bills appropriating $100,000 for a postotfice bu'lding and site at Rushville, Ind.; $100,000 for a .postoffice building and site at Greenfield, Ind., and $15,000 for an addition to the site of the postofice at Shelbyville, Ind. ' ' : ' The present postotfice building was erected during the postmastership of Ban Surface in 1905, and provided sufficient space for the handling of local mails until the inauguration of the parcel post seivice during the time E. M. Haas was postmaster, about 10 years ago. Specifications for an addition to the local office to the south was attached several years ago to a bill introduced in congress but the bill was killed in point of order. At the time specifications were obtained looking to the ' building of a wing to the south of the present building, valuations of property to the south of the postoffice yard were, secured. Federal law provides that a certain distance must separate federal and other buildings. Facilities to handle the greater business at the Richmond postoffice have been partially provided by the recent annex built to the rear er.d of the present building and the overhauling of the postoffice basement for the better handling of parcel post service. Buffalo Lumber Fire Causes $300,000 Loss BUFFALO. N. Y., Jan. 5. Two fires today caused damage of $300,000 to Buffalo lumber yards. The first blaze was in the warehouse of the Montgomery Lumber company, the other . in the plant Of the A. Teachout company, manufacturers of sash and doors. In the Montgomery fire 24 horses were burned to death. Weather Forecast FOR RICHMOND AND VICINITY By W. E. Moore. Snow or slec.t late ton'rjht or Saturday. The rapid eastward movement of another Rocky mountain storm indicates increasing cloudiness followed by snow or sleet, and possibly rain, although there is not much prospect for the latter. The weather is very cold over the upper lake region. Temperatures Yesterday at Pumping Station Maximum 35 Minimum 28 , Today. Noon 33 Weather conditions The storm which caused snow yesterday crossed the lakes last night. The cold wave over Southern Canada is overspreading the lake region and moving eastIward. Temperatures are below freezing around Iake Superior and over I portions of Dakota and Minnesota, i Temperatures fell 48 degrees in 24 i hours at Medicine Hat, Canada. The stcrm over the Rocky Mountains is causing snow over the upper plain states. It is quite cool in Florida. Jacksonville reported six above freezing. For Indiana, by the United States Weather bureau Unsettled weather tonight and Saturday, probably snow north and central and rain or snow in extreme southern portion. Colder - !north Paid Circulation Yesterday, was 12,194

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Hundreds From Burning

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Heading for the 'Near East, carrying doctors, nurses, troops and medical supplies from -Toulon, France, the French army hospital transport VinhLong was completely gutted by fire in the Sea of Marmora. The U. S. S. Bainbridge picked up her distress call and, pushing her hose up against the bow of the burning ship, heroically rescued all but twenty. These re COMMERCE, INDUSTRY CONTINUE TO ADVANCE U, S REPORT SHOWS WASHINGTON, Jan. 5. The continued advance in commerce and industry is "clearly shown" in final reports for November received by the department of commerce and made public today. Not only was the production" of relatively all commodities maintained, but in 10 basic lines, the announcement said the November output was the greatest of any month since early in 1920. Failure of building operations to show the usual seasonal decline was said by the department review to have had a far reaching effect on general i

business and industry. There was re- void of foundation as was the previous ported also an unusually well main- very definite statement of the engagetained demand for automobiles and ment of his Royal Highness to a royal

trucks which, like the continuation of the construction work is of interest, it was said in showing the rapid recovery of the country economically. While the production and imports of crude petroleum in November increased little it was sufficient according to the review, to establish a new high record for the year. Consumption also went to a new high level, reaching 53,444,000 barrels for- Novem - - her. while there was an increase, or about one million barrels in petroleum stocks which made the total at the end of the month 276,S56,000 barrels. Completion of Cars Automobile and truck production forNovember included the completion- of 1214,631 passenger cars and 21,22.5 ! trucks. The October figures' were 216,467 passenger cars and 21,44 trucKs, but officials called attention to a comparison of the small decline for November, 1922, from 'October, and the share falling off , of production for November from October, 1921, when there was a drop of approximately 22 per cent. '. Further reports received by the department, although still lacking in detailed figures, bear out its previous -assertion that the holiday trade was of record preparations. The department's announcement today declared the condition reflected improved employment conditions and greater buying power among all classes of citizens. General reports indicate, it. was added, that most employment officers have more places open for workers than j there are workers to fill them while year ago in November there were on the average about, two workers for every open job listed by employment bureaus. CHINESE CABINET OFFICIALS CHOSEN PEKING. Jan. 4. Governmental mandate .tonight reappointed as. pre mier of China, Chang Shao-Tseng, who had resigned Dec. 30, and. in the reorganized cabinet named as foreign minister Alfred Sao-Ke Sze, minister to the United States. Premier Chang wiil serve concurrently as minister .of war. C. T. Wang, the acting foreign minister, becomes minister of justice. The new cabinet is a compromise between the party of President. Li Yuan Hung and that of Tsao Kun, the powerful military leader whose headquarters are at Paotinfu. j Both Foreign Minister Alfred Sze ! and Minister of Justice C. T. Wang re- ; ceived their college educations In ' America. Mr.' Sze received the degree of Master of Arts from Cornell university; Mr. Wang is a graduate of 1 Yale.

French Hospital Ship

markable photos displaying the timber in the American navy show, above left to right,. Bainbridge coming into port with survivors. The Vinh-Long, a roaring furnace in the Sea of Marmora, and Lieut.-Commander V. Atlee Edwards, U. S. N., of the Bainbridge, whose heroism saved the lives of 700, At left, closeup of survivors on board the Bainbridge. Engagement of British Prince Again is Denied BULLETIN LONDON, Jan. 5. The current re port of the engagement of the Prince of Wales, were officially denied in a statement from Yorkhouse this afternoon. "A few days ago," says the statement "the Daily News announced the forthcoming engagement of the Prince of Wales to an Italian princess. Today the same journal states on what is claimed to be unquestionable authority that it is informed of the formal announcement that his Royal Highness is engaged to the daughter ot a Scottish peer, will be made within two or three months. This report is as deprincess." (By Associated Press) LONDON, Jan. 5. Although the Daily News, in asserting today that the engagement of the prince of Wales to the daughter of a Scottish peer will be announced within two or three months, mentions no names, it gives particulars which indicate that it ref fires tr T.arlv T- 1 i cm V o ( li Ttmroa.T.i'mi ! - .year-old daughter of the Earl of Strathmore, The newspaper declares that the prince's betrothed "has played a distinguished-part" in society and that she' is "one of the closest friends of Ff inces's' Mary." ' Lady Elisabeth was a bridesmaid at Princess Mary's wed ding. At that time she was" already wellknown and popular in her own social circles. Since her part in the wed ding festivities, her portrait has become familiar to dhe public through its reproduction in the newspapers. BELIEVED NON-UNION MINERS WERE HELD PRISONERS AT HERRIN (Rv Associated Press) . -MARION, III., Jan. 5. John Compton. a witness for the defense at the trial of five men in connection with the Herrin riot, testified, today that a crowd went to the "strip mine" the day the riot started, in the belief that the non-union workers there were being held as virtual prisoners. The witness said that one of five men who fled from the mine that day told him the non-union workers had been threatened with death if they quit, and that the crowd went to the mines on a peaceable mission to induce the' hori-iinioh men to leave, but were fired on by the guard before they reached the pit. The defense read a letter written on June 10,by Sherman Holmes; one of the guards at the mine, which said that the guards had "two guns on the dam reservoir, two on cook and sleeping cars, and six on top of the hill, which shot 600 shots a minute eacn. "There are also 100 guards with rifles, which shoot three miles," the letter continued. "We get $12 a day, and we are under contract for 90 days. We sit here on an eight hour shift, watching for someone to stick their heads over the mountains or out of the woods, so as to give us a little practice in shooting."

RACE RIOTING

BREAKS OUT If) FLORIDA 5 Known to be Dead -Other Casualties By Associated Presi) OTTER CREEK, Fla., Jan. 5. Two white men,t two negro women, and one negro man, are known to be dead, while it is believed there are manv other casualties as a result of race troubles last night at Rosewood, 1! miles from here. With the exception of three build ings, the entire village was burned by a mob shortly after daybreak, according to available reports here. A par ty of citizens of Sumner went to Rose wood late last night, to investigate re ports that two negroes, who wer.sought in connection with an attack upon a young white woman were concealed there. Upon the approach of the party, the negroes without warning opened fire, killing outright two persons, and wounding four, one probably fatally. It later developed 21 heavily armed negroes were in the house and citi zens immediately established a cor don around it and opened fire, with every conceivable kind of firearm. Negroes Escape. At 4 o'clock this morning, according to Information here, the ammunition or the attackers became exhausted. and the departure of many for fresh supplies, gave the negroes an oppor tunity to escape. Their departure was discovered at daylight. The vacated house contained tie bodies of two ne gro women and one negro man. Bloodstains indicated that several of those who escaped were wounded. Immedi ately afterwards, according to words received from the scene the mob began firing the buildings in the village, and every structure except the grocery store, the residence of the grocer, and the residence of another white man was destroyed. While the village was in flame, it is said members of the mob, fired upon negroes fleeing from their homes. Thn result was not known here. About 20 families resided in Rosewood, many, if not the majority of them negroes. ROSEWOOD, Fla., Jan. 5 Hundreds ot citizens today were preparing to renew their efforts to smash ;v barricade behind which 25 or more heavily arfeed negroes were making a stand here in a small negro hut. Two white men were known to be dead, three wounded and a score or more negroes were believed wounded in fighting which occurred last night. Deputized posses and citizens said to number in the thousands were pouring into this village early today. Automobile after automobile heavily laden with armed men arrived, some coming from a distance of 75 miles. List of White Dead. The white dead were: Henry Andrews, superintendent of the Cummer Lumber company's sawmill. Boly Wilkerson of Summer. The wounded: Man believed to be Odom, said to be from Jacksonville, employed at a box factory at tter Creek. Sephus Studstill of Rosewood. Warner Kirkland of Rosewood. The hut was in " total darkness throughout the night but efforts of the citizens to creep upon the barricade met with a heavy fire. The negroes seemed well supplied with ammunition, most of it being buckshot. Sheriffs and their deputies from neighboring counties arrived here during the early morning while In the meantime negro villages in surrounding towns were placed under heavy guard. At Summer and Bronson armed men patrolled the streets. No Other Outbreaks. No racial outbreaks other than at this place had been reported. Since Monday this section of Florida has been stirred as the result of an alleged criminal attack upon a young white woman at Summer. Three ne groes were alleged to have taken part in the attack. Monday night one negro was shot to death when he was said to have admitted to a mob that he had transported one of the wanted negroes several miles in a wagon. Early last night a report reached Summer that the negroes wanted were at Rosewood. A party of citizens went to Rosewood to investigate. In one house it is said they found negroes heavily armed. Andrews and Wilkerson started to enter the house and citizens said they were shot to death without warning. Three other whites were wounded in the first skirmish. GRAVE OF SEAMAN IS GUARDED TO PREVENT OPENING FOR JEWELS (By Associated Press) NEW YORK, Jan. 5 The grave of James Pones, a seaman, at the National cemetery in Cypress Hills, Brooklyn, was guarded today by cemetery employes because of reports that William B. Williams, special agent ot the treasury department, would seek legal permission to open the coffin to see if any part of the Russian crown jewels had ben secreted there. . The jewels according to a copyrighted story by the Chicago Daily News, were smuggled into this country in September, 1920, in the coffin of Jones, who died on the transport Edellyn at Gibraltar on Aug. 30, 1920, while the ship was on her way from Vladivostok. A sale of part of the gems had been arranged in 1919 by a New York ring, according to the story, and three men after a dispute with German and Czecho-Slovak officers, finally obtained them. On the way back to this country', the story goes, one of the trio double-crossed his companions and placed the jewels in seven packages in Jones' coffin.