The Indianapolis Star from Indianapolis, Indiana • Page 25

ISS. i Collins Sam Stirred World A SAll'KDAV, JAM AUV 1S C.7 IN' THE MIDDLE 1930? when I was cutting my journalistic teeth the main topic of reminiscence when the oldT news IN 1'KISON 'Cancel' Stamp Racket papermen gathered at the corner saloon or during idle hours in the city room as the saga of Floyd Collins. Most of the older members of the staffs of Louisville's three newspapers, then, had played some part in coverage of the story. There were some rather fantiltic yarns, all improved by age, concerning Ml Dealer's period during whith the stamps could be resold to the government had expired. He was told at that time he could resell them to the public.

The IRS was not aware in 1959 that the stamps had been canceled and altered for resale. AGENTS SAID they believed Silbernagl solely was respon sible for the sale of the docu- IIOOSIKII CETS YFAK Taxmen By ROBERT N. BI LL JR. A North Judson stamp deal er who, according to Internal Revenue Service agents, de vised a method to re-use canceled documentary stamps received a 1-year prison sentence in Federal Court yesterday for failure to file Federal income tax returns. Federal Judge Silbernagl S.

Hugh Dillin sentenced John Silbernagl, 57 years old, after he had pleaded guilty to failure blanket His father, Lecnidas, stood ankle-deep at the hole for has son's voice. After three days of trying to rescue him on their own, the family and cave country neighbors appealed for outside help. That was when the name Floyd Collins became a household word. An army of reporters, photographers, newsreel men and scores of miners, college students, teachers and others came on the scene. Dozens of individals took turns inching down the cold slimy interior of the cave, clawing at the debris and passing it buck handful bv handful.

0 THE FIFTH DAY the rescue attempt was taken up by professionals. The Louisville Nashville Railroad dispatched trains and specialized workmen to the scene. Giant derricks and other machinery were put into action. Every word of the trapped man gained world-wide attention. One newspaperman, William Burke "Skeets" Miller, won a Pulitzer Prize for his in-cave interviews with the trapped man.

A parallel tunnel was attempted by the engineers to reach Collins as the day-by-day drama unfolded. On Feb. 13, one of the volunteers said he heard a feeble groan from the cave. Three days later the engineers reached Collins. A physician said he had been dead "at least 24 hours." ON FEB.

17, hundreds of relatives, friends and curiousity-seekers gathered on top of a nearby cliff to hold funeral services for Collins. The engineers resolved to dynamite the cave for Collins' final resting place. His brother. Homer, had other ideas. He toured a burlesque circuit to raise enough money to finance recovery of his body.

On April 23 the body was hauled from the cave and buried in nearby Crystal Cave, which Collins had discovered in 1918. THE COLLINS FAMILY then leased the cave to an exhibitor and the gravesite and cavern became a tourist exhibition. The exhibitor was not satisfied. In 1927 he had the body exhumed and put on display in a glass and metal casket in the main corridor of the cave. In 1929 someone sawed the chain securing the door of the cavern and stole the body.

It was found a day later wrapped in a burlap bag a few hundred yards away. It was then that Floyd Collins was finally given a decent burial, thus ending a story symbolic of the turbulent era. The Um.H. 3 ock Co. Indiana Avenue Steering Group Formed In Upgrading Movement the plight of the Kentucky bachelor, 35 year's old, whose imprisonment in Sand Cave near the family farm near Cave City, became a world-wide sensation.

MANY OF these newspaper stories of course concerned activities of the newspaper fraternity that converged on the scene by air, rail and auto. One of these was told of a by-then middle-aged Irish police reporter who worked on the same sheet with me and whose capacity of real Kentucky bourbon was a rather impressive one. Of course prohibition was in force when the Collins story was at its height and the reporter in question kept his glow and go with real hill country "moonshine." His alcoholic flexibility may have been the reason that when his city editor wired "spare no expense on Collins" he took it upon himself to buy a new automobile, charging it to the paper. I WOULDNT bring up the Collins story except that it will be 43 years ago on Jan. 29 that the farmer, then almost-unknown, went exploring into Sand Cave.

When he didn't return home the next day his father and brothers and some ffiends began to search for him. Later, Jewell Estes, 17, heard a faint call for help from the entrance to the cave. Collins had been trapped by a boulder that had wedged his foot in a narrow vertical tunnel 60 feet below the ground. He had discovered a new cavern and was attempting to return to the surface when the accident happened. NEWS OF HIS imprisonment spread.

His brothers, Homer and Marshall, crawled into the cave with food, an oilcloth to shield his head from the drip of icy water and a to file income tax returns for the Years 1961, 12, 1963 and 1964. IRS agents said Silbernagl's chief source of income during this period was from reselling canceled documentary stamps which had been required for real estate transactions. SILBERNAGL, who operated the Ace Stamp Company and Stamp Jungle at North Judson, devised a method to "wash'' the cancellation off of the documentary stamps, agents said. Silbernagl received large amounts of the stamps through advertisements in stamp journals. Silbernagl sold the stamps which had a face value of Chavis aims of the new organization would be tr attract tourist money to the area, especially during the 500 Festival month of Mav.

EM THE PAST, Ransom said, the only time visitors here for the 500-Mile Race see Indiana Avenue is when traveling to and from the race track on Memorial Day. James T. Morris, special project director for Mayor Richard G. Lugar, said the new organization's effort to upgrade their community could rely on the city administration's support. Morris referred to Lugar's pre-election pledge to aid i orhood organizations seeking to better their envior-ment.

STATE SENATOR Patrick D. Chavis (D-Indianapolis) also urged formation of a community organization to obtain a timetable of committments from the various organizations which plan projects in the community. Borah last day BDAYS (Downtown only) suit savings iininrn OW SEE IIFRDT Bathtub Sleeping OLD LAWS on the books but not enforced: In Detroit it's illegal to fall asleep in the bathtub; and in Boston, it's against the law to take a bath without a doctor's meritarv stamps and that it was not the work of an organization. Most of the stamps were sold to persons on the East Coast, they said. Documentary stamps are r.o longer required to complete real estate transactions.

The law requiring the special tax stamps was repealed by Congress as of Jan. 1. savings MA Ml I' ft if hvl I 41 I i A steering committee of Indiana Avenue businessmen was named yesterday to form a community business association aimed at upgrading the near -downtown area. i i a lly titled "Operation Avenue," the suggestion for yesterday's meeting of businessmen in the Walker Building, 617 Indiana Ransom Avenue, was made by the Marion County Co-Operative Extension Service. About 35 persons attended the gathering and all voiced an interest in forming an association to seek improved city services and mutual assistance.

WILLARD B. RANSOM, general manager of the Madame C. J. Walker Manufacturing Company, chaired the meeting and was named temporary chairman of the 15-member steering committee. Businessmen reported they feared investing in their properties because of a planned urban renewal project, highway programs and Indiana University expansion.

ONE STOREKEEPER said he wished to renovate his shop but feared his property would be taken from him for the pending government programs. John D. Borah, executive director of the Indianapolis Redevolpment Com mission told the group that if the proj ect is approved it will be two and one-half to three years be bore property is acquired. Borah urged the group to con tinue to upgrade their proper ties. ONE IDEA for the area which had been proposed would have created a "Bour bon Street" atmosphere on the avenue.

Bourbon Street is an entertainment section in New Orleans known as the birth place of jazz music. However, one woman mem ber of the Lockefield Gardens Mothers Club stated "we have that kind of thing now and we're trying to eliminate it." Ransom said one of the chief i prescription! Celebri-tip from Ethel Merman: "Do not discard emptied perfume bottles. Put them uncorked into the corners of your dresser, and they will. scent your personal belong-' ings like a sachet" Graphology note: Handwriting does not reveal what a person's work or hobby is, it only tells what the person is fitted to do. JL $79,790.20 fur txtw-n 35 and 50 per cent of their original value during the four-year period, agents said.

The stamps normally sold in large numbers to title companies, were affixed to titles when real estate transactions were completed. THE COMPANIES were allowed, during a certain period of time, to resell the stamps to the IRS if they found they had an over-supply of them. Individuals also could buy the stamps from the IRS at any time. Agents said Silbernagl tried to sell the stamps back to the I rnal Revenue service in 1959, but was told that the Chavis, urged the avenue businessmen to seek better city services such as police protection and street repairs "at least on an equal basis as city services in other areas of the city." MOST BUSINESSMEN at vesterdav's gathered appeared enthusiastic about upgrading the area but some complained they had been unable to obtain financing and insurance. Ransom said he believes the financing and insurance problems could be tackled more effectively by an organization.

Others named to the steering committee include: Mrs. Georgia Walker, Walkers Hair Weave, 513 Indiana Avenue; Mrs. Jean P. Spears, extension service; Father Joseph M. Barry, St.

Bridgets Catholic Church; Theo S. Medias, Me-dias Store and Loan Company, 506 Indiana; Forrest Jones owner of Bar B-Q Heaven restaurants; William E. Hawkins, Hawk's Liquors, 542 Indiana Avenue; Mrs. Carry Brown, clothing store, 542 Indiana Avenue; Marcus C. Stewart the Indianapolis Recorder; the Rev.

Mozel Sanders, the Keyless Restaurant, 795 Indiana Avenue; Mrs. A'Lelia M. Bundles, vice president of the Walker firm; Mrs. Mary E. Collins, Locke-field Civic Organization; Mrs.

Bettie McKay, Bettie's Sewing Service, 531 Indiana Avenue. we're operating legally," Cant well said. HE ADDED that it is his personal opinion the contract awarded Jack T. O'Brien's Bonna Printing Company and two other firms for specialized work are "perfectly legal." Question over the legality arose Thursday when Bennett, who had signed the contracts, scratched his name off, con tending the contracts were in valid because bid approvals had been signed by only one commissioner Cantwell. Weber, who has never signed the contracts, said yesterday he, too, is in favor of a meeting Monday.

WEBER SAID a decision as to whether he'll affix his signature to the contracts will depend on the legal ruling on their validity. A rash of protests developed last week after Bonna was awarded the bulk of the county printing business for 1968. O'Brien, who owns Bonna, is a close political friend of Cantwell. He formed the printing firm less than two weeks before being awarded the contracts in 5 of 7 classifications, although he was low bidder in only 2 of the 5. Sli are Proceeds Of Patronage, Weber Urges Bimey L.

Weber, president of the Marion County Commissioners, said yesterday he believes the Republican Central Committee should share its 2 per cent patronage proceeds from Metropolitan agencies with the Democratic Central Committee. Weber says this would be fair because employes and boards of agencies like the Metropolitan Plan Department and Air Pollution Control Bureau include persons appointed by the commissioners or not connected with the city administration. Mayor Richard G. Lugar said Weber's proposal is "an interesting thought" which is "not worthy of intensive study." Legality Study Asked On Printing Contract B.B.!) Leftover spinach, finely chopped, adds color and taste to the batter for waffles. (Gaslight Clubs).

IT IS EXTREMELY rare for a habitual rocker (person who uses a rocking chair) to have swollen feet and legs, according to medical authorities When you diet, your feet shrink; when you gain weight, the opposite is true. BEAUTY HINT (from the magazine, Beauty Tips): "To add protein and body to your hair, use skim milk as a wave-set. Apply to hair and don't rinse out, but allow to dry. Your curls will stay days longer" SMATTERING OF SIGNS: Mottoes for Aries: "Be yourself, but with restraint" and "Look before you leap." Never make disparaging remarks about relatives or friends of the Taurus native, as loyalty is very strong in these people. An easy rut for Gemini to fall into don't do today what can wait until tomorrow! SIGN IN Greenwich Village: "Bad Seeds Take the Power Out of the Flower" The most frequent car equipment failures are rear lights, front lights, brakes, exhaust system and fires Disturbing statistic: Practically one American in every five has some allergy! HELPFUL HINTS: To slip a latex foam cushion or pillow into its cover without difficulty, dust the cushion first with talcum powder Paste that first-aid chart and list of antidotes for poison on the inside of your 'medicine chest.

It's a real time-saver in an emergency Lemons can be kept longer if spread sparingly with a thin coat of vinegar Replace the smell of antiseptic cleaner with fresh perfumed fragrance by burning a little cologne in a saucer. If it's heated first, it burns better. (Copyright IMi) BEAUTY HINT from Met Opera star Joanna Simon: "To make your eyes look large and soften any puffiness under the brow, use brown eyeshadow on the upper eyelid regardless of other color used" Overworked expression: "With you as a friend, who needs enemies" Decor tip from B. Castro: "A radiator cover that ties in with your window decoration will lessen the eyesore of the radiator." SHOWBIZ BUFFS: Remember Quinlan and Mack: Pauline the hypnotist; Karyl Norman; Dora Maugham and the Barr Twins? Famous last words: "I'm not going to put snow tires on the car those weather forecasters haven't been right for weeks!" KITCHEN-SNOOPING: Try glazing your next baked ham with apricot jam. (Scam, Los Angeles) Marinate fish in milk for about an hour, then season and broil.

(Bruce Ho's, New York) Next time you make French fried onions, brush them first with a little mint, for a great flavor. (Blue Fox, San Francisco) For a jiffy dessert, freeze a can of fruit cocktail and slice while still icy. Then add a topping of whipped cream. (Mrs. men's famous brand soils oris.

G3.00 48 .00 oris. 75.00 58 .00 orig. U3.00 lo 00.00 64- 00 It's stock-clearing time of the season's bestsellers. Odds and ends, broken sizes, good labels you respect. topcoat men fa moos brand dross and casoal 1 proa Is orfg.

liO.OO lo 75.00 39 .00 orlg. lo 100.00 74- 00 orig. HO.OO lo 125.00 84- 00 Badly broken sizes, time if your size is t-hoosc it and but Illegal TO YOUR HEALTH liable to come down with active disease. But what your doctor must be thinking is that you are in greater danger because you are pregnant. Experience tells us that the risk is greatly increased by special situations: In the patient who is pregnant; in one who has had a greater part of his stomach removed; in the patient who has been taking large doses of corticosteroids for months; in the diabetic; in the patient who is suffering from silicosis; in the tuberculin-positive child, suffering from measles or whooping cough.

NOT IN ALL such patients, but in those infected and with positive tuberculin tests, is the risk increased. For preventive measures as well as for active treatment doctors prescribe such medicines as isoniazid and a second drug called PAS. To repeat, Mrs. you follow your doctor's advice I don't think you will be climbing mountains that are not there. They may be closer than you think.

If you take the preventive course of treatments, chances are you will continue safely in the hills. You owe it to yourself and your baby to comply with your doctor's PETER .1. STEEVntOIIX. 3f.II. Special Session Linked To Demo Caucus Vote Treatments Advised Marion County Commissioner Paul F.

Cantwell, a Democrat, said yesterday he has requested fellow commissioners Bimey L. Weber, a Democrat, and Howard B. Bennett, a Republican, to meet at 1 p.m. Monday in an effort to determine whether the award of a county printing contract is valid. Cantwell said he will ask the county's three attorneys and Auditor John T.

Sutton to attend the session. "We need to find out where everybody stands and whether Lawrence and Warren townships. Dr. Bowen said House Minority Leader Richard C. Bodine (D-Mishawaka) indicated the plan approved by Republicans was least desired by Democrats.

The Democrats preferred, in order, a resurrected plan devised by former State Senator Marshall F. Kizer (D-Plymouth) and one approved by the Indiana Congressional I a tion, Bowen said. Dr. Bowen pointed out the Republicans amended the original legislative plan, changing the Lake County alignment. Ruckelshaus said five Lake County Democratic senators have not yet voted on the legislative or Congressional plans, and the changes might induce them to vote for the legislative plan.

He said only three votes were needed from the Lake County senators. The changes recommended would put Hanover and West Creek townships of Lake County in the Second District, along with Hobart Township. This would leave the First district composed of Calumet, North and St. John townships of Lake County. To keep district populations balanced, the offered changes would put Starke County in the Second instead of the Third and Marshall County in the Third rather than the Second district.

A special session of the Indiana General Assem 1 could depend on a Senate Democratic caucus today which will decide to accept or reject a Congressional re-districting plan adopted for agreement by legislative Republicans yesterday. House Majority Leader William D. Ruckelshaus (R-Indian-apolis) and House Speaker Otis R. Bowen (R-Bremen) said GOP legislators would stand firm on its decision which gave approval to a 11th District composed of Center, PIXies By JACK WOHL a) vaw. Special TB DEAR DR.

Steincrohn: I am six months pregnant and apparently healthy. But it was recently discovered that I have been living in the same house with a grand father who has active tuberculosis. He has had a cough for years and we thought it was due to always smoking a pipe. Our doctor at last insisted on his having an ray of the chest and it showed the trouble which was confirmed by positive sputum tests The doctor has a tuberculin test on me and, lo and behold, it is positive. My own rays are negative, but he advises that I go on a course of special treatments with what he calls "chemo-prophylaxis." He says he doesn't want to take any chances that I come down with active tuberculosis during or immediately after my pregnancy.

Isn't he making the proverbial mountain out of a mplehill? Mrs. H. COMMENT Be thankful for the kind of doctor you have. He shows intelligence, awareness, and is preventive-medicine-minded. For it is true that patients like yourself are in special danger of contracting tuberculosis.

If you weren't pregnant, had a positive tuberculin (skin) test, and were so long exposed to the active tuberculosis in your grandfather, you might also be Health. Capsule By M. A. PETTI. M.D.

po Tomatoes grapefruit, UMON OR ORAN4E CAU4E VllDity'lM YOUR Rjpy 2 1-15 flO.fflE ARB. PERFECTLY HEALTHFUL Hwhh Ctptuln fiM MpM Monwrtw, It it art intended of dagnotfk iwtm J. if 0 it's well worth youf here. charge It BLOCK'S MEN'S CLOTHING, THIRD FLOOR mi jkjAA iUUJ AAA AAA AAA. AAA.

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