The Los Angeles Times from Los Angeles, California • Page 23

Southern California Interests, Drama. SI 91 Vol. XLIV. FRIDAY MORNING, FEBRUARY 27, 1925. -rART iu 22 PAGES.

POPULATION I vf Awl' I 7 (w-iuwnun By Um city Dlrtetorj (I'M How Culver City Welcomed Cecil DeMille SPIRITUALISTS CONVICTED OF CRIMINAL CONSPIRACY Judge Finds Cult Leaders Guilty in Conduct of Organization; to be Sentenced Saturday William A. 'Jackson, Lois A. Jackson and Gertrude president, secretary and director, respectively, of the National Indeuendent Spiritualist Association, world headquarters for independent spiritualists, were yesterday found guilty by Police Judge Pope of criminal conspiracy, the charges growing out of an investigation, of psychic activities in Los Angeles conducted by The Times last November. Sentence will be i it i tho case was begun, finally culminating In tho decision of yesterday. JUDGE'S DECISION Judge Pope, In his decision, began with a review of tho complaint, in which, he stated, tho defendants were charged under livo counts with conspiracy to obtain money under faiso pretenses, conspiracy to obstruct the duo administration of the law and conspiracy to commit larceny.

The first and last of these. Judge Pope said, were not proven by the evidence submitted. The second, which, summarized, charged that the spiritualist association and its officers had consplrod to Issue. certificates of ordination as ministers of the gospel to practicing psychics and others not qualified to receive them that they might evade regulatory and restrictive provisions of city ordinances designed to supervise and control psychic activities within, the city limits, was hold to be proven. Specification;) In the constitution and by-laws of tho church corporation roquirlng a six months' membership In some spiritualist church and a rigid examination as to psychic power of the applicant beforo a constituted and duly authorized board of inquiry, it was held wero violated repeatedly by tho church officials.

OVERT ACT "The overt act alleged in the complaint," the decision reads, after considerable discussion of statutes, ordinance and other matters, "was the granting of the application for ordination to Dr. Chamberlyn Snow, whose true name is Charles Sloan. "The testimony of Mr. Sloan showed that he Informed Mr. Jackson that, to use his own words: 'I don't know a damn thing about Mr.

Sloan further testified he had explained to Mr. Jackson that ho wanted' to operate in a Los Angeles hotel, that he couldn't get a license from the city and wanted to bo ordained so that he could begin tho work of 'a psychic. "The foregoing outline discloses that tho court is Urmly ot tho opinion that W. A. Jackson and I.ols A.

Jackson wero aware of their responsibilities and chose to Ignore the requirements. Tho tes passed, tomorrow noon. The verdict came In the form ot a written decision covering virtually ovcry phase of the testimony and evidence presented In tho trial of the case, which occupied nearly two weelis In January. In the decision, seven other officers and directors of tho organization, whom tho evidence showed had bean merely technically responsible for the acts of their associates, were absolved by the judge. With the verdict of guilty comes to an end one of the most Interesting cases of Its "kind over tried In tho United States.

accordinK to attorneys Involved. It is averred to bo ono of the very fow cases in which criminal conspiracy as a misdemeanor has been charged In Pollco Court Jurisdiction. Through the verdict the activities of more than 10.000 psychics now-operating throughout the country are declared to havo been restricted. The mass of documentary evidence and the number of witnesses involved In tho presentation of tho case Is averred to have been most unusual. The' transcript of testimony ran Into thousands of pages.

Half a dozen attorneys were present in the courtroom representing either prosecution or defenso during tho trial. JtrarBKRSiirp of 308,000 defendants wore the nc-tlvo heads of a church organization with an affirmed membership ot 368.000 and a ministerial list ot more than 550j ordlnates. They had been operating In Ios Angeles for seven years, this city being the International headquarters of the association. During that time, the mlttute hooks showed the collection of thousands of dollars in money; and the reglstrution as either spiritual healers or ministers oCJhc gospel of virtually every well-known fortune toller, clairvoyant, crystal gazer, medium or practitioner of llko arts whoso livelihood depended upon tho commercialization of their religion. Jackson and his co-defendants were arrested on November 11, 1024.

following their sale to Charles Sloan of The Times staff of a certificate ordaining him as a minister -of tho gospel: the purchase price being At tho same time raids were executed upon the various heifdotiartors of tho local psychics. Including the international offices of the association in the Lankcrslilni Rulldlng. In these raids several tons of documentary evidence wero seized, later subjected to close examination by City Prosecutor Friodlander and Deputy Prosecutors Keames and Friedman, under whoso direction the Investigation and trial of fl Hi to New Studio William 13. Snyder Photos Lower Leatrlce HOUSE VOTES AIR MAIL TO LOS ANGELES Direct Service Campaign Meets Success in Congress; Hospital Sum is Voted A telegram was received by A. G.

Arnoll, secretary and gcnetyil manager of tho Chamber of Commerce, yesterday from Congressman Fredericks reporting tho pas-sago by tho Houso of Representatives ot two bills backed by the chamber, ono providing for an appropriation for direct alr-mall service for Loa Angeles- and tho other appropriating funds to build fireproof additions to tho Veterans' Hospital at the Sawtolle Soldiers' Home. Tho latter bill was Introduced by Congressman Llno-berger and tho former by Fredericks. Direct alr-mall sorvlco had been assured by too passago by the TTntlAA Rnmn Hima nP 1,111 tliorlr.lng Postmastor-Goneral t0 contract for such service. It Is th will bo whln -h, Ht available within a short time. favorable action In tho Scnato saJrl to be certain.

Tho carnpnlKn to obtain alr-mall service to the Kunt on a parity with San Kranclnco waa conducted by the chamber with thfl co-operation of lorai business men and other citizens. immsii ClAJB TO TAXCR Tho British Adventurers' Club will have a dance tomorrow at 8 p.m.. It van announced yesterday by Manager Fred Agley. The headquarters la at 1233 Trenton Htreet. TRIBUTE IS PAID WOMEN BY BLEDSOE Says They Have Inspired All Worthy Achievements in Kiwanis Address Woman's suggestions have been the Inspiration of all worth-while achievements at all times and in all places, declared Federal Judge Benjamin V.

Bledsoe, in a tribute to womanhood delivered before the Optimists' Club ot its luncheon at the Blltmore yesterday. The program was dedicated to the ladies, the malority of the 200 members present being accompanied by wives, mothers or sweethearts. Judge Bledsoe's address was very brief, his 6Ubjoct being "Greetings to Our Ladies." "The expression 'woman's sphere' Is often heard, as It there wero some special department of life to which her activities are to bo exclusively confined." said the Judge, "That idea Is wrong. There Is no exclusive woman's sphere. She plays a role as important as man and always has.

I would even go further and say that hers is -a more Important part because at the bottom of every great oc- compltehment In the history of tho fonnd a wom- an msPraton. be she a moth- er, a wlfo or a Judge Bledsoe closed by suggesting that the cynical toast. "Hero's to our wives and sweethearts: may they never meet." bo changed to read, "Here's to our wives and sweethearts soon to become our wives and our wives to remain sweethearts as long as thoy live." Tho remainder of tho program included a humorous bit of reading by Mrs. John Simpson, a vocal solo by Miss Alice Lohr. and demonstrations In Hindu magic by Prof.

Tamil Saldana, Indian en. tertalner. ROBBER. SUSPECT NABBED A white gold wedding ring and a gold pencil, found In tho possession of John Moore, led to his arrest yesterday as a bandit suspect by Detective Lieutenants Robinson and Doyle. Both pencil and ring, according to the detectives, were obtained in robberies.

Upper Crowd In front of old Ince studio, bought by Producers' Distributing loader. Joy. Cecil Dc Millc and Harry Culver. HEATH ORDERS POLICE SHIFTS Detective Burrtiu Shake-up Announced by Chief Says Edict Necessary Under Civil Service Rule Veterans' Places IF ill Filled by Students be A ahuko-up in the detective bureau, which will affect about (00 pl.iin-elothos officers worktnff out of Central and the outlyinp stations, was anmunced late yesterday afternoon by Chief of Police Th! reorganization, which is the most Benerul to which the department bns been subjected In pome years, will go Into offect at once, Chief Heath stated. Tt was prompted, he said, by the fact that the detective bureau as organized at present does not meet tho requirements laid down by the Civil Service Commission.

L'nder the ruling of the commission, he stated, only detective lieutenants or mtn who aro on the eligible list from which detective lieutenants aro chosen can work In tho detective bureau. The plain-clothes men, ho added, the majority of whom are veterans In tho servtrc, aro In most cases not on the eligible list for detectlva lieutenant and will therefore havo to revert to uniforms as common patrolmen. kivim; squadrons hit The reorganization order virtu ally abolishes tho personnel of the present Hying squadrons at tho Central Station and all other outlying stations. The men composing tht'H- squadrons aro nearly all tented olUceiH with long yars of service who have been especially trained for this work. Under Chief Heath's ortlern they will bo replaced by student de-ttnlives elicibln to promotion as detective' lieutenants.

Chief of Detectives Home Is understood to have vigorously fought tho shake-up. pointiiiK out that such action would greatly hamper tho detective bureau In Us work, as tho majority of the men- affected havo proven their mottle tfmo and ngum- TWO IjIIXTKXANTS kemaix Tho midnight shift at Central Station, known as the "grnveynrd shift" was hardest hit by the shake-up. But two detective HeuteuantH and a captain will remain of the original flying squadron maintained there from midnight to a.m. Am in the outlying stations, they will bo replaced by student detectives. Chief Itcuth pointed out that In tho recont examinations passed the test for detective? lieutenants.

Tho Civil Service Commission, after the examination, created twenty-two additional detective lloutcnanclofl and these wero eolectod from tho eligibility lists1, lea, lug but a fow top men from which future selections could bo made. In view of the ruling that pat roiman in plain clothes en not work out of tho detective bureau, he added, thono of the plainclothes mon who wero down on the eligibility list, therefore, could not be retained In the bureau. Last Rites for Mrs. Armstrong Set for Today Funeral services for Mrs. Harriett Armstrong, 90 years of age, will bo conducted this afternnpn at 2 o'clock from tho chapel of the Connell Company, 1233 South Hope street.

Mrs. Armstrong panned away "Wednesday at tho homo of her sinter, Mrs. Helen M. Parkr, 2515 Went Twenty-llrst street. She came to Los Angeles thirty-two years ago and was ono of the original members of the First Presbyterian Church.

Throughout her life sho had been actively engaged In jail and rescue work and wa a dlrec-ter for the Florence Crlttenton Home, both In New York city and here. Interment will be made in Mountain View Cemetery ut Pasadena. RABBI TO LECTURE A free lecture on "The Meaning of Etiouetto" wMt be given by Dr. 13. F.

Magnln this evening at Tom-pin H'ttul B'rlth. Itubbl Magnln will also bo in charge of services at tho Temple tomorrow morning. IS LAID New in Otis, I would be dotng a grave injustice to one of tho teat friend. we had during our most trying moment." ho "Desplto tho fact that he was sorely beset with troubles of his own specially during tho advent of Bugona V. Debs, who called strikes and gen-erally5 terrorized, commercial activities In 'this city.

Oen. Otis on two separate occasions, when disaster and shipwreck loomed, camo to our assistance. Gen: otLs savo us not only his moral support but real financial assistance as well, and did as much to encourage our organization In those trying early days as our good friend Henry E. Huntington has dono since then. I am able to furnish the Interest! is about one of the finest citizens Los Angeles has ever known (Continued on Vase 2.

Column t) timony of Lois Jackson showed one fnct of importance in that she tes-l Mfiod that although she had been 1 engaged In the work of tho church for some years she was not a medium. She further stated that It had been many years since she had seen what she believed was the materialized spirit of a departed person." Concerning the other defendants, (Continued on Pago 5, Column 1) fiarry arr Olf. no: this Is-too much'. Three illustrious Fren. h' historians havo rushed to the defense of "Bluebeard's" memory.

They arc trying to tell us that ho was a nice old gentleman who probably got up early in the morning to let the family cat out; and passed the plate In church on Sunday. All these stories about hanging up his murdered wives In the family smoko house were just neighborhood gossip. lVIISJtDGED VITX.YINS IVl This Is going to be a bleak, snd world It thoy take all the villains away from us. And they have, indeed, robbed us of most of them. Historians now tell us th.it had a heart that bled with sympathy for tho poor and oppressed; it was the criminal Idle rich who circulated these catty" stories about him.

Probably ha was practicing on his flddlo for the Ladles' Aid Society beneilt and never noticed that Rome, was burning. Henry VIII is now shown to havo been a plcbed-on and much abused husband. I had a letter not long ago from an indignant amateur historian who cuttingly rebuked my Ignorance for not knowing that the Dc Medlcis were nice, well-behaved folks. TAME T.ITEKATLnrc This la a very odd circumstance. Iloro big drama has been crowded into the post ten years than adorned the pages of history for tho 200 years before thut.

Tho map ot Europe has been torn up like wet tissue paper. Kings havo toppled off their thrones in herds. Wars revolutions cataclyms Yet tho movies and tho book publishers complain bltterly-r- complain tragically that they are unnblo to find real or vital stories anywhere In tho workl. Authors, they say. have all bc-como namby pamby stylists toyers and jugglors with words They dj not seczn to have stories to tolL ATICTtlUIitiE GIuVDIATOU Jim Tully, tho novelist, used to bo a prize fighter.

He was a good one too. And so ho knows all about prize fighters. Ho tells mo that Jack Dempsey, tho present champion, could undoubtedly have licked any tighter In the history of tho world. It's a curious ease of a man with two selves. Out of the ring, Dempsey is a bashful, amiable, rather sweet-natured big boy.

In the ring ho is a demon of destruction. Jim told mo of a fight In which Dempsey turned about 'and slopped -a man with the back of his hand; and knocked him so cold they were afraid would never come. to. STOIiEX STORIES It's going to be a hard winter for dramatists If juries keep on weeping sympathetic tears. Following the case of the woman who got judgmont against Itichard Walton Tully, claiming he stole "Tho Bird of Puradife" from her manuscript, comes another one.

A New "York court l)as given judgment In favor ot a woman who says "Whlto Cargo" was lifted from her novel. WHERE IDEAS BREED These decisions aro likely to lend to literary Plagiarism Is a crime almost Imposslblo to tlx. I know of eases where two stories of Identical plot and Idea hav como in the SAmo mail to studios. I' know of other- cases whero stories havo been stolen, yet so disguised In tho stealing that cvon the author could nover havo suspected it. Very often a Poor story suggests a good one of entirely different thetno to a writer.

Xo one can say where an idea wan born. Any court which tries to trace one to. its lair takes on largo order. Oil. COURSES OFFERED Practical courses dealing with oil and gas, designed Cor the iter-da of California petroleum producers, will bo taught at tho University Southern California this summer.

It was announced yesterday by' Frank Porter, dean ot the law school. Another practical designed to servo the shipping interests of the community, will 1m In admiralty practice. Prof. M. Tuttlo will conduct tho admiralty classes and Prof.

Clatra T. Van fclueu has been appointed Instructor of the petroleum taw clu- KEYS OF CITY DE MILLE DECLARES FILMS UNIFY WORLD Motion pictures are unifying the world, declared Cecil B. De Mllle, leading figure of Producers' Distributing Corporation, who held open house yesterday at tho former Thomas II. Inco studio In Culver City, which ho has bought to use for his own productions. The film executive was honored at tho recoptlon by Culver City, Mayor C.

V. Loop presenting the key of the city to Do Mi lie after a speech lauding the producer and the organization of which ho is the central flguro. Together with De MIHo. Joseph M. Schenck.

business manager ot United Artists: Al Christie, Louis B. Mayer and Morris Kohn received tho congratulations of a crowd of moro than 1000 per sons who gathered on tho lawn ofi the Do Mllle studio. United States District Judge Bledsoe spoke briefly during tho ceremonies. "I would like to epeak ot two friends, ono dead and one living." Judge Bledsoe declared. "Tho former.

Thomas H. Inco, was a credit to the Industry: tho latter, Cecil De Mllle, is fully worthy of the position off 'power he enjoys, that of Influencing tho citizens of this country through the medium of motion pictures." Other speeches wero mado by Joseph Schenck, Harry IT. Culver, (Continued on Page S. Column 5) BUSINESS MEN HONOR RICE Merchants and Manufacturers Association Gives Loving Cup to Former President at Dinner As testimonials to his accomplishments in behalf ot industrial freedom for Los Angeles, a beautifully engrossed resolution and a massive, silver loving cup were presented to Irwin Hays Rice, recently rotred president of tho Merchants' and Manufacturers' Association at a dinner at tho California Club last night. CHARLIE AGAIN WITNESS Comedian Brands as Lie Statement Club Women Have Banned His Film; Evidence Finished Testimony was completed yesterday and arguments will begin today In tho suit of Charles Chaplin against Charles Amador and tho Western Fcaturo Productions, 'to restrain them from employing the Chapiinesque make-up and character.

Production Home Christened TO FILM HEAD BILL HART IS SIGNED BY JOSEPH SCHENCK on Picture fnee William S. Hart will make a second motion-picture comeback and his pictures wlil bo released by United Artists, it was revealed yesterday by Joseph M. Schenck, business manager of this organlza-J tlon, on his return here from an extended European tour. Hart will llnanco his own pictures, but tho stories will bo subject to Schenck's approval, tho producer declared. This niignmont was considered one of tho most inlportant announcements of tho film ''Xecutlve, who also revealed details of his plans for an association with SI1 Grauman In tho erection of a chain of motion-picture theaters throughout the country, a probable foreign nlllanco of United Artists and tlto TJ.F.A.

motion-picture Interests In Germany, and a (3.000.000 production program for his own stars during the coming year. following his arrival on a pn- vnto car at 10 a.m. yeaterday nn the Santa Fe Schenck went dl- rectly to the United btu.Uos, where he plunged into a mass of awaiting htm. Other inenr.ers of tho parly, which Included his wife, Norma Talmadge, Nicholas Schenck. brother of Joe nnd vice-president and general manager of Metro-Goldwyn; Lora Mara, sister of Thcda Bara and traveling corn- (Continued on I'ngc 2.

Column fl) 8SSS' against Charles Aina.lor. The three and a ruling by the court. ''Litigation" Featuring Charles Chaplin CLUB CORNER-STONE Jonathan Members First Luncheon Building; Goodcell is Speaker ntto lunuurca io air. Rico by members of tho board of directors arid a special committee of tho association. Mr.

Rice has was president from 1919 until tho first of tho pres'ent year. Speakers at tho dinner extolled Mr. Rice as the leading factor In tho succesfui efforts of the M. and M. In keeping Los Angeles a metropolis ot tho country free from tho domination of unionism.

Oscar Lawler was introduced as toastmastcr of tho evening by F. Wl Black, who, with Archibald Douglass and James Woods, formed the commltteo in charge of tho dinner. FIGHTS IiABOrt 'UNIONS After pointing out tho bitter experiences of San Francisco during tho longshoremen's strike when laborers opposing the unions wero slugged and maimed with tho sluggers escaping punishment, Mr. Lawler reviewed a chapter In tho industrial history of Los Angeles when one labor union spent 1.700.000 In a few months in a campaign of thuggery. "It was then, for the first time In tho history of America, that the business men of this city decided to join hands to attack the organized villany of tho labor unions." said Mr.

Lawlor. "They organized on the principle that free men can labor freely whenever and wherever they choose. "Men of the type of Hays Rico came on the scene and the attack against th olabor unions went on until. I am now certain that labor unions realize that no organization can dominate the affairs and lives ot men as tho unions had been doing." Mr. Black, after praising tho work dono by Mr.

Rice, presented him with tho resolution formally expressing the gratitude and appreciation of his associates for his work in behalf, not only for tho Merchants and Manufacturers, but also for tho entire Los Angeles community. CUP IS PRESENTED R. W. Pridham "followed hy presenting the big loving cup. During the course ot his remarks, Mr.

Pridham said: "There have been many presi- (Contlmicd on Pngu 22, Column 4) Illu.trntlan on Plcttlrfl Prr.) More than 6u0 member of the Jonathan Club attended the inaugural luncheon In the gymnasium of the' now building at Sth and Flgueroa strceta yesterday and after Inspecting the association building Joined In the coromonlea of laying the corner-stone of the nro- Mr. Chaplin himself was on the stand as a witness for the defend ant during tho morning, and was asked questions concerning his good will and popularity, the personality of his famous characterization and tho rumored cancellation of his latest 'picture. This last was heatedly denied by the actor. a stipulation was entered Into that Sid Grauman. motion-picture exhibitor, would "testify that ho had entered Into negotiations with Chaplin tor the picture and would exhibit It.

GRAUMAN'S STATEMENT "I havo not been approached by any women or clubwomen who protested the showing of Chaplin's picture," said Mr. Grauman yesterday. "About three weeks ago I started negotiations with Mr. Chaplin concerning the exhibition at tho Hollywood Egyptian Thcator ot his new picture, but it -seems that the picture will not be completed for three or four months. I think the present show will run six months and by that time perhaps I can get 'Ben The stipulation was entered into between Attorneys Loyd Wright and Charles Mllliken tor Chaplin and Ben Goldham, J.

J. Lleher-man and Isadore Morris for Amador. Tho case is on trial before Judge J. Li. Hudner.

Amador has agreed already to drop the use of the name Apltn, which ho formerly employed. CHAPLIN ON STAND Chaplin, called as a witness by his legal opponent, was dressed neatly and wore a gray suit of subdued color. He answered the questions ot Attorney Golman in low, modulated tones, but always (Continued on Page 2, Column 4) tenuous building When W. P. Jeffries, president of the club, broke ground for the $2,200,000 building on August 5.

last, members congratulated him on tho successful conclusion of his dream a clubhonso worthy of tho organization It would house. Yesterday, Mr. Jeffries assisted in tho corner-stone ceremonies and again received tho unanimous thanks of the members. SPEAKS OK KAJUVV DAYS John B. Bushnell.

Ice-president of the club when It was organized In 1835, spoke briefly ot the progress of the organization, recalling tho early days of club lifo and tho shoulder-to-shouldor fight necessary to put across tho successful association. If. when speaking of our pio- necrs 1 failed to. mention the name of the late Gon. Harrison Gray Photos by Gcorgo W.

Watson. Times staff Photographer Three Studies of Comedian witness yesterday In his stilt brought The king of comedy was again a poses show Chaplin listening to a qucbuod, an objection by-coutuici..