Lansing State Journal from Lansing, Michigan • Page 1

Average DAILY CIRCULATION Dec. 22nd to Dec. 27th 42,268 Membtr Audit Bureau of Circulation 68 Pages 622 Columns TOE eUdDILJMWAIL SEVENTY-SIXTH YEAR Tonight Colder LANSING, MICHIGAN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 1931 Friday Partly Cloudy, Cold PRICE THREE CENTS mm SEE LANSING 'Private Citizen' After Four Years New Administrations for Both State and Capital City Are Ushered in with New Year for Second Time in History (TO mm 1 A CLEARING NAUGMRA HOLDING 1 NEW PACE FOR 1930 OF STATE POSTOFFICE Congressman Hudson Says Youngest Executive NTERES FRED W. GREEN I pi. ti'A" 5.

W.V I Of State to Take Oath of Office Amid Acclaim of Fellow War Veterans, Citizenry Wilber M. Brucker becomes governor of the state of Michigan at noon today. As the oath of office is administered by Chief Justice Henry M. Butzel of the state supreme court, Governor Brucker will assume duties and responsibilities never before in the history of the state delegated to so young a man. Stevens Thompson Mason, ex-officio governor as secretary of the territory of Michigan and governor under the constitution of 1835, was a younger man than Mr.

Brucker. But A i ii.ijuiisiuuiuc9 ui government were not me same in the GOV. WILBER M. BRUCKER New executives take over the direction of the governments of both the state of Michigan and the city of Lansing with the opening of the new year. liber M.

Brucker, 36-year-old World war veteran, Thursday noon became governor of Michigan, while Peter F. Gray will be formally inducted Into the office of mayor of the Capital City of the state on January 15. The year 1931 thus has the distinction of being MAYOR-ELECT PETER F. GRAY the second in history in which the reins of government In both Lansing and the state are placed in new hands simultaneously. The first instance of the state and city governments passing into new hands virtually simultaneously was In January, 1927, when Gov.

Fred W. Greep took office on the first of the month and Laird J. Troyer became mayor of Lansing a few days later. CITY IS TARGET OF WOO SUIT Brucker, Green Join in Praise Of Law Enforcement Agencies a Incoming, Retiring Executives Speak over WRDS, State Police Radio Station, Expressing Gratitude for Co-operation in Past, Hope For Even Higher Efficiency in Future Second Highest Total Ever Recorded in City Shown In Annual Tabulation TWO MONTHS OVER 1929 12 Months' $175,838,. 802 Higher Than 1928, Below Abnormal Peak Bank clearings In Lansing In 1930, hlle not as large as those of 1929.

exceeded the clearings of 1928 by more than $9,500,000. And the totals of 1928 were so large that they set an all-time record In Lansing's banking history up to that time. The clearings for 1930 were compiled by Lloyd C. Abbott, vice president of the American State Savings bank, as the last clearing was tnado by the Lansing Clearing House association Wednesday morning at 10:30 o'clock. If bank clearings are a business barometer and Indicative of commercial, manufacturing, and other business activities, then the depressing psychology of 1930 was a much Worse Injury to the city than the actual financial hurt.

Decreaso Relatively Slight Despite the fact that there was more unemployment in Lansing In 1930 than In 1929 when bank clearings far exceeded any previous year, and re cardies of industrial slackness, dc dine of stock market business, building and public Improvements, the loiaia oi iv.su were out less than those of 1929. Bank clearings for 1930 totaled $175,838,802.09, as compared to 162.766.34 in the previous year. In 1928 totals were but $166,323,464.21. Mr. Abbot's comparative tables are Interesting, bearing out his assertion that 1930 was not so bad as mentally painted.

Beginning with the year 1923 Lansing bank clearings for the first time stepped up to $100,000,000 annually and have been maintained above this mark since. Over Billion In Eight Years Mr. Abbott leads off with his comparisons dating from and Including 1923. Ih the eight years, which include the 1930 totals, the grand total of all clearings for this period has mounted to the huge sum of 683,753.10. The average yearly total for the eight years has been $152, 335,469.14.

The total bank clearings of the year ending Wednesday, December 31, 1930, therefore, are in excess of the eight-year average. Growth of Lansing business in eight years, as revealed in this table, is one of the most faclnatlng of financial studies for those interested in such statistics. The table for the eight years follows, years and totals being set forth complete: Year Clearing Total 1923 $118,451,227.33 1924 128.430.041.99 1925 140.964,490.79 1926' 142.645.106.70 1927 142.867.853.65 1928 166.323.464.21 1929 203.162.766.34 1930 175.838.802.09 Grand Total $1,218,683,753 10 A comparison by months of the clearings of 1929 and 1930 is or exceptional interest at this time. Despite the 1930 totals declining below the levels of 1929. yet there were two months of 1930 which were in excess of the same months in 1929.

January and March totals of 1930 were (CantlnaMl an IX, Calnma EWTOlCEl 4 Provision for 2,600 Has Been Kado through Lawrence Baking Company Free New Year's Day dinners will be served to approximately 2.500 needy persons in Lansing through the courtesy of the Lawrence Baking company. O. A. Cook, city welfare director, is In charge of dispensing tickets for the meals. The dinner will consist of chicken with cranberry sauce, nut dressing, creamed mashed potatoes, clilcken gravy, bread and butter, mince and pumpkin pie, coffee and milk.

The meals will be served at the following churches, Mt. Hope Methodist, Michigan Avenue M. Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist, ML Hope Pdcsbyte-rlan, African M. Westminster Presbyterian and the Church of God. T-BONE STEAK DINNER Friday evening.

Sunset Cafeteria. Htnws in Modern History erans association, will present Governor Brucker with a gift The inaugural ball In the Masonic temple will start at 9 o'clock. Governor and Mrs. Brucker will lead the grand march. Former-governor Fred W.

Green and Mrs. Green and Doctor Karl Brucker and Mrs. Brucker will follow. The escorting parade of veterans and civic organizations will be headed In the morning by the 119th Field Artillery band, officers and men from Lansing, Charlotte, and other mobilizing points in Michigan. Following the 119th will be Veterans of Foreign Wars, their drum and bugle corps, and their colors massed, then the Disabled American Veterans' band, bands and drum and bugle corps of the American Legion and members, the Laings-burg community band, and other musical organizations.

A delegation of Livingston county citizens has planned to appear, wearing tall black hats as their part of the inauguration celebration. Reserve officers from various sections of the state will gather in Lansing to add their tribute to their fellow reservist, Captain Brucker. Marshal of the day is Col. John S. Bersey, adjutant general of Michigan.

Paul A. Martin, publisher of the State Journal, has acted as chairman of all arrangements lor the day's events. BATTERY 8 HOLDS Fye Guidon Won by Captain Cook's Organization during Past Year That the year 1930 has been the most successful year enjoyed by Battery 119th Field Artillery, since the World war is the opinion of Capt. Cecil E. Cook, battery commander.

The Fye Efficiency guidon, presented to the regiment three years ago to be awarded each year to the most effi cient battery, was won during 1930 by Battery B. The weekly attendance of the bat tery has been exceptionally high during the past year, and as a result the outfit is now in the best trained con dition since the war. The strength of the battery has been cut to 62 men. which has made it necessary to discharge those members who were not regular in attendance. A marked improvement was also made in the battery's appearance during the past year by the addition of the new Melton uniform and the Pershing cap.

Staff officers of the battery under Capt. Cook are First Lieut. Colon Moores, executive officer; Sec ond Lieut. W. A.

Siegert, department Second Lieut. Vernie L. Judge, department First Sgt. Henry F. Bacon and Corporal Orville Bacon, in charge of all administrative duties of the battery.

POISON FOUND CAUSE OF NAVY AIDE'S DEATH Mysterious Death of Officer Reported To Have Been Caused by Poison; Investigation Continues WASHINGTON, Jan. 1 (Pi Poison was given as the cause of the death of Lieutenant Bruce Settle, naval aide at the White House, in a certificate of transportation issued Thursday for re moval of the body to Tennessee. Meanwhile, the results of an autopsy performed at the naval hospital were withheld and a coroner's Jury ordered impaneled. An inquest will be held on Saturday. Settle was found dead at his desk at the navy yard Monday.

It was conjectured at first that he died from injuries received a lall from a mezzanine floor of the building in which his office was located. EFFICIENCY MAflK Congress Will Act on Appropriation AMOUNT IS UNDECIDED Many Tears of Effort to Be Culminated in Success before March 4, Is Promise Lansing will acquire a new post-office through an appropriation which will be passed by congress belore ad Journment of the present session, March 4. This definite information was received by The State Journal, by air mall, late Wednesday evening. from Grant M. Hudson, congressman from the sixth district.

The detailed statement of the appropriation was a supplement to a brief announcement, telegraphed a few hours previous to the arrival of the letter. "I am assured by both Secretary Ferry Heath of the treasury depart' ment, and Mr. John W. Phllp, the fourth assistant postmaster general, under whose department allocations are made, that Lansing is Included in the group of cities for which author! ration and appropriation (for post office buildings) will be made," the letter explained. Continuing, Mr.

Hud son wrote: "We thereforeh ave the definite promise on an authorization, which will mean an appropriation for Lansing's new federal building before the end of the session on March 4." The categoric and specific informs tion was in response to an inquiry ad- (Cantiaard ao Pace Calonn 1) Weather Data GENERAL WE A THE CONDITIONS The low prcMture art noted yrsterdnjr the middle aoribweit hu moved eaM-ward and la now central tu northern MithiKaii. It la at tended br moderate temperature and araUerrd mow flur ries in the lake; it ion. The storm li fol lowed by a cold ware In lh middle; northwest. The pressure Is rimni and the temperature falling rapidly this morning in the upper Mississippi with strong northwest winds and the indication! are for derided fall In temperature here this afternoon and tonight, with strong northwest wind ana snow imrries. The lowest temrjera- ture reported was 14 degrees below ceroj ine man pressure extends Tram nor in.

ern Minnesota southwest, ward to Colo rado. The cold weather will nmhahi is of non duration as me lemuerature ru ing rapidly again In the northern Rocky mountain region. The pressure is low in Bruuh Columbia, and It Is falling rupldly eastward in Alberta and Battaatchrwan. me indications are. therefore, for murh coioer earner tonight with strona north wrt wina ana snow flurries.

Thursday promises to be partly cloudy and cold with decreasing wind Telocity and occasional www Humes. UOl'BLT TtMrTRATlBtS H'tdneaday TO I at i. 21 3 a n. 23; a. a I 1 m.

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a. at. P- Observation! (akrn Wnlrnuln a 75lh oirridlau tune. Temperatures STATIONS 11 S3 -J. a 2h Sit Atprna NW 14 Boston HW 32 Buffalo rAV 31 20 3S 2 2S 20 40 1 34 22 3 34 1 40 10 32 IS 3 72 43 22 4 44 34 IS S3 42 3t 30 31 17 62 41 32 2 1 IS 41 32 30 IS 1 4 44 34 32 4 2 35 0 42 24 12 4 30 SO 4 2S IS SO 44 3S 24 34 4 3 14 Cloud Cloudy Pt.Cldj.

Clear Pt Cldy. 8now Clear Cloudy Cloudy C'ear Clear Cloudy Cloudy Cloudy Clear Clear Clear Snow Snow Cloudy Clear Pnow Cloudy Cloudy Clear Clear Clear Snow Pt Cldy. Cloudy Clear Cloudy Pt Cldy. Cloudy Clear Calunr NW II inlraao NW It Cincinnati MV 32 ClrrrUnd 32 Drnlrrr NW 32 Detroit 34 Duluth NW 2 Esranaba NW 10 Etananlla NW 34 (alvr.ton 46 Grand Rapldt IS JartKnivllla 41 Kansas City 31 LANSINO NW IS Lot Annies SS Ludlniton NW It Marquetla NW 12 Memphis P-V 42 Mllaauke NW 10 Montreal BW 24 Neat Orleans S2 New York PW 34 Port Arthur 2 Qu'Appella BW 22 St. Louli NW 30 St.

Paul 11 Slt Lake 20 Ban Prarjctsco gault 8te. Marie. NW 6 Tan pa Washlnitton 8 34 White Rircr NW Winnipeg 8 "Private Citizen" Green, ex-governor of Michigan, is returning to Ionia to increase the activities of the furniture factory which has been without his services for four years, with the hearty good wishes of a host of friends, many of whom personally bade him Godspeed, Wednesday, his last day in office. Couzens Says Merger Pro. posal Is 'Most Unethical' And Not Workable MAKES TWO STATEMENTS 'Would Help Boads Out of Fi nancial Troubles at Public Expense' WASHINGTON.

Jon. 1 IFl Charging the proposed four system consolidation of eastern railroads was a plan to help the roads out of financial difficulties "at the expense of human misery," Chairman Couzens of the senate interstate commerce committee Thursday accused Presi dent Hoover of being "most uneth leal" in sponsoring it. Both Mr. Couzens and Senator McKellar. democrat, Tennessee, said the President prejudged the merits of the plan by commenting on it be fore it was submitted to the Interstate commerce commission.

The plan, announced by President Hoover at the White House Wednesday, would place all eastern roads except those in New England, under the Pennsylvania, the Baltimore and Ohio, the New York Central and the Nickel Plate lines. Issues Two Statements Mr. Couzens issued two formal statements during the day. "I have received information." he said in his second, "that the railroad consolidation plan entered into by the New York Central, the Baltimore and Ohio, the Pennsylvania and the Van Swerlngcns Is more the result of high finance than It is in the public Interest. "It is reported that some of the high finance practiced by the railroads during the part few years has reacted against their financial interest, that while they should have been endeavoring to operate and manage railroads efficiently they have really engaged great financial undertak ings and this proposal is more of a proposal to help them out of their financial difficulties than it is in the public interest.

"It is really too bad that high finance and permanent railroad consolidation shoul dbe proposed at the expens- of human misery. It is in reality worse than playing politics at the expense of human misery, because polities ts a transient affair, while the proposed undertaking seems to Intend to tie the public up with It in perpetuity." In his first statement. Senator Couzens said: Action Unethical "While I hesitate to criticize the ethics of the President of the United States, the Issuance of this statement by him In my judgment is most unethical. "In the concluding paragraph of the president's statement he says the plan of course must be submitted to the interstate commerce commission who have the Independent duty to de termine It meets with every re quirement of public Interest." "In view of the president's support of the plan it is questionable whether the 'Independent duty of the com mission can be ascertained. Every one knows tliat these commissioners owe their positions to the President of the United States and while it it, the duty of the senate to confirm these appointments, no name can get to the senate without first having been selected by the President of the United States." Prosperity Is PLAN SCORED In II very early days of Michigan his tory as they are today.

Wilber M. Brucker was born in Sagi naw June 23, 1894, but 36 years ago. That this young man bears the good will and the friendship of the citizens of the state, however, will be witnessed by the presence at the inauguration ceremony and at a banquet and ball of hundreds of persons representative of every walk of life. As a soldier with a record of sacrifice and service he will be attended by veterans of past wars and younger men trained for any possible future opportunity to defend their country. As a state official he will receive the acknowledgment of achievement from his fellow executives.

As an attorney he receives the recognition of the bar. As an honest and conscientious servant he willv. ceive the acclaim of all classes. Parade i.Ioves at 11:30 The inaugural party, escorted by veteran members of the 119th Field Artillery, now a unit of the Michigan National Guard, veterans orsraniza tions, Including drum and buglS corps and civic bands, will move from the Union station on East Michigan avenue at 11:30 o'clock Thursday morn ing. As the oath of office is administered there will be delivered from the sky and from the north lawn of the state capitol grounds salutes to the new governor.

The inauguration ceremony will take place on a platform built over the east steps of the state capitol building. Seated on the platform will be Governor Fred W. Green and Mrs Green, Governor-elect Brucker and Mrs. Brucker, the mothers of Mr. and Mrs.

Brucker, Justices of the supreme court, state officials, state legislators and their wives, Michigan congressmen and their wives, and members of the republican state central, com mittee. Other Officials Take Office Following the administering of the oath of office to Governor Brucker, other state officials elected in the past November general election will take their oaths. They are Lieut. Gov. I Luren D.

Dickinson, Frank D. Fitzgerald, secretary of state; Howard C. Lawrence, state treasurer; Paul W. Voorhies, attorney general, and O. B.

Fuller, auditor general. The inaugural address of Governor Brucker and other parts of the inaugural program are to be broadcast over radio station WKAR, East Lansing. The army first pursuit squadron, under command of Major George L. Brett, from Selfridge field. Mt.

Clem ens, and the 107th Observation squadron, Michigan National Guard, under command of Major Floyd E. Evans, will drop In Joint formation over the capitol in salute. The veteran gun ners of the 119th Field Artillery will fire the regulation governors salute of 17 guns. Reception at 1 p. The reception of the governor and his wife will be held in the executive offices from 1 o'clock until 4:30.

During this interval the band of the Boys' Vocational school will give musical numbers in the rotunda of the cap itol. Governor Brucker will receive a stand of colors from his comrades in the American Legion, and a desk set from his comrades in the Veterans of Foreign Wars. A citizens banquet In honor of the new governor will be given in the Hotel Olds at 6:30 o'clock, at which the principal address, in addition to that of Governor Brucker, will be given by Justice Louis H. Fead, of the supreme court. Maj.

Gen. B. W. Hough, commanding the 37th division, Ohio National Guard, and former colonel of the 166th Infantry, 42nd division, with which Mr. Brucker served for many months during the World war.

will head a delegation from the neighbor- Trie delegation represent ing the Ohio Rainbow Division, Vet-, Folwell Company, Builders of Logan Bridge, Launch Federal Court Action The city of Lansing starts off the new year in the proverbial "peck" of legal trouble, for the municipality is facing one of the heaviest damage suits In Its history. The case Involves the building of the Logan street bridge. The bridge contractors, the Folwell Englnering company, of Chicago, are bringing suit against the city to re cover $250,000 damages. Ernest Concerse, city attorney, filed his plea In the case Wednesday. Suit was started In the United States diS' trlct court, Detroit, a month ago by the law firm of Shields, Silsbee, Bal- krd and Jennings.

The case will probably be heard in the federal court the latter part of January. The plaintiff alleges that the actual cost of the Logan street bridge was S44Z.zzo.25 and sets forth that 148.27 has been paid on the contract by the city of Lansing. The plainUff claims that because of the incorrect soundings and tests made by the en gineering department of the city of Lansing, the plaintiff, basing its bids on such soundings and tests, bid too low and thus suffered considerable loss. Cofferdam Collapsed The Folwell company, while con structing the Logan street bridge, ap- peareo to nave been hounded by a hoodoo. The contractors struck quick sand in the bottom of Grand river at a point where foundations in the stream were to be laid.

A cofferdam collapsed under pressure of high water five workmen lost their lives. On the night before the accident a locomotive switching cars for the Olds Motor Works, was derailed with sev eral cars and the northern approach to the bridge was damaged. The Folwell company was put to much labor rebuilding the cofferdam and getting footings set for the mid-river founda tions. MADISON SQUARE GARDEN REPORTS GOOD PROFIT NEW YORK, Jan. 1 Madison Square Garden Corp.

and subsidiaries Thursday reported for the November quarter net profit of $11,414, equal to three cents a share, against a net loss of $74,468 In the preceding quarter and net profit of $50,559. or 15 cents Only One Ont of Every 150 of Lansing's Populace. in Jail during 1930 The value of stolen property recoV' cred here by the police department during the first 11 months of 1930 was nearly equal to the expenses. In cluding salaries, of the entire department, according to a compilation from the reports of the chief, Alfred E. Seymour.

The expense of running the department was $142338, while the value of the property recovered was $127,063. Stolen property during this period ag gregated $152,217. There can be little comparison be tween the number of arrests made this last year with those of the preceding year, because of the traffic change in administering affairs of traffic ordinance violators. The traffic bureau was started in July. 1929.

Since July, 1930, however, arrests as shown on the monthly reports were also lower than those of the year previous. The police department sent 483 persons to Jail or prison. March was the worst month for prison sentences, as 64 were sent away. August was lowest with 15, while the average was 44. Taking this average to secure an estimate for 12 months, it Is shown that, in the city of 78.425 persons, one hi each 150 went to jail or prison.

This is far below the estimate that two per cent of society is la the criminal class. Using the same population figure, it is shown that one person in each 343 was arrested for bootlegging, and that one out of every 144 was arrested at some time or other on a drunk charge. During the first 1 1 moaths of the year, there were 229 arrests for violation of the prohibition laws, 548 for drunkeness, and 152 for driving while drunk. Despite the employment situation, only 34 arrests were made for breaking and entering. Perhaps the most widely adreritsed case handled by the department was (Conllnatd a aara ralaaaa NOTED NEW ORLEANS THUG SHOT TO DEATH NEW ORLEANS, Jan.

1 Fy Claude Ccfalu, notorious in the New Orleans underworld, was killed by a detective here Wednesday as he tried to escape from police who suspected him of participation in the shooting of two men during the robbery of the third district branch of the Whitney Trust audi Savings bank, earlier in the day. I Gov. Fred W. Green, Wllber M. Brucker, governor-elect, and Oscar G.

Olandor, commissioner of public safe ty, expressed their appreciation Wed nesday night in prepared addresses broadcast over radio station WRDS of the Michigan State police, for the co operation of law enforcement agen cles during the past year. 'I would not feel that I had done my full duty." Governor Green said in part, "If I retired from the gov ernorship without having expressed to the members of the state police and all those In the department of public safety as well as to the peace officers throughout the state my sincere ap preciation of the service they have rendered. 'The co-operation I have received during my term as attorney general" Governor-elect Brucker said "from the sheriffs, police chiefs, state police. prosecuting attorneys, and all those actively engaged in the suppression of crime has made my task lighter." Brucker's Address The full text of the addresses fol low: Wllber M. Brucker, governor-elect "The past four years have brought me into contact and association with all of the law enforcing agencies In Index of New SECTION ONE Bank Reviews 3 Michigan'! 1930 News Review.

4 Orand River's Improvement page 6 Sketch of 8eymour H. Person. 8 Utilities Commission Review. 9 Recreation Department Review. page 10 SECTION TWO Stat Journal's 1930 page 1 Community Welfare Fund page 3 Chamber of Commerce page 4 Lansing's Airport in 1930 page 6 Highway Department page 7 Michigan's Polities in 1930 page 8 Radio Developments In 1930 9 date Police Radio Station page 10 Boy Scouts 1930 Review page It 119th Field Artillery Activities, page 12 SECTION THREE Lansing Society In 1930 page 1 Women's Club Activities page 3 Acacia and Zonta Clubs page 3 Music snd Art page 4 Sketch ot Wllber M.

Brucker page Churches In 1930 1 page 6 Michigan 8tate College In 1930.. page 7 City Engineering Department. 8 Attorney General's Department. page 9 Lansing's Theaters In 1930.... page 10 Junior Chamber ox Commerce In 1930 pace 11 the state.

The co-operation I have received during my term as attorney general from the sheriffs, police chiefs, state police, prosecuting attorneys and all of those actively engaged In the suppression of crime had made my task lighter. The eager willingness with which each and every one of these agencies has gone about the every day business of crime prevention and the apprehension of criminals has been both an inspiration and a help. "It Is with a feeling of deep regret that I drop my duties as attorney general and take up the new tasks that lie Just ahead. I shall miss the Intimate contacts with those of you who are on the firing line in this warfare on crime and it is my sincere hope that you will not come to think that my interest In law enforcement has abated. Quite the contrary.

I would have you know that while the active direction now passes into other hands my earnest desire as governor will be to carry on the work we have begun together during these past few years. The loyal support of every of ficer will be expected because it is my hope that during my term as governor i may oe aoie to do even more in co ordinating all of the law-enforcing (Continued on Pare Colnmn 5) Years' Edition SECTION FOUR State Journal Homes page I East Lansing's Construction, 1930 3 Lansing's Changing Pliyllne page Real Estate Transactions In 1930 page 6 Lansing's Real Estate Board In 1930 page 7 City Forestry Department Re- view page 8 Mich. Real Estate Assn. Review. page Birth of the Automobile Industry page 11 SECTION FIVE Inauguration story; Telegraph News page 1 Local News page 3 Our Boarding House page 3 Editorials page 6 Women's Features page 8 Parent-Teachers association yearly review page 9 Schools of Lansing in 1939 11 uomic rage: serial page 14 Local and Telegraph News page 15 Sport News Review lor 1930 nates 16-17 Theaters page 15 a share.

In the November quarter lastjing state. yciii. Coming Back If We All Work Hard and Wisely for It, We Can Make 1 93 1 19 MP.