The Town Talk from Alexandria, Louisiana • Page 1

Minimum to noon Shreveport: 2.2; 0.2 fall, ria Maximum to 73.4 12:00 noon noon 92 8-tenths above zero. 6:00 a. 90 read en the government gauge 2 feet and Report TEMPERATURE STAGES OF RED RIVER 74.1 Alexandria For the 24 hours ending this morning ng Daily Toon Talk at 7 o'clock Red river fell 1-tenth and he of VOL. LVII--NO. 118 Press Leased Wiry ALEXANDRIA, TUESDAY, AUGUST 1, 1939 TWELVE PAGES PRICE 5 CENTS PER COPY Associated on lis il.

ter on $550,000 DEFICIT AT L.S.U. State Administration Turns Cold Shoulder on Critics; Grand Jury Indicts Leon Weiss and Four Others Accused of Governor Refusing Impartial Probe BATON ROUGE, -The Aug. A. administration harassed turned a cold shoulder state of its critics today on some was acwhile the governor cused of refusing an impartial probe of Louisiana scandals and more favorindictments the late Huey P. were lodged against ites of Long.

Members of the Louisiana State the East Baton University board of grand, jury of "bevisors, accused Rouge negligent of their duparish ing to an amazing degree." grossly ties bluntly refused to Voluntary resign. CommitThe Citizens Louisiana, a statewide ortee of ganization offered Governor K. Long the pick of three prominent attorneys of state investigate all machinery consider government, said his refusal to must decide what action proposition meant Louisiana their citizens will take "to obtain their they Committee Chairman Joseph A. rightful purpose." wrote the governor that Airey "your reply (declining the services of a committee chosen lawcan be accepted in no other yer) than as an outright refusal light to permit an independent, impar-27 tial and fearless investigation. The grand jury here late yesterday indicted five persons, one of them Leon C.

Weiss, widely known New Orleans architect whose firm has designed many state buildings costing millions of dollars. Weiss was charged with aiding and abetting Dr. James Monroe Smith, former state university president, in embezzling $5,750 from the school. Smith was similarly indicted. This was the 40th charge against the bald educator.

Dr. Clarence A. Lorio. state senator, resigned president of the Louisiana Medical Society and suspended university physician, was charged with obtaining money under false pretenses from the school on two counts. Jointly charged with Lorio were George C.

Griffon, owner of five Baton Rouge drug stores, and H. B. Andrews, manager of one of Griffon's stores. indictment against the architect involves a fee allegedly (TURN TO PAGE THREE, PLEASE) Clash Over Bombay Dry Law, 55 Wounded BOMBAY, Aug. A.

-Fifty-five persons, including 27 policemen, were injured today in rioting that followed a demonstration against enforcement of Bombay's new prohibition law. Six persons in a crowd which attacked the police by bullets. Most were, outliers were hurt by stones. Since last midnight the 8,500 bars and liquor shops of Bombay and its suburbs have been closed to natives ers is and liquor for foreignrationed. A Moslem procession protesting prohibition Hindu onlookers.

was stoned by Police expressed fear the clash fighting herald widespread might new Hindus. between Moslems and law Until midnight into brought the dry effect and enforcement agents padlocked lishments, many natives liquor drank estabcopiously of their last legal liquor. PARAMOUNT--Juarez. Weather Forecast Louisiana Fair tonight; Wednesday mostly cloudy, scattered thundershowers in south portion. Arkansas--Partly cloudy tonight and Wednesday; scattered thundersnowers in extreme portion Wednesday.

East Texas Partly, cloudy; probably scattered thundershowers near the coast tonight and Wednesday. LOCAL WEATHER The following weather observations were made by the local governme observer at 6:30 a. today. Maximum temperature for past twenty-four hours 90.2 Minimum temperature 71.1 Wind SE 3. Barometric pressure reduced to sea level 30.111.

Dew point 73. Precipitation 0. REV. C. R.

LAHEY DIES AT MAYO'S Oakdale Pastor, 27, Son of Boyce Methodist Minister The Rev. Charles Roger Lahey, years old, pastor of the First Methodist church, of Oakdale, died at the Mayo clinic, Rochester, at 6 o'clock this Tuesday morning, August 1 1939. Although the illness of the deceased had been of lengthy duration, and it was known that his condition was critical, his passing came as a distinct shock to his family and large circle of friends. He was a son of the Rev. C.

W. Lahey, pastor of the Methodist church, of Boyce, and Mrs. Lahey, and was born in Winchester, Ind. He had lived in Louisiana, however, since early youth. He was educated in the public schools and graduated at Centenary College, of Shreveport and Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas.

Shortly after his graduation, he became a member of the Louisiana annual conference of the Methodist Episcopal church South, and was assigned as pastor of the Methodist church at Oakdale. He became ill shortly thereafter. On August 25, 1936 he was married to Miss Winnifred Holloman of this city. Besides his widow his parents he is survived sand two- daughter, Mary Emm. Lahey.

He also leaves three sisters. They are: Mrs. Lester Straham, of Homer, Mrs. Ed Anderson, of Wills Texas; Mrs. Pete Hodnett, of Colfax.

The Rev. Mr. Lahey was possessed of a genial and affable demeanor and those sterling traits of character which endeared him to all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance, and it is indeed sad that he has been stricken down, when just beginning a career which was fraught with such great promise, and in which he would have been given opportunity to have accomplished so much good. Verily, God "moves in a mysteriaus way, His wonders to periorm." The body will arrive here at 9:30 o'clock Thursday morning and will be conveyed to the mortuary parlors of Hixson where it will remain until 4 o'clock Thursday afternoon. at which hour the funeral wil.

he held. Interment will be made in the Davidson family plot in the Rapides cemetery in Pineville. 9 ARABS KILLED Doctor Rigs Up Device to Save Lives of 4-Months Old Twin Boys A. Aug. and four lengths of rubber tubIDABEL, owed their lives boys, 4-months-old, ing from the father, Louis Faulkthinking young today to a quick- ner.

He telephoned his office to rigged up an country doctor send out a common stomach device from pump. ing lengths of a fruit jar, four By the time the drum of oxydrum of ordinary and a gen per cent pure-arrivgen. welders' oxy- ed, Dr. Fisher had most of his The infants home-made apparatus ready. Larrie Faulkner, are Charles and One tube was run through the A born April 8.

cover to the bottom of the jar. tracted whooping ago they con- which had been filled with sterilThough ized water. The others were led extremely condition serious until did the not just placed in through the the nostrils top. of Two the twins were other nearly Then respiration and the oxygen released through sician, 29-year-old attending phy- ed. the water, so it could be measurcompletely.

nearby hurry call for oxygen to sent a was Once improved, the Dr. infant's Fisher respiration fashiondinary Meanwhile, he shop. obtained ed a from the stomach fruit-jar from an mother or- pump and attached it to the rethe maining tube. JERUSALEM. Aug.

A. -British troops killed nine Arabs and wounded 20 others in an engagement with a large rebel band south of Bethlehem today. Several prisoners were taken. Voters Refuse to Raise Mayor's Pay GREENVILLE, Aug. (By A.

-Mayor Milton C. Smith won't get that $336.33 raise. In a special election yesterday the Greenville voters defeatedby a vote of 743 to 316-a proposal to increase the mayor's monthly salary from $297 to $633.33. Lending Measure Believed Killed by House Action Senate Passes Curtailed Version of FDR Bill WASHINGTON, Aug. A.

-The refused today to consider administration's House, $1.950,000,000 lending bill, a decision which some members said killed the measure for the session. The vote was 193 against consideration to 166 in favor. A coalition of Democrats and Republicans successfully fought adoption of a resolution setting forth procedure for formal consideration of the bill, already passed by different the Senate form. in a someRefusal of the House to consider the measure came over the vehement opposition of Majority Leader Hayburn (D Texas) against such arbitrary action. The shattering blow the administration suffered on the lending bill was expected to prove a severe discouragement to the House leadership in seeking to cbtain action this session on the $800,000,000 housing bill, a companion measure, which likewise already has Senate approval.

WASHINGTON, Aug. A. -House leaders, stepping up their legislative machinery to a fast pre-adjournment pate, sidetracked the administration's housing bill today in a drive for prompt enactment of the senateapproved lending program. The senate passed a sharply curtailed version of President Roosevelt's lending bill by a vote of 52 to 28 late yesterday. A smoothly- working combination of Republicans and anti-new deal democrats repeatedly overrode the down the lending from administration forces, to batter 800.000,000 to $1,615 000.000.

The house leadership set midnight tomorrow as the deadline for a final vote. There was no certainty that the chamber would approve the legislation which differs slightly from the senate bill and authorizes loans of 000.000. Although the $800 000.000 housing bill already has been approved by the senate, some administration backers in the house said they were urging its advocates to let it lay over until the next session. They said chances of approval would be improved by the delay. Senate Leader Barkley (D-Ky), elated over the senate approval of the lending measure even in its drastically-reduced form, told reporters that adjournment now "is up to the house." There was some speculation on Capitol Hill that Mr Roosevelt might take a hand in the congressional situation in an effort to insure approval of the housing measa ure and enactment of a lending program approximating his recommendations.

His proposals envisioned loans totaling $3,060,000,000 in addition to the housing funds. RUMANIANS ON BANK OF TISZA Artillery in Position to Bombard Hungarian Village BUDAPEST. Aug. A. -The official Hungarian news agency said today that Rumanian was drawn up on the artillery, of the Tisza river in position to bombard Tecso, Hungarian village on the opposite bank.

The agency said the action followed the wounding of a Hungarian frontier guard by a Rumanian guardsmen at Tecsm, in southeastern Hungary, early today. Two clashes were reported from that section Saturday and Sunday nights. The Hungarian agency said the clashes came after Rumanian guards had fired on Hungarian rafosmen on the river and shots had struck a Hungarian customs house. Last night, the statement continued, a Hungarian guard patrolling a bridge was shot. Sporadic shooting reported through the night until 7 a.

m. In Bucharest official sources have denied any such border incidents occurred. I Dr. Smith Taken to Baton Rouge; Daughter Anxious and Depressed, He Awaits Permission to See Her BATON ROUGE, Aug. 1.

-(By A. -Anxious and depressed, Dr. James Monroe Smith today waited in a jail cell for a physician's permission to go to his dangerously ill daughter's bedside in Our Lady of the Lake Sanitarium following a swift dash from the New Orleans federal jail near dawn today. Her condition, following childbirth illness that gave Smith his first grandson, was so grave physicians forbade Smith to call lest the shock of seeing him suddenly prove fatal. The young mother rallied during the night, giving rise to hopes she would recover after reports last night she was dying.

"Thank God I'm here," murmured Smith as he walked wearily into the jail about 4 a. haggard and a gray stubble of whiskers on his face. He was awakened at New Orleans about 2 a. m. and told to dress for a trip, as "Marjorie is "I knew then it must be something awful," Smith said in his first statement to newspapermen today.

"I knew they wouldn't let me out unless i it were something very very bad." The resigned former president of Louisiana State University is held for lack of more than 000 bond on 40 charges. Dr. Smith's daughter gave birth to a son, her first child, two weeks ago, on the day that he. father was transferred to New Orleans. Her husband, O.

W. Ware, is under indictment charging that he aided and abetted Smith in his flight to Canada. Smith told of an incident in the ride to Baton Rouge which caused his heart to sink. "These boys were driving me along the street here, and we passed a funeral parlor. I saw a great crowd of people there and my heart dropped.

'I'm too I told myself, but then I realized It was the last service for some cther family." On the outskirts of the capital, the automobile picked up radio bulletin ordering Dr. Smith to be taken to the jail instead of the hospital, because a doctor's orders had superseded the authority of the law. "Thank God, thank you for the word," he said to a reporter who told him his daughter had rallied. Mrs. Ware rallied after a blood transfusion, and her doctor said he feared the shock of seeing her father would bring a setback.

So Dr. Smith was taken to his "old room" in the jail here to wait for word from the doctor saying he could visit his daughter. A second transfusion was planned today. Shortly before midnight U. S.

Judge Wayne G. Borah gave permission for Smith's transfer with instructions that he must be returned to the federal jail by Thursday. The 40th charge against Smith was made late yesterday. He was one of five persons indicted by the parish grand jury on charges of obtainnig money from the State University under false pretenses. Leche's Name on Sign Painted Out PONCHATOULA, Aug.

1. -(By A. -Richard W. Leche's name was painted out of a large state highway sign on a bridge construction project, here last black Other names blotted out were those of Dr. John K.

Griffith, congressman from the sixth district; State Highway Engineer Harry B. Henderlite, and L. P. Abernathy, former highway commissioner, now under indictment Baton Rouge. The only name untouched on the big sign on one of the main streets here was that of Governor Earl K.

Long. Gibraltar Question 'Will Be Resolved' MADRID, Aug. A. -The question of Gibraltar will be "resolved satisfactorily" by Spain under the leadership of Generalissimo Franco. the controlled Spanish press declared today.

Front page editorials noting the 235th anniversary of Britain's acquisition of the fortress recalled that England took Gibraltar during the war of the Spanish succession which was fight approved among by Span- the English so they could achieve an old plan to snatch the Gibraltar peninsula." Federal Officials Confer in N. O. NEW ORLEANS Aug. (By A. -Elmer Irey, chief of intelligent unit of the federal department of internal revenue, arrived here today to confer with O.

John Rogge, assistant attorney general in charge of federal investigation under way in Louisiana. Irey said he expected to leave tomorrow night to return to Washington He said he was here 'to see if we need any more agents in Louisiana" in connection with the income tax probes. Irey refused comment on the reported investigation of the "Second Louisiana a term applied to the federal government's quashing of income tax evasion indictments against several state administration leaders following the death of Senator Huey P. Long. Patterson Turns Down Dock Board Presidency Offer Appointment to Succeed Seymour Weiss Refused NEW ORLEANS, Aug.

A. -A. B. Paterson, president of the New Orleans Public Service, today anounced he had refused to accept presidency of the New Orleans dock board, proferred him ten days ago by Governor Earl K. Long, to succeed Seymour Weiss, indicted by a federal grand jury here for mail fraud.

He said it would be impossible for him to assume additional burdens which would be imposed by the work. Governor Long, advised last week of Paterson's decision, has given no indication whom he would call upon to serve. Paterson's statement follows: "I apreciate very much the tender of the position as president of the dock board, but regret that I am unable to accept. "With every to serve the public to the of my capaeatente city, it is impossible for me to assume the additional burdens of this office. It would mean a tremendous task for any one impressed with a sense of responsibility to our city and port.

"In addition to the duties which devolve upon me as president of the company with which I am connected, I am presently serving on several public boards and also on as many civic bodies as my time and health will permit." When proferred the post, Paterson, widely known in state industrial circles, asked for a few days time consider acceptance. MISSISSIPPI TO VOTE AUGUST 8 6 Gubernatorial Candidates in Northern Part of State JACKSON, Aug. A. -With Democratic primary election day- -August 8-just one week away, Mississippi's gubernatorial candidates yet are without a burning issue of debate. of the seven candidates moved their campaigns into north Mississippi yesterday, and spoke to from two to six audiences, and each had a different subject to stress.

J. B. Snider atacked "professional politicians," Mike Conner warned against "last-minute misrepresentations," Thomas Bailey spoke out for farm-to-market roads, and Judge Paul Johnson gave praise to President Roosevelt. Speakers for the injured Lester Franklin asserted other candidates were using the Franklin platform, George Ritchey spoke for reduction of the sales tax, and Dr. Mark W.

Gantt, in a statement, predicted "the largest quiet vote in the history of the state." Jam Makes Cotton Insurance Doubtful WASHINGTON, Aug. A. -A legislative jam in the House made it doubtful today that cotton crop insurance would be enacted at this session. Representative Fulmer (D-SC) tried to call the measure up under unanimous consent yesterday. Representative Wolcott (R-Mich) objected, declaring it was too important a bill to be disposed of in that way.

Later, Fulmer told reporters he did whether there would another chance before not. adjournment to call the bill up for action. He added. however. he would ask its consideration if he found a chance.

LSU Alumni Seek Resignations of Supervisors BATON ROUGE, Aug. (By A. Dutton, president of the Louisiana State University Alumni Federation, said today that the alumni would continue their efforts to obtain resigrations of L. S. U.

board of supervisors members who served under Dr. James Monroe Smith, resigned university president. The parish grand jury also recommended the resignations in a special court, report but the board announced it would remain it tact. "The matter will be referred back to the alumni council," Dutton said. "I don't know what the next step will be but the alumni council will continue its fight." Leon Weiss Signs His $10,000 Bail BATON ROUGE, Aug.

A. -Leon C. Weiss, prominent New Orleans architect under indictment here in connection with State signed his $10,000 morning at University, the parish courthouse. Weiss left a few minutes after being fingerprinted and signing the pond which was posted by the Trinity Universal Insurance Dallas, Texas, represented by Joseph C. Meyers, New Orleans.

As photographers flashed pictures, Weiss commented: "I don't see they let you in here." Weiss refused any statement. Before Weiss left the courthouse he chatted a few minutes with Mrs. James M. Smith, wife of Dr. Smith, indicted former president of Louisiana State University who was brought here early today from the federal jail at New Orleans to be near the bedside of his ill daughter, Mrs.

seriously, Ware. Mrs. Smith had come to visit her husband. Shortly afterward Weiss and Joseph C. Meyers, representative of his bonding company, were permitted to talk with Dr.

Smith for a few minutes in Dr. Smith's prison cell. Immediately afterward Weiss left the court house evidently to return to New Orleans. Citizens to Press Efforts to Have Attorney Chosen Voluntary Group Wants Probe of State's Affairs NEW Aug. A.

-Shouldered Long, aside the by Citizens Governor Voluntary Committee of Louisiana indicated it would press its efforts to have an attorney chosen by the group state's entire administrative probertee The statewide organization, which offered the governor the choice of three prominent lawyers as an investigator, was turned down by the executive. Committee Chairman Joseph A. Airey termed this action of the governor an "outright refusal to permit an independent, impartial and fearless investigation to be If the governor's action is final, Airey said in a letter to the executive, it would become a matter for the citizens of the state to determine what action they should take to accomplish their purpose. That purpose, Airey continued. was to obtain a "full and thoroughgoing examination of all departments of our state and of instituting prosecutions as that examination may show to be necessary." He said the committee would meet today or tomorrow to decide what further action would be taken.

The governor, in declining the committee's offer, said in part: "I have no right to shirk or in anywise relegate to other persons fulfillment of my duties, no matter how keen the mind, pure the (NOW TURN TO PAGE NINE, PLEASE) CIGARET BOOTLEGGER NEW YORK. Aug. A. -The first man in New York City to plead guilty cigaret "bootlegging" picked his own punishment-a 30-day jail term. The alternative penalty offered Joseph Ward, 23, by Magistrate Thomas A.

Aurelio last night was a $250 fine. Investigators for the city collector said Ward had sold 15 cartons of cigarets here without payment of the one-cent-apackage city relief tax. AUDITORS REPORT TO SUPERVISORS; BOARD ASKS LOAN AUTHORITY BATON ROUGE, Aug. A. ana State University auditors today advised of liquidation that there was a $550,000 school's funds for the 1938-39 fiscal year, thority to borrow that amount on behalf of Dr.

Paul M. Hebert, acting president cessor in June to Dr. James Monroe Smith, thorization to borrow that he might start anew with a financial balance. The board authorized polling members lature for the needed authority. Noe Goes Before Ouachita Jury; Dillon to Testify Charges of Irregulari- ties at L.

T. I. Being Investigated MONROE, Aug. A. -Twenty witnesses, consisting chiefly of officials, teachers and amates of Louisiana Traininr.

Institute, had testiifed before the special session of the Ouachita parish grand jury at noon today. The jury, which convened Monday, heard eight witnesses yesterday and twelve this morning. It was reliably reported today that other witnesses besides the 2, originally summoned in the investigation of alleged irregularities at L. T. I.

had been called to appear before the grand jury. Whether or not these witnesses were called in connection with the probe of affairs at the school or to testify on other matters to be investigated by the jury was not learned. Authoritative sources have revealed that alleged law violations of parish and city officials are expected to be brought before the grand jury for investigation. Dr. Harvey Dillon, whose dismissal as superintendent of the institute brought about the special session, is expected to appear at this afternoon's session of the jury, it was learned.

Following Dr. Dillon's dismissal, charges of irregularities were made by the board of commissioners of the institute by State Senator James A. Noe, a candidate for governor. Judge David I. Garrett then called the special session of the grand jury to investigate the charges.

Senator Noe already has peared to testify. He spent approximately 25 minutes in grand jury room. Members of the board. J. Lloyd Warren, president, and also president of the Ouachita parish police jury; S.

L. and A. S. Tidwell, also were summoned as witnesses and have given testimony in the investigation. Other witnesses were not identified, although several boy3 dressed in the uniform of the institute were present this morning and some were called into the grand jury room.

Others waited to be called this afternoon. Judge Garrett, after he had charged the jury yesterday, warned the press and radio not to make public the names of witnesses. Long's Statement on De-ducts Not Yet Ready BATON ROUGE, Aug. 1. -(By A.

)-Governor Earl K. Long said today he had not yet prepared, his "de-ducts." answer or tieduthe ing 5 per cent of salaries of state employes for the benefit of the Louisiana Democratic Association. The governor announced at a recent speech at Alexandria that he would issue a statement about the "de-ducts" on August 1 that would "please" the people of the state. But today the governor delayed preparation of the statement until tonight or tomorrow because he said he had not "gotten around to that yet." -Louisithe state board, deficit in the and asked authe school. named as sucrequested authe university, of the legit- The fiscal year ended June 30, four days after Smith resigned as president and fled to Canada just before huge financial irregularities at the school were charged against him.

The finance committee received the report of the auditors at a meeting last night and laid the deficit before the board of liquidation today. Governor Earl K. Long, chairmathe board. presided Among over the members meeting of the finance committee who appeared were Colonel Troy H. Middleton, acting vice president and comptroller of the university and two new members, Lewis Gottlieb and John Doles.

The auditors told the board that the deficit represented overexpenditures of legislative appropriations for the university while Dr. Smith was president. A three-fourths majority vote of the legislature is necessary to authorize board of liquidation to borrow the money. State records showed that the mainly dedilegislature appropriatedxes cated to the university, approximately $3,500,000 for each of the fiscal years, 1938-39 and 1939-40. Prior to this period the sums appropriated for the university were not SO heavy, Dr.

Smith urged the legislature to appropriate more money for the growing institution. As a result the soft drink tax proceeds were given over to swell the funds. This tax yielded about $750,000 a year. Ex Stenographer Asks for $500 a Month OKLAHOMA CITY, Aug. (By A.

-A former chief justice of the Oklahoma supreme court planned to cross-examine his one-time stenographer today as she testified in her suit for a degree validating their marriage and asking $500 a month support money. In her petition, Madeline Braniff Branson stated she and Fred P. Branson were married in a civil ceremony Tarrytown, N. in February, 1930-just seven years after she applied successfully for a position as Branson's stenographer Branson admitted in his statement that he "went through a pretended marriage ceremony" but declared it was illegal because six months had not elapsed since his first wife, Eula Branson, divorced him. Branson told the court he had spent more than $44.000 on Madeline since their marriage and that financial reverses now made a heavy cash settlement impossible.

He denied Madeline's estimate that he had a forture of $250,000 and declared the plaintiff could examine his safety deposit box and "have all the stocks and bonds they can find." 2 Young Marines Accused of Killing NORFOLK, Aug. A. -Two young marines were held in the brig of the aircraft carrier Ranger today facing charges of killing F. T. Jennings, 49-year old Augusta, salesman.

Warrants were sworn out last night by Detective Leon Nowitzky for Wallace E. Miller and Lawrence M. King and steps were taken to have them released to civil authorities here. Maestri Denies Taking Any Dishonest Money NEW ORLEANS, Aug. A.

Robert S. Maestri, declaring he had been advised to take no notice of "unfair attacks" him, announced he had not "taken a single dishonest dollar." In response to allegations which he said were carried in a publication he did not name, the mayor said ordinarily he, would have taken action against the "author of these but nevertheless will remain silent "even if the attacks are repeated and made I worse." The mayor's statement follows: as mayor of this city, have not taken a single dishonest dollar and I challenge any man attack my reputation for honesty either personally or officially. "There has been distributed in the last few days, in those portions of the city of New Orleans where it is considered that it would injure me most, copies of a newspaper published in a neighboring town, containing charges (TURN TO PAGE SEVEN, PLEASE).