The Richmond Item from Richmond, Indiana · 1

4 TALK -OF- TODAY BY GUILD A. COPELAND OUR FARMS HOLD BACKBONE OF AN AMERICAN SPIRIT What Governor Jackson said in his Corn Show address in this city, this week, was sane, and sound, and sensible. He felt that something is wrong with our farm condi tions. He had no special rem edy to offer. But he did stress one point. It is the duty of all intelligent and patriotic Americans to support this general proposition; that whatever may Reasonably be done to improve jthe conditions of farm life, parm work, farm business in khis country will be a patriotic and timely achievement. It is not merely thatv the Americans on our farms represent the biggest purchasing Eower of this country. That, in self, is true. And it is to the dvantage of all American business, trade, industry, that Jthe farmer should prosper, in Krder that his buying shall Lhelp all other business. Even from the standpoint Oolf dollars and cents, it's tre-anendously important that hfarm business shall be sound, Btable,, profitable. But, while that point of view is serious enough, it's not the most serious phase of the problem, however. We have today, in this country, no "peasant class." The tillers of the soil in the United States have generally a sound public school education. And, on that basis, they read and think for themselves. They represent the basic Americanism of this country, as opposed to the conditions in large industrial sections where the workers are largely illiterate and of foreign extraction. The sound and intelligent Americanism of the People on our farms has been lone of the constant factors for national safety and wise public policies, for generation fter generation. If the economic conditions iof farming drive self-respecting Americans by the million from our farms, the jfuture of Mmerican policies. American Institutions, will be endangered. Its a tremendously leerious issue, indeed, which faces this country, today. .And it is the plain duty of all who care for the future of this republic to appreciate the icrisis and to do what may be .done to help the situation. The farmers of this country are asking no special privileges. They don't want the government to try to run their business for them. They will have to work out their own problems, their own salvation, by organizing their own marketing in some sensible and adequate fashion. That can be done, if they have not merely the tolerant approval, but the general and hearty backing of our business and financial interests. It must be done, indeed, if all intelligent Americans will but recognize their own duties and responsibilities in this connection. It has become the most important national issue of today. - (Continued on page four.) COHAN'S DAUGHTER TO WED (By The. Associated Press) . ( S'EW YORK. Feb. 26. A mar-PtrWge license was issued today to pOeorgette Ethella Cohan Souther, daughter of George M. Cohan, theatrical producer, and William Hamilton Rowse, an importer. The 'wedding will take place March'. 1 in this city. It will be the second marriage for both of them. Mrs. Souther's hus-jband died last year, while Mr. iRowse's wife died in 1912. AUTHOR 8UED (By The Associated Tress) CHICAGO, Feb. 28. Ben Hecht, I author and playwright, today was J sued for divorce by Mrs. Marie Armstrong Hecht, who charged deser-itlon. Hecht is at present in Miami, Fla., his attorneys said. WEATHER LATEST' . SPORT NEWS IN THE ITEM THE RICHMOND ITEM 50th YEAR No. 50 RICHMOND, INDIANA, SATURDAY MORNING, FEBRUARY 27, 1926 THREE CENTS ASSOCIATED PRESS Full eight hour lease wire report received each night, covering the world's and state news and complete market report. AUTO SHOW WILL CLOSE WITH BIG ENTERTAINMENT INDIANA Partly cloudy to o I o u d y Saturday and Sunday; slightly warm Sunday, OHIO Mostly cloud' y Saturday and Sunday; possibly light snow flurries Saturday! rising temperature Sunday. Maximum & Minimum J ,Noon " Midnight , J Sun rises' Sun aet .....S:Z8 ; Foreoaat for Richmond and Wayne countyi Partly oloudy today and probably Sunday. May be warmer Sunday- Fun And Frolic To Wind Up Best Exhibit Ever Staged In This Section DANCE FEATURE TONIGHT Orchestra Scores Notable With Crowds During Friday Hit An enthusiastic reception of the Paramount Parisians, girls' orchestra. by a capacity crowd, was a feature of the Auto Show .In Atnletlo Park Pavilion Friday night. The group of seven beautiful musicians made an unprecedented bit with the big crowd. The girls, attired in stunning costumes, presented a varied program of instrumental and vocal music as well as feature dances. Announcement was made last night by the show conmlttee that tbe gat r'S ilU"ru'l -- . same orchestra wm oegin Its pro gram promptly at 2 o'clock this aft ernoon. They will feature both the afternoon and evening bills at the Auto Show. As a fitting climax to the $100,000 display of fine motor cars which has held the attention of the community since Wednesday night, tonights program will be one of festivity, Promptly at 9:30 o'clock the cars which form the principal part of the exhibition will be removed, from the floor and the pavilion will be turned over to a carnival program. The Paramount Parisians will play for the dance which will be operated on the park plan. Colored caps, con fetti and noise making devices of every description will be there in plenty and a general good time la promised. A number of out of town visitors at the show Friday night, after hearing the orchestra, declared that they wm be back tonight with large parties of friends to enjoy the fun making. Enthusiasm over the auto dlsDlav itself was at high pitch Friday night. Clvio club members of the city were there In great numbers, the night having been set aside especially for them. Many persons who had visited the show on the two previous nights were back and appeared to enjoy the aispiay as much as ever. Persons who had been looking forward to the girls' orchestra as the big entertainment feature of the show declared last night that they were highly pleased with the program, It presented Advance notices had not overrated the organization In any particular, they said. As has been, the custom during the first three nights of the show, valu able prises totaling about $150 will De given free to visitors at the pavilion tonight FIRE DAMAGES BARN AT FARM Two chemical tracks, No. 2 and No. 4, responded to an alarm of fire at the farm of Carl Kercher, South Twenty-third street south of the Wernle home road, last night. The blaze, which was confined to the roof, was extinguished before the fire companies arrived. When the trucks reached the Wernle road warning was given by a farmer that they would be mired if they proceeded further south. Kercher and two neighbors, Edwin Charles and Ed Grimes, suc ceeded In putting out the flames with buskets of water. The fire, which started from chimney sparks, burned a good sized hole In the roof. LATIN CONTEST EVENT TODAY Practically all the county high schools will be represented in the county Latin contest to be held at o'clock this morning at Morton hlgn school building under the direction of Miss Elizabeth - Bmelser, iaiin teacher, and other language instructors of the county. It Is expected the grading of papers will .be finished late this afternoon. ThA winners of the county contest will nartlclDate 1 nthe district meet to be held March 20, winners of that -int to take tart In the state con test to be held April 9 at Indiana university. Those who are expecting to taae part In today's contest are: Morton, Herberta Bell, Miss rie- woehner, Elolse Cloud, Elizabeth Krlng, Naomi Osborn, Mae King, Ada Welsbrenner, Donald Boylan, Alice Rarrv. Boston. Bvran. Martha Druley. Cambridge City, Eva Fisher, Marlon Oldakcr, James McGulre. Rodeferrer Jackson, Wllma Duff and Virginia Marten. Dennis, Chester uenson, Doyle Nicely. Green's Fork, Nellie Cummins, Helen Downing. Whitewater, Hilda Smith, Paul Seaney, Vivian Lindsay, Paul Seaney. Test, Mary E. Fihe, Leona Wiest. WILL ADJUST DAMAGE Ralph Williams of Cambridge City was negotiating settlements yesterday for damage done to property when his driverless truck ran amuck down the Peacock road hill, Thursday. The truck was parked at the top of the BUI. A heavy gust of wind set It In motion and before It was brought to a stop by a fence after crossing Northwest Fifth street It had considerably damaged other fences and a few trees. Williams reported the accident to the police. He said he thought he had set the emergency brake before leaving the truck. TODAY'S AUTO SHOW PROGRAM Opens at 2 p. m. with program by Paramount Parisians. Show continues until 9:30 p. m. when cars will be removed and earnlval program started. . Last "r-Tity to see $100,000 display of fine automobiles. Prizes valued at $150 free to show visitors. Show Is In Atnletlo Park Pavilion, South Twenty-thlrd street. THOMAS JONES HEADS COLLEGE Earlham Graduate Honored With Presidency Of Fiske University, Nashville Word was received here Friday that Thomas Elsa Jones, graduate of Earlham in the class of 1912, has accepted the presidency of Fiske university Nashville, oldest negro university in the country. The appointment becomes effective June 1. Mr. Jones is at present doing graduate work In sociology at Col umbia where he will receive his doc tor's degree In May. He has stud- led in England and at the Hartford Theological Seminary. For a time he was a missionary in Japan and worked with the Y. M. C. A In Vladivostok. He is well known here both through his period of study at Earlham and his work as field secretary of the Young Friends of America which followed his graduation. While a student in Earlham Mr. Jones was the roommate of G. A. Lehman, now head of the music department at the college. In the March 1 issue of Time, which has just appeared, there is an interesting article dealing with Mr. Jones, his appointment and the history of Fiske, which iwas founded in 1866. 1 ADMIT NEW CLASSES IN STATE FAIR SHOW (Br The Associated Press) INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 26. The executive committee of the state board of agriculture today decided to admit two new shoe classes in the cattle and swine department at the state fair next September. The new classes are milching Shorthorns and Tamworth swine. DENY REPORTS MINE AGREEMENT REACHED (By The Associated Prose) EVANSVILLE, Ind., Feb. 26. Persistent reports of a parley between union officials and Warrick county coal mine operators looking toward a settlement of the controversy which resulted In state troops being sent here last Tuesday, were discounted here tonight with the announcement that union miners will hold a mass meeting at 1 o'clock Sunday afternoon In the Boonvllle opera house. TERRE HAUTE, Ind., Feb. 26. Harvey Cartwright, vice-president of district No. 11, United Mine Workers of America, returned to his home in Terra Haute tonight after being in conference yesterday with operators In "the pocket" field of southern Indiana, but refused to comment on the conference except to say that there was favorable outlook for settlement of the difficulty in the' southern field In the near future. AGED COUPLE FOUND DEAD (By The Associated Press) COLUMBIA CITY, Ind., Feb. 26. H. L. Foster, 76, and his wife, Etliellnda, 66, were found dead in their home near this city today by neighbors. The couple had been dead two days. There were no marks of violence on the bodies, and it is believed their deaths resulted from fumes from a coal stove. An inquest will be held tomorro. DIVORCE SUIT DROPPED (By The Associated rress) NEW YORK, Feb. 26. This divorce suit brought by Mrs. Mabel Man ton, against William Kevitt Manton, naming Marjorle Ram. beau, the actress, as co-respondent, was dropped tonight when Mrs. Maaton and her husband became reconciled after a conference with Justice Isador Wasservogel. Justice Wasservogal dismissed the jury which had been considering the case since this morning, DECIDE TO BUY HIBBERD PLACE FOR Y.V.CA. Plans For Deal Approved At Meeting Of Directors, Trustees Is Word PRICE NOT DIVULGED North Eleventh Street Property Can Be Sold Easily, Belief Purchase of the E. G. Hibberd property, northwest corner of North Xinth and A streets, by the Rich mond Young Women's Christian Association was the agreement reached at a meeting of the director's and trustees of the association, held last evening, it is understood. At a meeting to be held today final details for the closing of the deal will be completed, It is said. .. The property will be transferred to the Y.W. C. A. immediately it Is understood, but possession will not be given by Mr. Hibberd until about the first of June. The deal has been pending several weeks. The price paid by the Y, W. C. A. has not been divulged. Last summer the Y. W. C A. purchased the property at the south west corner of Nprth Eleventh and A streets. Later officials of the or ganization decided the building was not suitable for the needs of the as sociation. Officials of the associa tion do not anticipate and difficulty In disposing of the North Eleventh street property before possession of the Hibberd property is obtained. Two satisfactory offers for the North Eleventh street property have already been received, It Is under stood. A part of the Hibberd property will be converted into a dormitory, it is understood. It is also planned to provide a tea room and assembly rooms large enough to accommodate departmental meetings of the Wo. man's club and other organizations. ANDERSON MAN FORSENATOR Oswald Ryan Announces He Will Oppose Arthur Robin- son For Post (Br The Associated Press) INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 26. Oswald Ryan, of Anderson, tonight- an nounced that he would enter the Re publican primary against United States Senator Arthur Robinson of Indianapolis. Mr. Ryan Is the first to make formal announcement of intention to oppost the junior Indiana senator. Announcements are expected soon however, from A. O. Graham of South Bend and Solon J. Carter of Indianapolis. Mr. Ryan has been prominent in affairs of the American Legion, he is affiliated with several lodges and is a member of the Central Christian church at Anderson. Frank C. Dailey, former United States District Attorney declared today he would not enter as a candidate for the long term senatorial candidacy in the Democratic primary. He had been urged to make the race by several Democratic leaders. His decision is expected to produce an announcement soon from L. Ert Stack, another former district attorney who has intimated he was awaiting Mr. Dailey's decision. BUS CASE TO BE TAKEN TO SUPREME COURT (Br The Associated Press) WASHINGTON, Feb. 26. A temporary injunction restraining the Ohio public utilities commission from interfering with its operation of motor vehicles pending an appeal from a decision of the southern Ohio federal district court will be asked of the supreme court by the Red Ball Transit Company of Indian apolis, when that body reconvenec here Monday. The Ohio court ruled against an assertion by the Red Ball company that it was exempt from regulation by the Ohio commission on the grounds that it was engaged in in terstate business. The right of Indiana truckers to go into Ohio with a load, of freight and solicit return business has been a bone of contention between Indiana and Ohio for some time. PAYS PENALTY With cries that he was mat'rafd an'd was "going to glory" Harry Butler, 21 year old negro, was hanged In the jail yard here today for feloniously assaulting 12 year old Eleanor Stein- metz. President Is Silent On What He Thinks About Son John's Entrance Into College Boxing (By The Associated Press) WASHINGTON, Feb. 26. Just what President Coolidge thinks of the performance of his son, John as an amateur boxer at Amherst College probably will remain a secret. He has confided his views to no one and efforts today to obtain comment were futile. The President, who perhaps reads the newspapers more carefully than any of his pre- , decessors undoubtedly knows ' that John lost a three round bout to another student Wednesday night but apparently has decided not to disclose his opinion of collegiate boxing and hi3 c son's first appearance in the ' ling. AMHERST, Mass., Feb. 26. Matty Silverman today lost most of the prestige he attained when he defeated John Coolidge, son of President Coolidge, in the Amherst College boxing tournament three days ago. The Brooklyn, New York, boy, took a decisive licking from William Hughes of Waterbury, Conn., in the final bout today, for the college 135 pound championship. Hughes completely outclassed his rival during all three rounds. John Coolidge was not present to seo his conqueror's downfall. Thresher James R. Cree, 72-year-old citizen of Logansport, Ind., lays claim to having the longest record of service as a thresher in the United States. Having operated a threshing machine for 52 continuous years, Cree awaits the opening of the 1926 Bea-son, during which he expects to operate the wheat and cats threshing machine that he has owned and operated for the last 15 years. At the recent meeting of threshoinen of Indiana, held at Indianapolis, Cree gave an intereslin;? talk on his early experiences. MILLION DOLLAR FRAUD CHARGED Nine Officials Of Meyer And Company At Chicago Indicted By Jury CHICAGO, Feb. 26. A $1,000,000 fraud alleged to have been perpetrated by M. L. Meyer and company, a brokerage concern, was disclosed today with the return of federal Indictments against nine officials of the company charging uso of the malls to defraud. Those named are Max L. Meyer, president; Milton Appleman, Murray M. Heitell, Eli J. Kieinman, Sam Harris, David E. Relnwald, Jake L, Eggleston, Nelson S. Murray and L. J. Boyle. The specific charges are that the company and individual defendant Induced numerous persons to buy original stocks and bonds of weU known corporations but Instead of delivering these, substituted other securities of much less value under the pretense that these securities would pay large dividends. TAX REDUCTION BILL IS SIGNED AND IS NOW LAW Coolidge Fears It May Result In Treasury Deficit Year Hence HOPES FOR PROSPERITY Continued Government Economy Expected To Bring Further Relief (By The Associated Frew) WASHINGTON, Feb. 26. President Coolidge signed the tax reduction bill today, making It law, although he fears it may result in a treasury deficit of $100,000,000 a year hence. This possibility was advanced to the executive by Director Lord of the budget, who based it on present Indications of government receipts and expenditures during the coming fiscal year. The President hopes, however, that increased prosperity will result from the tax cut, swelling government income above the present estimates, and that congress will do its utmost to curtail expenditures Likelihood that there will be little if any surplus for the next year or two in the President's opinion, precludes the possibility of further tax reductions next year and perhaps for sometime to come. Ultimately, however, he believes that gradual retirement of the debt with continued government economy will result in further federal tax relief. Immediately after Mr. Coolidge had affixed hla signature to the $387,000,000 tax reduction measure the treasury called attention that the new law allows an extension in time for payment of the levies. It was announced that persons or domestic corporations with incomes of more than $5,000 would be allowed to file only tentative returns March 15 with payment of one quarter of the estimated tax due, and then be given until May 15 to file returns. This action was taken in view of the short time within which the first returns must be filed. 'Phone Girl Aids In Foiling Bank Rohbery Summons Citizens Who Engage Bandits In Pistol Battle As They Strive To Open Vault; One Wounded, Captured (By The Associated Press) FORT WORTH, Texas, Feb. 26. Miss Gertrude Medford who is as sistant bank cashier at Aledo by day and watches the telephone switch board by night, today described her REV. WM. HOG AN IS SUMMONED Was Resident Of Richmond For 77 Years, Veteran Of Civil War Rev. William Beverly Hogan, age 86, resident of this city for 77 years, died at his home, 520 North Nineteenth street, at 4:20 o'clock Friday afternoon. He was born in St. Louis on New Year's Day, 1840. At the age of nine he came to Fountain City and, a short time later, became a resident of Richmond. He served for more than two years in the Civil war and was active in mission work for many years. He leaves the widow, Mrs. Martha J. Hogan, and a daughter, Bertha Hogan Richardson. Funeral services will be held at the home at 2:30 o'clock Sunday afternoon. Rev. J. A. Williams, of Con-nersville, assisted by other co-laborers in mission work, will officiate. Burial will be in Spring Lawn cemetery at New Paris, O., at 2:30 o'clock Monday afternoon. Friends may call at the home at any time. SUBMIT REPORT ON TARIFF FOR BUTLER (By Tim Associated Press) WASHINGTON, Feb. 26. After considering for two years whether the duty on butter should be increased the tariff commission sub mitted a report today to President Coolidge. Its recommendation was not disclosed. The present rate is eight cents a pound. Under the law the President can increase or decrease this levy fifty percent. An Increase has been requested by American dairy men, who, when the tariff commission began its investigation protested particularly against importations from Denmark. Later competition from Canada became more severe, and this factor caused the commission to re-open its Inquiry. experience as the "Paul Ilevere" who carried the news of the bank robbery there shortly after midnight. Officers and deputized citizens opened fire on the bandits while they were attempting to open the vault and a running fight followed in which Ed Winton, 27 of Wichita, Falls, alleged to have been one of the robbers, was severely wounded. His two companions fled. Blood hounds were used in an ineffectual attempt today to capture the pair. Miss Medford, who weighs scarcely 100 pounds, has lived in Aledo all her life, knows all the five score telephone subscribers personally and used that knowledge when the critical moment came this morning. When the board clicked at 1 a. m. today, I was wide awake In an instant," she said. "I heard Tom .Gray, the constable say: 'Get my brother on the phone; there's a robbery.' I listened while he told me about It and at the same time was ringing his brother, S. B. Gray, justice of the peace. "From then on until 4 a. ni. I was too busy to know what I was thinking about," the girl related. "I felt like an aviator swooping over a battlefield with the bullets flying everywhere. Yes, I was scared Mostly I was afraid our men would be killed. Every shot I heard I had terrible pictures of somebody being rolled over on the ground. "I called first those I knew would be quickest to understand what was wanted," the girl said. "You know some people can just naturally understand sooner than others. "Just eighteen minutes after Tom Gray called me they started firing'1 she said. "He told me to warn the people to keep out of the way. I guess I must have called fifty people by that time." Miss Medford was "on the job" at the bank at 8 a. m. today. BACK WITH MARINES (By The Associated Pre) SAN DIEGO, Cal., Feb. 26. Bri gadier General Smedley D. Butler, returned to the marines here today after more than a year as director of the public safety in Philadelphia. He assumed command of the United States Marine base, relieving Col. A. S. Williams. CONNIE TALMADGE TO WED BRITISH CAPTAIN (By The Associated Press) REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Feb. 26. Miss Constance Talmadge, motion picture actress and Captain Alastair William Mackintosh of London, England, took . out a marriage license at the county clerk's office here today. The marriage will take place tomorrow at the home of Jean De St. Cyr in exclusive Burllngame, near here. Miss Talmadge gave her age as 25, her occupation as an "artist", her birthplace as New York, and her full maiden name as Constance Alice Talmadge. Captain Mackintosh wrote in the register that he has "no occupation" and that he was 36 years old. Mutual frfends said that the bridegroom Is a member of the flying corps of the British army. SPIRITUALISTS IN CLASH OVER BILL WITH MAGICIAN CRITICS HIT SINGING OF MARION TALLEY (By The Associated Press) NEW YORK, Feb. 26. Marlon Talley, now completing her second week with the Metropolitan opera company as its youngest coloratura soprano, has become a storm center In the music circles of New York. The young Kansas City girl was heralded by unprecedented publicity, which built up for her debut one of the greatest demonstrations of public Interest ever shown in the operatic world. The name ballyhoo was In part Instrumental in bringing a reaction and vigorous condemnation ot her claim to artistic merit. The opera-going public has continued to buy up every available seat days before each of her appearances and to greet her enthusiastically. But the music critics almost unanimously give her the benefit of faint praise whlle-f sharply pointing out her detects. BIMBA'S CASE NEARS FINISH Defense Witnesses Deny Claims Of Prosecution; Arguments Occur Today (By The Associated Press) BROCKTON, Mass., Feb. 26. Anthony Blmba has rested his case In his trial o fcharges of blasphemy and seditious uterances. Only five witnesses were called to his defense to contradict testimony that he had urged the overthrow of the United States government and to assort that ills only denial of the existence of God was In connection with the priests of the Lithuanian Cathollo church. Bimba, himself, was not heard. Arguments of counsel will bt. heard tomorrow morning. Blmba's speech in Lithuanian National Hall here on the night of January 26, today's witnesses eald, was one In which he urged his audience to educate themselves to refrain from drinking, to save their money and not to give it to agents of the government ,of the church in Lithuania and In which he moved his audience to tears of sorrow for the tribulations of the workmen in their country. This testimony was in contrast to the assertions of prosecution witnesses that the young communist editor had shouted to his hearers to "Take up the sword" to "organize a revolution" and prophesied that the red flag of communism would wave from the capitals of Kovno and Washington. IS INTRODUCED Details Of Grandmother's Plot Bared By Witnesses At Trial CHICAGO, Feb. 26. While defense attorneys were attempting today to break down the testimony of one of the state's principal witnesses in the murder trial of Mrs. Eliza Nusbaum, 61 year old grandmother, the witnesses succeeded in introducing further charges against Mrs. Nusbaum and John Winn, ex-convict and co-defendant. The couple are alleged to have plotted with three others to kill Mrs. Nusbaum husband, Albert, an invalid contractor, so "grandma" Nusbaum might marry Winn and the three others might share in his property. Today's witnesses was Mrs. Delilah Martin, one of three conspirators aiding Winn and Mrs. Nusbaurn. The three have pleaded guilty and turned states' evidence. Mrs. Martin, in whose homo Nusbaum wjig beaten to death with a hammer by Winn according to state's witnesses said that Mrs. Nusbaum gave Winn a dollar to buy gasoline less than an hour after he had killed Nusbaum. Winn, she said, hated Nusbaum and had threatened on many occasions to "get him" and had also threatened the lives of the other members of the alleged plot. Mrs. Martin said she had been promised "grandpa" Nusbaum's new automobile for her part in the plot. Later she amended her statement, saying "it was not lor what I did to help them, but because I had been nice to grandma." She denied that she had taken part in the plot willingly, insisting that she did so because she feared him. Asked why she pleaded guilty, the witness replied: "What else could I do? I wanted to tell the truth.'' . Houdini Declares He Never Met Medium Who Wasn't A Faker AROUSES HOT COMEBACK Proposed Copeland - Bloom Measure Bitterly Opposed Be fore Congress Committee (Br The Associated Fres) WASHINGTON, Feb. 26. Two congressional committees wera thrown Into an uproar today when Houdini, the magician, clashed with a group of spiritualists over the Copeland-Bloom bill to prevent fortune telling for foes In Washington. Feeling became so Intense that cap-Itol guards were summoned to stand ready to prevent physical combat. Houdini charged the spiritualists with being fakers and they replied that the religion of spiritualism was being Insulted. The bearings which were held by senate committees separately, frequently were Interrupted by loud applause demonstrations of approval from the spiritualists as the testimony proceeded. The senate com-. mlttee room was packed to the door Jams and the words "thief", "faker" and other epithets filled the atmosphere. Houdini disclaimed intention of criticizing any religion but Insisted he had never met a medium who was not a "faker". The spiritualists contended that the bill struck at the . heart of their religion and that they were being confused with the "gypsy . fortune teller". Declaring that any one can becoma a spiritualistic minister, Houdini un- -furled a paper which he said was a charter of the ministry which he had received in Massachusetts. Immediately Madame Goetz, representing spiritualists, charged that the magician "virtually had stolen" the char- : ter from an irresponsible person and that he could not use It. MYSTERY CLOAKS NESBITT PROBE TROY. Feb. 26. Mystery today surrounded the movements of virtually all officials identified with the in. vestlgatlon of the murder of Fran ces Drake Nesbltt, at her home on Ridge Avenue, last Friday night, as all apparently loft the city without Indicating their destination. Those who are known to have gone away In search of clews .were Sheriff Mont Spillman, H. L Shipman, Jacob Nesbitt's attorney, Prosecutor L E. Harvey, Police Chief John Sharits and Detective Joe Wilcox the latter of Dayton, who was summoned to this city to make the initial probe. . The protracted absence from Troy of the sheriff and other county offl-. ciala, proved to be a development of keen Interest to the public which awaited news of an arrest In another city. Vague reports had flooded this town for 24 hours and the general belief was that the case soon would come to a climax in the apprehension of a-suspect. ThougTi there was nothing official here on which to base the belief of a pending arrest the report was being spread so insistently In all quarters, that its authenticity here seemed to have been accepted. SCHOOL TOWER FOUND SAFE BY INSPECTOR GRAND JURY PROBES CARROLL'S WINE PARTY (By The Associated Press) NEW YORK, Feb. 26. The party given Monday night by Earl Carroll, theatrical producer, at which a nude show girl was reported to have servod guests wine from a bath tub In which she sat, today proved to be a boomerang. He was called before a federal grand jury, which is seeking to determine whether the Volstead Act was violated. He refused to discuss his appearance before the grand jury. Tolice Commissioner McLaughlin earlier had ordered an Investigation by the police into the question of whether the statute against nudity had been violated at the dinner. Carroll has denied the bath tub-wine incident as has Vera, Countess of Cathcart, who was a guest of honor at the party. United States Attorney Emery H. Buckner refused to comment on Carroll's testimony before the grand jury. It is understood Carroll is the only person called thus far. Condition of the tower and roof of Garfield school building' was pronounced safe by ,T. Ed Hlggs, city builillng Inspoctor, following tin investigation FrtJay, W. CJ. Hate, superintendent of schools, stated. Investigation of the building disclosed the fact that hollow tin ornaments along the toof edges had become loosened and, pending thorough inspection of the condition, a portion of the school yard was roped off as a measure of protection to children. The ornaments will bo tightened at once, Mr. Bato said. The condition has nothing to do with the structural soundness ot the build-taS be stated. 1 FARMER LIGE Alex Smart's goin' to clip his 'horses so's he won't have to explain any long hairs.