The Los Angeles Times from Los Angeles, California • 21

1 Souihern California Interests. Drama, A A f- T'- '3iife''wSa. Vol xijii. POPTTT f)N bx ri miw TUESDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 7, 1924. PART IL 24 PAGES.

DAZZLING GOWNS AND GEMS OF SOCIETY WOMEN PRESENT PICTURE OF RARE LOVELINESS AS OPERA SEASON OPENS AT PHILHARMONIC Philharmonic Auditorium was the scene last evening of a brilliant leathering when Los Angeles socletv turned out en masse, to welcome the opening of the grand opera season. Amonj those who attended the performance of Chenler" were, left to right. Mrs. George J. Denis, Mrs.

William A. Bryon, Mrs. Richard J. O. Culver, Airs.

Secondo Guaatl, Mrs. William W. Orcutt, Mrs. Secondo Guastl, Mrs. Eugene O.

McLaughlin, Mrs. Joseph Francis Sartor! and Mrs. J. Wells Smith. I' 1 1 KrntrnnBarrswHSBaaaMMMaiiMMiwi-r-iim 1 1.

i i i I ill If I ii i.i.i iniii iti Jin ii niMiiiiiiiiw.imwiniHMwMwiiiw wii" ww wwmiiiiiii iuii mi in mi unmsiT oisMmwwnjHiTiiMnMWiimrTs r-r JL IVORCE-GIVING DOCTOR MVO COMPROMISE IS AIM ON TRAFFIC NDICTMENT OF BEAUTY DOCTOR SOUGHT IN DEATH RILLIANT SCENE MARKS LOCAL OPERA OPENING IS. 6 WIDOW ACCUSES WOUNDED MAN Mystery Shooting Victim in Detention Ward TAKEN IN FRAUD NET Downtotvn Association and Commission Confer Real Voices and Real Art and Real Music Beautiful Gowns Offer Picture of Rare Beauty Opinions Differ on Hours for Parking Ban Police Say Woman Charges Attempted Attack Michael Crespo, Student of Occult, Nabbed While Taking oney for Ready -Made Mexican Decree Dr. Michael Angelo Crespo, B.S., M.S., Ph.D., debonair graduate of two universities and deep student of occult and other sciences, and who for the past several months has been dispensing ready-made divorce decrees to all comers from a suite of offices in the Bryson Block, was arrested last night on a charge of obtaining money under false pretenses. Jury to Hear Dr. Gertrude Steele Operation Case Today; Quiz of Asserted Butcheries Opens Woman's eternal quest for youth and beauty will have an inning before the county grand jury today when an indictment charging manslaughter will be requested by Keyes against Gertrude Steele, naturopath and "beauty doctor," as the result of an investigation into the death several weeks ago of Mrs.

Christina Leslie, an elderly and wealthy Also Claim She Confesses Firing Two Shots BY JUAJJTA NEAD LEVY Forming a picture of rare love-lines the grand opera at Philharmonic Auditorium last evening opened in a blaze of glory, with all society and her sisters, cousins, aunts, and beaux-gallants in attendance. Many beautifully-appointed dinner parties at the Bllt-more, California Club and at the Twelve Proposals in Butler Report Are Approved The first conference between the Traffio Commission of Los Angeles city and county, and. the Downtown Association tending to a mutual agreement on necessities for revised and simplified traffic legislation, was held yesterday at the University Club. Representing the Traffic Commis Leo reticent victim of a mystery shooting September 80, last, was transferred to the detention ward of the General Hospital last night on a charge of attempted criminal attack. The arrest culminated an inves-- property owner.

homes of the hosts preceded the long-looked-for and much-talked The order to place Mantell under arrest came from Detective-Lieu of event while many of the hosts tlgation by City Prosecutor Fried-lander and The Times, following the appearance of fraudulent advertisements in several local papers. BY EDWIN SCHALLERT Real voices; real art; real musk-that Is the summing up of the first presentation under the auspices of the Los Angeles Grand Opera Association. The aeries of performances, which opened last night with "Andrea Chenler," promises to make musical history, and to begin fulfillment of the cherished dream for a permanent institution combining the beauty of ong and melody, with the radiant spectacle of stage action. The first venture hat been taken, and has attained the Impression of a superior achievement and, judging from the quality of the first audience, is attracting an interest more noteworthy than ajjy similar event in years. Philharmonic Auditorium, where the production was given, assumed tenants Hamilton and Jar vis short followed the easier plan of bud ly after they had taken into cus per parties after the opera at club or hotel.

The scene in the Audi tody Mrs, Louise Reson, a pretty Crespo's seizure occurred ss he sion were Paul Hoffman, president; torium was one of unusual beau 26-year-old widow, on a charge of assaulr with a deadly weapon. The ty, the entire audience appearing in full dress, rivaling the famous detectives declared the woman con fessed to them Bhe had shot Man-tell at her apartment at 2288 West Diamond Horsenhoe of Gotham's Metropolitan Opera house on its opening night of grand opera. Among the many noticed in the exquisitely-gowned throng of enthusiastic music lovers who attended were Mrs. Dean Mason in an Imported gown of black lace with wrap of fur, and her guests, Mrs. George J.

Denis, in a French creation of moonlight green and a metropolitan aspect that outdid 3 practically any occasion in the past. There seemed more of to- tt I I still held in his hand iZUQ in marked bills which had been given to him a moment before by two Times reporters for the purpose of obtaining a divorce tot a supposed Mr. and Mrs. Merle Carroll Richards, under Mexican law and through an asserted conspiracy with Mexican officials whereby all statutes -egarding residence, grounds and appearance In court could be temporarily abrogated. HINT OTHER CHARGES The money paid to him, Crespo had said, would have been used to not only purchase the services of necessary officials to achieve his purpose, but also the testimony of witnesses.

In addition to the complaint charging the obtaining of money under false pretenses, it was indicated by the prosecutor last night that others charging violation of half a dozen State statutes and as many city ordinances would fol silver, with insets of the shimmer ing sliver and pearls, and Mrs. cial elaborateness, more gorgeous-neas of raiment, even to an amazing display of the much neglected William A. Bryon in a gown of run dress suit and silk hat. to pale blue beaded in gold and blue over a yellow slip. Her wrap was indicate that the full formality of an exquisite white shawl trimmed the operatic function was observed.

with white fox fur. Mrs. Joseph Francis Sartori wore HOPES REALIZED The project of presenting ODera a green velvet gown with wrap of gray. with an organization formed right in Los Angeles has been occupying the attention of many promi The Inquiry into the facta surrounding Mrs. death was conducted by the Police the" Stata Board of Medical Examiners and the.

District Attorney. Working in harmony with one another, these three law enforcement agencies brought to light not only the circumstances concerning Mrs. Leslie's death but also started an investigation into other cases in which persons are suffering from mutilations for life, obtained in their quest for beauty. NO MEDICAL LICENSE Mrs. Leslie, who resided at 1251 North Westmoreland avenue at the time of her death, was one of those seekers of perpetual youth and beauty.

Signs of advancing years she was 67 years of age were appearing upon her features. For a cash fee of one hundred and lif ty dollars. Dr. Gertrude Steele, nationally advertised head of the Steele Plastic Surgery Institute, contracted to restore to her cheeks the bloom of youth, it Is declared by the investigators. The surgeon's scalpel was used, and on September 8, last, Mrs.

Leslie died of blood, poisoning at St. Vincent's Hospital. Dr. Steele had performed the operation, and yet she had not had a day of schooling in surgery, according' to the statement of her own daughter who served as her assistant, nor had she any legal license to perform the operation, -according to the State Board of Medical Examiners. For many weeks the cause of Mrs.

Leslie's death was known only to two or three intimate friends as no autopsy had been performed. Then a friend told the story. Chief of Detectives George Home heard it and ordered a rigid investigation. Assistant Captain of Detectives Herman Cline, detailed Detective Lieutenants Cullen and French to gather the evidence. MANY COMPLAINTS Special Agent Carter of the State Board of Medical Examiners later was instructed to co-operate with the detectives.

With his assis nent citizens now for many months, and the opening production was for low. These include, he said, asserted i I i i them the realization of a very definite ambition. They had co-operated with the foundera of a simi lar enterprise in San Francisco. aiming to bring forth an establish ment that would mean something Mrs. Russell McDonnell Taylor was attired in a gown of white crepe de chine embroidered heavily in crystals and pearls, her wrap of ermine fur completing the costume.

Mrt. Lee Allen Phillips wore a gown of white brocade beaded with wrap of black velvet trimmed in broad bands of fur. Mrs. Catesby C. Thorn wore an Imported gown of white Chantilly lace and pearls, a wrap of turquoise and ermine fur trimmings.

Mrs. Thomas J. Fleming wore an imported black Jetted gown and a molo fur wrap. Mrs. Thomaa Duque was in a gown of lavender chiffon-beaded in flowers and leaves ohd wore a Twenty-sixth Place after he ha choked her and attempted to attack her.

Mrs. Reson told them, the detectives said, that she met Mantell at a downtown dance hall on the evening of September 28, last, and that after the dance hall closed he suggested that she accompany him to a cabaret. CO TO CABARET She consented, she said, and Mantell got his automobile and produced a quart of liquor. They then drove to a cabaret where they drank and danced, according to the woman's story to the detectives. Later they went to her apartment.

There, according to the detectives, Mantell seized the woman, who weighs but eighty pounds, and choked her unconscious. When she came to, she told the officers, she succeeded in reaching the revolver which she had kept under a pillow. When Mantell attempted to attack her, she told the officers, she threatened him and then fired twice. One bullet lodging in Man-tell's groin and the other Just below his heart, according lo the detectives. REFUSES STATEMENT Then the victim, according to her story to the detectives, staggered to his car.

He drove to his home at 451 South Blxel street and was carried in by two women and a man whom he had asked for assistance. Detectives summoned to his home were unable to obtain any statement from Mantell. He was treated at the Receiving Hospital and later removed to the General Hospital in a critical condition. Since then he has been recovering slowly. Governor Here for Two Weeks Southland Visit noi oniy ror a single tenet or performance but also for the future.

Dr. Gertrude Steele and the popular reception indicated that they have gone a vast way toward the goal. The opening opera in many respects compared more than favorably with the performances offered even by so well equipped an organization as the Dr. Miller McClintock, traffic consultant; Harold Ryerson, secretary; Leslie Williams, Attorney David Faries. Alfred Adams, MaJ.

O. C. Wyman and C. R. Snethen.

The Downtown Association was represented by Ct C. Colyear. president; Capt. John D. Butler, traffic consultant; A.

Graham, secretary; Attorney E. J. Fleming. Dain Sturges, O. B.

Burdick, Vaughn Bell, H. C. Braden and H. J. Wambold.

COMPROMISES PLANNED Some difference of opinion was expressed, by representatives of the organizations as to the wisdom of prohibiting parking in the downtown Bection from 7 to 9 a.m., and further compromises were planned in an effort to come to an agreement on hours to be devoted to the delivery of freight. General approval was given to the recommendations of the Downtown Association as expressed by Capt. Butler in the following report: There are a number of contributing causes to the present unsatisfactory conditions, that are purely matters of operating detail, and to us are of considerable importance in alleviating congestion. Any discussion tending to the solution of the problem Involving street-car and automobile congestion would not be complete, if their shortcomings as well as those of the authorities charged with the direction of the operation of such vehicles, are omitted. Therefore, in order to get this matter before you for discussion, and again assuring you that we do so in the most friendly manner, and with the sole object of bettering downtown congestion for all concerned, we offer the following tentative recommendations: PROPOSED REGULATIONS (1.) Such rerouting of westbound street cars on Second etreet as will enable the conversion of that street into a one-way street (2.) That Third street be converted Into a one-way street as a companion street to Second street, the direction on each etreet to be governed by the most feasible plan, (3.) That raised loading platforms for street-car passengers be erected wherever practicable at heavy loading points in the congested area.

(4.) That the standards carrying Instructions as to the direction Of Vehicles at Intersections display arrows indicating direction a vehicle may take, instead of the reading matter now displayed, and that such standardsbe displayed at all times when such rules regulating right and left turns are in effect. (5.) That the practice of allowing motorists to Indiscriminately pass to the left of safety zones be discouraged, and that they be allowed to pa-ss to the left only upon permission of the traffio officer. (6.) That a loading zone suf Chicago Grand Opera Association. (Continued on Page 2, Column 1) (Continued on Page 2, Column 3) more persons who reported that they had been mutilated and disfigured for life by Dr. Steel's facial lotions and by her scalpel.

Some of these patients sued for damages. Some reached the courts, while other suits were settled out of court. All this information was laid before the District Attorney yesterday. Dep. Dennison and Dep.

Harold Davis reviewed the evidence as presented by the investigators. Subpoenaes were issued for seven witnesses and today, at 2 p.m., the county grand Jury will hear their stories. DAUGHTER TO TESTIFY The witnesses include three investigators. Dr. James Reeve Dean, who attended Mrs.

Leslie and signed the death certificate: Mrs. Gertrude Solomon, Dr. Steele's (Continued on Page 24, Column 2) UNIQUE HOMAGE TO OPERA 11 1 1111 Brilliant Audience Gives Most Ardent Reception to Premiere of Any Event of Southland jniuMnUon an Plcttm Put) Homage declared unique In its enthusiasm in operatic annals of the West, if not the country, last night was vouchsafed the premiere of the Lot Angeles Grand Opera Company at Phllharmonio Audi violations of statutes covering the operations of clairvoyants, drugless healers, spiritual mediums, spiritualist churches, the State Medical Practice Act, statutes governing the registration and practice of attorneys and their agents, the dispensing and eale of drugs, love philters, charms, tokens and other paraphernalia of occultism, massage parlors and other things In which Crespo, as doctor of philosophy and "miracle man" has apparently been doing a wholesale business of late. cnrrncAL analysis The plans of the prosecutor, it was announced, call for an immediate chemical analysis of the contents of numerous capsules which the "doctor" has been peddling at $2 a box; a searching inquiry into his methods of drugless dealing which caused him to advertise that "after your health Is gone and your doctor has you up, call or write Dr. M.

A. Crespo, B.S., M.S., Ph.D., famous gifted healer who has healed thousands and performed miracles." Among the doctor's papers, the prosecutorfound a list of clients numbering into the thousands, who In the majority of cases had given him J2.00 each that their future history might be foretold by the crystal or by intercession with ce-lentlal beings. There was also found correspondence indicating that the "doctor" had planned shortly a great extension of his already large plan of operation; but that he hoped to establish such a volume of business through his overnight divorces that the majority of attorneys specializing in that line of court work in Los Angeles county would be forced Into idleness. ADMITS ACTIVITIES In a statement made to the City Prosecutor shortly after his arrest, Crespo admitted the majority of Dr. M.

A. Crespo tance, Dr. Steele's past activities ss- a "beauty doctor" were re vealed. Numerous complaints from men and women, patients of Dr. Steele, were found in the files of the medi cal board.

They told of a score or torium. It was the most brilliant audience, and the most ardent reception, that hat attended a musical LUDLOW ON JOB AS AIDE Former Chief Engineer of Harbor Returns at Old Salary But as Second in Command J. W. Ludlow, formerly chief harbor engineer, returned to work yesterday at his old salary but in the capacity of assistant harbor event in the Southland's history, according to the patrons and backers of the opera. Furthermore, in the words of Merle Armltage, business executive of the opera venture, the engagement marks the first time "that opera has ever paid in the United Statet the first time that opera has not encountered a deficit." Fifth ttreet.

between Hill and Olive streets. last night was a sea of people, enthusiasts and lovers of opem who were hopeful of gaining admittance to the Auditorium. But the box office announced Itself sold out nearly an hour before the curtain went up. Los Angeles own opera, that Is to say, itt own operatio venture with a local chorus and local orchestrathe Phllharmonio ev pageant as they alighted from their motors and panned Into the theater. V.

Giordano's opera, "Andrea Chenler," a vocal drama of the French Revolution, was the opening attraction of the company, with such superlative principals as Benlamlno Glglt. tenor of the Metropolitan Grand Opera Company, who succeeded Caruso; Gluaippe de Luca, superb baritone, and Claudia Muzlo, acknowledged among the great sopranos. Before the auditorium proper was darkened and the stage itself illuminated for the initial scene of the opera, the packed rows of muslo lovers and the boxes filled with notables, presented something Impressive in the way of an audience. Every box and a good proportion of the seats, from orchestra to top balcony, had been reserved. Tim Healey, manager of the opera company, said smilingly that it was an omen of similar audiences during the week the company will appear, before "Travtata" closes the engagement and the songsters of the classics depart for the open- Continued on 1'iucn Column ft) at a meeting of the Harbor Commission Saturday.

A few hours Gov. Richardson arrived In Los Ar.geles yesterday and announced from hit local offices In the Pacific Finance Building that he expects to remain in Southern California about two weeks. The Governor said he attended the Ventura County Fair at Ventura before coming to Los Angeles, and Is planning to be a gueMt at the Los Angeles and Riverside county fairs. He will go to Riverside Thursday and has been announced as a speaker at the State Realty convention in Pasadena Friday. Mrs.

Richardson Is accompanying the Oovernor. Myers Estate Goes to Widow and Daughters his activities. That he realized the scope of his operations was indicated In his first remark following the announcement that he was under arrest: "Well, you got me good this time!" In his statement Crespo admitted birth in Porto Rloo, an age of 82, graduation as a bachelor of science and as a master of science at the University of Porto Rico, and obtaining a degree of Doctor of phlloHophy at the University of OskaloosH, Onkaloosa, Iowa. He said that he had studied medicine under a brother who was registered physician In Porto Rico; and that he had studied law and practiced to some extent while In the otlice of another brothor who was an attorney there. He came to Los Angeles, he said, about a year ago, after a three-year period in San Francisco In which he had alternately practiced druglem healing and taught Spanish in the Howard Mann Junior High School there.

After arriving here, he said, he opened offices at 115 Vi North Main street. Owing to a mixed parentage of Spanish and Italian, coupled with a knowledge of the customs of both races, he soon eiitab-llshed a considerable clientele in his various arts. Through the National Independent Spiritualist Association, he procured a certificate indorsing him as a spiritual medium. Later he organized a "church" of his satellites under the came organisation, and culminated Ms fpirituallxt efforts by being ordained a minister by the asHoclution. Thus to hia professed clnlrvoy- Contained on 1'ngo 21, Column d) ficient In length to accommodate at least ten delivery vehicles be established in front of and adjacent to the Grand Central Market on Hill and Broadway, other vehicles to be barred between 7 and 10 a.m., or longer if necessary.

Bits of News from erything concerned being native to the city except the principals, drew the support and appearance of society members, officialdom ind in engineer. Mr. Ludlow resumed his old desk and spent the day In again familiarizing himself with the work of his department and In "picking up loose ends." The return of Mr. Ludlow In the capacity of assistant harbor engineer, however, created a somewhat anomalous situation. The post fit assistant engineer Is now occupied by J.

C. Shaw, who was appointed to this position after Mr. Ludlow had been ousted as chief engineer by the Harbor Commission some months ago. As a result both Mr. Ludlow and Mr.

Shaw are filling the same position. Under the present arrangement there Is but one office of assistant engineer and two men officially appointed to fill It. It is expected, however, that the Harbor Commission at its meeting this afternoon will untangle the matter. Mr." Ludlow wan tendered the position of assistant engineer at Ms old aalaxy after the offer was made public Mr. Ludlow accepted, expressing satisfaction at the time that harmonious relations apparently had again been established among the harbor commissioners.

There were rumors yesterday that Harbor Commissioner Walter B. Allen would resign, as a result of the reinstatement of Engineer Ludlow in the department. Commissioner Allen brought about the summary dismissal of Ludlow and the commissioner gathered testimony which he presented at last week's hearing in an effort to show that Ludlow had made costly blunders, error of Judgment in harbor engineering matters. It Is expected that the major construction projects temporarily halted by the dismissal of Mr. Ludlow will be resumed under his supervision In very short time.

Mr. Ludlow Indicated yesterdi (Continued on Fago 2, Column 6) habitants of the world of music, in an array that packed the Audito Today's Want Ads Window-trimmer wanted for women'a ready-to-wear store. $1TS perfect blue white diamond solitaire must be sacrificed. Sixteen pairs of red Car-neaux pigeons for sale. Beautiful mahogany bed, silk cover and bed lamp for sale cheap.

EES ENFORCEMENT URGED (7.) That the police department be requested to more strictly enforce the forty-five-minute parking restrictions, and also the provision against second-line parking. (8.) That we urge the completion of Fifth street at the earliest possible moment in order that the congestion at Sixth and Figueroa streets may be at least partially relieved. (9.) That we urge such regula-tions as are necesuary to control the opening of manholes in the (Coutiuucd on l'ago Si, Column 6) An estate of $213,963 was left by William R. Myers, pioneer real estate operator of the Highland Park find Oarvanza districts, according to his will, filed for probate yesterday. He died July 19, last.

The home place at 11 North Avenue Thirty-six and ttook in the Myers Land Comptny were left to the widow, Mrt. Harriet Williams Myers, and the remainder of the Ktate equally between her and the daut'Utara, rium with its seating capacity of 3000. The loongestion of traffio In front of the Auditorium barely permitted the approach of costly limousines to the ttreet In front of the foyer. It wat a spectacle of luxury giving due honor to music of the degree Intellectual. Women In costly garb, ash I tinner with Jewels and distinguished by their furs, provided a tort of fashion THOU AJtT MY LAMP.

Lord: and tha Lord will lighten my darkness. Tor by thee I have run through a troop: by my God bare I leaped over a walL II Samuel 1.