The Tribune from Scranton, Pennsylvania • Page 1

THE WEATHER. Generally fair today and tomorrow; somewhat warmer In north portion today. Yesterday's mas. II; PHONE NUMBER 7222 mln. 39.

ESTABLISHED 1867 TWENTY TWO PAGES YftANTON, PAv SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 1931 VOL. 155, NO. 16 ra es in Water Company's Valuation Unexplained: Repu blicHonoring Monarchy 's Debts; Bank Sta tus Sound Spring Brook Case Remains Mystery To House Probers Susquehanna Cop Nabs Ex Dunmorean as He Leaves Scene of Crime 'Announcement of Government Strengthens Spanish Securities oh Exchange; Populace Shows Confidence by Attending to ISormal Affairs; U. S. Ambassador Visits Zamora By CLARENCE DUBOSE fAmoelitMl Press Staff Correspondent) Elroy McDermott Captured Short Distance From Spot Where He Poured Volley of Bullets Info Body of Thomas J.

McGraw, D. H. Trainman; Motive Of Killing Is Undetermined Thomas J. McGraw, 40, Delaware and Hudson railroad trainman of Lanesboro, former resident of Carbondale, was murdered at 9:15 o'clock last night while sitting in his car parked on Main street, Susquehanna, by an assailant who calmly opened the door of the auto and fired four shots from a revolver into his chest. Commissioners A i And Brown Unable to Account for Cut of Three Million From Original Book Figures By MARTIN HAYES 1 Republican Staff Reporter) HARRISBURG, April 17.

The method as to how the publ 1 service commission arrived at its valuation of $43,650,000 en the property of the Scranton Spring Brock Water Service company remained something of a mystery tonight, but the curtain had been at least partially lifted on the scenes whicn went on behind the curtain last year. Two of the three members of the commission who admittedly should know all about the utility board's treatment of the case, apparently failed, under questioning by Attorney Harold Evans, counsel for the house investigating committee, to offer any satisfactory ex Dlanation as to the basis for the many changes which they made in their figures after the engineering bureau had submitted its first report in June, 1930. Chairman W. D. B.

Alney and Com missioner J. W. Brown, the latter one of the two sitting commissioners in the rate case, were the board members who occupied the witness box. The third interssted commissioner. Charles H.

Young, was in the hearing room, but could not be called. Ainey Shifts Burden Chairman Ainev shifted the burden of explanation to his two colleagues, and Mr. Brown, unaer ceasiess cross exanu Continued on Page Six) PRICE THREE CENTS Vladyka Seeks Mercy of Jury In Murder Case Counsel for Defendant Ac cused of Slaying James Gib hons, Former Olyphant Man, Asks That Client Be) Spared From Electric Chair Victim's Brother Testifies MAUCH CHUNK, April 17 The case of Michael Vladyka, charged with the murder of James Gibbons, young farmer of Laurytown, is ex. pected to be in the jury's hands to After, placing nearly a dozen witnesses on the stand tcday, District Attorney David Davis rested for the commonwealth. Concluding a brief rtatement ths Juj.

James C. McReady, one" 6f Vladyka attow neys, appointed by the court to de fend him, said: "I am frank to say do net expect acquittal and. we are not going to aslc for acquittal, ask you 'not to placa this defendant in the electric chair, but that instead you impose the lesser penalty, the law provides." Couple Offered Ride Thomas Gibbons, brother of the slain man, who was wounded flva times when Vladyka is alleged to have opened fire with two revolvers, was the state's principal witness to day. The Gibbons brothers, going to a card party in Weatherly in their automobile, had stopped aloni tha highway and offered a lift to Vladyka and his girl companion, Anna Igna rocicn, walking in tne same direction. "They got in," Thomas testified.

"My brother James was driving. I turned to look at the two we had picked up and saw Mike Vladyka. Ha had a gun in each hand. Hold on, here," he said. 'I'm in trouble.

Tum and go back toward White Grabs for Pistols "We said no; we were going to Weatherly. I went over the back of the front seat and grabbed for tha guns. Then I heard a click and felt a burn in my hand and arm. I was shot five times during the fight for the guns. My brother was shot through the head." After the shooting, he said.

Vladyka and the girl walked away from tha scene. The girl told Vladyka not to shoot, that everything would be all right, Thomas testified. She is alas under Indictment for murder and her trial set for June 2. Vladyka's confession was read and offered in evidence. It told of hla (Continued on Page Two) 3 BROTHERS DROWN WHEN BOAT UPSETS STEUBBNVILLE, Ohio.

April 7 iJP). Three boys, brothers, today in the Ohio river when their rowboat str.ick a dike in the back chrnnel at Castonia, near here, and capsized. They were: Samuel, 11; George, 14, and Theodore, 1 7, sons of NicK Gickis, Steubenvllleill worker. The bodies were recovered tonight. iJi iuic mau uses vruu I As He Loses Home; Wife Takes Poison PITTSBURGH, April 17 (IP).

After holding a squad of po licemcn at a distance for several hours following an alleged at 3 tempt on the life of a former em plover. Andrew Susko. 42, be lleved mentally unbalanced, was captured In a barren field at 9 Leetsdale, tonight. Susko. officers reported, en tered the office of the McClintlc Marshall company plant at Leetsdale and fired five shots at George Stewart, works man 6 ager, and others, after demand 9 Ul w.au WV ltU JVM ui his family be maintained.

The fni that Kn n. van a tnh A shots went wild, and Susko fled to the field, where he threatened 6 to shoot anyone who tried to ar rest him. Susko, who has but one leg, the other having been lost In a mill accident, formerly worked at the Leetsdale plant. A recent period of unemployment led to 3 ine eviction 01 tne man, nis wife and seven children from their home yesterday. His wife, Mary, 32.

Is in a hospital recov 1 MEMBM Of TBB1 1'EESSj I Annexes National Swimming Honors MARGARET HOFFMAN Competing in the national women's championships in New York last night, Miss Margaret Hoffman of the Scran ton Swimming association, won the 100 yard breast stroke title by de feating Eleanor Hoim of the Women's Swimming Association' of New York by a yard. Miss Hoffman's time was 1:24 2 5. She is also national 220 yard breast stroke champion, having copped the honors in Los Angeles last year. Norris Claims Power Combine Dodging Issue Nebraska Senator Charges "Trust" Trying to Divert Attention From Probe by Nation Wide Propaganda Campaign Designed to Show City Ownership Profitless WASHINGTON, April 17 VP). The power interests were charged today by Senator Norris with attempting to divert attention from the state commission's investigation of their activities by a.

nation wide propaganda ca paign. The Nebraska Republican in a for mal statement based his charge on pamphlet written by Paul S. Clapp, managing the National Electric Light association, which Nor ris said had been distributed to mil' lions of stockholders in public utilities companies and consumers of elec tricity. Propaganda of Deception "While the federal trade commis sion in Its Investigation of the power trust is almost daily revealing some gigantic scheme on the part of that monopoly to control the generation and distribution of electricity for the people of the United States," Norris said, "the trust is trying to divert attention from true conditions by continuing this nation wide propa ganda of deception. "The very fact that this article an alleged answer to arguments made against the trust's activities has been within a comparatively few days placed in the hands of millions electric light consumers and holders of public utility bonds and stocks all over the nation, it seems to me, is a demonstration In itself that the power (continued on Page Two) SONS OF LEGIONNAIRES ORGANIZE ASSOCIATION PEEKSKILL.

N. ADril 17 (Pi. An association, intended to be national in scope, known as "Sons of the American Legion," has been formed by students of Peekskill Military academy. Its members are to be schoolboys whose fathers are in the American legion. Charles Maines of Flint, Mich, was elected commander.

Other officers are James P. la Salle, finance officer; Charles E. Hirt. adjutant, and Clement Dunbar, sergeant at arms. ion," he added, "should view the Snell confession as a sharp reminder to Democrats everywhere that the Democratic party could scarcely serve the general public more wisely and effectively than by waging with renewed vigor a nationwide movement for tariff readjustment downward and for a more liberal commercial policy that would, as in the past, fundamentally differentiate in both theory and practice the two political parties." Representative Ayers, Democrat, Kansas, said he was "glad to bear such a statement coming from a prospective speaker of the house." "Mr.

Snell has evidently been hearing from his sonstitutents at home," he added. I NIK At WiM at or provisional government, of would recognize all debts of the result was the strengthening of exchange. The announcement caused a feeling of optimism in the business and banking worlds and stimulated more confidence generally in the economic future of the country. Most of Spain's outstanding obligations are domestic bond issues. It is understood that the $60,000,000 credit issue arranged by the former government through the J.

P. Morgan interests in New York has not yet been drawn on. Every bank In the city was guarded by several today outside and inside but the precaution, was unnecessary. There have been no bank run or anything to suggest a tendency toward looting. The populace continues calm and restrained and is attending to its normal affairs.

Barcelona Quieter Barcelona was reported to have quieted down after short disorders this morning in which all prisoners were released from jails. The public was awaiting the results of negotiations between representatives of the Madrid government and the Ca'alonian republic regarding their future relationship. Cabinet members were discounted the possibility of serious disaffections between the two republics. The Madrid delegation is attempting to persuade their confreres to accept what amounts to state autonomy within the Spanish it was said, at least until both governments get on their feet and show that they can really function. Seen as Friendly Gesture American Ambassador Irwin B.

Laughlin visited Provisional President Niceto Alcala Zamora today for the purpose of arranging with the proper authorities the exchange of business between the two nations. Senor Zamora received him cordially and asked him to continue handling all matters with the foreign office. The visit implied neither a friendly nor unfriendly attitude on the part of the United States nor did it signify recognition or nonrecognition of the Spanish republic. However, the Madrid press, without any authority (Continued on Last Page) 2 Enginemen Die In Pennsy Wreck Twenty Passengers Slightly Hurt as Fast Train Ploughs Into Derailed Freight ALTOONA, April 17 UP). Two enginemen were killed and about twenty passengers Injured, none to an extent requiring hospital attention, when the Pan Handle Limited on the Pennsylvania railroad crashed Into derailed freight cars Just outside of a tunnel at Spruce Creek, 22 miles east of here tonight.

The train was traveling from New York to St. Louis. The dead: W. J. Keane, engineer, Harrisburg.

R. E. Look, fireman, Harrisburg. The engine and two cars a combination baggage and smoker and a day coach left the rails. Railroad reports said the passenger train ran, into the derailed freight cars before could be flagged.

Railroad officials here went to the wreck scene with doctors and nurses, but reported that only slight hurts were suffered by the passengers in the derailed coaches. New Viceroy Pledges His Aid in Securing Indian Independence Lord Willingdon, Acclaimed by Multitude as He Arrives in Bombay, Replies to Greetings With Chairman Testifies Utility Counsel "Ititi mated" to Public Serv ice Body That No Rate Increase Was Planned (Bv a Staff Correspondent) HARRISBURG, April 17. Today's investigation by the house inquiry committee into the public commis sion's handling of the Scran ton Spring Brook Water rate case brought the following outstanding developments: Chairman W. D. B.

Alney testified that the counsel for the company, in the fall of 1927 and early in 1938 "intimated" to the commission that no rate increase was contemplated. He denied, as testified a month ago by C. N. Loveland. Wilkes Barre, that he had asked Mr.

Love land to withdraw his complaint again the rates of the former Spring Brook company, or that the Downes appraisal of that property had been discussed at a meeting in his office attended by Mr. Loveland. Mr. Alney was unnb'e to tell the committee how the commission arrived at Its valuation of $43,650 000 on the Scranton Sprlng Brook system, how It happened that between August of lat year and December, the latter dtte a month after Governor Pinchot's election, the commission cut down the valuation of $46,982,636, which had been adopted four months earlier. The chairman told the probers that his colleagues, J.

W. Brown and Charles H. Young, who sat In the ease, could furnish all of the Information sought, but Mr. Brown, In (Continued on Page Two) Replying to Bonway greetings, ne appealed to tne princes ana peopic to helD him "lead India rapidly to ward the goal of responsible govern' ment and a position of absolutely equal partnership with other domt nlons under the British crown. "I shall endeavor to carry on the great work Initiated by Lord Irwin, whose sympathy, patience, courage and earnestness of purpose secured him the abiding affection, regard and admiration of all classes." i Hospitable Welcome India welcomed Lord Wlllingdon back to its shores with old fashioned cordiality and hospitality, remembering that he had been governor of Bombay and Madras for eleven years.

until he left six years ago to De governor general of Canada. From the Bombay fortress crashed out a reverberating viceregal salute of thirty one guns until the party entered the towering "gateway of India," Lord Wililngdon and Countesa Wlllingdon captured the imagination of the crowds by their friendly smiles and unaffected demeanors. Immediately upon landing the viceroy recognized scores of princes, government officials and others whose friendship he made during his previous service here. He chatted with maharajahs, naw abs, baronets, knights, sardars, ministers of state and ordinary mortals, delaying the program far beyond the time set by officialdom. Later in the day Lord WUUngdon conferred with retiring Viceroy Irwin in regard to the recent renewal of racal antipathy between the Hindus and Moslems and Mahatma Gandhi's inability to settle the communal problem.

The conversations will be renewed tomorrow prior to Lord Irwin's departure for England. SEEKS POLICE AID AND GETS ARRESTED BERWICK, April 17 (if). Samuel Adams of Briar Creek today called police to his farm. He claimed Torrence Rowe was beating him. Police found a small still, they Mid, In one of the farm's outbuildings and arrested Adams as well as Rowe.

The latter was charged with drunkenness. of Elroy McDermott, 40, a former resident of Carbondale and Dunmore, and an employe of the D. H. railroad, was overpowered with the smoking pistol still in his hands by Chief of Police Michael J. Dean, who was.

chatting fifty yards from the scene of the crime. Another man whose name was not divulged was also taken into custody by the officer as a material witness. Although McDermott gave his sur name as Martin to the police. It was learned by The Republican that his correct name is Elroy McDermott. He, M.

G. Howard, head of the maintenance department of the railroad at Carbon dale stated, at one time resided in Dun more and has been in the Delaware and Hudson's employ for the past Ave years. McGraw was rushed to the Barnes hospital, Susquehanna, in his own car immediately following the shooting. He died ten minutes after his admit tance to the institution with two bullet wounds in the heart and two in the left lung. The crime for which no motive has as yet been assigned was perpetrated on a street which was well lighted and thronged with passersby enjoying the balmy spring evening.

Slayer Uuickly captured According to witnesses. McDermott calmly strolled over to the car in which McGraw was seated, casually opened the door and drawing the gun fired the fatal shots. He had not time to make his getaway. The police officer hearing the shots rushed to the car and grappled with the assailant, wrenching the .38 calibre revolver from nis hand. Immediately following McGraw's death in the hospital, McDermott, who refused at first to divulge his name, was placed through a severe grilling by two state troppers, who were rushed from New Milford, and Chief Dean.

The other man, who was near the scene of the crime when it was committed and who at first was thought to have been an accomplice, was later absolved of any part in the affair and detained as a material witness of the tragic gunplay. The police continued grilling the alleged murderer who stoically refused to make' a statement and at an early hour this morning were closeted In the small headquarters at Susquehanna. McGraw, it was learned, had been employed as a trainman by the rail (Contlnued on Page Three) SUES SPORTSMAN WEST PALM BEACH, April 17 (JP). Conkev P. Whitehead, millionaire sportsman of Atlanta and Havana, was named defendant in a $100,000 damage suit filed in circuit court here today by Selina R.

Miller. Last year Frances Porter, a show girl, sued Whitehead for $250,000 after a disagreement aboard Whitehead's yacht, the In Havana harbor. Officers here made ineffectual attempts to serve on Whitehead in that case. U. S.

TREASURY REPORT WASHINGTON, April 17 ury balance as of April 15, SfiZB, expenditures, custom? reecipts, $16,916,798.99. Political Washington of of Promise to Work for Full Dominion Status By JAMES A. MILLS fitrAPiftturi Prt fltnff MADRID, April 17. The Spain announced tonight it monarchy. The immediate stocks and securities on the Arrest Twenty As Cops Probe Crime Combine Prisoners, Who Include Men And Women, Accused of Merchandising Murder, Argon and Rohbcry Throughout New Jersey Youthful Leader Said, to Have Mad Confession NEW YORK, April 17 (P).

Twenty persons suspected of merchandising murder, robbery and arson were held today In Newark and Patcrson, N. and New York. Newark police, who commenced the roundup, said the gang operated throughout the New Jersey sector of the metropolitan area and sometimes beyond. Long Crime List Among crimes attributed to it were the slayings of Eugene Lynch, Newark chain store manager, and Herman Tietz and Peter de Palma. druggists, in holdups, as well as six cases of arson, numerous holdups and some counterfeiting.

Eugene Compo, 21. alleged leader of the gang, was arrested a week ago after police received reports he was doing considerable bragging about a pistol. He divulged the name of Sophie Krock of Shenandoah, a former sweetheart. The Krock girl was arrested. Her replies to questions, police said, caused Compo to confess participation in the holdup In which Lynch was killed and to Implicate several others.

Accuses Follower Compo accused John Furfaro of firing the fatal shot. Furfaro was arreted two days ago at New Dorp Beach, Staten Island, along with Michael Racanelli, who is accused of arson In Newark. Both Furfaro and Racanelli face vm Vnrlc eun toting charges. The connection of eight men arrested in Paterson following a dye works robbery attempt with the alleged gang was not clear wxiay, mougu said they may be involved. Miners Organise To Battle Lewis Rank and File Convention of Union Workers Opposed To Compromise on Dues CT.

LOUIS, April 17 (JP). An organization to carry on the right against the John L. Lewis faction of the United Mine Workers of America was formed today by the rank and file convention of union coal miners in session here this week. Delegates attending the convention represent miners, opposed to the Lewis Walker compromise wnlch favored payment of dues to Lewis as head of the United Mine Workers, and through a continuation committee plan to carry on an educational cam paign against the compromise. The convention opened Wednesday, with 150 delegates, each said to represent 100 union miners, under the leadership of Alexander Howat of Pittsburgh, Kans.

James Haynes, Pana. 111., Is temporary chairman of the rank and file organization committee. The continuation program was agreed upon after the miners had expressed doubt as to their ability to carry out the suggestion of Powers Hapgood of Indianapolis, that the delegates form "a revolutionary union based on the ultimate goal of nationalization of basic Industries." Hapgood proposed the continuation committee when some of the delegates Mid they did not believe that their organizations would be willing to form a new union. the the the BOMBAY, India, April 17. Lord Wlllingdon, new viceroy to India, arrived today to assume his duties and pledged himself to labor for a free India with full dominion status in the British empire.

Stimson Urges That Americans Quit Nicaragua Secretary of State Advises Citizens of This Nation That Government Will Not Protect Them if They Remain Inland Naval Operations Limited to Evacuation Work WASHINGTON, April 17 (JP). Notice was given today by Secretary Stimson that the United States would not use Its military force to protect American citizens in the interior of Nicaragua from insurgent activities. The secretary of state recommended that all Americans in the interior who do not feel secure under protection of the Nlcaraguan national guard go to coast towns or withdraw from the country. Slay at Own Risk "Those who remain," he added, "do so at their own risk and must not expect American forces to be sent Inland to their aid." This was followed by an author! tatlvs statement that the United States did not intend that the lives of its citizens jeopardized. They would be given every protec tion, it was added, If they went to the coast towns where American ships now are located.

It was exDlalned it was the policy of the government to leave tne task of subduing the Insurgents to Nlcaraguan national guardsmen since they are native to the country and familiar with jungle travel. A little later, the navy department ordered the cruiser Rochester to proceed to Blueflelds, Nicaragua, to join three American ships already in ports that country as a protection to American citizens. The Rochester Is due to arrive there Monday from the Canal Zone. Restrains Onerations Instructions given Rear Admiral Arthur Smith, commander of the (Continued on Page Two) CLAIMS BLIND BEST LEADERS OF BLIND NEW YORK, April 17 iJP. The best leaders of the blind are men and women who are themselves blind.

Capt. Ian Frazer, who lost his sight in the World war and Is now head of St. Dunstan'i and a member of the British parlia ment, declared in an address here today. Captain Frazer was speaking before the world conference on work for the blind, which closed its formal sessions today. The 120 delegates from thirty seven nations who convened on the call President Hoover, will go to Philadelphia Monday.

They are to be received at the White House later in the week. Publicity Hungry 9 use cf court injunction in labor disputes. Oulahan Mid the seriate lud become the greatest source of news in Washington, more so even than the White As a result, he added, newspapermen "feed that august body with the meat of publicity, which enhances its sense of power ana importance." Prideful of Power "And this is so," he continued, "in face cf the fact that the senate has fallen into low estate' before the none too critical or observing or Interested eye of public opinion. The senate realizes that state of affairs and wonders at it, but so long as an indignant (Continued on Last Page) 3 Refuse to Join In Mine Walkout Bear Valley Local Votes lo Continue Work Strike Leaders Claiming Gains SHAMOKIN, April 17 (JP). Insurgent leaders in the unauthorized anthracite coal strike today told mem bers of the Bear Valley local 2,200 men would join their ranks tomorrow, but Bear Valley voted to continue work by 176 to 109.

The strike started this week, as a protest against closing by the Philadelphia Reading Coal Iron company of certain of its mines while others were operated double time, spread through District 9, U. M. W. of America, until today 1,100 men who could have worked were idle. Approximately 2,000 others from mines now Idle have voted to strike.

Insurgents Confident Miners who will go on strike tomor row, insurgent leaders told the 1,300 miners who attended a mass meeting which preceded the Bear Valley local meeting today, are 1,000 at Hammon mine, near' Ashland, 1,000 at Enterprise and Excelsior mines and 200 at (continued on Last Page) CORNELL STUDENT FATALLY WOUNDED ITHACA, N. April 17 (JP). Jere G. Baldwin, 20, Paris, France, a Cornell sophomore, died here tonight from a bullet wound in the head, several hours after he was found unconscious on the floor of his room the Sigma Phi Sigma frat house. Police had not satisfied themselves whether the shootlne was accidental whether youth had committed suicide.

Baldwin was a student In the college of mechanical engineering. Shell's Statement on Tariff Limit Seen as "Confession" by Democrats Editors Told; Senates 6Low Estate' Hit WASHINGTON, April 17 (JP). The statement of Chairman Snell of the house rules committee in New York last night that tariff protection has "gone limit" was hailed by Democrats to day as an admission of their charges Hawley Smoot act contributed to economic depression. Senator Hull, of Tennessee. In a state ment through the Democratic national committee, said: "When a rabid high tariff standpatter such as Representatie Snell confesses that high tariff protection has 'gone the limit' this Is proof positive that typical sky high Republican tariff policies have reacted to most damaging and destructive extent." Democratic Reminder "The Democratic party, in my opin WASHINGTON, April 17 (JP).

The views of two newspapermen on political Washington were outlined today to the American Society of Newspaper Editors." Richard V. Oulahan chief of the Washington bureau of The New York Tunes, said the senate had "fallen into low estate" in public opinion. Eager for Limelight Frank R. Kent of The Baltimore Sun, told the that very public man In Washington, from the presi dent down, wanted favorabb publicity. tamer, wuiiam ureen, prebiaeni the American Federation of Labor, said organized labor believed In freedom of the press, to which was closely linked labor's campaign against nUs erlng from poison she took with alleged suicidal intent after their lurnuure naa ueen removed..