Herald and Review from Decatur, Illinois • Page 1

DECATUR THE WEATHER Warmer Editorials Page 6 Bad Guesses on Laws Peter and Mary Whom to Recognize. 5 1ST YEAR Decatur, Illinois. WEDNESDAY MORNING, February 10, 1931. THREE CENTS BY LOT WEfll I La UUVJ HERALD COTTON, GRAIN Chemical Blast Drives 500 from Reds Parade Congress to Demand Help Jobless Ohio State University Classroom FIFTY PER CENT. GENIUS ADMITS HE'S BANKRUPT Belvidere Financial Wizard Blames Probes for Troubles MARY GARDEN MEETS JOHN RECEIVES "VALUABLE TOKEN" Lower Assembly Votes 91 to 56 to Advance Wets-Bill to Senate Measure Sponsored by Rep.

O'Grady, Democrat of Chicago Obeys Ref er-. endum on Prohibition Voted at Polls Last November; Debate Seven Hours. iBy Associated Press) SPRINGFIELD, Feb. 1 1 The Illinois search and seizure act by which the state supports federal prohibition enforcement, was repealed late Tuesday night in the House of the General Assembly by a vote of 9 1 was taken after more than Communists Ejected From House Gallery After Disturbance BUSY DAY FOR POLICE iv Associated Press NEW YORK, Feb. 1 1 Communists in more than a dozen cities of the United States, directed from New York by the Trade Union League, held demonstrations Tuesday to call attention to a delegation which visited Congress with a petition for an unemployment insur- ance law.

Officials of the Trade Union League, a Communist organization, said meetings naa Deen ordered in every industrial, textile and mining center of the country. In many such cities the demonstrations failed to develop, and many of the others were broken up by police. Three Arrested The meetings extended from Boston to Oakland, Cal. In Washington, where Speaker Longworth refused to see the petition bearers, a disturbance resulted in the arrest of three demonstrators in the gallery of the national House of Representatives. Fourteen persons whites and negroes, men and women marched up Capitol Hill shortly after noon as a committee to demand a hearing on the floor of the House or from Speaker Longworth, on unemployment insurance Refuse Petition They failed in both efforts, refused to leave their petition with the speaker's secretary, and marched away.

A group of sympathizers, who had entered the public gallery of the House while the leaders were in the office of Sergeant-at-Arms Rodgers an hour later tried to "address the House from that vantage point, four were ejected, three of them being arrested and taken to the seargcant-at-arms office. They later were released. 12 Held In Boston In Boston 12 persons, including two clergymen and two women were arrested when police broke up a meeting on the common. In New York several thousand persons assembled in Union Square and heard soapbox speakers plead for unemployment insurance and jobs. In St.

Paul demonstrators brushed past doorkeepers at the capital and forced their way Into the House, where a spokesman assumed the floor, disrupting the session. Break Up Parade Tn OaHnnrl Pal fnrtv nolioe broke up a parade at the city hall In Hartford, Communists called on Gov. Wilbur L. Cross a-nd requested an appropriation of to care for jobless. In Oklahoma City Gov.

William H. "Alfalfa Bill" Murray, called on police and national guard to suppress an advertised parade to the capital. No parade was held. A banner reading "Organize or starve" was carried at the head of a procession of nearly 700 men and women who marched to the Utah capitol at Salt Lake City. 1 Rudy Intercedes for Fired Harvard Student (Bu Associated Press MIAMI, Feb.

11 The Miami Daily News says Pudy Vattee has asked Harvard university authorities to rescind their order dismissing James S. Angier. Angier withdrew from Harvard after grapefruit was thrown at bailee's orchestra in a Boston theater. EXCHANGES Hit SENATE BILLS Attack Proposal to Limit Trading in Futures of Commodities. DEFEND TACTICS (By Asxoriatfiil Press) WASHINGTON, Feb.

1 1 Proposals to abolish or limit trading in grain and cotton futures enveloped the Senate agriculture committee Tuesday in a storm of protest from the presidents of New York and Chicago cotton and grain exchanges. At the same time a request came from the Agriculture Department for a further limitation of speculation. Would "Wreck" Business J. C. Murray, president of the Chicago Board of contended in a letter to Chairman McNary that the Capper bill to give the Secretary of Agriculture greater control over the grain exchanges would "practically destroy" the business his board had conducted for 80 years.

Philip Weld, president of the New York Cotton Exchange, told the committee his organization would oppose any legislation to regulate the exchanges at this time. He attacked the Caraway bill "to prevent the sale of cotton and grain in future markets" on the ground there was "no need for more government interference with business." Says Caraway Ignorant Weld charted Senator Caraway, I Democrat, Arkansas, author of the measure, with a "lack of understanding of what the cotton ex change does and does not do." The measure, he said, would "destroy the chief beneficial. functions of future exchanges, namely, the price insurance they afford the cotton merchants and mills, which enables the cotton crop to move from producer to consumer at a minimum cost." Would Curtail Gambling The attitude of the Department of Agriculture was presented by J. W. T.

Duvel, chief of the grain fu tures administration. He said it would be impossible to eliminate speculation entirely but that excessive speculation could be curtailed. "It is a question," Duvel said, "of whether we can keep the good that is in the system and legislate against the bad or eliminate the whole plan and go we know not where." Attacks Bill Murray said the bill by Senator Capper, Republican, Kansas, gave the Agriculture Secretary an unwarranted power, pointing out that under it he could limit the amount to be dealt in by any individual-or corporation. "The result wil lbe," Murray said. "that some foreign market, presumably Winnipeg, Canada, will supersede the Chicago Board of Trade as the great open grain market of the world.

With the broad, free market that has been established there, and with the facilities of transportation available by both rail and water, the possibilities of a corner of a 'squeeze' has been reduced to a minimum. Senate Boosts Pensions of Civil War Veterans (By Associated Press) WASHINGTON, Feb. 11 Two omnibus pension bills granting increases in allowances for veterans of the Civil war and their widows were passed Tuesday night by the Senate. Both measures have passed the House but were returned for approval of Senate amendments. HUBBY QUITS MATE WHEN UGLY DOG IS NAMED AFTER HIM (Bu Vnited Press.) CHICAGO, Feb.

11 Alex Nelson could stand a lot of but when his wife bought a shaggy dog and named it after him that was too much, so he left home, he told Judge Rudolph Desort in defending himself against Mrs. Nelson's charge that he deserted her. "It was the worst looking dog I ever saw," Nelson testified in describing his namesake. "She brought it home from the dog pound. Then every once in a while she'd callout 'Alex, and I'd say 'what'.

"Then she'd snap right bacljr at i me: 'Oh. I didn't mean you; I was calling the other animal." Mrs. Nelson was granted her divorce, but no alimony. I Liquid Bromide Dropped on Floor Severely Burns Instructor 3 OTHERS OVERCOME (By United Press.) COLUMBUS, Feb. 11 Three instructors, a student were overcome and 500 students driven from the chemistry building at Ohio State university Tuesday when a five-pound bottle of liquid bromine broke while classes were in session.

Those overcome were Clarence Bremer, Holland, Leo Gen-ung, Columbus, and Claude Schmitt, Toledo, all graduate assistants, and Miss Ruth Dwyer, Columbus, a student. Bremer's legs were burned and he was stricken with bronchial trouble, caused by the gases. He will recover. The others were not injured seriously. Neutralizing gases were released in the building shortly after the accident but many students declined to re-enter and classes were dismissed for the morning.

Bremer dropped the bottle containing the bromine during a demonstration before his class. It smashed to bits, releasing the deadly gases. He ran into the adjoining organic laboratory, tearing off his clothes so he could treat his burns' easily. When he realized water was an insufficient unguent, he ran into a washroom. Professors finding him there after a 10 minute search, ordered him removed to the hospital.

As the gases spread through the building, professors and students spread an alarm. GEORGE LECR0NE, RETIRED EFFINGHAM EDITOR, SUCCUMBS Death Occurs in St. Louis; Funeral Friday (Special to The Herald) EFFINGHAM, Feb. 11 George M. LeCrone, 78, retired editor and publisher of the Effingham Democrat and the Effingham Daily Record, died earlv Tuesday morning in a St.

Louis hospital after an illness of one year. Mr. LeCrone for years was one of Effingham county's leading Democrats, and his newspapers were recognized as leading political organs in this section. He served one term in the state Legislature. He was instrumental in organizing the Modern American Insurance Co.

which was consolidated with the Protective League Life Insurance Co. of Decatur and later the Missouri State Life Insurance Co. Born in Ewington Mr. LeCrone was born Dec: 23, 1853, in Ewington, the first county seat of the county. He was mar ried to Frances Nitcher, whom he leaves.

Seven years ago, he retired from active business and his son Byron took- charge of the Effingham pa pers. A son, Humphrey, tooK charge of the Olney Times, also nwn pd bv Mr LeCrone. A third son, George LeCrone, is editor of the Farmers News of Colorado Springs, Col. The body was brought to Effingham from St. Louis Tuesday afternoon.

Funeral, services will be conducted at 2 o'clck Friday afternoon in the Presbyterian church here. DISOWNED HEIRESS SEEKS SUPPORT FROM JAZZ PLAYING MATE (By United Press.) NEW YORK, Feb. 11 Esther Handel Love, disowned Chicago heiress, has started action to compel her husband, Jimmy Love, orchestra leader, to support She attempted suicide seven weeks ago because he refused to marry her. but the wedding was performed when she recovered in a hospital. Love, meanwhile, has filed annulment proceedings, charging his wife made false statements on her marriage license, and that she left him to spend a week at Acra, N.

locale of Jack "Legs" Diamond's country manor. Mrs. Love is the daughter of William Handel, millionaire real estate dealer of 105 North Clark street, Chicago. Woman Bank Bandit Given Prison Term (Bl Associated Press) HAMILTON, Feb. 11 Mrs.

America Longworth, 19 years old mother, who a month ago exchanged shots with the cashier of the Monroe National bank near here in an unsuccessful robbery attempt, Tuesday was sentenced to an indeterminate period in Marys-ville women's reformatory. The woman and two male companions fled under a hail of bullets after she fired one wild charge at Cashier Austin Smith. They were captured when their automobile broke down. Mystery Fades FLORENCE PARKER All mystery faded away Tuesday and Florence Parker, Yon-kers heiress, was revealed as just another girl started on the path to build an artist's career. She was the object of a nation wide search for 16 davs.

Yonkers Heiress Leaves Family to Seek Career (By Associated Press) NEW YORK, Feb. 11 All the mystery faded away Tuesday and Florence Parker, Yonkers heiress, was revealed as just another girJ who felt the great world was the place in which to build an artist's career. Missing for 16 days, the 22 years oid stepdaughter of a manufacturer's trust company official had become the object of a far-flung police search, based on theories ranging- fro melopement to kidnapping. She was found Tuesday in the Hotel Piccadilly, writing short stories in the shadow of Broadway's btight lights and attending lectures on the dramatic crts. What she considered a family disagreement over her career prompted her to leave home, she indicated.

There had been a misunderstanding with her stepfather, James Mac-Donough, she told reporters, and she- had gained the impression she was a financial burden. But her parents denied any family quarrel. The persistence of Miss Parker's brother, Marvin, and a police-worn- an led to solution oi ine mystery. They traced telephone calls to her friends and established that the "Rose Dennis'' registered at the Hotel Piccadilly was the heiress. 11 LEPERS FREED AFTER REGAINING COMPLETE HEALTH (Bit Associated Prissy CARVILLE, Feb.

11 Release of 11 lepers from the Leprosarium has been ordered by Surgeon General Comming of the Public Health service, Washington. This is the largest number- ever freed at one time from the institution, the only one of its kind in the United States. The surgeon general's order, which has been mailed here was based on scientific certification that the lepers had been restored to health, and no longer were a public menace. A symbolic ceremony of rejoicing at yie cleansing of the leper, during which his pathway is strewn with flowers and garlands are hung about his neck, will be held at the semi-tropic spot. Requests of motion picture con-ems to film the ceremony have been refused by the public health service which protects the identity of all inmates.

Origin of Oakland Horse Fire Believed Incendiary (By Associated Press) OAKLAND, Feb. 11 Investigators announced Tuesday night an incendiary started the fire which burned "to death four men and at least 48 horses in the stables of the Oakland Horse Show early Monday. Grid Star Killed in Carbondale Accident Bv United Press.) CARBONDALE, Feb. 11 Richard Presley, 20, former all state High school football halfback, was killed Tuesday, when a car in which he was riding with Albert Rankin, 20. overturned at Pyatt, 20 miles northwest of here.

Rankin was injured seriously. (By Associated Press). ORMOND BEACH, Feb. 11 Mary Garden met John D. Rockefeller here Tuesday and was so impressed she promised to sing some songs especially for his benefit at her concert at Daytona Beach.

"You'll be back I'm sure," he told her when she explained it was her first trip to Florida. "May I present you with one of these most valuable Mr. Rockefeller said with a twinkle in his eye as he handed Miss Garden' a shiny new dime. Miss Garden presented her Bister, Mrs. Agnes Walsh of Monte Carlo, and again the multi-millionaire's hand went into his pocket for a dime.

Daisy Placed on Probation for Five Years (By Associated Press) LOS ANGELES, Feb. 11 A five year term of probation, eighteen months of which must be spent in the county jail, was granted to Daisy Deboe Tuesday by Superior Judge William Doran who heard her trial for the theft of from Clara Bow. The decision, which saved her from a possible term on one to ten years in prison was preceded by a stern reprimand. Judge Doran, speaking quietly and addressing his remarks directly to the young woman, told her she was not only an "embezzler" but had committed a' serious breach of trust. Miss DeBoe originally was charged, in 37 counts of grand theft, with stealing more than 000 over a' period of a year and a half.

"The evidence was sufficient," the court continued, "to support a conviction on all counts. Miss De Boe stood rigidly near the bench with her Attorney, Wil liam Beirne, and showed no emo tion. WOMEN JURORS NOT ELIGIBLE YET, KANE COUNTY JUDGE RULES Bu United Press.) GALESBURG, Feb. 11 The Illi nois law of 1929 providing jury service for women was successfully attacked in the Knox county circuit court when Judge Riley E. Stevens sustained a challenge of the array of jurors called in a criminal case Monday.

Attorneys for the defense contended that the jury was not properly drawn as it included women jurors and the law of 1929 providing for such service could not become effective until July, 1931, under the provisions of the constitution of 1870. Taylorville Depositors to Get Third Dividend (Special to The Herald) TAYLORVILLE, Feb. 11 Delivery of third dividend checks to depositors of the defunct First National -bank of Taylorville will be started Wednesday morning by Receiver F. William Lensing. The dividend being paid now In is 10 per making a total of paid to creditors to date.

Payment of future dividends depends on the promptness writh which obligations to the bank are settled, Mr. Lensing said. More than 1,500 depositors will receive dividend checks at this must present their receiver's certificates to the receiver for indorsement before the dividend checks will be delivered to them. AGED WOMAN DIES IN FLAMES WITH INVALID HUSBAND (By Vnited Press.) DANSBURY, Feb. 11 An aged woman, unable to drag her invalid husband from their blazing cottage, perished, w'ith him in the flames Tuesday.

Firemen found the charred bodies of Mrs Ada Jennings Gilbert, 70, and William F. Gilbert, 73, locked in embrace. Apparently she had attempted to lift the invalid from his chair, and failing, remained with him to die. 2 DROWN IN OIL (Bu Associated Press) CHICAGO, Feb. 11 Two men were overcome by oil fumes and drowned in a partly filled crude oil storage tank Tuesday.

A. third man was pulled out by firemen before he had drowned, but his condition was serious. TO GO BACK TO WORK (By Associated press) BELVIDERE, 111., Feb. 1 1 Albert W. Benham, whose fame as a "financial wizard" has been the subject of much conjecture throughout this district, Tuesday night announced formally he was penniless and had abandoned his career as a financier.

Benham, until recently a factory laborer, issued a formal statement declaring he had been forced to abandon his schemes through the activities of his "enemies" but declined to make public any names or accusations. Operated on Paper He operated his business by borrowing money on judgment notes calling for payment of six per cent interest, with an understanding that greater interest would be realized by holders of the paper. Rumors were current that he had paid as high as 50 per cent on certain notes but there was nothing to substantiate these. He was known, however, to have paid as high as 10 and 12 per cent. Blames Enemies Benham explained to investigat ing authorities he used this money to purchase bankrupt stock which he turned over quickly at considerable profits, and in similar fi nancing plans.

His "enemies," he said, forced him to the wall by in terfering with these activities. His statement was released by D. W. Beatson, secretary of the Blackhawk Finance company of Belvidere, of which Benham was president until his resignation few weeks ago. In Debt Benham had nothing to sav re garding the amount he owed in outstanding notes but declared he would go to work as soon- as he could find employment and make every effort to repay his creditors in full.

He threw no light on the conjec tured scope of his financial activities which have been estimated as high as $1,000,000. No Criminal Violation Benham's activities have been the subject of an investigation by the Boone county grand jury during the past few days but no action had been taken against him Mon day when the jurors adjourned until Feb. 17. In view of the fact that he sold no stock and, apparently, dealt only in legal notes and paper, there was doubt here that any criminal action could brought against him. "Big Deal" Last Saturday he gave the first indication of weakness by requesting those whose notes came due on that day to hold them until Wednesday.

He had a "big deal" which would culminate on that day, he said, enabling him to repay them handsomely, instead, on the eve of the delayed payment, he issued his admission of failure. LENIENCY REFUSED SOLON CONVICTED IN U. S. TAX FRAUD (Bu United Press.) CHICAGO. Feb.

11 State -Representative Lawrence C. O'Brien of the 10th congressional district- was denied probation Tuesday when he sought leniency in the court of Federal Judge Walter C. Lindley, where he had been convicted, of. a charge of income tax evasion. The denial made effective a sen tence of 18 months in Leavenworth prison and a fine of $6,000.

The penalty was based on O'Brien's failure to pay the government in come taxes amounting to $69,000 for the years of 1925, 1926 and 1927. Judge Lindley directed defense counsel to prepare their petition for appeal at once in order that it might be carried before a higher court within the next 30 days. Bomb Mailed to Miner Fails to Explode (Bv Associated Press) JOHNSTON CITY, Feb. 11 Raleigh Leigh, 33, received a package at the postoffice here Tuesday afternoon, and opened it as several persons looked on. The package contained a bomb.

A cap exploded as he opened the package, but it failed to ignite a heavy charge of black powder which the bomb held. The package was mailed from Marion, and in addition to Leigh's address, the following was written on it: "Tools. Deliver in person to Raleigh Leigh at 2 p. m. to 56.

The final roll call WASHINGTON NEWS SUMMARIZED FOR THE BUSY READER (By Associated Press). Three Republican Independent senators leads assault on drouth relief compromise. John H. Bartlett, former assistant postmaster general, testifies on St. Paul commercial postoffice station lease.

Communists march on capitol to demand unemployment insur--ance. Cotton and grdin officials oppose proposals to abolish or limit future trading in those commodities. President Hoover signs Wagner advance planning bill for public works. Rep. French assails Navy modernization bill.

Treasury bars convict-produced lumber and pulpwood from northern Russia. President and Mrs. Hoover celebrate 32d wedding anniversary. Rehearing Is Denied Banker In Theft Case (Bu United Press.) SPRNGFIELD, Feb. 11 Petition for a rehearing in the case of John B.

Colegrove, Taylorville banker, whose conviction in the Christian county circuit court on a charge of larceny was reversed in December, was denied by the state supreme court Tuesday. The high court reversed the lower court's decision and remanded the case for retrial on the ground that hearsay evidence was admitted at the trial. Colegrove was found guilty of a charge of larceny of two mortgages and notes, the property of the late Josiah Hall, vice president of the defunct John B. Colegrove bank. The reversal was made on admissibility of evidence to the effect that Hall, before his death, had directed that steps be taken to recover the The high court held this to be hearsay evidence.

Wealthy Tailor of Chicago Found Dead (By United Press.) CHICAGO, Feb. 11 The body of Arthur Wallen, 46, wealthy merchant tailor, was found in the garage at his home Tuesday. Apparently he had been asphyxiated. Wallen-was a member of France, Wallen of 105 North Michigan avenue." His daughter, Mar7 guerite, 17, found the body. Police concluded that Wallen had been overcome by carbon monoxide fumes or possibly died from a heart attack.

"Alfalfa Will Speak at Springfield Pt United Press.) OKLAHOMA CITY, Feb. 11 Lieut. Gov. Robert Burns assumed the duties of governor when Gov. W.

H. "Alfalfa Bill" Murray left for 111., where he will deliver a Lincoln day address at a banquet Wednesday. Before Murray was inaugurated he designated Burns as "heir apparent" to the governorship. Convict Peoria Youths on Counterfeit Charge (Bu Vnited Press .1 SPRINGFIELD, Feb. 11 Clyde'l Elzie and Stanley Keyes, Peoria youths, Tuesday faced a prison sentence of from one to 15 years following their conviction in United States district court on charges of counterfeiting.

The pair were found guilty in federal- court Monday by a jury half of which was composed of women. seven hours of debate. Repeal of the law which obligates state peace officers to aid in the enforcement of the federal dry law, was sponsored by Rep. Thomas O'Grady, Democrat of Chicago, who has assailed the dry laws ever since prohibition and search and seizure laws were entered on the statutes. "Drys" Turn Many former "drys" cast their lot with the w-et members in obedience to the referendum of last November when Speaker David Shanahan ordered the House clerk to call the roll.

The "repealer" bill now goes to" the Senate where the "wets" have predicted a similar victory. "Drys," however, maintain that that conservative body lacks enough wet votes to see the measure through the upper house safely before it reached Governor Louis L. Emmer- son for his signature. Attacks Governor Rumors that the chief executive may not act favorably toward the repeal bill for' political reasons were hinted by O'Grady, who charged Republicans with fostering I a "whispering campaign," to kill his bill in the Senate. "Tell that gentleman on the second floor," O'Grady yelled across the floor to the Republican side, referring to Gov.

Louis L. Emmer-son, "to keep his hands off, or he'll suffer the fate of the Republican candidate for U. S. Senator last November. When we came down here, we were assured 27 votes, in the Senate, enough to pass the repeal, but since then a "whispering campaign' has started among Republicans, to save the governor the responsibility of acting on a repeal measure." Predicts Passage O'Grady had predicted passage of the repeal bill in the House by 100 or more votes, if all "wet" votes answered the roll' call.

After he had spoken however, it was learned that five "wets" were not here, all of Chicago. They were listed as O'Brien, Blackwell, Coia, Harris and Griffin. Two former "drys" bore the brunt of Tuesday afternoon's championing of the repealer. Truman Snell, Democrat, Carlinville, who boasted that he had made more "dry" speeches for his years as legislator, than any other member, talked the longest. "There Is no prohibition," he said.

Attacks Dry Laws "A millionaire today Can get all he wants. And the poor man gets poison. Down with prohibition, give us back self respect Give citizens the right to do what they want to do. without sneaking. Get rid of the bootlegger." John P.

Devine, Democrat, Dixon, was the other former "dry" to speak for the "wets." Roger Little, Republican, Champaign. H. D. Sparks, Shelbyville, Elbert Waller, Tamaroa, all Republicans, delivered the "dry" addresses, and LeRoy Green, Republican, Rockford, spoke for the "wets." Charging that the bill to forbid judges from-running for any other office while holding a judgeship, was nothing but an attack on Judge John H. Lyle, Republican candidate for mayor of Chicago, Ralph' Church, Republican, Evans-ton, led a successful attack on Edwin B.

Bederman, Republican, Chicago, and sponsor of the bill. It was killed by a vote of 29 to 10 in the judiciary committee. HEIR TO MILLIONS ATTACKED BY GANG (Bu United Press.) EVANSTON. Feb. 11 Charles E.

Yerkes, 23, heir to the traction millions of the late Charles T. Yerkes, was found unconscious Monday from a mysterious beating. Ha told authorities that he was slugged, robbed and kidnaped by assailants he did not see. believed because of his lan- guidness after he was revived that he also was drugged. THE WEATHER FORKCAST FOR ILLINOIS fair with increasing cloudiness, warmer Wednesday; Thursday possibly local rains.

LOCAL TEMPERATURES a 19 con 30 7 P- 29 highest r.S Lowest 19 Su" rises 6:58 Sets 5:32 TEMPERATURES 7 p. m. High Low Tues. Mon. Eaton 30 34 30 xw York 26 32 32 Jacksonville 46 52 40 Orleans 54 54 44 Ck'cago 29 32 18 Cincinnati 26 30 28 Detroit 24 30 20 Memphis ...36 38 28 Omaha 3S as 16 JJ'nneapolis 32 36 i 0 38 38 28 Sn Francisco 50 56 54 Winnipeg 26 40 2 I.