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About Medford mail tribune. (Medford, Or.) 1909-1989 | View Entire Issue (Oct. 12, 1931)
Medford Mail Tribune The Weather Forecast: Cloudy, with shower! late tonight or Tuesday. No change In temperature. Highest yesterday ' 77 Lowest this mornlnf - ' To Subscribers It your Mall Tribune Is not dellT ered to you promptly. Telephone 15, Office open until 7 every evening. Please call us before that time and a oopy will be delivered to your home. Twenty-Sixth Year MEDFORD, ' OREGON, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1931. No. 201. Comment on the Day's News . By FRANK JENKINS fyOU may not be Interested In for eign affairs, but you can't fall to be struck by the slgnlftfance of this brief sentence from a Chinese dis patch: "Chiang Kalr-Shelc, Chinese presi dent, pleaded for national unity and strength to resist foreign invasion." TpUTITNO It In the language of the - street, what Vhlang KalShek said was this: "Let's quit fighting among ourselves long enough to do a little fighting FOR ourselves." ' - StHINA Is In . terrible trouble for years and for years she has been engaged In a bloody civil war. In this bloody civil war, which has got her nowhere, she has wasted her substance, disorganized her Industry and brought her people to the verge of starvation. For what she Is suffering, she, her self, Is chiefly responsible. . ALL this has been apparent ' for years, but In spite of It civil war In China has gone on. It Is only when there Is a threat from the out side that the Chinese begin to get to gether and talk national unity. Human nature Is a curious thing. IN CHINA, according to competent observers, population is growing more rapidly than the capacity of the population to produce food to SUPPORT ITSELF. In this country, capacity to pro duce food has grown more rapidly taian population. M TAKING It by and large, the world of today Is a better world than human beings have ever known be fore. But It Is STILL a long way from perfect, tent It? FOR some time Vast, Reno has had a reputation as the gambling capital of America. For that reason this statement, made to this writer yesterday by a traveling salesman whose territory Includes Reno, will be found 4nterestlng: , "Gambling Is HURTING BUSINESS In Reno. It is taking money out of lot of pockets and putting It Into a FEW pockets, and so people with things to sen aren t aoing so weu.-- ' A FEW months back, when crowds were flocking to Reno, other oltles were secretly Just a little Jeal ous. ' Their Jealousy was wasted. Gam bling never made any city great and rloh, and It NEVER WILL. The reason, as this salesman so clearly says, is that It "takes money out of a lot of pockets and puts It Into a few pockets." That isn't good for business. IF IT Is true, as many people tell us, that In this-country as a whole the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer, that ALSO Isn't a good condition. The condition that Is best for busi ness, all the way around, Is that con dition which puts available money into the largest number of pockets. yHB proper measure of progress for any nation Isn't the extent to which comforts and happiness and well-being are possessed by a FEW people, but the extent to which these things are possessed by ALL THE PEOPLE. JETTING back for a moment to gambling, It was great back In the happy days of 1938 and 1020 when everybody was "investing" In the stock market one day and see ing these "Investments" go up the next day. The kind of "investing" that was being done In those days was really gambling, and gambling Is lovely so long as everybody Is winning. But when you gamble you can't al ways win, and when you begin to lose it Is TERRIBLE. TI7- ARE altogether too much given to talking about the "prosperi ty" that existed back In 1939 and for a year or so before. It wasn't real prosperity. It was Just a gambling splurgs. The only real prosperity comes from WORK, If the depression that has followed the big stock gambling spree teaches us that fundamental fact, It will have been worth while. Gangsters' Victim Found By Hunters DYER, Ind. Oct. 13. (AP) The body of Anthony lalongo, 40, South Chicago grape dealer, was found by hunters in a woods sear Griffith. Ind, yesterday. He had been shot through the heed twice; his skull was crushed Police believed he was slain by gangster, FINAL BLOW FOR OLD INTANGIBLES U. S. Tribunal Refuses to Review Oregon Decision Holding Law Invalid $935000 to Be Refunded WASHINGTON, Oct. 12. (AP) The United States supreme court today refused to review a case brought by the Oregon tax commis sioners to set aside a decision by the Oregon supreme court holding Invalid the state Intangibles tax act of 1929 as applied to individuals. By refusing to assume Jurisdiction the supreme court upheld the Ore gon supreme court, which declared the Intangibles act Invalid. Thus, under the 1931 act of the state legislature, the money paid in for 1929 Intangibles taxes must be refunded to the persona who paid It. This amounts to nearly 9900,000. The state tax commission la under stood to have had the forms ready so the money can be remitted promptly. Challenged In 1929. The validity of the Intangibles taJ tall ax act of 1929 was challenged In e circuit court of Oregon for Mar lon county In February, 1930, by Redfield fc Wood and others. They contended the 5 per cent an nual tax Imposed ,by the act on gross Incomes received by Individuals was arbitrary and unreasonable be cause It applied only to individuals and not to corporations, and to residents and not to non-residents. The suit brought against the Ore gon tax commissioners and other state officers charged with the en forcement of the tax alleged It de prived Individual resident of the equal protection of the law guaran teed by the 14th amendment to the federal constitution. State Replies. The state replied that corpora tions were required by another act to pay a B per cent excise or fran chise tax on annual net Income from all sources, Including Intangi bles, and that therefore the tax on Intangibles of Individuals was not discriminatory or arbitrary. The Marion county circuit court sustained the law as valid and dis missed the, complaint, but the Ore gon supreme court declared It un constitutional and void, holding It in conflict with the 14th amend ment to the federal constitution. SALEM, Ore., Oct. 12. (AP) A re fund of approximately $935,000 to some 19,000 taxpayers of 1929 will probably be started early this week, It was announced by members of the Oregon state tax commission, when advised of the decision of the United States supreme court in refusing to review- the state Intangibles tax act. The collected tax money has been held by the state and will be re funded upon warrants drawn by the secretary of state when the list of taxpayers Is turned over by the tax commission. While the receipts from the In tangibles tax were not Included In the tax levy or budget for the cur rent year and are therefore not re flected In the state's financial con dition, the refund will affect the state treasury materially at this time. The 1931 legislature passed a new state Intangibles tax, eliminating the objections pointed out In the former suit, and Increasing the rate from ft to 8 per cent. The new act is now in effect. EYEBALL RUPTURED I. R. Condlt of Grants Pass sus tained a double fracture of the collar bone, and a ruptured eyeball when the coupe In which he was riding wltA his wife, left the road on a curve on the Jacksonvllle-Ruch high way early Sunday morning, struck a power pole and overturned. Mrs. Condlt, and a man riding In the car, escaped injury. The vehicle was bad ly damaged. The state police attrib ute the accident to excessive speed. Bank of Finland Goes Off Gold HELSINOPORS, Finland, Oct. 12. (AP) The Bank of Finland followed the lead of other Scandinavian coun tries today by suspending the gold standard. At the same time the discount rate was raised from eight per cent to nine per cent. Mooney Urges Boycott On California Products SAM FRANCISCO, Oct. 13. (AP Tom Mooney, convicted murderer and preparedness day bomber, had advanced a plan today for a world wide boycott of California products and a suggestion that tourists travel to this state be discouraged until be Is granted a pardon. His plan was outlined yesterday In a letter sent to bis sympathizers at a "pardon convention" held In the civic auditorium here. Mooney. convicted of the IBIS bombing which killed 10 persons, snd injured 0. suggested In his letter that an "Intensive, world-wide agita tional drive should be set In motion at once." Toe letter, of wWca only. Ganna and Harold, Retain Friendship Although Divorced PARIS, Oct. la-(AP) Oanna Walska, opera singer, was quoted by the Paris edition of the Chi cago Tribune today as saying she and her divorced husband, Harold F. Mccormick remain "good friends." "It seemed to mo," she said, "that a woman after her mar riage should have the same right as a man to pursue her career. I had hoped Mr. McCormlck would take the same view, for he Is a splendid man and I admire him very much. Even if on this ques tion, we reached the parting of the ways, we nevertheless remain good friends." ' STEWED PEARS ALIVE, IS WORD WEST ORANGE, N. J. Oct. 12. (AP) Thomas A. Edison was said by his doctor today to be definitely falling from day to day despite the fact that each day's loss was very small. Dr. Hubert S. Howe, the inventor's physician, visited the Edison home as usual shortly after 8 o'clock this morning. After a thorough examin ation he sent his regular written bul letin to the reporters but remained in the sick room to make further observations. "Mr. Edison's great vitality and strong .heart are still standing htm in good stead. He Is definitely falling from day to day but It la a very grad ual loss. He had a comparatively good night." When Dr. Howe finally left Edison he told reporters the Inventor was slowly sinking Into the coma which precedes death. He said Edison had no fluids for a week. During the past 72 hours, he said, Edison's only nourishment had been six teaspoon fuls of stewed pears. IRATE FARMERS FREE PRISONER NEW LONDON, Iowa, Oct. 12. (AP) Several hundred men stormed the New London Jail at noon today, broke the lock, and liberated Ronald Hart, arrested earlier by Iowa National Guardsmen when he allegedly scoffed at troopers who were attempting to disperse a gathering on the Lowell road. The gathering consisted mainly of farmers protesting against the state tuberculin cattle test law. Hart had been turned over to Sher iff R. N. Hannah of Henry county, who put him in the New London city Jail. It was not known where Hart was taken by his liberators. EU.S. FAVORED FOR OKI. PORTLAND, Ore., Oct. 12. (AP) A Washington, D. C dispatch to the Journal today said the Judicial con ference of circuit Judges has recom mended that four permanent Judges should be provided on the federal bench of the ninth district, Including Oregon and Washington. No recom mendation was made for an addi tional Judge for western Washington. The Judicial conference Is com posed of the senior Judge of each of the 10 circuits and presided over by Chief Justice Hughes. Earl Jellico In Serious Condition COWE3. Isle of Wight, Oct. 12. (AP) A doctor's bulletin Issued today said the condition of Earl Jelllcoe, 72 who commanded the British fleet at the battle of Jutland in the World war, is causing "severe anxiety." Earl Jelllcoe recently returned from Canada to his home here and was reported to be suffering from bron chitis. State Has Holiday. SALEM. Oct. 12. (AP) Official Oregon observed Columbus day by quiet at the state capltol. AU state offices remained closed today. a few paragraphs were read, was re ceived with an accompaniment of cheers and shouting. The letter was written from Ban Quentln prison, where Mooney has been Incarcerated for the last 14 years as the result of what he asserts was perjured testimony at his trial. He was sentenced to life Imprison ment, as was Warren K. Billings, con victed with him and now In Polsom prison. In his letter, he attributed his con viction to "one of the foulest and most diabolical outrages ever perpe trated." iieclarlng the chief Instiga tors were "big business and banking elements of Ban Itauclaoo, ROLE OF HERO HIT BYJOOVER President Tells Police Chiefs Change in Public Senti ment Needed to Halt Crime Growth in America WASHINGTON, Oct. 12, ( AP) Change in public sentiment, shift ing the role of popular hero from the criminal to the policeman, was advocated today by President Hoover as one means of stamping out ex cessive crime. In a radio message to the open ing meeting of the International As sociation of Chiefs of Police at St. Petersburg, Florida, he condemned the "glorification of cowardly gang sters." The president spoke from the cabinet room of the White House. 'If the police had the vigilant, universal backing of public opinion in their communities," he said, "if they had the implacable support or the prosecuting authorities and the courts. If our criminal laws In their endeavor to protect the Innocent did not furnish loopholes through which Irresponsible, yet clever, criminal lawyers dally find devices of escape for the guilty, I am convinced that our police would stamp out the excessive crime and remove the worldwide disrepute which has dis graced some of our great cities." The president recalled that in some communities the police had been heavily criticized, but added he believed the criticism arose "from the exception and not the rule, In police conduct." , IN FOREST FEES WASHINGTON, Oct. 12. (AP) Thirty-two states and territories will share In- 91,240,608 collected by the federal government for lumber and grazing fees In the national ( forests in the last fiscal year . The states will turn the funds over to counties containing national for est lands to be used for roads and schools. The federal payment Is made In lieu of taxes on forest lands. It represents 10 per cent of the en tire collections which fell from 96,751,500 In 1030 to nearly 95,000,000 In the fiscal year 1081. Distribution among the other states of the funds Inclifde: State. , 25 pc. fund 10 pc. fund Oregon 122,557.51 43,023.00 M1 Ashland's golf team yesterday de feated MoCloud's aggregation in a match at the Ashland club, 23 to 13, it was learned today. Dr. Bernard G. Barkwlll, Ashland, was the outstand ing player of the day, making the 13 holes In 82. Par on the Ashland course Is 72. Women members ,ot the Ashland club served a luncheon at noon In the Bellvlew club house. Next Sunday Ashland will play another inter-clty match with Grants Pass, at Ashland. Progressive G.O.P Group Designated Political Fakers WASHINGTON, Oct. 13 AP ) The progressive Republican group which has threatened to break from the regulars on organization of the new house, was scored today as "po litical fakers" by Representative Schafer. The Wisconsin representative is one of the few regular Republicans In the northwestern states. He be lieves his party should unite In ef forts to keep control of the closely divided house from the Democrats. Schafer asserted the progressives "do a lot of talking back home, but the Congressional Record shows they do nothing here." Big Public Works Projects Awarded During Past Week Washington oet. n. (ap) More thsn (36,000,000 of public and somt-publlc works contracts were awarded last week, President Hoov er's organisation on unemployment relief was advised today In reports from 38 states. Such contracts re ported since December 1 was thus Increased to 2 ,5 17,698.648. The pro jects Include school and college con struction, bridges, streets, sewers, and rivers and harbors work. Boy Slayer Grins At Life Sentence CROWN POINT, Ind.. Oct, 13, (AP) Perry Swank, 18-year-old school boy, pleaded guilty before Judge Martin Smith today to the murder of Eugene Duckworth and was sentenc ed to Ufa Imprisonment. Bwank confessed be killed Duck worth w.hlle robbing the letter's fil ling station. As the sentence wss pronounced the boy grinned. Asa Keyes Free r SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 12. (AP) Asa Keyes, former district attorney for 25 years of Los Angeles county, was released on parole today from San Quentln prison after serving 10 months of a one to 14 year sentence for bribery in conneotlon with his prosecution of the Julian Petroleum Corporation fraud cases. The former prosecutor told Whyte he had a Job In Los Angeles as an automobile salesman. LVOORHI AS F Board of Engineers Hears Pleas by Southern Ore. Delegation for Crescent City Port Development PORTLAND, Ore., Oct. 12. (AP) The discussion of plana for develop ment of the harbor at Crescent City, Calif., was revealed In a special dis patch from Washington, D, C. to the Journal today. Pleas for development of the Cres cent City project to permit cheaper movement of lumber and agricultur al commodities from southern Ore gon and northern California were heard by the board of engineers for rivers and harbors today. 'William P. Ellis of Salem, repre senting commercial Interests; Colonel Gordon Voorhlea, fruit grower of Medford, and Mayor E. R. Griffin of Grants Pass," the dispatch said, were heard In turn. The article said "Colonel Voohies estimated savings of 9178,000 to the Rogue River valley pear growers by truck to Crescent City if the harbor Is made usable." U nconscious Press Opposing God Says Catholic Speaker ROCHESTER, N. T., Oct. 12. (AP) The national council of Catholic men, in convention here, was told last night -that the press "Is work ing against God without realizing It." The speaker was Archbishop T. McNlcholas of Cincinnati. He said the press was abusing Its freedom when it allowed writers to hold up the most sacred things of religion to ridicule. He said: "Free dom of the press does not mean that it can throw open Its columns to those who by specious argument, would undermine belief in god and destroy the whole accord of Chris tian morality." Oath to Battle For U. S. Stands WASHINGTON, Oct. 12. (API- Pleas that the supreme court recon sider lu stand that an applicant for citizenship must take an oath to fight, If necessary, for this country failed today. The decision ended hope that Pro fessor Douglas O. Macintosh of Yale and Marie Avertl Bland, former war nurse, might become citizens without taking an unqualified oath to bear arms If called upon to do so by the government. Both are Canadians. Canned Spinach Is Marriage Fee CHICAGO. Oct. 12. (AP) The Rev. Clinton C. Cox of the Drexel Park Presbyterian church, If anyons walks up to blm with 14 cans of spinach and a marriage license, will consent to perform a wedding cere mony. Six cans of peaches or nine cans of tomatoes will also do the trick. Shields to Assist McNeal at Ashland Marshall Shields, formerly star football player at the University of Oregon, arrived In Ashland today from San Pranctsco. to become assist ant coach to R. W. McNeal at the Southern Oregon Normal school, ac cording to Information received from Ashland. Shields has been plsylng football for the Olympic club. Suicide Places Blame PORTLAND, Ore, Oct. 12, (AP) Leaving two notes. In one of which he blamed women workers, prohlbl- tlon and foreign labor for much of the unemployment condition, a man. about fift, committed suicide here . yesterday by breathing gas. He signed I the not, I. L, Merrill, WAR THREATENED BY CHIANG UNLESS L OF N. FUNCTIONS U. S. Officials Renew Ef forts to Effect Settlement in Manchurian Dispute Grave Concern Is Felt TOKYO. Oct. 12. (AP) An effort to arrange for negotiations to settle the Manchurlan trouble between Japan and China which has brought the affairs of the two nations to a crisis was made here tonight by Foreign Minister Shldehara of Japan and Chinese Minister Chiang Tso-Pln. GENEVA, Oct. 12. (AP) On the eve of tomorrow's special meeting of the league council In conneotlon with- the Slno-Japanese conflict In Manc,hula, a series of telegrams from Nanking to Its representatives here was made publlo this evening. One of them oharged that the staff of the foreign office at Chlenato had been expelled from Its quarters by Japanese soldiers threatening them with bayonets on Sept. 20; that the archives were removed and although they later were returned all the documents had been sealed by the Japanese military police. WASHINGTON, Oct. 12. (AP) A plain spoken threat of war drove state department officials today to a re newed study of the Manohurlan situ ation. As they .began their study, a dis patch was laid before them telling of the speech by President Chiang Kai Shek of China, asserting that If the council of the League of Nations fail ed to obtain a "Just settlement" , of the differences between China and Japan, his country would resort to war. The council Is to meet In urg ent session at Geneva tomorrow. The gravest concern was expressed at the state department over the threat. Both China and Japan, as well as the United States, are signatories of the Kellogg-Brland pact for the re nunciation of war and the nlnepower Pacific treaty of 1022. CANTON, China, Oct. 12, (AP) Anti-Japanese feeling flared Into vlo. lenoe here Saturday night and left in its wake 10 dead and 90 Injured, all Chinese. Of the wounded, 30 were In a serious condition. Police clashed with a mob of Chi nese following a student meeting at whioh speakera urged a oomplete boy cott of Japanese goods.. PLAN READY SOON i WASHINGTON, Oct. 12--(AP) An announcement Is expected within the next few days on President Hoover's plan to Improve the condition of rail roads. - - .. This became evident today In high administration quarters. The presi dent has been In conference on his proposals, which are expected to deal prominently with the status of rail road bonds, ever since the announce ment of his program to ease credit conditions. - . Orderly Parade Hits Wage Cuts British Workers LONDON, Oct. 12, (AP) The peaceful demonstration of Great Bri tain's civil servants Sunday against reductions In their salaries was de scribed by police today aa the great est within memory. It was estimated that 100,000 per sons, men, women and children were In the orderly parade. They marched to the muslo of 20 bands and to the waving of hundreds of banners. Their signs read: "Post men see red," "8top cutting our wages and keep the Eighth Com mandment In force," and "Serve, Yes; Serf, No." Rankin Twirls 131 Outside Air Loops CHARLOTTE, N. C. Oct. 12, (AP) Tex Rankin, Portland, Ore., stunt filer, thrilled several thousand spec tators who ssw the final events of the southern air pageant here yester day by putting his plane through 131 outside loops to break the record of Roy Hunt, of Oklahoma, who bas done 224, . McNary Warns Bankers Not to be Hard Boiled WASHINGTON, Oct. 12, (AP) The 5O0.000.000 private credit fund proposed by President Hoover to bol ster business war commended today by Senator McNary, but the Oregon republican warned It would be of little help If administered by "hard shelled banking methods." McNary said the plan would sue- ceed "Just In proportion to the eym- pathetic Intelligence with which It Is administered" and If mishandled It ! would be heralded as a "plan to I f Inanca the financiers." I He described the president'! action Frost ricade Gat o ' College At & tjoy Dance HOU! Jf ex., Oct. 12. (AP) Celebr ,e 7 to 0 football victor ay of Rico Institute over I erslty of Texas, Rloe fresh und the Institute's masi es today with wire coat s and withstood the sss . professors and stu den ag to attend classes. The campus orchestra was as sembled after the gates were blocked and a dance started. GANGLAND PEACE IS DISRUPTED BY DEATH OUTBREAK CHICAGO, Oat. 12, (AP) A new flareup of killings apparently has broken the peace thot has reigned for months In the internecine gang trlfe on Ohlcogo'e south side. Two men were slain. - James L. Qulgley, eald by police to have been a former partner of Prank McErtone and Edward "Spike" O'Donnell, but more recently to have been their enemy, was one of the victims. . The other was George Wil son, 33, once a policeman. He was found on a south side street lost night, pierced by machine gun and pistol bullets. He was a small time liquor peddler, police said, Qulgley'a body was fished yester day from a drainage canal at Lock port. He had been shot to death. The police theorized that his death might have had some connection with the killing of Eddie Fitzgerald, chauffeur for McErlane, and McEr lane's sweetheart, Marian Miller. Fitzgerald was dragged from a saloon and shot to death last spring by a trio of men, one of whom wss recog nized by witnesses as Qulgley, Later an attempt to slay Qulgley with machine guns was, made. McErlane and O'Donnell were suspected of the attack. . AL'S BODYGUARD HELD IN BASTILE -"toHlCAOOT Oct. 12,(AP) Phillto D'Andrea, the Capone bodyguard who carried a pistol Into federal ' court during the Income tax trial of "Scar face Al" Capone was told today that he was in serious difficulties. He was given until tomorrow to defend himself and meanwhile ordered held without ball. . "The federal court Is not obliged to exercise Its duties confronted by an armed man sitting next to a defen dant," said Judge Jamea H, Wtlker son as D'Andrea was brought bofore him. IN FALL FROM AUTO RICHARD STRAUSS, three, son of Mr. and Mrs. Dick Strauss of Sams Valley, who fell from the family car while on a drive this morning, is In the Community hospital being treat ed fot a bad scalp wound and other Injuries. Just how the accident occurred la not known. The little boy was rush ed to the hospital and his condition It believed not serious, Genoa Has Proof Columbus Native Citizen of Town GENOA, Italy, Oot. 13 (AP) De termined to establish for all time its claim to being the birthplace of Chris, topher Columbus, Genoa staged its greatest show today In honor of the discoverer of America. Senator Broocardl took advantage of the occasion to say that "Colum bus was and will always remain an Italian, He was a son of Genoa and his family was Italian. The proofs exist in Genoa archives," Twin Sons Born To Mr. and Mrs. Dunn Two little boys In Medford did Columbus one better this morning. He got bis first glimpse of the New World on October 13, and they their first look on the big wide world. They were born to Mr, and Mrs. Harry Dunn at the Purucker Ma ternity home. Bach tips the scales at a little more than four pounds. aa "commendable statesma ri s h I p" which "can do much to loosen. and set afloat the frozen assets now Jam ming the channel of business," but added: "If hard-shelled banking methods are employed, the soheme will be of small benefit to the rural bank and communities because of sunken val ues now supporting the bank loans." The Oregon senator, who I ohalr man of the eenat agriculture com mittee, predicted that congress would not destroy the farm board or the agricultural marketing act under which It operates. PLOT CONFESSED BY Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Robbins and Mr- and Mrs. L B. Wright Fired House On Buckshot Hill, Is Claim Two men and their wives are held In the county Jail as confessed mem bers of an arson ring operating la this city and admitting, the state police and sheriff's office allege, fir ing a house on the morning of Sep tember 14, last, belonging to Samuel Mason, on the Sprlngbrook road In the Buckshot hill area, and four days later filing a claim for $3000 loss on property valued at MOO. . The arrested parties are: Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Robbins, former residents of Coos county, who came to this city last summer seeking work In the orchards. Mr. and Mrs. t. B. Wright, transi ents, and former residents of Sedro Wooley, Wash., and Idaho and Mon tana points. Arrested Friday. The quartet was arrested Friday night and Saturday, and according to the confessions and signed state ment secured by the authorities, were prepared to leave these parts. The Robbins' were arrested In this city and the Wrights at McLeod. According to the state polios, the Wrights and Robbins came here last August, and began looking for houses to rent. After Inspecting 10 or 13 residences, the authorities say the confessions state, they selected a small dwelling In the Buckshot hill area, owned by Samuel Mason, now In California, uninsured, and proceed ed to fill It with their own furniture and effects and contract goods se cured from 'the local Montgomery Ward store. The 'ring" then insured the goods with the McCurdy-Dantele Agency, for 92000. The house was selected because of its distance from the fire station and difficulty of ac cess. As part of the plan, the state police claim, neighbors were Invited to the house and Impressed with the value of the furnishings, which Included rugs, tapestry, fine linens, silverware, paintings and a 9170 radio, belonging to the Cupp Furniture oompany. -iioase .Deatoaystf;..---': '' 'The Insurance policy vnm taken out on September 10th and Monday, September 14, In the early morning, Wright ad mite that he set fire to the house with ' kindling and kerosene, while his wife was at a neighbor's. He fled the scene unnoticed. The home was completely destroyed. , The night previous, according to the confessions, all valuables and keepsakes were removed to the homes of friends. The property was recov ered Saturday where the accused said they had left It. The confessions state that the Wrights and Robbins pooled their goods and chattels and agreed to di vide the Insurance money, when col lected, on a 60-50 basis. , The author ities found an Itemized account of money expended and goods each left In the house, Wright, the officials claim, told them that Robbins became over-anxious and against Wright's better Judgment, insisted on setting the (ire, while be wanted to wait a month, at least, - r ,. ;,, After the blaze, a claim for 93000 was submitted and the claim and the fire coming so soon after the Issuance of the Insurance policy, aroused suspicions and an Investiga tion was made. t The quartet, according tc their statements, left property In the build ing that could not be completely de stroyed. They sold a tent, for a sew ing machine, and placed the value 4 the same at 9135. They left two punchboard watches behind and Jeweler estimated their value at 94. They sold their auto for 970, to make down payment on goods, such as waf fle Irons and electrical contrivances. A crucifix found In the ashes and (Story One continued on Page Two) qWILL ROGER? P5jys: SANTA MONICA, Oct. 12. Mr. Iloover has had many tough break during the many weeks he has been in, but just kinder looking it over from all angles, I believe that this last week was his most successful one-in a long time. I think he just rounded all those big, bankers up and said) "Now listen, this thing has got past a joke. You birds got to got in here and help me do something. I been helping you long enough. Now if big busi ness wants a Republican admin istration big business better start helping a Republican ad ministration, or elset"
