davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-12-21
Witnesses Testify Prisoner Left Avenue Half Drunk
History of
Whelchel
Murder Case

Nov. 27: Mrs. Helen Hager WHEEL
chel, %, widow, 1854 Applegate ST.,
Is abducted from Iowa and East SITS.
Nov. 2S: Mrs. Whelchers body
found between Big Four railroad
tracks beneath High School Rd.
bridge one mile north of Ben Davis.
Dec. 2: John Thomas Shaw. "a. col
ored, 1418 E. Maryland St, arrested
on charge of numbering Mrs. Wheel
chel after her watch and diamond
ring, missing since the murder, were
found in a pawn shop and traced to
Shaw.
Dec. 3: Shaw taken to State
prison at Michigan City for safe
keeping.
Dec. Z: Shaw indicted by Marion
County grand jury.
Dec. u: Shaw returned to In
dlanapolis.
Dec. 10: Trial opens in Criminal
Court, before Judge James A. Collins
Dec. 20: Jury completed.
State brings out. through witnesses:
That Mrs. Whelchel left the Lyric
ballroom at IL p. m. Nov. q, after
dancing for an hour.
That as she left a Garfield Park car
at Iowa and East SITS, an automobile
was stopped beside the car.
That about this time Frank Ober-
ting. 1929 S. East St, heard a voice
he thought" was Mrs. Whelchel's g
scream, and saw an automobile zig
gag down the street.
That there were evidences Of a
struggle at the corner OF Iowa and
East SITS, where Mrs. Whelchels hat
and earring were found.
That a pocketbook and a broken
strand of imitation pearls belonging tc
Mrs. whelchel were found near the
High School Rd. bridge.
That Mrs. Whelchel was killed by q
blunt instrument before her body was
thrown from the bridge.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-12-21
COMMISSION HITS
BELL SUBSIDIARIES
IN RATE ARGUMENT
Multiplicity of Concerns
Under One Ownership.
Keeps Toll Up,'
BY FELIX F. BRUNER
Times Staff Correspondent

CHICAGO, Dec 21.-A multiplicity
Of concerns under the same owner
ship is largely responsible for high
telephone rates in Indiana, the pub
lie service commission contended in
a brief filed in Federal Court here
today in the case In which the In
diana Bell Telephone Company is ask
ing for a permanent injunction to
prevent the commission from inter
fering with present rates in the State
Oral arguments on the petition were
heard by Federal Judge George T.
Page.
The commission called particular
attention to the American Telephone
and Telegraph Company OF Indiana
v hich operates toll lines parallel
with those of the Indiana company
which is under the same ownership.
The commission contended this con-
Germ is taking revenue from the In
diana company.
Service Charge Attacked
The commission also attacked the
contract OF the Indiana company
whereby II pays Az per cent of Its
gross returns to the present company
for telephone station rental and other
service. It contended the amount paid
Is excessive.
The company filed a brief contend
ing for higher valuation. higher depre-
citation rate and higher rate Of re-
turn.
Arguments were opened by w. II
Thompson for the company. He con.
Tended The company would have lost
s1.276.000 to date II the rates ordered
by the commission had been put into
effect.
The arguments come as a culmina-
ton of one Of the longest and hardest
fought utility cases since the public
service commission was organized in
1913.
Probably more consumers are az
fected-a large majority of all the
telephone users in the State-than
have been affected by any other rate
case in the State.
Increased Rates Is Aim
The case started when the tele
phone company asked for increased
rates. These were refused by the
commission. The case then was car
ried into Federal Court. A temper
airy injunction and a temporary re
straining order were granted in sue
cession. These were followed by 5
hearing before Judge Page in Indian
apous in which the evidence already
presented to the commission was re
peated.
Not only the public service commits
sion, but the city Of Indianapolis, is
engaged IN the fight against increased
rates. Taylor f. Gronlnger, corpora
ton counsel, is here representing the
city.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-12-21
Companions Tell of Move
mentS Evenings Before
and After Murder

The of crcmsantia evidence against John Thomas Shaw
a. coored 1418 Maryland St. in his trial charge of
numbering Mrs Helen Hager Whelcher o. 1854 Applegate St.
drawn tighter today by Prosecutor William Remy It
the third day of the TRIAL. before Judge James Collins in Grim
inal Court.
-Four members of party in Indiana Ave. Nov. 81 the night
of the murder and the following night placed the stand
That Shaw left Indiana haf drunk shortly after 10
the night of the murder and reappeared the evening
with watch diamond ring identified Mrs Whechels
the substance of their testimony
John Johnson 23 coored $50 St. testified he
with Shaw the night of Nov q Archie
Greenhouses pooroom F'half drunk
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-12-21

that cup fame of remembrance" has been lighted which
is be kept burning long France shall survive 1t is
never to go out.
of commonplace stone like all other stones,
cold bana unresponsive and uninsprng why not place
high altar of bronze above Unknown Aringtons field
glory this altar light flame and keep burning
forever literal fame of liberty and of remembrance
There nothing purer than fire. There something v
ing in it, too Flames almost to talk. What story
memorys fame above the Unknown Soldiers grave would
tell az who visited there And what things would make
them Think
XVI HEN they lighted the fame above the French Unknown
in Paris, troops drawn up in great circle about
the shrine War ohers there and representatives of
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-12-21
By United Press

ABOARD STEAMSHIP LEVIATH-
AN, AGROUND IN NEW YORK
BAY. Dec. 2l.--(By wireless)-The
Leviathan, worlds largest liner,
grounded on mud bank near Rob
bins Reef in New York Bay today
when a strong ebb tide from XIII Won
Kull caught the ship on the port side,
swinging her toward the reef.
Passengers who had been making
preparations for Decentralization, re-
Corded the affair as a lark. A tea
dance was started on B deck. Mean
while, customs officials commenced
examining baggage aboard, so some
of the more fortunate could be taken
ashore in tugs.
There was a rush for the wireless
room, as hundreds Of those aboard
had train reservations. which they de-
sired to cancel.
Others wanted to send messages to
friends and relatives to inform them
that their Christmas arrival homs
would be delayed.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-12-21
CHRISTIAN WILLS
FUND TO WABASH
Widow to Receive Remainder
of Estate,

J-useAzahe wfIl Of the 4ates7AlilEner
F. Christian, general agent for the
Equitable Life Insurance Company,
and a trustee of Wabash College, all
renewals, bonuses or amounts due
him on contracts with the-ius5Era nee
company are bequeathed t6gs5abash
College.
How much that sum viii be there
is no possible way Of knowing now
until the sums are collected and the
estate settled" said Henry NJ. Dow
ling, attorney for the widow, Mrs
Edna NJ Christian. who was ap-
pointed executrix.
Mrs. Christian viii receive the re
mainder Of the estate, the value of
which also Is Uncertain. said DowlinG
The bequest to the college must be
put in a fund, and a sum equal to
8 per cent on 1t paid annually to Irma
Rice, a business employe of Mr.. Chris
tian, during her life for long and
faithful services"
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-12-21
.RED-TR|BE DEAL
FALLS THROUGH
Cincinnati Directors Vote
Against Purchase,
BIZ Times Special

BU Times Spectdk
CINCINNATI. Dec. 21.-C1nclnnati
Post was informed today bya repre-
sentative Of the Cincinnati National
League baseball club that the directors
of the Reds had decided not to buy
the Indianapolis franchise of the
American Association. for which a
deal had been pending.
August Hermann, president Of the
Reds, had recommended to the local
directors that the indianapolis team be
purchased, but the directors voted
against It at meeting today.
w. c. Smith, Jr., vice president OF
the Indianapolis Club. and Jack Hen
drscks, manager, were here today to
dis cuss the proposed transaction.
William C. Smith, Sr.. president
of the Indianapolis Baseball Club.
announced today the team would not
be sold and that immediate prepara-
tions would be made toward bolster
ing the playing roster for the 1924
season.
The Cincinnati offer was below
Smiths terms and he refused to cut
his price.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-12-21
SUSPECTS FREED IN
SPENCER BANK CASE
State Fails to Produce Evidence and Robbery Charge
Against Eleven Is Dismissed

bank robbery earlier in the year. They
were Willard Peterson, Roy Graham,
Royal Dodds and Denver Meeks.
The others were released and re-
turned to their homes in Bicknell.
Seven of the men, however, will
have to return TO Spencer Dec. 26 to
answer a charge Of manufacturing
liquor in jail while awaiting hearing.
The cast against the men depended
entirely on statements made by Miss
Gladys Edwards at Bicknell
These statements, according to au-
thorities. she repudiated just before
the men, were to be given preliminary
hearing.
With the dismissal of the case
against the Bicknen men, Owen
County officials admitted they were
without any other clew to work on
in their search for the bank robbers.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-12-21
WOMAN INJURED IN
ESCAPING FLAMES
Fall From Burning House Re-
suits Seriously.

Hanging for ten minutes from Al
upstairs window IN an attempt 70 es-
cape from flames enveloping the
house, Mrs. Mary Taylor, so. colored,
rooming in the rear OF 2250 College
Ave, fell and received deep gashes
about the head today. An attempt
was being made to rescue her
Miss Goldie Carson, colored, an5
Mrs. Annabelle Shelby, colored, and
her three children escaped when they
dashed from the house at the discov-
cry Of the flames.
Damage Of $1,000 was caused by
the fire thought to have started from
an overheated furnace, fire officials
say
City hospital attaches say Mrs. Tay-
Ior is in a serious condition.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-12-21
MAY HEAD BODY

BIZ United Press
PARIS, Dec. 21.-The reparations
commission decided today to request
Charles G. Dawes, former director OF
the United States budget. to act IS
president of the committee Of ex-
perts which will investigate Ger
many's finances.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-12-21
FIRE TRUCK IN CRASH
William Miller. on City Apparatus,
Injured.

Fireman william Miller, 4127
Boulevard Pl., suffered a sprained
knee when Pumper Truck IA. from
Thirtieth ST. and Kenwood Ave, was
struck by the automobile of William
Bcsson Jr.. "a, living on the Allison
Vile Pike. today.
The truck was going east in
Thlrtieth ST.. and the auto south in
Meridian st. Bosson said wet paving
made him skid when he tried to stop.
He was released on his own
recognizance.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-12-21
Rr United Press

bE LAtttN 'toS
SPENCER, Ind. Dec. 21.-The
States case against the "Bicknel
Bank Bandit Gang" charged with
robbing two banks on the night Of
Nov. 6, blew up today and the charges
We're dropped.
When the eleven suspects were
brought into court for preliminary
hearing before Claude Hoskins,
Justice of the peace, a motion to dis
miss the case was made by James r.
Miller. deputy prosecuting attorney.
Dismissal was asked after several
Spencer citizens who saw the bandits
the night of the robbery were unable
to identify any of the prisoners as
members of the bandit gang.
Four of the men were kept in Gus
tody awaiting trial for the Coal City
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-12-21
Lloyd George
on Farming

The former British premier,
who recently visited Canada and
part Of the United States, in
Guiding Indiana. viii have a
special article in Ehe Times to-
morrow.
He discusses American and
Canada farming. Does the Amer
lean farmer fear growing com
petition from Canada?
Read what. Lloyd George says.
His article will he published ex-
clusively in Indianapolis IN The
Times.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-12-21
EMPLOYEES
AND OFFICERS MEET
Annual Dinner of Bank and Company
Is Held.

Officers, directors and employees OF
the Fletcher American National Bank
ard the Fletcher American Company
were working with gusto today after
the annual dinner at the Athenaeum
Thursday evening.
About 200 attended the banquet at
which R. x. Smith. vice president of
the Fletcher Bank was postmaster.
Responses were made by Elmer w.
Stout, president of the bank. George
C. Forrey, president Of the Fletcher
American Company and Charles r.
Keogh. teller, who spoke for the en-
plCyes.
Appropriate decorations lent
Christmas spirit to the dancing and
special music between courses and at
the close of the banquet.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-12-21
STUDENTS GIVE PROGRAM
Shortridge Musicians Present Christ
mas Numbers.

Shortridge High School students today
presented a Christmas program In
Guiding the Boys and Girls Glee Club.
directed by c. A. Palmer. Christmas
carols were sung. A combined cho-
rus, directed by Mrs. Jean Mccormick,
rendered selections. The Shortridge
Cornet Quintet played a program OF
Christmas music.
George Buck, principal, awarded
Miss Jane Messick first prize In the
Echo Christmas cover contest.
Manual High School carolers sang
in downtown buildings. following an
annual custom. c.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-12-21
WATER UTILITY
SUES TO STOP
NEW SCHEDULE
Injunction Petition in Federal Court Asks Order Restraining
Commission From Enforcing Recent
Rate Award.
Rate Award

An injunction to prevent the public
service commission from enforcing
the water rate schedule order recent
ly issued by the commission and from
setting any valuation on company's
property of less than $3.50. 900 was
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-12-21
HALLER WILL PROBATED
Entire Estate Is Left to Widow
$1,000 Personal Property

The will, probated today oR the late
Gustave A. Haller, 401 N. Arsenal
Ave, connected with the Murat drill
team for thirty years, leaves his en-
tire estate to the widow, Mrs. Maude
S. Haller. Mr. Haller was president
Of c. Zimmerman & Sons. The es
tate was estimated at $5 900 personal
property and some real estate, it was
said.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-12-21
GriIIed by Defense
KRAUSE SEES COLISEUMS
Special Committee Head Returns
From Thirty -One-Day Tour In West.

i've come back literally loaded
with tons of material showing hene-
fits a coliseum would bring Indian
apolis," J. Edward Krause, chair
man of the Indianapolis coliseum
committee, declared today upon his
return from a thirty-one-day investi-
cation trip throughout the West.
Krause visited Los Angeles. San
Francisco, San Diego, Salt Lake
City, Kansas City and other cities.
A complete report of his trip will
be made by Krause to the committee
next Wednesday at the Washington.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-12-21
DIDN'T HEAR OR SEE IT.
Man, Struck at Street Corner, Puzzles
Police.

Police Investigated mysterious cir
cumstances surrounding injuries of
James Morton, 64, Of 1922 S. Rich
land ST., who was struck by ma
chine, 1t is thought. near Koehne and
washington SITS, where he was found
by Letora Best. 1914 w. Washington
ST.
'I did not hear or sec a machine"
Morton told police.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-12-21

could do with it-see what I couI6 get
for the watch. I carried the wal IN in
side the poolroom and he came in and
got it. He said the watch was his sis
ter's, too"
What kind of watch was it,
Kelley?"
1T was a little, lady's Elgin
watch, fifteen jewels. Had some kind
Of writing on the back. but I don't
know what the writing was"
rs this the watch?"
Remy showed Kelley Mrs. WHEEL
chefs watch, which was introduced
in evidence Thursday.
Yes" Kelley said.
At this point, Attorney Henry again
tested Kelley's knowledge Of the
jewelry.
How can you tell this is the
watch?" Henry asked the witness.
The crystal was broke out" and
the hands crooked" Kelley replied.
B The crystal is not broken out here,
is it?"
II had 1t put in"
who Strengthened the hands?"
Look at 1t. They're still crooked,
amt they?"
Are you sure this Is the watch?e
''I said that Is the watch"
Henry then objected to introduction
Of the watch. The objection was
overruled by Judge Collins.
Remy then resumed questioning of
Kelley.
Hunted Room
What did Shaw 10 after he gave
you the vatch?" the prosecutor asked.
HE went to the Golden West. came
back down and asked where I could
get him a room," the witness replied.
Cora Lee Smith was with him. I
drove them to a place between Senate
Ave and Muskingum ST., near the 900
block on N. West"
"Whensdid you next see Shaw?"
"At the police station"
who had the watch when yod
left?"
Il did. He told me to get crys-
tai put in and meet him Thursday
morning. I got the crystal put in at
Sacks and paid 35 cents for it.
did not meet Shaw. I got the watch
from Sacks Friday. I gave it to Jerry
Sykes. The next time I saw the
watch the officers had 1t. Jerry
pawned it."
Were you there when he pawned
it?"
mo. But wasn't far away. Jerry
pawned it for 81. I gave him so cents.
He said later he got another dollar"
When did you get the watch from
Shaw"
"Wednesday night, Nov. %, about
10 o'clock. I saw the ring the same
day"
GriIIed by Defense
Attorney Henry subjected Kelley to
a grilling' cross examination. Despite
the most severe questioning. he was
unable to shake Kelley's testimony.
What was regarded as a damaging
Continued on Page 10)
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-12-21

m YER the Unknown Soldiers grave the heights of Ar
w lngton overlooking Washington, they have placed
column sort of experimental finishing touch what
in ways, the sacred spot in the United States
If people like the column it will be made permanent
If they do not like it, the presumption it will be replaced
by something else.
Here is suggestions
In France where the idea of making national shrine of
the tomb of of her unknown heroes of the World War
originated they have hit upon another dea eminently
worthy of the original inspiration
m TOP of the simple stone covering the remains of her
LII Unknown, under the magnificent Arch of Triumph at
the top of the wordfamous Champs Eysees they have
placed bronze representing the and it's psy and in
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-12-21
Home Edition

ULD service of United Press,
j United News, United Finan-
cial, NEA, Scripps Alliance and
Scripps-Paine Service.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-12-21
Forecast

M 0STLY cloudy tonight and
N1 Saturday, probably rain.
Colder weather predicted Satur-
day afternoon.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-12-21

Cora Lee Smith came OUT of the
Washington Theater and Shaw asked
me for the ring. He put it on her
finger. I heard her ask him where
did he get that ring. I never heard
his answer"
What happened next?"
81 came out Of the poolroon and
Rich and Johnson, Shaw and I got
in the automobile, Shaw showed me
a watch and asked me to see what
The Raymer enterprise., 1923-06-14
GENES HORSE

sYNOPsIs.-Arriving at the lone
ly little railroad station Of El Cajon.
New Mexico. Madeline Hammond.
New York society girl. finds no one
to meet her. While In the waiting
room. drunken cowboy enters,
asks II she is married. and departs.
leaving her terrified. He returns
with priest who goes through
some sort Of ceremony. and the
cowboy forces her to say "Si."
Asking her name and learning her
Identity the cowboy seems dazed.
In shooting scrape outside the
room Mexican IL killed. Tho COW.
boy lets q girl, Bonita. take his
hofse and escape, then conducts
Madeline to Florence Kingsley,
friend Of her brother. Florence
welcomes her. learns her story. and
dismisses the cowboy. Gene Stew
art. Next day Alfred Hammond.
Madeline's brother. takes Stewart
to task. Madeline exonerates him
Of any wrong intent Alfred. scion
Of wealthy family. had been dis
missed from his home because Of
his dissipation. Madeline sees that
the West has redeemed him. She
meets Stillwell. AIS employer. typ
ical western ranchman. stiilwell
sells her how Stewart beat up the
sheriff to save her from arrest and
then lit out for the border. Danny
Mains. one of Stillwelrs cowboys,
has disappeared, with some Of Still
wells money. His friends link his
name with the girl Bonita. Made
line gets a glimpse Of life on q
western ranch.
The Raymer enterprise., 1923-06-14

I think, that Mr.. Stewart named him
after me-saw my nickname In the
New York paper"
Eyes"
well, / will not change his name.
But, Al, how shall | ever climb up on
him? He's taller than l am. What
a giant Of horse! Oh, look at him
he's nosing my hand. ! really believe
he understood what said. AL, did
you ever see such a splendid head and
such beautiful eyes? They are so
large and dark and soft-and human.
Oh, j am q flckle woman. for I am
forgetting White Stockings"
"I'll gamble he'll make you forget
any other horse" said Alfred. "You'll
have to get on him from the porch"
Madeline led the horse to and fro,
and was delighted with his gentleness.
She discovered that he did not need
to be led. He came at her call, fol.
lowed her Ike . pet dog. rubbed his
The Raymer enterprise., 1923-06-14
fasten up her hair. which fell again IN

fasten up her hair. which fell again IN
a golden mass.
"Mr. Sullwell," she began. and
paused, strangely aware Of hurried
note. deeper ring in he: voice. "Mr.
Stillwell, | want to buy your ranch
to engage you as my superintendent.
want to buy Don Carlos ranch and
other property to the extent, say. Of
fifty thousand acres. l want you to
buy horses and cattle-in short, to
make all those improvements which
you said you had so long dreamed Of,
Then have Ideas Of my own, In the
development Of which ! must have
your advice and Alfred's. / intend to
better the condition Of those poor Mex
leans in the valley. l intend to make
life little more worth living for
them and for the cowboys OF this
range. Tomorrow we shall talk It
all over, plan all the business details"
Madeline turned from the huge
overwhelming smile that beamed down
upon her and held out her hands to
her brother.
alfred, strange, Is II not. my com.
ing out to you? Nay, don't smile. ]
The Raymer enterprise., 1923-06-14
CHAPTER v.-contlnued.

The bawling and believing, the
cracking Of horns and pounding of
aoofs, the dusty whirl Of cattle. and
the flying cowboys disconnected Made
line and frightened her a little.
Look. Miss Hammond, there's Don
Carlos!" said Florence. Look at that
black hbrse!'
Madeline saw q dark.faced Mexican
riding by. Ha was too far away for
her to distinguish his features, but he
reminded her Of an Italian brigand.
He bestrode a magnificent horse.
Stillwe'l rode up to the girls then
and greeted them In his big voice.
"Right In the thick Of II, hey7 Wal,
thet's sure fine. I'm glad to see. Miss
Majesty. thet you amt afraid Of q
little dust or smell Of burnin' hide an
hair"
Madellne's brother Joined the group,
evidertly In search Of Stillwell. "Bill,
Nels Just rode in," he said.
-1ood! Any news Of Danny Mains r
mo. Nels said he lost the trail
when he got on hard ground"
"Wal, wal. Say, al. your sister ID
sure takin' to the roundup. An the
boys are gettin' wise. See thet sun
of-a-gun Ambrose cuttin' capers all
around. He'll sure do his prettiest.
Ambrose Is ladies' man, he thinks.
The two men and Florence Joined
in q little pleasant teasing Of Made.
line, and drew her attention to what
appeared to be really unnecessary feats
OF hcrsemanshlp all made In her VI
clnIty. The cowrOys evinced their In.
terest In covert g,ances while recolling
q lasso or while passing to and fro
It was all too serious for Madeline to
be amused at that moment. She did
not care to talk. She sat her horse
and watched,