davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Plentywood herald. [volume] (Plentywood, Mont.) 1908-current, 1927-02-11
ACQUIRED SIX WIVES;
YOUTH HELD INSANE
Scion of Wealthy Family
Victim of Leisure.

Fort Worth, Texas-Married SIX
times during the last year and half
without having obtained q divorce
Thomas w. Wharton, twenty-three
years old and scion of wealthy Texas
family, has been declared insane by
Jury, which recommended incarcera-
tion in an asylum Wharton Is son
of A. B. Wharton and grandson of
W. L. Waggoner, multimillionaire
banker and rancher.
Both father and grandfather were
in the courtroom of Judge Emmett
Moore when the jury returned its YER
dict Attorneys and physicians had
been employed by the family in Its
effort to prove that the young man is
mentally unsound. His mother was
the late Electra Vaggoner Wharton,
several times married and divorced
Only few days ago Mrs. Doris Edna
Day of Abilene, Texas, latest of his
six wives, filed suit against Wharton
for $150o00 damages.
Testimony developed that Wharton's
first marriage was to a California girl
in 1925, whose name was not disclosed,
while the other marriages were to lisa
Riley, June 1, 1926, at Palm Beach,
Fla; Mary Melton, November Q, 1926,
at Dallas; Irene Rolfe November "a,
1926, at Bartlesville, Okla; Leora
Murray October Is, 1925, Colorado
Springs, COL; Doris Edna Day. De
cember 4, 1926, at Abilene.
unmoved by Trial.
Young Wharton, appearing at least
ten years older than his twenty-three
years, apparently took little interest
In the proceedings and was unmoved
when the verdict was returned Testi-
mony by Drs. Henry IT. Smith, Jack
FL. Mclean, Wilmer Allison and r. O
Braswell was to the effect that Whar
ton had become mentally deranged
through excessive use of liquor and
frequent participation In wild parties
up t. the time Tom was fifteen
years old he was one Of the brightest
healthiest and handsomest boys / ever
say" Doctor Mclean said on the
stand. "But two years ago his con
dition became terrible and he has
grown worse. His emotions are de-
veloped far beyond his intellect and
will power and his condition is direct
ly traceable to his excesses."
"1he great trouble with this young
man. the doctor testified, as that he
has never had anything to do. He
was like any other boy, with lot of
energy and ambition, but since he was
not put to work he expended his sur
plus energy In dlssolute life and this
Is the result. He was given an un-
limited expense account and all he
had to do was to kill time and spend
fortune any way he pleased. So he
isn't altogether to blame. 1t Is this
very fling that Is Americas greatest
problem today, but II wealthy parents
won't make their sons work, nothing
can be done about it."
Grandfather Big Rancher.
w. Il. WaggOner, the grhnuIather,
owns one of the largest ranches In
Texas and early In life knew what 1t
was TO be poor and to work hard for
q living. Oil wells, located on his
ranches, have made him a millionaire
many times over. The family owns
two of Fort Worth's skyscrapers.
When young Wharton's mother died
several months ago in New York.
members of the Wharton family en-
ployed special train to make the trip
to New York to reach her bedside be
form daatb
Plentywood herald. [volume] (Plentywood, Mont.) 1908-current, 1927-02-11
AIkaIi Pete Wins in Third
On Technical Knockout

he boxing card sponsored by the
local Legion post last Friday eve
ming at the Farmer-Labor Temple
attracted large number of enthu-
siastic fans. The four youngsters
who fignred in the preliminaries
kept the spectators ia d hilarious
mood most OF the time.
The first set-to announced was
that of Pug Grave and Knockout
Reuter-, who gave clever exhlbi-
ton for four one minute rounds to
draw The next preliminary was
bstwcen Kid johnson and Kid Mar
sldll, six two minute rounds, also
TO draw. Pete Stewart refereed
Goth these matches, and had rath-
er pleasant evening of ii as all the
youngsters fought clean and fast,
although they evidenced a desire to
mix ii furlousIy at tincs-when
they weren't out of breath
The main attraction of the eve
ming seemed to tie TIM diffugilty
between Alkali Pete of Raymond
on the 500 and BeDnie Moe. who
gets his mail on the G. N. most of
the time. Ii wasn't really a grudge
fight, but quite few Of the Plenty
wood fansters tried to make it So
cause they were anxious to retrieve
some or possibly all of the money
they had squanderod on previous
athletic adventures with the 500
llne.
Alkall Pete wins all the way.
From the very beginning OF fes-
tlyltles it appeored that the Alkali
one had all concerned hypnotic d
even TO the cash customers
Howard Lewis, high commissioner
OF most things athletic in these
parts, became an unwilling victim
Of alkali's psy Geological wiles AS
the time approached for the m, in
attraction to begin. Mr.. Lewis aD-
peared on the stage to announce
the names and the rules under
which The batllers were TO perform.
but upon getting fairly started AL
kali Pete lnterposed several objel- :
tions to the Interpretation of the
rules. in such cases made and pro-
,ided. The commissioner became
palpably nonpulsed, and after being
permitted TO announce the names
OF the principals, be was glad TO
retire to a neutral corner.
AT this point Jack Bennett, ref
cree. called the fighters together in
the center of the ring for miti shak
log md a few whispered remarks
And in few seconds the fight was
on.
From the tap of the gong the
fighting was fast and furious with
Bennie Moe having the shade in the
first even though he took a count
OF eight in the last part of the
round In the second frame Bennie
complained 70 the referee that he
had been hit low, and as the gong
sounded he was Oh the floor and
had to be assisted to his corner. AS
he bell for the third round sounded
Moe was unable to leave his chair
and the referee promptly awarded
Plentywood herald. [volume] (Plentywood, Mont.) 1908-current, 1927-02-11
HO nest0ad Lose Same
TO PI0ntywOOd High

Last week Friday the local high
caeers played Homestead on the
home floor. Nobody's game until
the final score stood l8 to 90 in
favor of the home boys. This was
one of the best games played here
this season.
Plentywood herald. [volume] (Plentywood, Mont.) 1908-current, 1927-02-11

tn fight 10 Alkaii Pete on a tech
nical knockou'.
After the melee, we understand.
half Of the judges concurred in the
referees decision.
Sometimes we think Bill Shakes
peaTe was right when he said
Whatever is, is right"
Plentywood herald. [volume] (Plentywood, Mont.) 1908-current, 1927-02-11
NOTICE TO PUBLIC

Having installed a new switch in
the Telephone office, phone all FIRE
calls to central and in turn Central
will give the alarm, or turn in the
fire alarm switch at tke fire hall.
l.. E. Helm, Chief.
Imperial Valley press., 1927-12-03
Local Chief Named
To Penal Board

Chief of Police Sterling Oswalt
has been named by Phil Dodsor,
state commander of the American
Legion, as a member of the Penal
Institutions commission. The ap-
pointmcnt is for period of three
years.
The commission is headed by VII
liam Traeger, sheriff of Los Angeles
county. Robert l.. Hanley of Van
Nuys has been appointed as a second
three year member of the commits
sion while several others are named
for a period of one year.
The commission will act in behalf
of all World War veterans who are
at present confined in the state pen
itentiaries. The commission will
seek to remember the veteran pris-
oners during the pending holiday
season, but its aim will be to assist
them in finding work and getting
back on their feet when released
from jail.
The work of the commission is re.
garded as one of the most import
ant assignments to members of the
legion.
Imperial Valley press., 1927-12-03
Woman Complains
Man Robbed Her

Thomas ]. Stanley is being sought
by county authorities as result of
a complaint made against him by
Margaret Schmidt, charging him
with grand theft.
According to the story told au-
thorities by the woman, Stanley had
been living at her home on q ranch
about three miles northwest of Ell
Centre and that they had been on
more or less friendly terms. On
Thursday night, she stated he ac-
cOmpanied her to Imperial where
she said she talked by telephone to
her attorneys in Riverside relative
to the settlement of some property
which had recently been left to her
in will.
She said that she stepped into
another room for a few minutes and
that when she returned Stanley had
disappeared. She looked for him
but was unable to find him and fin
ally returned home. There she dis
covered that four diamond rings
valued at approximately $4,000 and
5000 in cash were missing.
The authorities have also been
notified that Stanley is a man of
many aliases and that he is wanted
in the navy under the name of
Lawrence f. Seetser for desertion.
A warrant for his arrest was issued
by Judge Mayfield but as yet no
trace of the man has been found.
Imperial Valley press., 1927-12-03
Close Call For
Byrd's Companion
nv United Press Leased Wire

LOS ANGELES. Dec. 3.--Lieutcn-
ant nt-Commandcr George G. Novill"
and Mrs. Neville, the former one of
the heroes of the Byrd trans Allan
tic flight, today recountcd an air
accident in which they narrowly
escaped serious injury.
The Novllcs, in RYAN monoplane
pilotcd by Frank Fay, were flying
from San Diego to Los Angeles late
yesterday to celebrate their first
wedding anniversary. AS the plane
scared over the Rogers airport near
here motor trouble developed and n
premature landing was made.
The impact of the landing tore
tie tail off the plane and Jared
open the door. Neville was almost
thrown from the plane but his coat
caught on a hook in the cabin. The
coat was almost torn from his back
hut the incident probably saved him
from injury, he said today. Mrs
Neville was severely Jared by the
landing, but the pilot was uninjured.
Imperial Valley press., 1927-12-03
Times Not So Bad
Payne nts Show

"Times are not SO hard as
come folks would have us think"
said County Tax Collector Mont
j. Reid this morning.
Today is the last Of the per-
iod for paying county taxes,
which become delinquent Mon
day, and payments both by mail
and by property owners in person
were pouring into the tax col
lector's office. An unusually
heavy day was experienced by
the deputies of the office.
"Yes,' continued Mr.. Reid,
collections this, year are much
larger than for the same period
in 1926. To date 100000 more
has been paid than a year ago.
Mrs. Josephine Adair, countv
treasurer, also reports the receipt
of approximately $4,000 for de-
linquent taxes in excess of last
years collections at this time.
"Jt is generally considered an
indication of better times when
delinquent tax payments begin
to climb Mrs. Adair explain
/ ed.
Imperial Valley press., 1927-12-03
FOOTBALL STAR SAYS HE WAS
BEATEN BY MOVIE DIRECTOR

companions "not to hurt the
girl, and that the director
threw an automobile crank
through the windshield of the
machine in which Usher and the
girl were about to drive away.
The crank struck Usher on
the head, and streaming with
blood. he got out of the machine
and the fight became a free
for-all, when Usher's friend ran
out of his house and joined the
battle. In the Melee Usher
claims Nigh hit him again with
lead pipe.
Nigh, his chauffeaur and an
other man escaped. The direct
or and the chauffeur were TAX
en- into custody on warrants is
sued by the district attorney =
office after Usher had reported
the affair to police.
A suit against Nigh for $25,.
600 damages, filed by Leonard
Penedict of Soboba Hot Springs,
is now pending in the Riverside
courts. Benedict alleges that
Nigh came to his home demand
ing to know the whereabouts of
Miss Jarvis. When Benedict
pleaded ignorance, Nigh is al
legged to have forced him into
an automobile which he later
drove off a road injuring Bene-
diet, it is claimed.
Imperial Valley press., 1927-12-03
Smith EXPLAINS
PERSONAL VIEWS
ON PROHIBITION

ALBANY. ". Y. Dee. 3.-Govern-
or Alfred f. Smith, Democratic
presidential possibility last night
voiced his opinions Of prohibition
and its enforcement.
The governor told members of the
New York State League of Women
voters that he stood for law enforce
ment but that cone of the funda-
mental rights of citizenship is the
right of our people to organize to
oppose any law and any part of the
constitution with which they are not
in sympathy.'
The question of prohibition law
enforcement is not one for either
the nation Or the state. Smith said.
lie declared it was a local issue.
Governor Smith pointed out the
Anti-Saloon League planned to raise
SJ,000,0 900 for their work during the
coming five years. He raised the
question why the forces opposed to
prohibition did not have just rs
rluch right to organize. .~
The governor discussed the ques-
tion point for point and discussed
a resolution that the Nassau county
branch of the league planned to sub
NIT for vote OF the convention to-
day.
Discussing section on respect for
law and enforcement, the governor
said enforcement of law and obedi-
ence to law are the very cornerstone
of the governmental structure.
Imperial Valley press., 1927-12-03
COMMISSION OF
LEAGUE IGNORES
RUSSIAN DEMAND
AdjOurns Until March
Without Recognizing
LitvinOff Plea.
by United Press Leased Wire

GENEVA, Dec. 3.-The League of
Nations preparatory disarmament
commission adjourned today until
March Is after Jonkhec Loudon, of
Holland, presiding, had announced
that if its work progressed satisfar
torily n full disarmament conference
could be convened during 1923.
Loudon indicated that the 1929
full conference would be one of a
series.
A security commission appointed
by the disarmament body TO draft n
form of treaty that would guarantee
safety from attack to European ma.
tions, adjourned until February %.
1t was expected by then to have
completed its draft ready for pre-
sentation at the March - disarnna-
ment commission.
The commission met for final
clean up session and Maxim Litvin-
off, chief Russian delegate, took
command by demanding that the
commission meet again January 10
not February 20-as had been
planned.
Litvinoff's demand was ignored.
Tne commission adjourned after de.
CiGing to reconvene March 10.
But principal interest centered in
tie possibility of a meeting during
tie weekend between Litvinoff and
Sir Austen Chamberlain, British for
Cign minister.
Chamberlain and French Foreign
Minister Brand were expected to
arrive here at about the same time.
II was thought certain that Litvin-
off would seek a meeting with both
Britain broke relations with Rus
sia several months ago when Scot
land Yard espionage operatives raid
cd the Russian trade delegation ,
headquarters and found what the
government declared to be evidence
that Russia was indulging in anti-
British propaganda.
Imperial Valley press., 1927-12-03
ROMANCE OF ONCE WEALTHY
WOMAN ENDS BEHIND BARS

LOS ANGELES, Dee. s.
Mrs. Matte McCauliffe, who
gave up millions and Augustus
p. Minchew, wealthy oil opera
tor of Denver and Dallas, for
McLaurine McCauliffe, hand
some automobile salesman, oc-
cupied cell in the county Jail
today charged with suspicion
of burglary.
Meanwhile detectives grill
ed McCauliffe in the Holly
wood police station, charging
that the couple are responsible
for the looting of fashionable
Hollywood homes, to the extent
of between 100000 and $780,
600. McCauliffe nonchalantly
denies the allegations and de-
clares he was framed"
Mrs. McCauliffe said she
married the dashing salesman
in Tia Juana six years ago af-
ter securing a divorce from the
oil magnate and leaving her
luxurious home for what she
now terms ga life Of hell'
during which time she support
ed McCauliffe.
Seated in cell in the county
Jail today, garbed in prison
raiment, a striking contrast to
the jeweled and fur-coatod w.
man, who was taken into Gus
Imperial Valley press., 1927-12-03

Los ANGELES, Dee. g.
William Nigh, prominent mo-
tion picture director, faced ar
raignment TODAY on charges of
assault with intent to commit
murder, the aftermath, police
say of a free-for-all battle over
n Hollywood dancer.
Meanwhile, Edward Usher,
Jr., former Michigan gridiron
star is reported recovering from
scalp wounds suffered when
Nigh is asserted to have struck
him over the head with an auto
mobile crank, supplemented by
piece of lead pipe.
The woman in the case, Jean
Jarvis. who is asserted to have
figured in another combat in
which Nigh was a principal, has
disappeared and police are seek
ing her in an effort to learn
her version of the fight which
took place Saturday night in
Laurel canyon.
According to Usher, he was
introduced to Miss Jarvis by the
director, and a friendship began.
Saturday night he escorted her
to the home of a friend in Laur-
el canyon and as they were leav-
ing about , a. m, three men
sprang from the roadside and
attacked him.
He claims Nigh warned two
Imperial Valley press., 1927-12-03
ENGLAND D.
()NEARTHS.
SPY PLOT.
Pair Held For Attempting
To Obtain Information
of Military Value.
RUSSIA IMPLICATED
Prosecution Claims Soviet
Was To Receive Any
Data Men Might Father
By United Press Leased Wire

LONDON, Dee. 3.jWhile Russian
disarmament delegates were wait
ing at Geneva in hope Of a reconci-
liation conference with British For
eign Minister Sir Austen Chamber
lain, the prosecuting attorney in n
spy ease at Bow street police court
today said that Russia was concern
ed in the affair.
George Monkland, n marine in
surance man testified that one of
the two defendants had asked him
to obtain information of military
value and had told him if the de-
fendant was out of town to deliver
the information to an attache at
the Russian embassy in London.
The ease was that of Wilfred Nc
Cartncy, %, reported to be an Irish
American and George Hansen, "a,
said TO be German.
Hansen and Mccartney were arI
rested November L, after a raid
upon their residences. 1t was
charged at their first court hearing
November % that they had "coi-
lected information calculated to be
useful to a foreign power"
Inspector Cosgrave of Scotland
Yard then testified that documents
found in their possession included
the addresses of people in Holland
and Germany. They appeared in
court again later and were remand
ed until today. '-s
Outlining the prosecution case
in court today, Sir Travers Humph-
rcys charged that Mccartney had
approached George Monkland, n
marine insurance underwater and
ssked him to obtain information of
ihipments of arms to states border
ing on Russia.
Monkland agreed, said Sir Trav-
ers, but immediately notified Ad-
miral Sir Reginald Hall, former di-
rector of naval intelligence.
Imperial Valley press., 1927-12-03
CUR IT'S IN
Peaceful
CES I UR {
Proposes Armistice Until
Senate Has Heard Cool
idge Message.
WRITES INSURGENTS
Floor Leader Promises to
Bring Their Pet Measur-
es to Final Vote.
by United Press Leased Wire

WASHINGTON, Dee. "a COM
promise to prevent blockade of the
senate at its opening session Mon
day was undertaken today by Sem
ator Curtis, Republican, Kansas, ma.
jority floor leader.
Curtis submitted to leaders inter-
tested in the Smith-Vare eases a pro-
posal for an armistice until after
President Coolidge delivers his mes
sage Tuesday.
simultaneously he wrote a reply to
the Independent group promising
that farm relief, labor injunction
legislation and the resolution for
investigation of American policies in
Central and South America will be
assured a final vote as the indie
pendents had demanded.
"While | cannot speak for the
Republican majority, / can assure
you that personally, without COM
mitting myself on the measure COW
cred by your letter, / feel that YOU
are entitled to a final vote on these
questions,' Curtis wrote.
AS leader of the Republican ma
.iority, 1 will gladly make every eff
fort to secure consideration and
final vote on them when they are
reported from the committees to
which they are referred.
Knowing the senators who viii
be made chairmen of the various
committees, if the Republicans or
ganize the senate, do not see why
You should fear that anyone of the
measures mentioned would be 'pige-
on holed by the committees"
The Independents had written
Curtis demanding that the three
specified measures be given a place
on the senate calendar thus assur-
ing early action. They indicated
they would work with the Republi-
can leader in organizing the senate
if this was done.
Imperial Valley press., 1927-12-03

tody with McCauliffe, she de-
clared that her pride kept her
from confessing that she had
made n mistake and breaking
with McCauliffc.
Money All Gone
She said that she had $780,
600 when she married Me-
Cauliffe but that she had ho"-
forced to support him and her
money gradually dwindled
away. They met in a Denver
automobile sales room where he
sold hor a red roadster and
captured her heart.
The couple was arrested af-
ter McCauliffc is alleged to
have entered the home of Mrs.
Burnctte Clapp, apartment
house owner, while Mrs. Me-
Cauliffe is asserted to have
engaged Mrs. Clapp on the
pretcxt of renting an apart
ment.
The small daughter of the
apartment house proprietor
was left in the house and when
McCauliffe is asserted to have
entered the place, the little girl
demanded to know his business,
and he fled after asking for
glass of water.
Both were taken into custody
by detectives later.
Imperial Valley press., 1927-12-03
Financier Sued
By Film Extra
by United Press Leased Wire

HOLLYWOOD, Cal, Dec. s.
Painting vivid picture of a shat
tered romance, Eleanor B. Cox. film
extra, today brought a 100000
breach of promise suit against c..
L. Langley, Los Angeles financier.
In her suit the actress told of a
whirlwind courtship she alleges was
carried on by Langley. They met
September 10, she declares, and af-
ter five days Langley persuaded her
to leave her home in Culver City,
film center, and live in Los An
geles hotel. During this time, she
asserts, the financier represented
himself as a single man.
On September 80, the suit further
maintains, Langley admitted he was
married, but declared he would go
to Reno and obtain divorce. On
this information Miss Cox told him
she wished nothing more to do with
him and hated him, it is claimed.
The suit was filed in superior
court by Attorney c. f. Herdings-
fielder.
Imperial Valley press., 1927-12-03
Board Suspends
Three Boxers
ny United Press Leased Wire

SACRAMENTO, Dee. 3.-Accused
of stalling and making insulting re-
marks to the referee, three Califor-
MIA boxers were ordered suspended
today by the state athletic commits
sion. They were:
Roy Moore Gardner, Los Angeles,
indefinitely, stalling; Richie Scot,
Chico, two months, Stalling, and G..
\. Legrundre, OrOville, one month,
insulting remarks.
Six boxers under suspension were
rcinstated as follows:
Leslie Ostrom, Los Angeles; Will
liam j. Vincent, San Francisco; Jack
Nandell, Long Beach, Alex A. Berg,
Los Angeles; Tom Dalton, Ventura,
and Cecil Balding, Ontario.
Imperial Valley press., 1927-12-03
Youth Sent To
Reform School

Earl o Brien, II, was declared a
ward of the court in juvenile court
yesterday afternoon and was sent to
Preston to the school of industry To-
Gated there during the period of his
r,inority. O'Brien is alleged to
have taken an automobile belonging
to Judge Smyser of Holtville and
drlven it to FL Centre, where he and
youthful companion abandoned it,
tine bearings having burned out.
The boys are then said to have
taken the machine owned by George
Mills of FL Centre and later figured
in an automobile wreck with the car
near Cotton, in which three persons
we're injured.
Mills and Probation Officer Z. d.
Griffin appeared as witnesses in the
case.