davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
, 1928-02-25

marine Sail Four would probably be
raised about April first, if the weather
conditions remain favourabiy.
St, Louis. Charles Lindbergh left to.
day with two passengers Tor an unknown
destination; he said he was keeping his
destination secret to avoid crowds and
receptions.
Washington. 1t is expected that Adj
miral Brumby will be sent to Cologne in
the near future, according to The latest
reports from the Navy Department.
Daytona Beach, Fla. Frank Lockhart.
the holder OF many automobile speed re
cords, yesterday escaped death miracuI-
ously when the Stutz BlackhaWk Special
in which he was trying TO break the In
ternatlonal speed record struck a puddle
of water on the course while travellng
about two hundred and twenty-five miles
per hour and c~atauaulted iulo the sea.
He was rescued and taken to a hospIti
where it was announced that be was sui
ierIng principally from shock.
lanagu-. FouF men believed to have
been members of the rebel General Sal
dIuo's forces were reported to have been
killed and sever, others wounded in an
encounter with a Marine Corps patrol In
the JInotega IegIUn
San Francisco. Mickey Walker, MO.
Gle weight boxing champion, wen he de
cision in a ten round bout with Jack vii
lis OF Texas last night.
New haven. Conn. YaIe's crack relay
team clipped three seconds off he WOrId's
halt mile relay record last night When
they travelled the distance in one minute
and thiltyfve auc lwofiflhs seconds.
Washington. The mask as a part Of
tire costume OF the members Il he KIu
KIux Khan was declared ofici lily last
night to have been abo}isi ed K.u men
throughout the nation were reported To
have gathered at their meeting places TO
join the newly created order the Knights
Of the Great tores..
Washington. A Congressional lnves
tigatIon INTO the sinking OF The subma
rine 81 would be useless is the opinion
expressed by Chairman Smell Of the
House Naval Committee yesterday.
He said that the report submitted by Ma
val Court Of Inquiry was tuII and COM
preheusiVe.
, 1928-02-25
5 NAVAL RADIO STATION.
CHRTSTIANSTED. ST. CROIX.
FEBRUARY 9th. 1873.
courtesy o. the Associated Press.

Los Angeles. Calf. William Edward
Hickman, convicted slayer Of Marion
Parker, a Los Angeles school child, and
his former pal WeIby Hunt we're identi-
fed as the slayers Of Ivy Thomas in a
hcldup last summer. in the first day Of
.tleir'trial fer his murder.
Boston. Mass. The Naval salvage
officers announced yeterday that the sub
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1928-01-12
Huge Crime Increase

Quite a few States have abolished
capital punishment. Quite a few
others enforce it very rarely, though
it is still sanctioned by law. In prac-
tically no State has capital punish
ment been inflicted with anything
like consistency.
Some States have gone to ex-
tremes in the opposite direction,
granting pardons by wholesale, es-
tablishing honor farms and setting
up probation systems that include
little but unrestrained liberty.
So far as actual results are con-
cerned, no one can tell how any
particular method works in COM
parison with another, because no re-
liable statistics or studies are avail
able.
The only fact that every one
seems willing to admit is that there
has been an enormous increase of
crime in this country; that in no
other civilized country are there as
many thieves, murderers and forg-
ers to one thousand people, and
that in spite of all the innovations
and experiments we seem unable to
improve the situation, and that no
one knows why.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1928-01-12
Favorite Son Politics In Ohio

That the "favorite son" is one of the popular
methods employed by politicians in getting what they
want at national convention time has been previously
emphasized in these editorial columns
striking case in point is now developing in Ohio
Senator Frank B. Willis self-appointed favorite son
of that State is vigorously opposing the idea OF
Hoover being named second choice
The Senator takes the position that such an ar
rangement would be an admission on his part that
he cannot be nominated, and is adamant in his in
SiStence that he be given complete control of the Ohio
delegation in the Kansas City convention his being
the sole authority to release that delegation to some
other candidate if and when he chooses
That Willis is not actually taken seriously as a
presidential candidate is of the plainest phases
of the present situation. Despite VIGOROUSLY high
sef-appraisal it is doubtful whether even Willis him.
self believes he has chance-although the memory
of how Harding was put over, coupled with the
mother of Presidents tradition, may have stirred
imaginngs that the lightning may strike twice in
the same place.
However that may be, no political authorities in
the party or the press have yet ventured to admit
that Willis is even in the running. Serious con-
tenders to date are limited to Hoover, Lowden and
Dawes.
Yet if Willis gets away with his plan of complete
control of the Ohio delegation he will possess ire
mendouS power in the national convention-power
that in all likelihood will do Willis no good as pres-
dental candidate, but will make him large figure
in naming the one who is finally nominated, and in
matters of patronage. that go along with such a
nomination. 80 -..1-e -t.
So there is what is going on in Ohio. We have
splendid example of professional politics, as the
game is played and of how the professional poll
tcians are ganging against the man who unques-
tionaby, if the general public left to decide,
would be nominated hands down-Herbert Hoover.
There is just one corrective-in Ohio and in other
States where dog-in- the-manger politics are being
played And that is for the rank and file of voters
the professionals, to wake up now, take an in
terest IN who is trying to be President and by their
activity in primary preconvention affairs prevent
control by the professionals.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1928-01-12
One Chance in Thirty

The trouble with all of the argu-
ments either for or against capital
punishment is that they are based
on isolated facts and incomplete.
Insofar as crime has increased, re-,
CARELESS of capital punishment, cap
ital punishment is failure, but in
sofar as capital punishment has not
been consistently or uniformly en-
forced, this means little.
No matter what we say, the aver
age murderer in America does not
run more than one chance in tWen-
ty-f1ve or thirty of being executed.
such odds are enough to relieve his
mind of terror.
If we we're to hang or electcocute
every murderer over a period of
twenty-five years, we might be able
to say with some degree of accu-
racy what effect capital punishment
had.
AS things now stand, we know
practically nothing about it's effect,
or the effect of any other kind of
punishment, because the law is SO
WhimSically enforced.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1928-01-12
Unfinished Cases

Crime is the one problem we are
still trying to solve by argument.
In all others we depend on inves-
tigation and are guided by results.
The history of crime and its
treatment is history of unfinished
cases. Outside of those who are
executed we do not know what be-
comes of the victims.
The penalties we provide for va
rious offenses, their effect on the
offenders and society, the idea of
whether they are just or unjust and
everything else connected with the
system is mainly matter OF guess
work.
You can go through the thou
sands of reports that have been
compiled, the encyclopedias, 6gests,
treaties and statutes, and find little
of a convincing nature to show
what results the administration of
justice has actually produced.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1928-01-12
Accept Law as Science

1t is about time that we accepted
the law and its enforcement as a
science, instead of a high-class de-
batting society.
We have plenty Of pleas, speeches
and precedents to fall back on, but
mighty few facts.
We find out what this Judge de-
cided, or that lawyer said in most
any important case, but what be-
came of the characters?
What are our ex-convicts doing.
and how many are there? Of the
first offenders, how many repeat?
Why do some repeat, while Others
do not? Of those offenders who
commit a second offense, how many
commit a third or a fourth?
The big trouble with our system
of justice is that we do not know
what is has accomplished, much
less why.
We have paid too much attention
to the mill and not enough to the
griSt.-
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1928-01-12
Against Death in Chair

Though he has put more than
100 criminals to death, the warden
of Sing Sing, does not believe in
capital punishment.
He says that capital punishment
is not deterrent, and asks what
explanation is there of the fact that
several counties in New York State
had no murder convictions for a
number Of years, some of them for
long periods, yet when the first con-
viction for murder occurred, with
the subsequent execution Of the
murderer at Sing Sing, it was i'm
mediately> followed by number OF
murders2"
He also points out that sin Massa-
chusetts twenty witches were exc
cuted in the short space Of six
months" and that, when they quit
killing witches, witches ceased to
exist"
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1928-01-12

ing state lands among the soldiers
and the proletariat, and ordered
that state lands recently sold to
rich men at low prices should be re-
purchased at the same price, and
included in the redistribution.
1t was an unselfish policy, far
sighted in craftsmanship for while
it sent from Rome the very men
whose votes were Caesars for the
asking and on whom he depended
for election to Office, it aimed to
relieve unemployment in the capital,
to restore the decadent countryside
and enable the state to recapture
some of its ancient health and
strength.
But the Senate refused even to
consider the bill; they called it an
attack upon property; their idea
was that the fruits of every con-
test should go to the Senate, while
the soldiers were sent off to face
new hardshipS and win for their
masters new spoils.
Il n -
4 Ill through the year the senate
L "A opposed Caesars bills, and
Bibulous piously pronounced the
season holy, too sacred for legiS-
lation; but in every case Caesar
went directly to the people, put his
bills through the assembly, and set
about resolutely to enforce them.
These laws became known as the
'leges juliae," and marked an epoch
in the history of Rome.
They aimed with offensive direct
ness to put an end to corruption in
the judiciary, in the treasury, in the
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1928-01-12
To the Editor:

To the Editor:
Checking up on the Indianapolis
schools for the year 1927 as a mer-
chant does his business, it is diff
cult to find anything on the side of
gains, but much in the column of
losses.
In the death Of L. D. Owens,
director of civics, the school system
lost one of its most conscientious,
untiring workers, loved alike by CO.
workers and pupils. A man true
to his calling, kindly, courteous and
helpful.
The removal Of E. U. Graft as
superintendent, an experienced, pro-
gressive man, for no other cause or
reason than the squaring of a
campaign pledge to the Ku-Klux
Khan, was not only loss, but dis
grace and an insult to the schools
and the city at large.
The recent action Of the board in
abolshing the positions of assistant
superintendent marks one of the
heaviest losses to the schools, and
savorS strongly of more political
pledges. An action that strikes far
beyond the people and position in
question, reaching into the homes
Fof Indianapolis through its effect
upon our children.
Unless men and women of the
highest standards and attachments
IN the profession are obtained, our
boys and girls are the ones who
suffer the consequences. Any BUSH
ness to be successful must have
experienced, capable people at the
helm. When school officials of the
caliber Of Messrs. Graft. Weir,
thornton, and Miss Drake are dis
missed with no reason given to the
people of Indianapolis, we are won
dering what really counts with the
present board of school commits
Sioners. Mr.. Miller is no doubt a
good school man. but can he or
any other successfully handle a
system the size of indianapolis
single handed?
Time was when her schools were
the pride of Indianapolis. Her boaro
members and teaching force were
chosen, regardless of religion or
politics, with only the best inter
ests OF her children at heart. IN
I'll the citizens of Indianapolis
awake to the present situation of
her schools, they will continue to
md their educational losses heavily
oVerbalancing the gains.
INTERESTED
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1928-01-12
The Course of Empire

Less than a wear ago. when the Nationalist army
r,os headed toward Peking many Of our more optl-
n1isc dealists were in ecstacy over the expectation
that the suffering Chinese were about TO eSVao
lsh for themselves strong united and progressive
nation.
That fine dream months ago went blooey. emma
remains divided and not far from chaos Inc wal
lords still rule their various spheres.
It is an interesting matter Of speculation whether
China will ever pull herself out Of the mud or not
we recall that famous line of Bishop BerkeleyS
westward the course of empire takes its way
China had developed high civilization while
Europe was still wilderness, thousands OF years ago.
Empire and civilization have gradually come west
and now make their abode in these United States Tor
all Brtains desperate clutch on their coat-tails How
many centuries before these twin forces VIII desert us
and cross the Pacific? Or will they stay here Tor
ever? Many now living have seen Japan rise to the
status of world power-a dead nation IL would al
most seem, risen again.
George Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, the old German
philosopher said that China and India lie still out
side the worlds history as the mere presupposton
of elements whose combination must be waited for to
constitute their vital progress Hegel named Persia
as "the first empire that passed away" while India
and China perpetuate natural vegetative existence
even to the present time"
Perhaps Hegel felt that Chinas real chance at the
game of empire lay in the future and not the past One
recalls what Berkeley said along with warnings In
recent years about yellow Peril" and "Risng Tide
of Color"
But Aristotle said. 1.-THE genius of the Europeans
is different from that of the Asiatics, who OF all
nations are the most patient Of despotism. Hstor-
ian George Rawnson reported that "slow conquests
long struggles OF race against race amalgamations
insensible growth and development of political sys-
TENS, to which we are habtuated in records CT the
east, are unknown to the countries lying eastward
of the Hellespont Rapid conquest causes no
assimilation"
Events of this century have indicated, however,
that China, under foreign domination has begun
the slow process Of assimilation and it may be that
the next few hundred years will be most important
Empire and Civilization have been travelling at a
fast clip these last two three hundred years.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1928-01-12
(Richmond PaIIadium)

Independently
Again d. G. Stephenson, erSt-
while khan leader and now a con-
vict, rattles Indiana's political
skeleton. This time it is an amaZ-
ing story about violation of the
Indiana banking laws, presumably
by those entrusted with their en-
forcement and those who are con-
nected with the State department.
p The crash of a trust company at
Kokomo is responsible for his lat
est contribution to the expose of
corrupt conditions, which one by
one are coming to light.
That the nefarious influence Of
khan domination of State govern
ment may have invaded the bank
ing department, which the latest
statement of Stephenson is as
Sumed to have indicated, is no
cause for surprise. Klan leaders
and politicians affiliated with
them in the gigantic plot to dom
mate the State government and
loot the public treasury, one may
safely infer, would not overlook
an opportunity to make a profit if
the chance were offered in that
department.
They tried to debauch the State.
highway commission, and when.
the attempt was wrecked against
the integrity Of John Williams
and Earl Crawford, the plotterS
unsuccessfully tried to besmirch
the characters Of these men by
bringing false indictments of graft
against them. They were bent on
ruling the State for their private
gain and were willing to go the
limit to gain their ends.
Homer r. Miller, prosecutor of
Howard County, says Stephenson
asserted more than twenty men
were party to a plot to control
certain State money, and told how
they obtained commissions from
banks and trust companies On de-
posts which the State allotted to
them.
Developments will show whether
Stephenson's story is the truth
or fabrication. The probability
is that it is true. If true, it should
occasion no surprise. The only
surprise is the concealment which
has kept it under cover for so
many months. And that may be
explained by. the resourcefulness
and fear of the men who are i'm
plicated in the plot. Violations
of the banking laws entail serious
consequences. Men guilty of shak-
ing the confidence of the public
IN financial institutions are not
prone to advertise their venality
or to broadcast it widely. Their
chief concern is to keep the viola
tons securely under cover.
Friends Of good government in
Indiana have known for more
than q year that the task Of
cleaning house would be a hercu.
lean one; a campaign Of attrition,
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1928-01-12
THE STORY OF CIVILIZATION
r-F1ie1d of the Common People
Written for The Times bu Wiu Durant

temples. in the elections, in public
contracts, and in provincial admin
istratiCn.
All governors. were to be required
henceforth to bond their estates be-
fore taking office in the provinces;
and any peculation found in their
career by strict investigation was
to be redeemed by the conflscation
CT their property at home.
To end violence at election time,
these laws made ineligible for Office
any man who should lay hands on
a'1y official or candidate. The con-
structive impartiality of Caesar
went so far as to legislate against
adultery.
Seldom has any man done so
much in one year of leadership. Not
only we're these fundamental laws
enacted, but Caesar found the time
with moneys secured from his an
gel, Crassus. to beautify Rome with
sple ndid temples, avenues and colon
nadeS.
His term expiring, and being by
law ineligible for reelection within
ten years, he secured for himself an
appointment as governor of Gaul.
For my part" he said, IT had
rather be first in Gaul than second
in Rome"
When he left for his new tasks,
the people mourned, and the aris-
tocracy sighed with relief. The Sen
ate, which had refused to support
his legislation, resumed it's SittingS,
and plotted his death.
(TO Be Continued
Copyright. 1927. by Will Durant)
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1928-01-12

position to get some evidence whether or not this
concern is well founded
According to the court records, this dummy con-
Germ was set up by small group Of men who used
it in such way to exact toll of about So 100000
from oil companies of which they were officers
They had the Continental Trading Company
which they controlled. purchase crude oil at SIPS a
Barrel for sale at $3.50 a barrel to companies of
which they were officers.
The Senate investigation is directed primarily to
the question of what became Of all of the profit from
this transaction part which appears to have reached
former Interior Secretary Fall.
The. Senate committee may discover what the
stockholders of the corporations who were being
MIXED by the Continental Trading Company did
about it when they found out about it.
If they did nothing that fact and the reason are
decidedly worth knowing in. view of the persistent
alarms about the trend to corporation control.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1928-01-12

DY this time Caesar had held
- various ofices,-priest, quaestor
praetor-financed in every candi-
dacy by CraSsus, his wealthy friend
The road to Office in those days
lay through the provision of great
festivals and spectacleS designed to
win the favor of the people; by pay
ing the expenses of gladiatorial
games one won the privilege OF
serving Rome.
Personally. Caesar did not care for
these bloody contests, and showed
his scorn of them by reading or writ
ing while the butchery went on.
Soon the Senate came to fear his
popularity.
When an alliance between Pompey
and Caesar-therefore between the
middle classes and the simpler citi-
zens-seemed imminent, Senatorial
gossips carefully spread the story
that Caesar had seduced Mucia,
Pompey's wife.
Pompey, agreeing with Caesar
about the double standard, sent
Mucia a writ of divorce. But on
returning from Asia he renewed his
friendship with Caesar, and sealed
it by marrying Caesars daughter
Julia.
In SO 3. c., with the support of
Pompey Caesar was elected consul
His first act was to. establish the
"Acta Diurna," a daily bulletin
publishing the doings Of the Sen
ate; he trusted that this publicity
would go some slight way in less
ening corruption.
Then he proposed a bill distribut-
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1928-01-12

Governor Smith has refused to
save Mrs. Snyder and Henry Judd
Gray from the electric chair, just
as most people thought he would.
Though such a decision was in
strict keeping with his oath of of
flee, though it may satisfy his rea-
son to leave his conscience clear, it
still reveals strength of character.
Like every humane man, his in
stinct was to be merciful.
Besides that, he was subjected to
the usual pressure.
What that pressure must have
been is indicated by the fact that
no less than twenty-five women
have written the warden of Sing
Sing offering to die in Mrs. Snyder's
place.