The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1930-03-24
MAD DANCERS
MAY CARRY ON
IN COURTROOM
Criminal, Civil Suits Filed
Against Promoter OF
Marathon.
FACED WITH PROBLEM
Attorney Says Contestants
Will Be Heard Before
Superior Judge.

Criminal and civil suits In two
county courts today we're the I'M
welcome answer to promises OF
Richard Edwards. promoter of the
Mad Marathon" in Cadle taber-
nacle, that new events" were to be
expected by his patrons.
Emulating Edwards marathon
fishermen, Prosecutor Judson L.
Stark and Attorney T. Ernest Ma
holm tossed their lines into Ed
wards domestic affairs and came
out with catches that added new
vicissitudes to the busy promoters
"Stringer."
In criminal court, Stark filed an
affidavit against Edwards charging
child desertion. a felony, punish
able by one to three years imprison-
ment. Stark asked an early trial.
. THE Woman" Is Named
In superior court four, Maholm,
attorneg for Mrs. Mildred Edwards,
ex-wife of the promoter. filed a
IS 900 alienation of affections suit,
naming Edwards as "a party" The
complaint named Miss Helen Dove,
Plaza hotel. as the woman" who
captivated Edwards affections, re-
sulting in a divorce three years ago.
But while Stark's action aimed at
Edwards freedom, Maholms suit
constituted a dire threat at his
marathon in CaUe tabernacle.
where today, under the vaulted
arches. twenty-five dancers plodded
YEARLY along.
-Four subpoenas will be issued to-
day. Maholm said, haling into Su-
perior court all the marathon con-
testantS. its managers and Amer
lean Legion members who have an
interest in the proceeds
Desertion Cases Rare
Can I transfer my dancers to a
courtroom? was the question con-
fronting Edwards. Either the pro-
moter must do that or his show will
come to abrupt end. it appeared.
Last week Edwards was sued by
his ex-wife for $500 delinquent
support money. Edwards is charged
with failing to contribute to the
support of his two children.
Although this charge is the basis
also of the criminal court action,
stark said his prosecution Of the
case will not affect the civil suit for
the $4,000
While child neglect cases are fire.
quent and may be heard by juvenile
court. child desertion prosecutions
are rare and carry heavy penalty
as a felony.
To Appear Wednesday
Wednesday. Edwards is scheduled
to appear before Superior Judge
William Q. Dunlavy for questioning
in the first case brought against
him. He must bring with him his
retinue of contestants and pro-
moter-associates Maholm contends.
Purpose of this. according TO the
attorney, will be to show that Ed
wards actually is the originator and
manager Of the dance. which Ed
wards has denied.
Faced With Problem
It Is problematic how Edwards can
transport two score of sleeky dane
ers. fishermen, walkers. knitterS and
sitters to a courtroom without halt
ing the display.
It was recalled that a marathon
last year. moved from TomlinSon
hall to an amusement park. con-
tinued uninterrupted. the dancers
shuffling their way on trucks to the
new location.
Edwards may find a stumbl 2
block, however. in using a court
room for these purposes. It was
proposed. by way of solution. that
the fisherman's tank occupy the To-
cation Of the jury box. It would be
sptly situated. according to the pro-
poSal, for purview of the court.
Music Is Forbidden
AS music is forbidden in the court
house. except on occasions, the
dancers may resort to hand-clap-
ping, TO keep a rhythm. although
such procedure may be hanpered
by a county custodian.
If plans of the dance are per-
fected. an additional problem is pre-
Septed in providing track. chairs,
bicycles and fishing rods for twenty
persons in a new series" of the con-
test. Others toppled out of the race
after 200 hours, and the vacancies
will be filled to add zest TO the per-
forp,anra n uraS Soid