davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New Britain herald., 1930-07-26

ment the Van Dyck scandal, on
 which detectives of two countries E are still bending their most valiant efforts, which mayor may not
 be crowned with success.
 It is an interesting point that
 since rare masterpieces began to sell
 at half million dollars each, some
 of the brainiest crooks in Europe and America have turned themselves into art students. Through exhaustive study they find out exactly what sort of art is at present the most valu- able
 The have taught themselves the COT. rect method of slipping picture from its frame; how, in case of hurry, to cut the frame away with the least damage to the picture. They even have learned such details as that thin paper must be pasted over a painting-with a spe- cial kind of glue-if the canvas is to be rolled up without injury.
 The theft of the Van Dyck painting in some respects parallels the disap- pearance of the Mona Lisa of the elu- sive smile from her frame in the Louvre nearly twenty years ago. The day after the famous painting was found missing the world rang with alarm. It seemed past comprehension that this unexampled picture, in some ways the most celebrated portrait ever done by brush, could be sur reptitiously taken from it's frame in the carefully guarded precincts of the Louvre.
 Hurried search disclosed the frame and cradle without picture. The theft had been difficult, because Leonardo da Vinci painted his famous subject upon wood, which could not be rolled up like canvas. Newspapers were filled with discussion and many books were written upon the disappearance of this picture.
 There were dark hints of a woman ir the case. It was recalled that in 1908 woman sprang at the picture with knife, declaring she would end for all time the smile never interrupted It was rumored that another woman finally slashed the picture.
 Mona Lisa, it may be said. never was favorte with many women They assumed to see in her smile ar enigmatical something believed to be 2 lure and the peril of all good wives with susceptible husbands. Louis XVI. used to stand before her for rant periods, until Marie Antoinette scolded him.
 Meanwhile Scotland Yard joined with the French police in attempting to track down the picture thief. Every detail of the painting became public.
 Finally, in December, 1913, Mona Lisa was found in Florence, from which she originally came The despoiler of the Louvre told a fantastic tale of revenge for Napoleon's removal ot art works from Italy. In this way Mona Lisa returned to the Louvre and from her place upon the wall stil smiles on the world.
 It took two years to find the Mona Lisa, after worldwide publicity-so il is no wonder that Scotland Yard and the Belgian police are facing a difficult task in attempting to find the lost Angels"
 The task is the more difficult be cause the thief dares not dispose of the treasure through the usual channels. i
New Britain herald., 1930-07-26
Combination Pho,o-Drawing, Expressing an Artists


 Expressing al Artists Conception of How Van Dyck's The Concert of the Angels" Was Cut from Its Frame While Awaiting Delivery a London Connoisseur in the Hold of Belgian Ship One Theory Holds That the Thief Was Young Woman Head of Gang of internationally Operating Crooks. Painting Authencaly Reproduced.
New Britain herald., 1930-07-26

ct six inches by four feet three ches.
 MT. Phillips's version of the calami- us disappearance of The Concert of ? Angels" is very detailed and ,kes interesting reading. "I re- we'd" he said, "a letter from the ,ner dated December 18th, saying 1t he was sending the picture by the ussels Steamship Company the next y. l did not hear any more (about until the afternoon of December th, when the steamship company ephoned to say that the picture had lived at London Docks.
 A carter from the St. James's Pack , Company told me the case had ar ed, and he was followed by mem- of the firm who said the frame $ damaged and asked me to look at l said; Never mind; is the picture right?' But the carter replied: cture? There isn't picture there" hurried to the packing yard and md that the canvas had been hacked ay from the frame. The picture has an much sought after lately, and I s going to buy it after 1 had eX- lined it." Monsieur Bechbache, in
 formed by radio of his loss,
 was even more downcast than
 the English consignee.
 From the start, the police
 were sadly hampered by the
 fact that seventeen
 days had elapsed be- tween the shipment of the Van Dyck and Sss its presumable arrival at Tilbury. More than two weeks, and Ss8 not soul except the 3@ thief, or thieves, had %s m inspected it in the in- terval. No wonder Scotland Yard scratched it's collect i've head and made a : ;$33s & wry face.
 sSs Then, too, there was the annoying - lack of material clues to point to the ma
 rauder The Ry
 criminal - man or
 woman - had fore
 stalled the finding of W fngerprint evidence
 by wearing gloves. ssg Not a trace of a se whori could be found. .~as> even with the aid of powerful microscopes,
 on the frame or the
 packing surrounding
 it.
 On an of chance,
 certain sections Of
 Limehouse and Soho -on, ,h were probed by the on' lne investigators, in the 'vered hope that suspicious
 characters known to
Imperial Valley press. (El Centro, Calif.) 1907-current, 1930-01-24
Fits To Decide
Upon Candidacy

LOS ANGELES, Jan. "a. W.H-
A definite decision on whether he
will be a candidate for governor of
California will be announced next
Monday morning, Buron Fits, dis
trict attorney of Los Angeles coun-
ty, said today.
This information was contained
in a formal statement Fits made
to newspapermen after he told
them that a statement of estate
wide significance" probably would
be made today.
Fits said he intended to spend
the weekend thinking the matter
over and that his final decision
would be ready Monday morning &.
Fits statement follows:
"From throughout California re-
quests are coming in to this office
as to whether or not 1 have arrived
at a decision on the governorship
matter. l have been far too busy in
the past to give the matter the
thought it deserves. I shall devote
the week end in arriving at de-
cision. What that decision will be,
] am not able. to say. However l
will make a positive decision next
Monday morning.
Imperial Valley press. (El Centro, Calif.) 1907-current, 1930-01-24
BIFFLE'S WIFE
GOES TO COURT
ON STRETCHER

LOS ANGELES, Jan. "a. W.R)-
Carried into a superior courtroom on
q stretcher, Mrs. Floy Biffle, wife
Of Garland Biffle, law book sales
man charged with perjury, today
testified in behalf of her husband
shortly before the defense rested its
case.
Biffle is on trial because of test
imony he gave for Alexander Pan
tages at the trial in which the thea
tire magnate was convicted of Il
charge of assaulting Eunice Pringle,
II year old dancer.
Mrs. Biffle claimed she saw Miss
Pringle and her manager, Nick Dun
aev, in the lobby of the Pantages
building a short time before the
dancer went up for the conference
at which she alleged the assault oc-
currred. Mrs. Biffle said she was
unable to hear what the girl and
manager were saying but that her
husband was closer to them.
Biffle declared at Pantages' trial
that he heard conversation which in
Dictated the case was "frame-up."
Imperial Valley press. (El Centro, Calif.) 1907-current, 1930-01-24
PROGRESS
PLEASES.
S1IMS0N
Sessions Thus Far Meet
With Approval OF All
Delegations.
WILL ADMIT PRESS
American Leader States
Correspondents To Be In
Attendance.
By RAYMOND CLAPPEK
United Press Staff Correspondent

LONDON, Jan. "a. (U.H-Progress
of the naval conference has been
very satisfactory and encouraging,
Secretary Henry l.. Stimson en-
nounced today.
Everything done by the deIegarcs
of the five powers, who have been
in almost continual private session
in addition to open business meet
ing, seemed to meet with general
approval of all delegations, Stimson
told the press at conference at st:
James Palace.
The American chief delegate con-
ferred all morning with his ascot
ates and will see Dino Grandi, the
Italian foreign minister, at 2:30 p.
H., for another private conversation
to smooth the way of the confer
ence.
The French and Italian delegates
paid separate visits to the residence
of Prime Minister Macdonald to
continue their conversations with
the British delegation.
Stimson announced, in his talk
with correspondents, that he intends
to provide for American Press repre-
senatives at future meetings of tlfe
whole conference, such as was held
Yesterday. He sees no reason why
the press should not be admitted.
There had been many protests
against the secrecy attending the
conference, especially when cores
pondents had to wait until the con.
ference was over yesterday to get
report of proceedings.
Progress Made
The French delegates resumed dis
cussion of methods Of procedure
early today, going to the British
governments residence at 10 a. m.
1t was announced that MacDon-
aid will go to his country house at
Chequers tonight and will receive
the empire delegates there tomor-
row.
1t was understood that both Bril-
fish and French delegations believe
they have made real progress toward
compromise on the procedure for
figuring naval tonnage.
The compromise may be based on
plan for transferring tonnage from
one category to another under a
system of rigid control, it was un.
derstood. France now has the right
to build $4,000 tons of battleships
under the Washington treaty but
has not started construction. France
would prefer to transfer that tom
mage to other categories, particular
~ to light cruisers and submarines
and the present conversations have
been devoted to that subject.
The French delegates are hope
full that the eonferenc would pass
the present "stagAant" status by
Thursday when it was expected
there would be sufficient agreement
ON method to permit precise prog.
resN THE French delegated win
meet the Japanese at $3.50 D. m. to
discuss the same suestions of proceed
ure.
Imperial Valley press. (El Centro, Calif.) 1907-current, 1930-01-24
GOVERNMENT IS
INTERESTED in
JULIAN HEARING

LOS ANGELES, Jan. "a. UH-
The U. S. district attorneys office
today asked transcript of evidence
given at the deposition hearing of
the Julian Petroleum Company
stockholders recovery suit by S. c.,
Lewis, former Julian president, Miss
Leontine johnson and Jacob Ber-
man.
Federal authorities admitted they
were "vitally interested" in disclos-
ures made by the three witnesses
last week, but withheld comment on
the possibility of another federal
investigation of the $l2,OOO,000
stock over-issue.
Meanwhile, court proceedings were
at standstill today with dcposi
ton hearing in adjournment until
February 3.
Lewis, herman and Ed II. Rosen-
berg are under Indictment charged
with using the mails to defraud in
connection with the Julian company,
and Lewis and Berman are under
bond pending an appeal of their
conviction of mail fraud in connect.
ION with the Lewis Oil Company.
Imperial Valley press. (El Centro, Calif.) 1907-current, 1930-01-24
Indict Doctor
On Drug Count

LOS ANGELES, Jan. "a. U.H--
An Indictment charging him with IL
legally giving Alma Rubens. screen
star, narcotics on 81 occasions, was
returned today against DR.. Jesse
Citron by the federal grand jury.
The indictment, in effect, renews
Q previous true bill returned against
the physician.
1t charges that DR.. Citron sold
cocaine or morphine to Miss Rubens.
Miss Rubens just recently was dis
missed from Patton where she went
to take cure after suffering a total
breakdown from the use of narcot-
les.
DR.. Citron first was indicted af-
ter Miss Ruben's condition became
known and after federal agents ac-
cused the physician of having sup
piled her with drugs.
Imperial Valley press. (El Centro, Calif.) 1907-current, 1930-01-24
SAYS SHOOTING
BY CUARDSMEN
WAS JUSTIFIED

DETROIT, Mich, Jan. "a. UP
Two customs border patrolmer who
shot Walter Grundt, 81, a suspected
rum runner, today found their stories
of the shooting corroborated by
Grundt's companion in beer SNUG
Cling scheme.
Drawn from hiding by the report
that his pal needed blood for trans
fusion, Roy Fountain, SO, who ad-
mitted he was with Grundt, came to
the hospital to offer his blood.
Today he was examined by Ward
Culver, chief assistant county prose
cutor, and then freed. Culver said he
admitted he and Grundt were irving
to run in load of beer, that the
officers called to them to halt and
that it was the third or fourth shot
that hit Grundt.
Fountain said he was not armed
and so far as he knew Grundt did
not carry gun.
"It was my first load and l was
neutrality-suspicious. to land it, > Gull
yer said Fountain told him. " That
was why I told Grundt to row back
from the landing. After he was shot
| rowed the boat to the landing
down river, throwing off the beer on
the way. When l landed l went to
get aid and when l returned they ID
taken him away, so | beat it, too. -
Fountain said he asked Grundt to
aid in bringing over the load of 80
cases from Canada. Grundt was to
have half the load for his share, Gull
yer said Fountain told him.
Grundt, who had charged he was
fired ON without warning, was re-
ported somewhat improved today.
Imperial Valley press. (El Centro, Calif.) 1907-current, 1930-01-24
LOS ANGELES WOMEN WIN OUT
IN BATTLE OF POST HOLES
LOS ANGELES, Jan. "a. alp,

LOS ANGELES, Jan. "a. Ny.p)
The housewives of 7th street
were toasted today by other
ladies of the town and there
was talk Of triumph. They had
emerged victorious from a line
of trenches, narrow, uncomfort-
able trenches. Post holes!
Yesterday the 7th street bri.
gade defended its front yards
from an invasion by pick and
shovel men, soldiers of the Tos
Angeles Railway and won. be-
cause a man can't finish DIGGING
a post hole in which a deter1nin,
ed woman stands screaming
Called into action by Mrs
Myrtle Powell, a feminine P9nl
Revere-eXcept for the horse
the housewives sailed into their
front yards after workmen had
nearly completed digging a
three-block line Of holes which
the property owners COMMANDED
should have gone at the rear os
their dwellings.
Imperial Valley press. (El Centro, Calif.) 1907-current, 1930-01-24
Attach Famous
Artists Violin

LOS ANGELES, Jan. "a. U.H-
The violin on which Efrem Zimbalist
gives his concerts, technically was
in custody of deputy sheriffs today
pending the conclusion of suit
filed against the violinist by George
Smith, 81, of La Crescenta.
Smith contends in his action that
Zimbalist purchased from him two
rare violins but paid only $4,000 of
the agreed $4,000 purchase price.
Attorneys for Zimbalist state that
the two violins were fakes although
Zimbalist was fooled by them at
first.
The $4,000 instrument that Zim-
balist used in concert here was
attached but later was released to
Iimbalist when he posted bond.
Imperial Valley press. (El Centro, Calif.) 1907-current, 1930-01-24
Bishops Son In
Court Once More

LOS ANGELES, Jan. "a. U.H-
Richard NJ. Cannon, son Of the fam
Gus Virginia dry leader, Bishop
James Cannon, must pay his grocery
bill, a municipal Judge ordered yes
terday after deciding the receipt
signed by a groceryman had been
forced.
Mrs. f. w. Pollendine, wife of the
grocer, brought suit against Cannon
to force payment Of $152.30 bill.
The defendant produced receipt
bearing the signature of the store
owner.
Judge Daley s. Stafford held the
signature had been forged, but said
he could not determine who had
written paid in full" on the slip.
Imperial Valley press. (El Centro, Calif.) 1907-current, 1930-01-24
RACE RIOTINC
CONTINUES In
NORTH OF STATE
More Clashes Reported
Between Whites And
Filipino Groups.

SAN JOSE, Calf, Jan. "a. UP
Race riots between whites and Fill
pinos of the Pa.iaro valley swept
San Jose last night and one white
youth is near death today.
Alfred johnson, %. was stabbed
twice in the back by a gang of
Filipinos and is in critical condi-
ton at a San Jose hospital.
Four Filipinos were severely beat
On in retaliation for the stabbing
Of Johnson. They are Pedro Ventura,
Leonard Santiago, Vincent Sabio and
Denny Chavriano.
Johnson was wounded in riot
starting in front of the San Jose
post office. Learning of the stab
hing a group Of five white youths
toured the Filipino section later IN
the night and attacked gang of
the islanders whom they beat and
mauled numerically.
jacksonville, the vortex of h e
Filipino whites whirlpool of hatred,
was under armed guard last night.
A regular vigilante committee had
been formed of American legion
naires, Spanish war veterans, fire
men and police.
More than 70 Filipinos, who APP
piled for protection, were permitted
to sleep in the city hall under armed
guard.
All corners, whites and islanders
we're challenged on the streets.
Groups of both races were broken
up by the armed forces and ordered
&c their homes.
Reinforcements Coming
Expected arrival of from 100 to
geo additional Filipinos from other
parts of the state as reinforcements
for the Paiaro Valley Filipino col
ony kept whites in turmoil early to-
day.
Only one Filipino has met death
to date. authorities believe. That
was Fermin Tovera found dead II
his bunkhouse bed with bullet
through his heart early yesterday.
Rioting started near Watsonvill
several nights ago when a mob OF
whites ralQed tne NoItH Moh'oiN
Filipino club where number OF
pretty white girls have been kept
as entertainers for Filipinos.
The white girls live on the prem
ises of the club and dance with the
Filipinos. All but four of them have
Fled the place since the beginning
of the riots.
William and Locke Paddon. owner
and manager of the club. once vel
known jacksonville residents, have
refused to close the place claiming
they have legitimate right tf
operate it.
Three white men were wounded
when Locke fired into q mob OF
them with a shotgun several nights
ago. None was seriously hurt.
Seven youths, all members OF
prominent Jacksonville families,
were arrested last night for riot
ing. Six are held in the Monterey
county Jail at Salinas today.
They are, r. A. Smith. George
Barnes, Ramon Davis, George Sias,
Charles Morrison Ted Spangcr and
Fred Majors. Their ages range from
IS to 25.
Imperial Valley press. (El Centro, Calif.) 1907-current, 1930-01-24
CONFERENCE AT
RENO SETTLING
DOWN TO WORK

RENO, New, Jan. "a. U.p)-Na-
tional importance of the conference
here between states of the Pacific
southwest regarding equitable dis.
tribution of the proposed Boulder
dams water and power was en-
phasized by William j. Donovan,
the "itinerant chairman,' today.
The conference was resolved
into three phases as well as be-
tween the three states it was pri-
marily called for.
Inaugural efforts have been en-
tlrely to reach an agreement on the
distribution of water, Donovan re-
vealed. Consequently the observers
from the "upper basin'' states
Wyoming, Utah. New Mexico and
Colorado-have relaxed. They are
interested only in the power issues
and are not concerned as to how
the water is allocated to the CLOVER
basin' states.
Donovan game 4 he title of
itinerant chairuan'' when he split
the opening DAY cs the conference
into three section and has been
Fastening back and forth between
the delegations of California, Ari-
iona and Nevada.
Preliminary work by Donovan who
is personal representative from See
rotary of Interior Ray Lyman Will
bur, has conferred about the Cali
fornia and Arizona representations
with Nevada being advised of every
move.
Nevada has asked and has been
conceded 100000 acre feet of water
from the proposed project.
Donovan has advised delegations
from the three states that success
of the present negotiations will have
far reaching effect in setting a
precedent for the settlement of fu-
ture disputes between states and
therefore the problem is one of ma
tional Importance that should be re-
garded from a national viewpoint.
The chairman said last night he
vas firmly impressed that if a set
cement is to be reached, the method
Of each state comforting separately
must be continued.
Seeks Common Ground
Donovan said he was seeking a
common ground for them to meet
on in a general conference later. In
doing this, he claims, he is saving
the possibility of any delegate com
uniting himself before representa-
tives of other state and having to
maintain that position in prolonged
debate.
1t was understood that no PROPOSE
lions have been made from Cali
fornla to Arizona, or vice versa.
Another report was that the dele
cations were getting along amicably
and would continue to do so as long
as all formality is swept aside.
Donovan believes lie will have 10
wait until tonight before he can give
any indications as to how long the
conference will last or when h e
various delegates will meet together
again in the main conference cham
hers.
After the water distribution ques-
ton is cleared, the observers from
"upper basin' states will watch
carefully deliberations on ALLEGATION
of power, the price to be paid for
such power and the price to be
charged California municipalities for
domestic water.
Imperial Valley press. (El Centro, Calif.) 1907-current, 1930-01-24
WHAT'S DOING
TONIGHT

TONIGHT
Cotton Blossom singers, s:15,
Eastside school.
McCabe farm center, 7:45,
Eucalyptus school,.
o. e. s. No. 276, 8, Masonic
Temple.
Troop IS, B. 8. A.. 1880, Nc
Cabe school.
Troop 16, B. s. A., 7:30, scout
hut.
Troop 81, B. s. A.. 1880, M.
E. social hall.
Loyal Young Peoples class,
ST. Vine.
Boxing, 9, Ell Centre Arena.
Fox Imperial Theatre, "The
Lone Star Ranger.
Bronson Players in believe
It Or Not" 1880, Palace.
TOMORROW
Girl Reserve breakfast, 6-2,
Gas Company office.
Junior matinee, "Yreckles,"
2:15, Fox Imperial Theatre.
Story hour. 1880, city library.
Imperial Valley press. (El Centro, Calif.) 1907-current, 1930-01-24
Beating In Jail
To Be PrObed

LOS ANGELES, Jan. "a. W.H-
A double investigation centering
around the alleged beating of San
Diego man in Georgia street police
station was under way by the police
commission today.
Commissioner Francis Drake said
a most complete probe would be
made of the charges of William A.
Lucas, %, San Diego, who was said
to have been beaten by G. B. Bohm-
falk, iailor.
The commissioner said separate
investigation would determine why
Bohmfalk was reported in Fresno
today when he was to have appear
ed at the district attorneys office
for questioning.
Imperial Valley press. (El Centro, Calif.) 1907-current, 1930-01-24

At a shrill signal from Mrs.
Powell (Revere) who had prev
iously aroused the neighborhood,
the home guards rushed aside
company allies and leaped into
the post holes.
The startled workmen retreat
ed before the first volley Of
screams. Pleading was useless,
argument impossible. SO a riot
SQUAD was called.
Don't talk until you see the
tops of their heads" police
Louie" called out.
Bat the officers hadn't a
chance for a verbal barrage
either. These women were fight
ing for the sanctity OF their
yards.
At last the workmen with
drew to let legal tacticians Of
the railway company determine
if the power line should go
across 18th street property via
back yards.
Imperial Valley press. (El Centro, Calif.) 1907-current, 1930-01-24
Actress Again
Seeks Divorce

LOS ANGELES, Jan. "a. W.p,--
The way was cleared today for Mil.
bred Harris, former wife Of Charlie
chaplin, to divorce her second hus
band, Everett T. MacGovern.
Attorneys for MacGovern have
filed an appearance under which the
actress need not wait the expiration
of the usual 90 day statutory re-
quirement for publication of the sui.
The date for hearing may ne set
Immediately and Miss Harris is a.
sured of divorce by default.
In her complaint filed last Noven.
her, Miss Harris accused MaeGoverp
of deserving her in 1926. She also
claimed that he objected to her fol
lowing a career as a screen pi5ver