The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1932-03-08
BY BATES RANEY
United Press staff Correspondent

HOPEW ELL, N. J., March
8.-Colonel Charles A. Lind
bergh took over today almost
singlehanded the task of get
ting back his kidnapped son,
Charles A. Jr.
New Jersey police, while still en-
deavoring to solve the mystery and
ready to aid the kidnapers in re-
storing the child to the colonel and
his suffering wife, Ann Morrow
Lindbergh, virtually were super
seeded by the youthful flier, and his
immediate associates, Colonel Henry
Breckenridge, his mother-in-
Mrs. Dwight Morrow, and Mrs.
Lindbergh.
Doesn't Want Interference
Lindbergh made it plain to the
state police that he did not want
his wires tapped or his mail read
by the police, and they we're COM
PEELED to confine themselves to two
tasks:
aPatroIling the estate to keep
away the curious Or others with no
valid business at the Sourland
mountain estate, from which last
Tuesday night the baby was kid
Mapped
Checking over tips from New
Jersey and other points as to
mysterious cars" mysterious
strangers with babies" and strange
hideaways which might shelter
stolen baby.
No Definite CIews
Insofar as has been revealed bv
Lindbergh and his associates, there
still is no definite cleW to the child
or its abductors.
A false report, not circulated by
the United Press Monday night,
claimed that two communications
had been received Sunday from the
kidnapers. The story proved to be
incorrect, and the United Press was
advised by an unqueStionable
source that it had no basis in fact.
Notes are being received. But
they are from people either DESTROYS
of being helpful, or from cranks
and "chiselers."
The contact of Colonel Lindbergn
with the underworld through Sal
vatore Spitale and the latter's
guardSman, Irving Bitz, is being
closely kept.
But Spitale advised the United
Press early today that his position
as listening post in gangland had
not yet proved successful.
Some Points Clarified
He maintains he is not acting as
detective; that he merely is the
clearing house between the under
world and the Lindberghs, to bear
any word of the child's where
abouts.
The police press conference clari-
fed today some points that have
caused much speculation.
This developed:
l. That the baby could have been
taken out through a regular exit
in the house without disturbing the
Lindberghs or their dog, who were
downstairs.
3. The investigation as to men,
berS Of the household still is open.
Meantime, Henry Red) johnson,
sutton Of Miss Betty Cow, the Lind
bergh maid, still is held for exami-
nation, but without charges, at the
Newark police headquarters.
Odd Condolences Revealed
The proprietor of a roadside
stand in Connecticut said he had
identified Johnson at Newark as the
man who, Tuesday night, bought
warm milk at the stand.
There were indications johnson
is victim Of circumstantial evil
dence.
He talked with Betty Cow on the
kidnapping evening, and subsequent
ly left for Connecticut.
There have been some odd COIN
cidences concerning his journey,
but New Jersey authorities have
limited they do not regard John
sons actions as amiss or as throw
ing any light helpful to the in
quiry.
Ransom Demand Verified
e Meantime, the United Press
learned from sources independent
Of the police and the Lindberghs
that there is, as stated first by the
United Press last Wednesday morn
ing, a ransom note left behind at
the time Of the kidnapping.
The reason for denial Of existence
of this note, in view Of the inforna-
ton previously given by the Lind
bergh adviser, is not altogether
clear.
However, there are hints that the
Lindberghs may give reward in
stead CT ransom-a move which
would exculpate any one taking
money for the baby's return.
Ransom" implies guilt: reward,
only payment for meritorious
service.