The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1932-03-23

Chicago liquor rings.
Investigators are said to be
checking reports that whisky
bearing "Old Log Cabin" la
bells, similar to that in the car
load, was being peddled here
at that time.
Reports have been made to the
probers, it is charged, that this
whisky has been the principal item
at score or more hilarious drink
ing parties. in a north side apart
ment house, at which high local
Republican officials were present.
At these parties, it is said. ladies
of the pavement mingled with
ladies' Of the high rent district.
other Liquor in Room
The room in the basement where
the liquor was stored contained
not only the box car booze, but ITO
quarts and 178 pints of Scotch and
Canadian liquor, cognac. brandies
and wines
The load" also included imported
beer and ale seized March IL, 1881,
by deputy sheriffs in a raid on a
mansion at Eightleth street and
College avenue. leased by Claude
and Nellie Bittroff.
The federal building Storeroom is
the one which gained national
notoriety six years ago, when it was
revealed that approximately $225, 900
worth of Squibbs liquor from the
Lawrenceburg, Ind, distilleries, had
been stolen.
Federal authorities arrested five
men in connection with this theft.
Evidence showed that the liquor was
stolen by removing hinges from the
door to gain entrance into the base
ment hiding place.
Figures Do Not Check
The Evansville and Bittrolff liquor
was destroyed several months ago
and a check list made 1t is said
that disparities in the figures at the
time of the destruction. with those
obtained when contlscated, resulted
in the investigation.
Officials of the Indiana Anti-Sa-
loon League here also are said to
have participated in the inveStiga-
ton and are said to have obtained
information that the nocturnal ex-
ploit0 Of certain dry agents were not
such as they desired in defenders of
high morality and law and order.
Much correspondence passed be-
tween the local dry league office and
Amos w. w. Woodcock, national
prohibition director, regarding the
manner in which prohibition agents
were making cases against half
pinters," while the big shots" were
not touched unless raided by police
or deputy sheriffS.
Currie Case PrObed
In addition, the heat" was turned
on Charles Britt, formerly deputy
prohibition administrator here,
with his favorite aid, Patrick CTwo-
Gum Currle, who had an uncanny
faculty OF making so many buys that
none or very little liquor was found
in places raided. Currie shot up
the Happy Hour" barbecue Oct. Is.
1t was charged that Currie was
intoxicated at the time. He was
aTaigned in municipal court.
Trial of the case was postponed
time after time, while Britt is said
to have attempted to square
things" for Currie. against whom all
charges finally were dismissed.
II was then that Colonel F. j. j.
Herbert of Chicago, former adj
ministrator for the entire area,
came here, accompanied by the
present deputy administrator. John
w. Morrill,, and told Currie:
when you go out on search war
rants today, you go as a private
citizen which Currie understood to
mean he was dismissed summarily.
Morrill, then succeeded Britt, who
was denoted to agent at New
Al