davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Imperial Valley press., 1935-04-09
BAD
CHECK PASSER
IS SENTENCED

H. G. Armstrong, 70, was SEN
fenced to San Quentin prison for
the term prescribed by law by
Judge Vaughn Thompson in supe-
rior court this morning. The de-
fendant had pleaded guilty last Fri
day to charge of issuing an n. 6.
f. check in the amount of $40 at
a local hotel. During his ques-
tioning by the court this morning
he stated he was born on August
IL, 1868. Records showed, accord
ing to the district attorneys office
that he had served several prison
terms previous to this commitment.
Leroy Allen, Negro, pleaded not
guilty to charge of murder and
his trial was set for May 6. He is
charged with the shooting of Frank
Miller here recently during an ar
gument over 25 cents.
Major Barber was arraigned on
a charge of burglary. c. L. Brown
was appointed to represent him in
court and the case was continued
until April IL for plea. Lawrence
Wheeler, charged with the possess
sion of blackjack was also ar
raigned, Alfred Blaisdell was ap-
pointed his attorney and the case
will come up for plea on Friday.
Imperial Valley press., 1935-04-09
EUROPE SEEKS SHOWDOWN ON ARMAMENTS
Local Banks Tie Up District Funds On Deposit
RED CROSS TO
ASSIST NEEDY
SCHOOL PUPILS

Mrs. w. j. Meagher was appoint
ed chairman to take charge OF
clothing for needy school children
not on SERA aid at last night IS
meeting of the local Red Cross
chapter board held at the Securi-
ty-Title office. Charles p. Delp.
vice-chairman presided.
The local chapter Is taking care
of county cases in need of help yet
who do not come under the SERA
requirements for aid. One pair of
glasses was allowed last night for
a person not on the SERA.
Delp, as chairman of the disaster
relief organization explained the
various committees which would
operate In case of disaster: survey,
rescue, medical aid, shelter, food
and clothing. Various service clubs
have been apportioned this work.
The annual "learn to swim
campaign will be held here the first
week in June, report on final ar
rangements being made to the
board last night.
Imperial Valley press., 1935-04-09
ACTION TAKEN
DUE I D FIGHT
OVER OFFICES
) Two Treasurers And Two
ASSESSOR Collectors Results In
Protective Measure
DEPUTIES ALL "AT SEA"
Who's Who And Why Appears
To Be Great Mystery As
Rivals Claim Authority
DEPUTIES ALL "AT SEA"

Ell Centre bankers have furnish
ed the latest developments in the
lgeal battle now waging between
e. N. D. Hatch, Charles Bratton, F.
H. McIver and Winnie Barry for
the possession of the irrigation dis
trict offices of assessor collector
and treasurer.
This morning, representatives of
both the local banks met at the
irrigation district offices to con-
slider the question as 1t stands at
present Following this it was an
nounced that the banks have tied
up district deposits now in their
custody pending an opinion from
their attorneys on the situation.
This action was interpreted to
mean that the banks will not al
low any transfers from moneys be-
longing to the district and now on
deposit here unless through court
order or after bank attorneys have
indicated that they would be le-
gally in the clear in allowing such
transfers. This affects only the
funds now on deposit and not what
may be received in the district Of
fices and not taken to the banks. 1t
was said further that in all pro-
liability the matter would be clear
ed up as far as the banks were
concerned within the next day or
two, but nothing was said as to
the manner in which this might be
achieved.
The cause of this action hinges
on that taken by Hatch and Brat
ton yesterday In announcing that
they were taking up office space
in the general offices of the dis
trict and were prepared to carry
on as assessor collector and trea-
s,irer respectively. Each appointed
his staff of deputies, Bratton tax
ing over 10 who had served under
the former assessor collector re-
gime. while Hatch reappointed Miss
Anna McManus as assistant trea-
surcr.
Make Counter Move
McIver and Miss Barry countered
this move with the announcement
Through theiroattorney Hugh Nc
Kinnon, thet they would remain
at their posts and further that un-
less the former deputies would
acknowledge them as their supe-
(Contjnueu On Page 81
Imperial Valley press., 1935-04-09
STRIKER SHOT
DURING BATTLE

SAN PEDRO, Calf, April 8. W.p
Police reinforcements were post
ed over the waterfront today to
prevent further clashes in the
month-old oil tanker strike which
flared from a quiet staleEnate yes
terday into a wharf battle In which
one striker was wounded.
The striker, Juan Duran, was
shot in the right shoulder during
clash between striking scalers'
and painters union workers and
three automobile loads Of non-uri-
ion strikebreakers near the Beth
lehem shipyards on Terminal
island. His condition was reported
critical today.
The pickets attempted to stop
the automobiles bearing the striker
breakers, who resisted the attempt
and were joined by other non
union workers and company
guards. During the scuffle one shot
was fired and Duran dropped 70
the ground. He was taken to O hos
pital, while strikers and strike-
breakers fled.
Duran was on picket duty OUT
side the shipyard. He Joined other
strikers when the three carloads OF
strikebreakers sped from the plat
form and halted In front Of cafe.
Police were unable to learn who
fired the shot during the clash.
Imperial Valley press., 1935-04-09
GRAND JURY
TO QUESTION
BAIL BROKERS

LOS ANGELES, April 9. W.P) -
Activities of bail bond solicitors fell
under the security of the county
grand jury criminal complaints
committee today when an investiga-
ton was ordered with the cooper
alton of the district attorney, sher-
iff and chief of police.
George Rochester, foreman of
the grand jury, said the inquiry
would determine the truth OF fall
sity OF charges that many court
defendants had been threatened
with being "railroaded" unless they
employed certain attorneys" and
bail bondsmen at exorbitant fees.
A similar investigation has been
started by the bar association.
"Intimations have been made by
bail bonding representatives that
unless certain attorneys are en-
ployed and paid oft-times exorhi-
tant fees. the person accused of
crime will be railroaded," Roches-
ter said. I'm our opinion, the law
enforcement agencies are not a
party to these corrupt practices,
which may involve intimidation
and bribery, and it is therefore
our desire, to make an exhaustive
investigation for the purpose of
eliminating these abuses"
The committee, as the first step
in the inquiry. conferred with Po-
lice Chief James E. Davis and Sher-
iff Eugene Biscailuz, both of whom
pledged their cooperation.
Imperial Valley press., 1935-04-09
PEACE HOPES
M|NGLE WITH
TALK Of WAR
Cermany's Demands Revealed
In Report Submitted To British
House OF Commons
PREPARE FOR STRESA MEET
Nations Sch dule d To Talk
Over Situation At Conference
Set For Thursday
PREPARE FOR sTRESA MEET
By UNITED PRESS

Europe, with a large part of its
population in mental panic over
the danger of war, moved definite
ly today toward showdown on
ornaments.
Britain prepared to go to the
Stresa conference with France and
Italy Thursday to make a strenu-
Gus effort to bring Germany into a
general agreement and block any
effort by France and other powers
to take strong action against Ger
many.
Britain was understood to have
invited Germany to submit new
suggestions for a collective security
system.
The French cabinet met, however,
and was understood to have de-
termined on firm stand for her
own security and the curbing OF
Germany in eastern Europe. 1t was
believed general European arms
conference would be suggested for
this summer.
Berlin proceeded quietly on its
way, waiting for the other powers
to show their hands. 1t was dis
closed that two pocket" battle
ships are being built which exceed
the tonnage limitations Of the YER
sailles treaty and are to be heavily
armed. The country was mostly
preoccupied by patriotic tribute with
militaristic trend to Gen. Erich
Ludendorff, its famous wartime
leader, on his 10th birthday.
LONDON, April 9 W.P)--Germany's S
demand for big army, navy and
air force were officially revealed to
the house of commons today for the
first time by Sir John Simon.
foreign secretary.
Previously, the house heard Sir
Philip Sassoon, undersecretary for
air, forecast speeding up of Britains
military aircraft program to meet
Germanys bid.
Simon was cheered when he in
formed the house of Adolf Hitler's
proposals during their Berlin meet
ings. The proposals included:
An army of SO divisions, repre-
senting a maximum Of $4,000 SOL
diers.
Germany claimed to possess all
types of arms which other coun-
tries have.
With certain reservations" Ger
many claimed 35 per cent OF
Britain's naval tonnage and air
parity with Britain and France.
Germany is prepared to accept a
system of military supervision. pro-
vided it is applied co all powers
Continued ON Page 81
Imperial Valley press., 1935-04-09
TEN DIE IN
RAIL WRECK

ROSEVILLE. Calf, April 9. W.D
- Ten railroad section laborers
were killed, another was injured
critically and three others were
hurt less seriously in a collision
traced indirectly today to flood
conditions in Northern California.
The victims were riding on a
motorized section car returning
from repairing trackage and road
beds north of Roseville when their
car crashed into work train on
the Marysville- -Roseville branch of
the Southern Pacific last night.
Four of the IA abroad the sec
ton car jumped to safety. They
were the only ones to escape death.
The 10 who remained aboard were
killed. Several bodies were found go
feet from the scene of the crash.
One was not found until several
hours after the accident.
Neither Jim Dematuplis, foreman
of the section crew, nor Arthur
Kirby, engineer of the work train,
could offer an explanation for the
collision.
Imperial Valley press., 1935-04-09
0C0T|LL0 IN
FULL BLOOM

A vivid array of color awaits the
motorist who travels the old But
terfield Stage Route and the I'M
perial Highway out through the
desert north of Coyote Wells and
the little settlement of Ocotillo, ac-
cording to the tourist committee
of the Ell Centro Chamber of Com
merce.
Through this country, there is
virtually a forest of ocotillos, some
of them 10 and IL feet tall with
thick green branches and flaming
red tips, appearing on the horizon
as a sea of red. Besides these gi-
ant plants and covering the desert
floor as carpet, are millions Of
desert flowers, ranging from the
pure white of desert primroses TO
the deep purple of the verbenas.
The many varieties of cacti are
also bursting into bloom, with their
remarkable colorings and waxy
softness.
However, in their search for des-
ert blossoms, Imperial Valley resi-
dents are warned that it is unlaw-
full to pick them or carry them
away, with a large fine strictly en-
forced upon all violators. Due to
the carelessness of motorists, many
of the desert plants have been lost,
many of them trampled upon, thus
lessening their growth In succeed
ing years.
The copious rainfall of last win
ter has caused the flowers to come
out in greater abundance than has
been found in many years, and
while motorists are urged to enjoy
the beauty of the desert, they are
asked to preserve it for the future.
Imperial Valley press., 1935-04-09
STATE SCHOOL
HEAD COMING

Vierling Kersey, state superin-
tendent of public instruction, will
be in the valley on April 81. to
speak before two meetings, a teach
ers' institute and the annual meet
ing of all boards of trustees.
The institute sessions will be held
in Brawley and Kersey will speak
there in the morning. John A. Sex
on, superintendent of the Pasadena
city schools, is to be the afternoon
speaker.
In the afternoon Kersey will adj
dress the trustees at their meeting
in Wilson school. In addition TO
Kersey, c. B. Collins. county super
intendent of schools has asked w.
L. Blair, managing editor of the
Pasadena Post and president of the
board of education. to speak at
the trustees meeting
Imperial Valley press., 1935-04-09
HANGED MAN s
APPEAL PLEA
LOST IN FILE

LOS ANGELES. April W.D =
Court machinery moved solemnly
here today to save" the life of a
dead man. hanged four days ago at
San Quentin prison.
Meanwhile state officials investi-
gated the legal blunder which sent
Rush Griffin. 19-year-old Negro,
TO the gallows last Friday although
he had been granted a stay of
execution.
An appeal which automatically
postponed Griffin's death sentence
was found in the files of lower
court clerks office yesterday, ap-
parently forgotten.
The investigation started after
Richard F.. Bird, the Negro's at
torney, read of his clients execu-
tion in the newspapers.
He started on the trail of the ap-
peal, filed with a. transcript of rec
ord two months ago, and found it
in the office of court clerk E. K.
Boardman.
Boardman admitted the error and
Immediately ordered the appeal
filed and transmitted to the state
supreme court, where, If usual court
procedure is followed, a stay of
execution will be issued to save the
dead mans life.
Records in the clerks office show
ed that Griffin's attorney received
the receipt for the stenographic
transcript last Wednesday, in ample
time to have saved the young
Negroes life if it had been held
properly forwarded by the lower
court.
The dead man was accused of
Staying Lawrence l.. Lyon, medical
student, last November IL. He ad-
mitted he shot Lyon, but said he
fired in self defense.
Bird said he was positive" that
Griffin's plea of self defense would
have resulted in the death sentence
being committed to life imprison-
ment.
Imperial Valley press., 1935-04-09
PETITION FOR HAY RATE FILED
AAA Asks Extension OF Emergency Figure On
Shipments From Valley

A petition of the United States
department of agriculture has been
filed with the railroads, asking. the
continuance of the two-thirds
emergency rail rate on all hay NOV
ing to Texas and midwestern
points, according to communica-
ton received this morning at El
Centro Chamber of Commerce
headquarters from Philip c. Muir
ply, chief of the commodities pur-
chase section of the AAA in Wash
ington. If not renewed, this emer-
gency rate would expire on April
80, making it impossible for farm
ers in drought stricken areas to
purchase Imperial Valley as well
Imperial Valley press., 1935-04-09
Negro Accidentally
Shot Near Imperial

Oliver jackson. a Negro living
five miles west of Imperial, was
shot in the jaw the sheriff's office
was notified at 1890 o'clock this
morning.
The call was answered by T. NJ
Sharp, chief criminal deputy, who
stated that Jackson was struck in
the jaw by bullet from a % cal
ibre rifle which discharged acci-
dentally while it was in his hands.
He was taken to the county hospi-
tai where 1t was said his wound
was not considered serious
Imperial Valley press., 1935-04-09
HOOVER-SM|TH
PHOT0CRAP HE'D

NEW YORK, April 8. W.P)-Her-
bert Hoover and Alfred E. Smith,
opponents in the race for the pres
idency in 1928, appeared publicly
together last night in joint sup
kport of drive for 100000 by the
fSalvation Army.
They met at an informal gath
ering of social and civic leaders in
the colonel's lounge of the seventh
regiment armory.
AS news photographers sought to
pose them with their host, Col.
Ralph C. Tobin, Smith reached out
and deftly removed Martini
cocktail from the tray of passing
waiter. The servant offered a
drink to the former President who
declined, smiling.
Colbnel Tobin asked Smith If he
wouldn't like another.
"Nb thanks" said Smith. Not
Just dow. I have to have my pic
ture taken, you know
They posed.
s'Just one more
s'That's the photographers pray
err laughed Hoover to Smith.
s'Just one more.'
"Well, just one more, again,
thank you,'' said Smith as he took
a second Martini from an attentive
waiter.
Hoover spoke of the reverence he
held for the great benevolent work
of the Salvation Army.
Smith spoke with quiet humor
ON the coincidence that brought
himself and Hoover on the same
stage to back common purpose.
Imperial Valley press., 1935-04-09
MOTORCYCLE FETED AT FORT WORTH
Leo Hetze Guest OF Honor AT Broadway OF Amer
lea Meeting In Texas City

Leo Hetzel was guest of honor at
a banquet of Broadway of America
supporters held last night in Fort
Worth, according to telegram re-
ceived here today
Hetzel, who is first -presi-
dent of the Broadway of America
association, heads the motorcade
which left here last Friday to at
tend the Broadway of America con-
vention which will open in Nash
vile, Tennessee on April IL.
The motorcade has been enthus-
iastically received at cities enroute
and at every point has been assured
of strong support for the associa-
ton S aim to make the Broadway
Imperial Valley press., 1935-04-09
|CKES SPEEDS
UP SPENDING
Nearly Billion Allotted To Pub
lie Works Will Be Used Inn
mediately
BY RICHARD L. HARDNESS
United Press Staff Correspondent

United Press Staff Correspondent
WASHINGTON, April 9.-Speed-
up spending plans for the 5000, ,000,-
900 of works relief money allotted
to public works were outlined to-
day by Harold L. Ickes, public
works administrator, as President
Roosevelt hastened home to release
a $4,725 100000 job-making fund.
Ickes forecast a decentralization
of PWA administrative responsible
ity. It would involve dispatch of
legal, financial and engineering ex-
perts to the various states to pass
upon projects before they are sub
mitted to Washington.
The administrator promised that
federal financing of municipal pow
er projects would absorb some of
the 5000, 100000 fund. He expects
workers on new public works prof.
ects to be recruited from persons
on relief rolls instead of through
the labor department re-employ-
ment service or from labor unions.
The first tide of work relief
money began flowing today in the
sum of $155, 100000 allocated by Mr..
Roosevelt to federal emergency re-
lief and the civilian conservation
corps.
: Harry L. Hopkins, relief admin
istrator, was allotted SIPS 100000 to
feed and clothe the nations 20,-
100000 needy until he receives an
additional $755, 100000 provided in
the bill for doles.
Robert Fechner, CCC director,
ordered double-quick enrolment of
10000 recruits to expand his emer-
gency conservation corps to the
10000 mark. ess
Imperial Valley press., 1935-04-09

as hay moving from San Joaquin
valley.
In his letter to Manager Hays,
Murphy states. 1T Is recognized by
the United States department of
agriculture that conditions con-
tinue bad in extensive areas of the
west, and deserve sympathetic con-
sideration along that line. We real
ize the importance Of the continu-
ance of the drought rates to con-
siderable portions of the west"
The decision as to whether the
present tariff shall continue in ef-
feet now rests with the railroads.
and it is hoped that they will
deem it advisable to renew the two
thirds emergency rate as of April
30.
Imperial Valley press., 1935-04-09
Man Injured In
Auto Accident

F. D. Younger of AS Olive street
received a sprained left shoulder in
an automobile accident which hap
pened at GAS O'Clock last evening
two miles north of Ell Centro on the
Imperial highway.
According to the report filed by
Younger at police headquarters he
was riding i'll car driven by B.
Hawkins, also of Ell Centre. An
other car crashed into the Hawkins
car and left the scene without rem
dering any aid, the report states.
Imperial Valley press., 1935-04-09

days later we have water available
and he can use it, we will deliver 1t
to him. However, it may be that
we will not have water available
for five Or more days, depending
upon the demand and the amount
of water in the canal system and
whether or not we have to order
1t from Boulder dam, in which
event the water user will have to
await his turn.
I'VE appreciate very much the
cooperation we are receiving from
the water users and we feel they
realize the necessity of conserving
the supply in Boulder reservoir,
which may be so greatly needed
this summer and fall. We are glad
to receive suggestions at any time
as to how we can better our SER
vice, as this entire matter is one
wherein there must be copoera-
tion both on the part of the dis
trict and on the part of the water
users"
Imperial Valley press., 1935-04-09
Marriage Licenses
Shouu Much Action

Five marriage licenses were is
sued at the county clerks office
yesterday and today indicating a
brisk revival after several days OF
comparative inactivity in that de-
partment. These licenses were is
sued to the following:
Juan Castro, 40, and Carmen
Robles, AZ, both of Brawley; Juan
Ancheta, 81. and Carmen Alvarez,
Is, both of Brawley; Gabriel Men
divil, 81, and Conception Madero,
II, both of Yuma; George Regan,
35, and Alene Bates, 20, both of Ell
Centre, and to Fred Hernandez, 27,
and Frances Uribe 10, both OF Yu-
ma
Imperial Valley press., 1935-04-09

of America the most highly publi-
cized trans continental highway
route.
The local delegation. which also
included Secretary Hays of the
chamber of commerce and which is
augmented by delegations from San
Diego, Yuma and other cities east
of here, has been assured of sup
port to have the convention meet
here next year, one of the object
i've of the valley Broadway of AM
erica supporters.
In addition to this, Hetzel Is be-
ing prominently mentioned for the
post of president of the association
IN which he has taken an active
part for several years past.
Imperial Valley press., 1935-04-09
LESTER MOVES OFFICE

John r. Lester. deputy state la
Dor commissioner for Imperial
county, has moved his otficez from
the basement Of the court house 70
upstairs In the Blenkiron building.
795 Main street.
This move was made TO place the
office In a more central location,
affording greater convcnicnce 70
those having business with Lester.
Imperial Valley press., 1935-04-09
Annex Hotel To Be
knolUn As Mayon

In line with other alterations and
improvements being made by Mrs.
Jimmie Beronio the name of the
Annex hotel is being changed to
Hotel Mayan.' Two new signs are
being placed on the hotel building
today, one on State, the other on
Sixth street, which will t>sar the
new name of the hotel.
This change in name, Mrs. Bero-
nio stated today, does not indicate
any change in management and
this well-known local hotel situated
at the corner of Sixth and State
Streets, will continue to offer the
high class service which has made
it the favorite home of many visi-
tors to Ell Centro.
Imperial Valley press., 1935-04-09
STORMS TAKE
SEVERE TOLL
Twenty-Five Dead And Heavy
Property Loss Reported In
Coast Regions
By UNITED PRESS

California counted its dead at 25
and its property damage at many
hundreds of thousands Of dollars to-
day in a checkup of the damage
wrought by floods and heavy rain
fall over great portion of the
state.
Ten of those reported dead were
drowned. Ten railroad workers re-
turning from the task of repairing
flood damages to the tracks and
roadbed were killed in collision
with work train bound on a
similar mission. Five persons were
killed by automobiles during periods
of heavy rain.
The floods were believed to have
passed their crest after inundating
acres of farm lands, driving scores
Of river bottom" residents to high
er ground, and Tor a time threat
ening to break through levees espe-
cially in the American and the
Sacramento rivers.
Bear Greek overflowed its banks
at Merced last night to cause heavy
damage. Subsiding waters left
many dead fish on the lawns of
residential sections.
Railroad and highway traffic still
was impeded by high waters and
slides. Southern Facific trains were
rerouted around Merced to permit
workers to dig tunnel through the
roadbed to let water covering the
nearby highway to escape.
SACRAMENTO April UP-The
I, Sacramento and the American rivers
gradually subsidized today, relieving
the pressure on dykes and levees
which for time had threatened to
break under the pressure of the
swollen watercourses.
The Sacramento river reached a
height of 25.5 feet-within six
inches of flood stage, before it be-
gan to recede.
Engineers manned the flood gates
ready to release excess waters into
the Yolo county bypass should
fresh torrents from the mountains
drive the river upwards again.
The crest of the American river
dropped two feet late yesterday, re-
moving fears that it would break
through east of Sacramento and
overflow homes and farms.
Lowland areas were under water
and traffic over main highways was
impeded by flood stretches.