Casper Daily Tribune Newspaper, March 2, 1924, Page 1

The Casper \ _@mé WYOMING WEEELY REVIEW Sunday Crile OVER 20 < CASPER, WYO., SUNDAY, MARCH 2, 1924 MAIN NEWS SECTION. NUMBER 32 IN JERSEY BLAST | Flames Add to Horrors When Great Ammonia Plant is Wrecked WOMAN CITED IN OIL SCANDAL PROBE *3 Boo , WILL BE ASKED REGARDING USE OF Ul. §. COUE Net of Intrigue Woven By McLean Takes in New Territory. ‘_ BY PAUL R. MALLON, (United Press Staff dent.) Correspon WASHINGTON, March 1. The net of intrigue woven to keep E. B. McLean, publish- er of the Washington Post off the witness stand in the oil inquiry enmeshed a wom- an today. Into the amazing story of code telegrams, private wires, use of gov- ernment ciphers, employment of a White House telegrapher, was brought Mrs, Jessie W. B. Duck- stein, a special agent of the depart- ment of justice, and formerly con- fidential secretary to William J. Burns, head of the department's secret service. Mrs. Duckstein is the wife of Mc- Lean's secretary, W. O. Duckstein. She has beon subpoenaed to tell: 1—Whether she is the “Mary” who sent Duckstein a code tele- gram, which, as deciphered for the committee, said that Burns had asked McLean be informed he was being investigated by the depart- ment of justice. 2—Whether Burns talked with ‘her about an investigation of Mc- Lean) and. if so, what he said. 8—Whether she knows how Mc- Lean got a department of justice code, now claimed to be obsolete, in which the code telegrams between him ‘and his employes was written. Burns also must answer similar questions, if examination of the code messages by a war department code expert proves that the trans- lations, of them submitted to the committee today are correct. Asked about it today, Burns said that it was “bunk” to say he was involved in the McLean intrigue. “There’s no oil in the department of justice,” said Burns. “I hope the committee will call me, so I can tell then so.” Burns added that the McLean code was one the department of justice formerly used, but which he discarded when he took charge of the bureau of investigation. The senate committee today, con- tinuing its opening up of the story of secret efforts to prevent McLean being subjected to qestioning, heard from John F. Major, who described himself as “McLean's confidential . agent,” the story of how messages that passed over a private leased wire between the office of the Wash- ington Post and McLean's cottage in Palm Beach, Fla., were destroyed each night after the wire closed. Major said he destroyed the mes- sages at the Washington end him- self and did not remember that any- body had told him to. He knew the messages were likewise destroyed at Palm Beach, he said, because he went down there, Lolling back in his chair, chewing gum and smoking a cigarette, Major a fered all questions with non- chalant ease. Senator Walsh grew impatient with him because he ~ (Continued on ,Page Two) SUMMARY OF TEAPOT OIL PROBE WASHINGTON, March 1, — (United Press.)}—One of the most foverisn weeks Washington has gone through since war times brought about these developments in the ofl scandal or in matters related to it: Adoption by the senate of the Wheeler ‘resolution for investiga- tion of Attorney General Daugh- erty’s administratién of the de- partment of justice, and appoint- ment of a committee to conduct the inquiry. Refusal by Daugherty to re- sign from the cabinet under pres- sure of senators. Daugherty'’s dramatic depart- ure from the capital, after nu- merous White House conferences. Disclosure to the senate com- mittee of code ana other telegrams sent to E. B. McLean in Florida, ealing a drive to keep him off @ witness standin the oil in- vestigation. Revelations that A. Mitchell Palmer, Francis McAdoo, son of William G. McAdoo, and Oscar Underwood, presidential candi- date, had been active in McLean's behalf. Disclosure that a department of justice code, either now or for- merly used in -official messages, was employed by McLean. _ Disclosure, not yet completely verified: that W, J. Burns was in- volved to some extent. in inform- ing McLean in Florita what was going on in Washington with re- lation. to him, Revelat‘on that a White House telegraph operator worked a pri- vate wire from McLean's cottage house at Palm Beach, FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT OF GREAT INDUSTRIAL EXPOSITION IN INTEREST OF BIGGER CASPER T During the past months The Tribune staff has been developing a number of plans intended to provide a means of furthering the interests of the people and the business establishments of this city and state. The first of these plans is that of an Industrial Exposition, the advantages of which are described here, and as a properly conducted Exposition it will prove of considerable benefit to the people of the state and territory tributary to this cit Indications are that Casper is about to enter upon its greatest period of prosperity and forward movement within the next few months and during the coming years, By intelligent plan- ning advantage can be taken of this city’s splendid opportunities, to securéyfor Casper its right- ful place among the important cities of the West. It can be said, without any intention of boasting, that Casper leads all other cities in tho West, so far as real opportunities are concerncd; nor is it necessary that this city convey the idea that this community is ong of boosters, in order_to create a favorable impression. Facts regard- ing Casper and adjacent territory,,as we sce them, seem to be sufficiently attractive to command the attention of the entire country. When statements are made tegarding this city they should be confined to actual facts, and these facts should be placed before the people of the country in an intelligent manner, and through such publicity there is no reason why this city should not be several times its present size within a few years. The geographical location of this city is ideal for a trading center, important distributing point, providing, however, on the interest and citizens to acemplish it. In this struggle for commercial su nity which makes the best of its resources. (Continued on Page Nine) nd can be made a very ion taken by Casper premacy success comes to the commu- DAUGHERTY PROBE BY SENATE VOTED BY WILLIAM J. LOSH. (United Press Staff Correspondent). WASHINGTON, March 1.—The enate today ordered an investigation of Attorney General Harry M. Datigherty’s administration of the department of justice and named a committee to. conduct it. Senator Robert M. La Follette, progressive leader, choseas chairman of this com- mittee, Senator Brookhart, of Iowa, and the senate accepted the selection. Likewise, it approved Senators Jones, Washington; Moses, New Hampshire, Ashurst, Arizona and ‘Wheeler, Montana, as. the other CRIME WAVE IS RECEDING HERE Only Ten Felony Cases On Docket for Spring Term; Several Trials to Hold Unusual Interest Crime has been decreasing steadily in Casper and Na- trona county during the last six months according to the figures on the docket of the spring term of criminal court which begins Tuesday in the Eighth district court with Judge R. R .Rose on the bench.: - > There are 201 criminal cases listed for trial but out of this number there are only 10 felony cases. The list of felonies is made up of two murders, four rape cases. two highway robberies ahd two auto thefts. At last fall's term of court there were 400 odd cases listed with 20 felony. es. The latter list In- cluded en murders and four grand larceny charges. In contrast with the seven mur- der cases tried last fall there has been only. two since that term of court. One occurred in October and the other fa February. The two murder cases to be tricd this term include that of James A. ‘RESIGNATION OF DOHENY ASKED BY DEMOCRATS Oil Magnate Answers California Demos ; With Claim That He Doesnt Belong to Committee SAN FRANCISCO, March 1.—(United Press) .—-Cali- fornia Democrats in conference here today adopted tie report of the state central committee endorsing the candi- dacy of William G. McAdoo for the presidential nomina- tion, and passed a resolution requesting Edward L. Doheny, oil magnate, to resign from the state central com- mit the state met cs tods t a ticket to go on the balfot in the May primaries for election Leading Demoerats from all pacts | as delegates to the national con- vention of the party in New York mer. sement of McAdoo was the (Continued on Page Two) Herman who is charged with hav- ing shot’and killed Charles Ander- son, an of] field worker, at Lavoye, October 10 last. Anderson met his death after some trouble in a boot- legging establishment and is said to have been killed by Herman who was lying on the ground in front of the plage and shot him as he stepped out of the door. John Economou, who’ pumped nine bullets into ‘Thomas Miller, his partner in the Standard pool room, last Tuesday, will alsu be tried on a first degree murder charge. Mil- ler died a half hour later. The four men to be tried for rape are Charles Yeomans, B. B. Nicker- son, Leo Decker and Carl Allison. The latter two are boys under their majority. r » An interesting test of the 1923 anti-theft automobile act wi come up in this term when Donald Elliott and Herbert Herickson are put on trial. The boys are charged with having helped themselves to an auto in storage at the Liberty garage and to»shave made demands on two young girls after they took them 25 miles out on the Salt Creek highway. The 1923 session laws provide that a per- son {is guilty of auto theft even if he takes a car only for temporary use. Two men charged with highway robbery will also be tried. They arg J. H. Dailey, said to have stuck vp the Pup cafe and Alden Suther- land charged with holding up the night clerk at the Henning hotel. Sutherland's partner, Joseph Sulli- van, pleaded guilty before Judge Rose to this same offense and was given 12 to 14 years in the peniten- tiary. Sutherland was caught in Denver a week after the robbery and most of the money taken was recovered. . Out of the 190 liquor violation and gambling cases listed the most (Continued on Page Two) a i committee members. ‘Wheeler is author of the investi- gation resolution which the senate adopted “Jate in tho day by a vote of 66 to 1, after two days of the most .acrimon’ous (ebate heard there since the war. Senator Davis Elkins, Republican West “Virginia, voted no, his vote being a protest against the whole senatorial demand for investigation of persons and actions connected in any way with the oil scandal. El- kins recently was named in connec- tian with dealings in Sinclair oil stock, and frankly acknowledged he had dealt in such stock. He sald it was nobody's business. Investigation of Daugherty will get under way ‘without delay,” Brookhart said tonight. Daugherty has demandea an immediate hear- ing, and Brookhart said he will calt the committee together next week #0 make plans for the inquiry. The questions which the commit- tee is empowered to inquire into follow: ¥ *1.—Daugherty’s alleged failure to proscute anti-trust suits. 2.—His alleged faflure to arrest and prosecute Fall, Sinclair and De- heny, principals in the oil scandal, and Charles R. Forbes, former di- rector of the veterans’ bureau, now under indictment. 3.—His alleged negiect and fail- ure to arrest and prosecute “many others for violations of feceral stat- utes.” 3 4—All activities of Daugherty and his assistants “which would in any mannef tend to impair their ef- ficiency or influence,” as govern- ment officials. QUCCESSOR Tf DENBY WILL BE NAMED IN WEEK Choice Now Rests Be- tween Two or Three Men, Is Report. WASHINGTON, March 1.—Presi- dent Ccplidge will announce Edwin Denby’s successor as secretary of the navy next week, it was learned at the White House tonight. He has narrowed the field of candidates to two or three names, and expects within a day or two to consult the man he wants for the place. Denby’s resignation takes effect March 10, He resigned when the senate demanded he get out be- cause of the leasing of oll reserves to Sinclair ané Doheny. Mr. Coolidge has not given even his closest advisers a hint of the identity of Denby'’s successor. In fact, he has stated publicly he has not definitely mace a choice. posta ae Si Bats HAWLEY POST TO MEET. ‘The Mones J. Hawley post of the American Legion will meet at 8 o'clock tomorrow evening in the court room of Judge Henry F. Brennan: in the Kimball building, 212 South Center street. Sip sa tp ale seat oh ‘Weather Forecast WYOMING—Mostly cloudy Sun- day and Monday, probably rain or snowby Sunday night in south and west portions; not nitich change in temperature. TWO BABIES BORN 29TH DRAW PRIZE 29, Two infants born February have qualified for the bank de- posits offered by the Casper Tri- bune and the Casper National bank. Elwood Fisher selected 29 as the day on which he should appear in the world and for that reason Francis will have $5 deposited to his account by the Tribune in any bank his parents may desire, according to the offer previously published. In addition to this the boy will re- ceive another $5 deposit in the Casper National bank given by that institution. Francis is a lusty young fel- low weighing nine pounds. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Fisher, 249 North Grant street, and was born at the family home o'clock in the morning. and Mrs. Harry Cotton whose residence is at 729 Hast Third street are the parents of a baby daughter born February 29 in Kearney, . Neb., where the mother has been visiting for some time. This baby will also receive the bank deposits for which she has qualified. Both children if they have yet gathered the faculties for much thinking are undoubtedly looking forward to a happy future. The only obstacle lying in their way seems to be that they will not have any birthdays until 1928, NEGRO SLAYER TOBE HANGED LUFKIN, Texas, March 1.—Book- er T. Williams, negro, who figured 4p a near-lynching here Wednesday night when sheriffs repulred a mob attack on the county jail and wounded three men was sentenced to Geath by a jury late today after he pleaded gullty to the murder of Andy Sulzer. Sulzer was slain Tues- day night in a holdup, $500,000 BOND ISSUE FACING DEFEAT HERE Objections Raised by Chamber of Commerce to New Court- House Proposal Expected to Defeat It Tuesday; Large Vote Desired From Taxpayers For the first time in the:history of Natrona county a local bond issue faces defeat. Tuesday of this week property owners will decide on whether or not the county is to go ahead with a half million dollar bond issue to build a new courthouse. Defeat for the proposition is thought to have been forecast by the action of the Casper Chamber of Commerce in officially condemning the proposal. The’ organiza- tion opposes the courthouse erection on two main issues. cation proposed, on ground west of the present site. The arguments against this location are that the building would be jammed up against industrial spurs of the rail- road, warehouses and a similar busi- ness buildings. The more serious objection the chainber of commerce has to the proposition‘ is that in a short time Casper will need a new city build- ing and to spend a half million dol- lars on a courthouse alone would satisfy only one public need. The NEW TAX BILL GIVES FELLOW’ ‘LITTLE RELIEF Small Salaried Man Extended Benefits By Longworth Measure, House Supporters of Bill Say BY FRAZER EDWARDS, (United Press Staff Correspondent). WASHINGTON, March 1.—Sponsors of the Long- worth compromise tax bill said tonight it gives the “little fellow” the benefit of tax reductions. This is write it. The bill's supporters cited figures on the savings it will bring to tax- payers to show its benefits. A married man with no depend- ents who has a total income of $4,- he big argument they will use for it in the senate, where it faces a hostile group determined to re- 000 will save $30 a year under the bill, He is now paying $40 a year. This {s computed on the basis of 4 percent, on a taxable income of (Continued on Page Wine) chamber of commerce proposes as an alternative that a combined city-county building be put up sometime in the next few years when the needs of the city and county can be more properly under- stood in proportion to the growth of the city. iA Tho biggest argument in favor of @ new courthouse is that the pre- sent one is wholly inadequate to handle the business of the county. Although all departments are over- crowded the worst are those of the county clerk and in the jail, The county clerk has her eight assist- ants jammed into inadequate office space which makes it impossible for them to work efficiently. There are also no facilities for taking care of the records of the county in a pro- per manner. The same office space is used as in January three years ago when the fees taken in totalled $760. This year in the same month they totalled’ $4,100, The jail is generally badly over- crowded gwith men sleeping on benches fh the bullpen instead of in cells and is totally unfit to handle the large number of prisoners that pases through the institution every month, ‘ The polling places will be open Tuesday from 9 to 5 o'clock and only property owners who exhibit their tax receipts are qualified to vote. Wives can vote only if prop- erty is recorded jointly in their names with their. husbi:ds. Both parties to the issue hope ‘or a large vote by taxpayers, The complete list of polling places in thé city and county with the’ locations and the names of ne judges is as follows: District No. 1. Muddy Precinct—At Muddy school house. Judges: Joe Lamb, Wm. Kelth and G. W. Rissle District No. 2. North Burlington The first of these is the lo- Davis’ store. Judges: D. A. Edel- mon, Reuben Richards and Mrs. Reuben Richards. North Casper Precinct—At North Casper school. Judges: G. A. Frees, Mrs. J. E, Stover and Louso J. Baerthel. Nelson's Precinct—At North Ca per Ice Cream pi rr. Judges: Colin Campbell, L. H. Nicholson and Chas. Wheeler. Teapot Precinct—At pumping sta- (Continued on Page Nine.) HEAWY TOLL 15 TAKEN IN LIFE AND PROPERTY AT NIXON, N. J. Scores Injured, Build- ings Hurled High Into Air; Fire Sweeps In- dustrial District. BY FRANK GETTY, (United aff Correspondent) NIXON, N. J., March 1.— Eleven fifteen a. m.—a bright, springlike sun shin- ing down on the busy in- dustrial plants of Nixon, N.J Machinery humminiz, smokestacks belching, workers bustling at their tasks, Children playing in the yards of cotts s Work at peace. Then at 11:19 a tremendous roar, A bullding flying in the air, screams of dying men and women. Horror. More explosions, fire, buildings psing, terror on every ‘side, The bodies of from 20 to 25 dead. That was the way cye-witnesses tonight described the explosions and fire which. wiped out the plant of the Ammonite company, Inc., in one of the worst indystrial disas- ters since Black ‘Tom. Firemen. were still battling the flames tonights police and offi- clals of the plant checked up the list of dead and injured. Reports up to 9 p. m. Indicated that 25 to 35 were killed and 40 to 60 injured. At 10:30 p. m. the bodies of 19 dead had been recavered, and one man missing was belleved dead. The list of injured in hospitals Stood at 48. It was definitely established to- night that the first explosion oc- curred in the plant of the Ammon- ite company in tanks of ammonium nitrate. The explosion was in a field near a big -brick building, where workmen were separating ammonium nitrate from tri-nitro- toluol, the deadly explosive, which, as “T. N. T." became a household word during the war. A series of lesser blasts followed almost immediately as the shock set off other chemical deposits over an area of thirty acres, In all there were explosions. The terrific blasts threw the bod: fes of workmen high in the air, shattered strong bul!dings and rock- ed all of northern New Jersey and Staten Island. Windows were broken as far as 15 miles away from the scene of the disaster. The im- pact was felt for thirty miles. The exact cause of the explosion had not been determined up to 9 Pp. m., but police and many offi- cers from the Raritan arsenal near- by, believed the blast wa t off by some reaction caused by the work- men separating the deadly cheml- cals. All the workers engaged in tho task were killed, and it was believed possible the exact cause might never be known. The entire plant of the Nixon Ni- tration Works, adjoining that of the Ammonite company, was wiped out. (Continued on. Page Four) more than 20 FORBES CRIES FRAME-UP; WILL TELL ALL, SAID Director of Veterans Bureau Declares He Will Spare No One In Telling of Plot to Make Him “Goat” BY DALE VAN EVERY, r med (United Press Staff Correspondent) WASHINGTO everything—I don March 1.—“I’m going to tell the jury care where it hits,” was the defiant reply of former Director of the Veterans’ Bureau Charles R. Forbes tonight to the indictment for bribery returned against him by a federal grand jury in Chicago. “Tf ever a man was subjected to a contemptible frame- up, I'm that man," said Forbes. “I know the day and hour the plot was laid and I know the man who comes planned It. When the time I propose to submit conclusive evi. dence of this conspiracy which was Precinct~At founded on the attempt to save Forbes, though repeatedly e+ strained by his counsel, in an In- other official figures.” terview here declared that the chief witness against him, Elias H. Mor- timer, had conspired with various (Continued on Page Two)