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About The Omaha morning bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 1922-1927 | View Entire Issue (Dec. 30, 1922)
The Omaha Morning Dee VOL. 52—NO. 168._SIS? V. 5" EST CT jfig jThg_OMAHA. SATURDAY. DECEMBER 30, 1922. * g;„TAn£ W’Jjrf&."£ . TWO CENTS HardingEIas New Plan to Aid Europe President Favors Settlement of Reparations Dispute by Commission of Dis interested Experts. Opposed to Occupation Washington, Dec. 20.—President Harding favors the settlement of the German reparations dispute through a commission of disinterested finan ciers, economists and other experts, supporting the allied and associated powers, in the event that the confer ence of premiers in Paris next week falls to solve the problem. If the United States were invited by the European powers to appoint American members on such a com mission to determine the amount of reparations Germany can pay and to recommend a plan of payment, the president would accept the invitation and name the delegates ns representa tives of the United States. Thp administration is firmly con vinced that the occupation of* the Ruhr district of Germany by France or any other resort to force in prefer ence to adoption of tho plan favored by the administration would b» a tragic mistake. Amendment Withdrawn. These disclosures were made at the White House officially, following the action of Senator Borah, republican. Idaho, in withdrawing his proposed amendment to the navy appropriation hill requesting the president to call a world economic conference. When President Harding was in formed of Senator Borah's action he expressed satisfaction, pronouncing the step a wise one. It was stated at the White House that the president has no intention • of calling a world economic confer ence because he believes the question of reparations is essentially a Euro pean question, which should be de cided in Europe. The American government is not going to rush into Europe, and take upon its shoulders tho burden of set tling the numerous disputes now ex isting among the various powers. The United States has quite enough to bear, tiio administration believes, without inviting the ill-feeling which would inevitably result from any un wonted activity in *’ 'so matters. Sees Hope . conference. The pres’ c.t does believe, how ever, th when it has been shown to be .mposslblo to settle the ques tion of reparations by tho ordinary procedure of diplomacy, the whole question perhaps could bo settled by a disinterested conference of econo mists nnd experts. Not only would the United States have no objection to participation on such a commission but it would expect our experts to be invited to join in the work. It was reiterated, however, that this government does not favor the as sumption nt any stage of the invest! tion, of the burden of deciding the question by itself. As a comment upon the conten tion of Senator Uenroot that the pres ident lacks authority to call a confer ence without the consent of congress, it was pointed out by the White House spokesman (hat the United States, during the pirst year, lias participated in more than half a dozen important conferences without the express au thorization of congress, and that it probably will participate In as many more during the coming year. Movie Censorship Plant of Legislature j Lincoln, Dec, 19.—(Special.)—There will be another movie censorship bill thrown Into the hopper at the com ing session of the legislature. This was the information which J. Reid Green, Lancaster member of the lower house, asserted he had received from his numerous women's club friends In the state. “Of course. If such a bill is intro duced. I will support it," Green said. Green championed the movie bill two years ago. and it was passed the last night of the legislative session. The next morning Governor McKelvie vetoed the bill. _• German Note Gireulation Passes Trillion Mark Berlin, l>*c. 19.—tBv p.)—Ger man note circulation has now passed the trillion mark, it was announced by Rudolph Havenstein, president of the Reiohsbank. at a meeting of the Retchsbank committee today. He added that during the past three months the bank had granted credits exceeding a trillion marks, which showed that the battle was doing its best to 'meet the necessities of Ger man industry. President Havenstein urged the hankers to recognize the perils of the German economic situation and do their utmost to prevent the col lapse of the German credit apparatus. Drys Back Temple. Washington, Lee. 29.— (Special.)—A I new speakership alignment for the rte\t house was indicated yesterday with the backing of the dry element. Tt calls for the election O. D. Temple of Pennsylvania for speaker and Gra ham of Illinois for floor leader. It Is opposed to Glllett for speaker and Longworth for floor leader, both of whom are listed as wet. While they are only reasonably moist, the fj. dry leadership admits of no degree In the description of men leaning In any "ay toward modification of the Vol - Mead law. Combination of Pennsylvania and Illinois means a large block of votes o start with and the Glllett-Long "orth combination was plainly alarin <•1 "hen the movement was discov ered. Bar Association Head Would Halt Perjury Judge George F. Corcornn of York, president of the Nebraska State liar association, advocated drastic steps to stop perjury, in his annual address to the association at Hotel Fontenelle t'rlday afternoon. Bar of State May Take Step Toward Simpler Pleadings Judge L. Albert of Columbus to Suggest Elimination of Ked Tape at State Meeting Here, Complicated legal phraseology may he eliminated from pleadings in Ne braksa courts if the suggestion of Judge I,. Albert. Columbus, meets with favor at the 23d annual meeting of tlie Nebraska State bar association, which opened at Hotel Fontenelle yesterday afternoon. In his report, Judge E. E. Good of Wahoo, recently elected to the su preme court, and chairman of the bar association’s judiciary committee, rec ommends that eligibility rules restrict ing service as district or supreme judge to those who are more than 30 years old, a citizen, a resident of the state for three years and who have been practicing for five years. Increase in the maximum penalty" in the riot statue from three months to one year in the penitentiary is an other charge advocated by Judge Good's committee. Amending of a statue so that the person found guilty of aiding and abetting any crime will be punished the same as the prin cipal offender also is advocated. Two Important Questions. Two important questions are placed before the association, without any recommendations, as follows: "Shall the district judges be vested with power to comment to the jury upon evidence—a power with which federal judges are vested? ‘‘Shall the association appoint a committee of threo to devlso reasons to prevent or minimize the all too prevalent practice of perjury in trials?” The committee on legal education will recommend to the association that every candidate for admission to the bar shall give evidence: "Of graduation from an accredited high school in this state or from a high school of similar grade from an other state; of ono year's study in a college or university; of two years’ study in a. law college and of one year's study in the office of a prac ticing lawyer.” Attacks Perjury. ‘ There should be a vigorous prose cution for perjury in every state at least once a year.” said Judge George F. Corcoran of York, president of the association, in his nunual address this afternoon. “This is so even though convictions C3nnot he secured. If the sacred and binding character of the oath will not Impel witnesses to tell the truth, then the strong arm of the law should be Invoked In every In stance to compel at least a semblance of respect for the law. No crime Is committed with such frequency and Is so generally unknown to the great mass of people.” Make for Economy. Two resolutions which were unani mously adopted by the association carry with them an element of -?con 1 ('mv, both in thue and money, tf they (Turn to rage Two, Column Two.t Sunday "Want” Ads Taken Until 9 o’Clock Tonight After the clock strikes nine tonight., it will he too late to have your “want” listed in the “Want” Ad section of tomor row's Sunday Omaha Bee. Telephone At-lantic 1000 NOW and dictate your ‘Want’ Ad to one of our experienced ad takers. Tell her to insert your ad vertisement at least three days—for on Sunday and New Year's day arc two days that the average busy person has more time to read the newspapers — and look over the “Want” Ads with greater care. , Read and Use Omaha Bee "Want" ^ds—the bee-line to results. Girl Is Held for Theft of Jewels Prettv ‘ ing Maid Falls Into 1 v Detectives at ation on Way ^ .o Sioux Citv. _ .'did to Have Confessed At noon yesterday pretty 19-yea v old Clara Mackrasky, domestic, left the home of Harry Wilinsky, 1912 Wirt street. At 4 the same afternoon she was arrested at the Union sta tion, where she was about to board a train for Sioux City, by Detectives Frank Killian and Arthur English on a charge of stealing jewelry valued at $3,000. According to police, the girl, who gave her address as 1564 Sprugarden, Cleveland. O., came to Omaha from Chicago about three weeks ago. She was employed at the McCrory 10-ceut store for two weeks. While behind one of the counters the girl is alleged to have been Intro duced to the Wllinskys and soon afterward entered their services. .Made Good Impression. Her appearance and speech, said Mr. Wilinsky, gave one the impres sion of good training and education. She easily gained the confidence and respect of the household. “She had the run of the house.” said Mr Wilinsky, "we all trusted her, because she seemed so good and refined.” Yesterday morning* Mrs. Wilinsky went down town and telephoned that she would not be home for luncheon. Her little daughter. 12, told her that the maid had gone to the cleaners. Calls Her flusbajid. Suspicious, Mrs. Wilinsky called her husband and together they discovered that the girl had not gone to the cleaners and they also discovered tliat two diamond rings, two headed bags and one platinum ring were missing from their accustomed place in a dresser drawer in a bedroom. Police wpre telephoned. Detectives Killian and English were detailed on tlie ease and found that Miss Mackrasky’s trunk had been checked to the Union station yester day morning. When the girl arrived they arested her. "Have you tlie valuables on your person?” Detective Killian said he asked her. "Yes,” she is s*ad to have ans swered, "they're in the bosom of my dress.” Hands Over Loot. “Well, you'd better hand them over so they won't bo lost between here and the station,” the officer coun tered. She complied. At central police headquarters she Is alleged to have admitted the theft. She said, according to police, that she had planned the theft while on the street car on the way home from a movie, a few night ago. Then when the proper time came she left. “Looked so Kasy.” “It looked so easy,” she is alleged to have said. Another reason why the Willin skys’ suspicions were not aroused was that she told them, says Mr. Willin sky. that she wished to go home for Christmas, and had been gone from the house over Sunday and monday. Tuesday she returned and resumed her duties. Miss Mackrasky is being held for further investigation. Harding to Continue U. S. Coal Commission • t\ aahington, Dec. 33.—President Harding ha3 decided to eontinua the existing federal control of fuel distri bution for at least another month, it was announced at the White House. Though Conrad E. Spans, the present head of the office, has resigned and presented a final report to the presi dent upon the emergency measures taken since the end of the coal strike to assist the country in getting a coal supply, an organization will be maintained to continue and to act as an assurance against sny stringency in the near future. The bituminous coal supply of the country. Mr. Spoils said in his report, ran he considered good with no likeli hood of shortage if weather conditions do not seriously hamper railroad op orations. Son of Wealthy Illinois Man Charged With Murder Deer Trail, Colo., Dec. 39.—George Griffith, Carthage. III., was formally charged, today with murder in con nection with tlie killing of Charles Manor of Denver and the shooting of C. Cour here last Sunday night following a dance. Griffith is said to be the son of a wealthy farmer living near Carthage, and a friend of the family of Miss Cour. with whom he was visiting at the time of the shooting. The Cour family came to Denver from Carth age several years ago. Griffith was arrested at the Cour family homo shortly after the shoot ing. At the time of the filing of the Information District Attorney Boat wright declared that the Information was being filed as a precautionary measure to prevent Griffith'* release from custody on a writ of habeas corpus. Oppose Arbuckle Return. Shenandoah, la.. Dec. 39.—(Special.) —The return or “Patty’' Arbuckl* to the screen following his Christina* pardon meets with the disapproval of the Shenandoah chapter A.V. C. T. U. The women do not believe they can stop his appearing in the movies, but they think they can help create a public opinion against seeing hi* film* Barrows’ Salary Must Come From Governor Lincoln, Deo. 29.—(By A. P.)—At torney General Davis has given a for mal opinion holding that Lieutenant Governor P. A. Barrows cannot draw any salary directly from the state of Nebraska by filing his voucher drawn upon the salary fund of the govern or's office and that ho must look to Governor McKelvle for whatever compensation may be due him for services as acting governor. On the authority of this ruling. Auditor Marsh will issue a warrant to Governor McKelvle for the full 11,875 claimed by him in a voucher filed several days ago, covering the last quarter of 1922. Marsh has been holding up this voucher, along with Barrows' claim for $239.90 as 10 days' salary from December 13 to 23, while McKelvie was on an eastern trip. Omaha Insurance Firm Under Fire by State Board j Mortgages Must Be Replaced by Satisfactory Securities and Officers Must Make Salary Refunds. Lincoln, Dec. 28. — (Special.)— Mortgages amounting to $172,300 held by the Commonwealth Life Insurance company of Omaha as assets must be replaced with securities satisfactory to the stgte department of insurance, under an order issued today by W. 13. Young, chief of the Nebraska In surance department. The order was issued following ex amination of the company by the in surance departments of Iowa, Ne braska and Missouri. In recent months, according to Young, a majority of stock of the Commonwealth has been obtained by W. K. Whitfield and 3. li. Paisley, of ficers of the Standard Life Insurance company of Decatur, 111., and this majority of stock is in the name of C. S. Whitfield, son of W. K. Whit field. Other Orders Issued. The mortgages complained of, ac cording to Young, are securities originally held by the Standard Life and transferred into the assets of the Commonwealth, Other orders Issued by Y'oung to the Commonwealth in part follow: A salary of $ 10,000 a year paid to Frans Nelson, former president of the Commonwealth as chairman of the conservation committee of the Commonwealth must be return ed by him to the company. "Our investigation showod." de clared Young, "that the salary was prearranged and in reality a part payment for the stock which Mr. Nelson sold to Mr. Paisley individ ually.’’ Salaries to Be Cut. A salary of $10,000 a year, paid * to W. K. Whitfield as vice presi dent of the Commonwealth, must be cut to $3,000 a year, according to Young, who alleges Whitfield lived in St. Louis and spent only an average of three days a month in Omaha, lie also must return to the company the difference in the salaries already paid. A salary of $600 a month, paid to C. S. Whitfield, as secretary, must be out to $250 a month and he must return to (lie company the difference In the salary paid. A $100 Liberty bond, alleged to be missing, must be returned imme diately. Other alleged acts of mismanage ment and difiance of previous or ders by (he insurance commission ers must be remedied at once. Young declared that he set Wednes day, December 27. at. 2 p. m„ as the time tor the hearing on the report of the examiners and Iowa and Missouri insurance officers were present, but neither Whitfield nor Paisley ap peared. Young asserted he called F. .1. L'eh ling. president of the Commonwealth company, at that time and asked him to come to Lincoln, Uehling replied. Young alleges, that lie had been in structed by Whitfield and Paisley not to attend the hearing. A tentative application is on file to consolidate the Commonwealth with the Standard and Young will pass on this applica tion tomorrow. Day’s iVetivities in Washington Prince Gelasio Caetani, the new Italian ambassador, presented his credentials to President Harding. The house completed consideration of the interior appropriation bill which carries $291,000,000, most of it for pensions. Balthasar If. Meyer became chair man of the Interstate Commerce com mission, succeeding Charles C. Me Chord, who remains, however, as a member of the commission. Surveying domestic business condi tions, the Department of Commerce said satisfactory progress had been made during the past year with fur ther advances in prospect. Credit to a maximum ot' $1,000,000, 0p0 would be extended to Germany for use in purchasing foodstuffs in this country under a bill introduced by Senator Bursum, republican, New Mexico. Conrad B. Spens, federal fuel dis tributor, preliminary to relinquishing his post, announced that the bitumin ous coal situation was “good" and that anthracite production was ex ceeding expectations. The office, how ever, will be conrtnued at least for an other month. Senator Borah, republican, Idaho, announced he would withhold his pro posal for an International economic conference in order not to embarrass negotiations by the administration with a view to aiding Europe* Too Big for the Baby Walker I ______ ,■■■■■■» I U. S. Grand Jury Indicts 13 Men After ‘Wet’ Party Pconjinent New York Club men Charged With Viola tion of Volstead and Revenue Acts. • ——— New Tork, Dec. 29.—Investigation by a federal grand Jury into a bache lor's dinner at (he fashionable Rac quet and Tennis club on Park avenue, at which liquor was alleged to have flowed freely, today brought indict ment of 13 men, including four mem bers of the La Montagna family, prominent in society. Two indictments were returned, charging a conspiracy to violate the Volstead and internal revenue acts, through which approximately 30,000 gallons of assorted liquors were al leged to have been illegally sold. Some of those indicted also were charged with having forged liquor permits and other papers. In a statement in connection with tho Indictments United States Attor ney Hayward asserted that liis office liad followed the trail of alleged bootlegging, even though it led to se lect circles and exclusive places, and charged that liquor had been sold on a wholesale scale to exclusive clubs and the homes of the wealthy. Federal Judge Knox received the indictments on a day on which two other Juries—one in (he court of gen eral sessions in New York and the others in Brooklyn—had handed up presentments urging repeal of the state prohibition enforcement act, on the ground that it was ineffective and wasteful of public funds. The principal defendants, accord ing to Mr. Hayward, were Montague La Montagnp and his three younger brothers. Kene, William and Morgan. Reno has long been in the public eye as one of the foremost American polo players, having several times ap peared in international competition. The other defendants were described by Mr. Hayward as the agents of the brothers, listed by the United States attorney as owners of tho Green river Distillery company, Eminence Distillery Company, lnr„ and E. La Montague & Sons. Inc. The others In the rase was said by Hayward to Include: An employe of the three companies, a bonded truckman, two salesmen, a cigar man at tbe Racquet and Ten nis club, four "fixers" and a garage owner. The indictments, citing overt acts, charged that illegal sales had been made to a number of drug stores in Newark, Long Branch and Asbury Park, N. J. Farm Near Griswold, la.. Sells for $94,500 Gash Griswold, la.. Dec. 99.—(Special.)— A farm of 397 acres sold to settle the U. A. Mackull estate, was purchased by Roger Getting for 184.500 cash. The farm is rich bottom land near this city. Getting got the farm after win ning the toss of a coin with a man who had submitted a hid of the suif amount. Arrested as Fugitive. J. C. Blackburn, salesman. Ken* shaw hotel, was arrested by Detec tives Trapp and Munch yesterday as a fugitive from justice. He is said to be wanted in Creston, la., on check I chargee T Borah Withdraws Proposal to Call Economic Parley -Senator Walson Declares Ad ministration Has Sent “Feelers'" to Europe With \ iew to Action. Washington, Dec. 29.—Advised by administration leaders that big naval bill amendment for an economic con ference would bo "harmful” to the ad ministration's negotiations to aid in the European economic conditions. Senator Borah, republican, Idaho, late today satd in the senate that be would withdraw it. After Senator Watson, republican, Indiana, liad stated that the admin istration has sent out "feelers” with a view to action in European eco nomic affairs, Chairman Lodge of the foreign relations committee added that for several months American ambas sadors and ministers in Europe had been seeking information as to what the United States could do to aid Europe in an economic way. Senator Borah a^ked Senator Lodge, if he believed that the Boran proposal would be embarrassing to the admin istration's negotiations. Senator Lodge replied that it would be "harmful," and Senator Borah said "Well, then on the statement of the chairman of the foreign relation* '-"in niittee, I am willing to withdraw my resolution." Senator Borah later announced pri vately that he would hold his amend ment in abeyance, possibly to add to a later bill if such action should be come necessary. Man Believed to Be Bergdoll Captured Tallahassee, Fla., Pee. 2!). — Picked from a train as a hobo, police today are holding a man believed to be Grover Cleveland Bergdoll, the Phila delphia draft dodger. The man gave ilia name as Bill Jones and his home as Erie, Pa. Police sent finger prints to Washington today and will hold Ulin until an investigation is made. Bergdoll was reported recently to have left Germany in an attempt to enter the United States. Omaha Demos to Get Special Trip to Bryan Inaugural Omaha democrats, w ho desire to wit ness the inauguration of Governor elect C. W. Bryan at Lincoln next week, may avail themselves of a per sonally conducted trip to the capi tal and back in 10 chartered coaches, in charge of a committee of 18, It was announced yesterday. Tho delegation will be accompanied b> a band, according to present plans, and will reach Lincoln the morning of the inauguration ceremony. All Its members will be guests of Governor Bryan during the day. Persons desiring to make the trip, have been requested to get into com munication with some member of the committee, which includes James C. Pahlman, Michael L. Endres, Otto Bauman. Arthur MuIUn, Janies H. Hanley, James H. Bulla, Gene Melady, Lee Herdman. Harvey Newbranch. John C. Barrett, George S. Collins, Pr. Lee Van Camp, John Hopkins, Judge Madden, A. W. Elsasser, W. P. Lynch, Ralph Coad and Ed Mc Ardle * ■ « , House Completes Consideration of Interior Budget House to Vote oil Appropria tion Bill on January 3— Funds for Geological Survey Increased. Washington. Dec. 29.—Continuing its rapid work on the annual supply measures, the house completed con sideration of the interior appropria tion bill, carrying $294,000,000, of which $253,000,000 will be for pen sions. The vote was delayed until January 3. at which lirao Republican Reader RIondetl announced the hope that the agricultural bill, already waiting final vote, the postoffice bill and the interior bill will be passed. The only major upset met by the committee In charge of the bill today was an increase of the geological sur vey appropriation for the making of topographical maps in various sections of the country from $324,000 to $500, 000. Over protests of Mr. Rlondell and Chairman Rladden of the appropria tions committee, the house, by a. vote of 45 to 28, decided in favor of the increase after an extended debate in which proponents of the larger amount, lead by Representative Tem ple, republican, Pennsylvania, cited the great interest being taken in the work by the states, which are re ft ulred to meet the government’s out lay on a half-and-half basis. They contended the state appropriations could he met with the money pro posed by the bill. Representatives Rtondell and Rlad den charged propaganda, spread, they said, by various state geologists, was responsible for the pressure for the added appropriation. Many Friends Pay Tribute at Funeral of H. K. Burket A host of friends paid a last tribute to Henry K. Burket, 72, yesterday at the undertaking parlors of H. K. Buc ket & Son, 3405 Farnam street. Mr. Burket was stricken with apoplexy last Wednesday and died at 11:30 a. m. Amidst hanks of floral pieces was a beautiful bronze copper casket wtfich held the body. Itev. A. A. DeLarrue preached the funeral sermon and spoke highly of Mr. Btirket’s devotion to his chuscti. his family and his friends. The pallbearers were Orson Put nam. George Elmore, W. E. Palma (ler, Fred Pinney, F. J. Haskell und Homer K. Burket of Llncotai. Inter ment was In Forest Lawn. Surviving are his wife, a son, Earl H. Burket. and a sister. Jap Council Scores Kato. Tokio, Dec. !!>.—(By A. P.>—The Privy council today passed a resolu tion condemning the policy of the Kato- cabinet. Such action Is unpre cedented in the history of Japanese politics. The Weather Forecast. Saturday probably rain and colder. Hourly Temperatures. 9 m .3S I I p. in. 32 * ■ .»7 2 l». m.vs 7 "• n.,...37 | 3 n. ni .Ml a a. in ........ 37 4 p. ni..vs 9 a. m.33 V p. in . v; *" 47 I 7 p. ni.54 It (noon) . 50 | • p. in... .jj.... 52 S hipping Paralyzed by Storms Grave Fears Felt for Two Ves sels — Scores of Smaller Craft reeked Ity Heavy liale on Atlantie. Many New Yorkers Hun New York, Dec. 20.—lily A. P.)—■ Gales today continued to whip t Do north Atlantic Into mountains and canyons, arousing fears for at least two vessels, delaying scores and send ing a few smaller craft crashing into the shore. The chief anxiety was felt for the freighter Bretonia, which sailed for this port from St. Pierre on Decem ber 12. and Iho Herman freighter Heinrich Kayser, which last reported "hen it sent out an SOS 000 miles oft Cape May on December ti. In addition, a flutter ran through marine circles when t lie; shipping hoard motorship Muijmotor, bound for Norfolk from Boston, radioed for help off Five Fathom bank light. The Munmotor, with a crew of 42, re ported a had list to starboard, but -i later message stated it had righted a little. Meanwhile t Do coast guard cutler Kickapoo put out to its assist ance from Cape May. Schooner Wrecked. The most important wreck reported was that of the schooner Annie L. Hpindler, out of Yarmouth, N. S., whioh struck near Provlncetown, Mass., sending its crew of six ashore in a breeches buoy. An unconfirmed report bad it that the boat was curry ing a cargo •'* liquor. Shipping offices ia New York, Hali fax and other ports were bombarded with wireiesH messages from liners re porting delays caused by midwinter storms. The Berengaria, bearing Ambassa dor Harvey back to 'Washington from London, was one of tho vessels held up. Due hero today, it reported tliut it still was 817 miles off this port and did not expect to reach quarantine until Sunday morning. Waves also were lashing the sidc3 of the giant Majestic, carrying the British finance mission to the United States, and Emile Coue, proponent of auto suggestion bound here for a lecture tour. Vessels Show Effects. Nearly 25 steamers which crept into port today showed the effects of tho battering they had received. The Manchuria reported three of its crew in the sick bay with injuries re ceived when smitten by a gigantic wave. Battened below decks for Inost of the voyage were 216 seasick pas sengers. Tho President Monroe, snow and ice covered from stein to stern, arrived looking like an iceberg, after fighting the worst gales the skipper could re member. Once, he said, when a hun dred-miles an-hour wind was blowing, the-vessel could make but four knots an hour. Storm Takes Toll. Tlie storm took its toll of hundreds of injured. From early last night un til daybreak hospital ambulances were bringing in pedcstrains with broken arms, fractured legs or crack ed skulls, who had fallen on the ice covered streets. Most hospitals were crowded to capacity. Two persons are reported to have been killed in falls. The wind reached high velocities. Combined ' with the unaccustomed burden of snow', it worked havoc with above-ground power and tele phone lines; street car transmission cables, roofs of buildings and large trees. Lives of podcstiains in some sec tions were endangered by falling signs, tumbling chimneys and smoke stacks. Thousands of dollars of dam age were believed to have been sus tained on Long and Staten Islands, where numerous small craft were washed ashore. Along the waterfront tho toll of damaged buildings was re ported heavy. Railroads were asked to concen trate on maintaining unimpaired freight service in order that the city, witli barely 48 hours reserve supplies of coal on hand at harbor terminals, might not be confronted by at) actual fuel famine. Bishop Stuntz Defended hy Methodist Leaders I)es Moines. Ia.. Dec. 29.—Methodist leaders of Iowa and Nebraska stoutly defended the administration of Bishop Homer C. Stuntz and protested against attacks directed against him. A I)ew hospital Is to be built at Sioux City this spring, according to plans announced at the meeting. A missionary report was read showing that iowa and Nebraska wore second among 21 areas In the country in the amount of money raised last year. The “certain periodieate'* which criticised Bishop Stuntz, mentioned in the resolution endorsing the bishop passed by a conference of Methodist executives here yesterday included, the Now Republic, the Christian Ad vocate of Newr York, the Northwest ern Christian Advocate of Chicago and tho Zion Herald, according to Rev. Herbert Scott of the First Methodist church here. The criticism followed tlie bishop’s acquiescence in tho retirement .C Rev. J. D. m. Buckner of Aurora, Neb., at the general Methodist con ference last September, of which Bishop Stuntz acted as chairman. Professor Secs Brighter Outlook for Farmers of U. S. Chicago, Dec. 29.—Factors are -it work which will raise the economic condition of farmers within the next year lo a level as prosperous as that In the 14 years of agricultural pros perity which culminated in 1912, Trof. Davis Friday, president of the Michigan Agricultural college, de clured in a paper read before a joint meeting of the American Economic associatian and the American Farm Economic association.