The Omaha Norn: mg Bee
__ THE OMAHA EVENING BEE ’ ___J
Ck VOL. 53—NO. 164. oE:Xd £ TtSTSTS OMAHA, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1923.* gitfl," qV » TWO CENTS » ‘SJT*
Swindler Is
Arrested in
Los Angeles
Clever Forger Tells Police of
Obtaining $100,000
in Number of
Cities.
Identified by Bankers
J.os Angeles, Dec. 24.—The story of
how lie victimized more than a score
of hanks In a number of cities for
more than $100,000, was told police
here today by Fred Mayher, alias
E. B. Hatfield, alias William F. Walk
er, arrested following Identification
by ft former Kansas City bank em
ploye.
. Mayher, according to the police,
lived here with his wife and baby. As
the need for money developed he
would travel eastward, open accounts
with several banks and reap his har
vest by aid of forged certificates of
deposit, then return to California.
According to Mayher’s story to the
police, his richest. haul was during
he present year, when he obtained
^ *9,000 from Buffalo banks and $27,000
from Kansas City strongholds. Chron
ologically, his operations were as fol
lows:
In 1918 an dl919. St. Paul, $2,000;
Chicago, $8,000; 1920 and 1921, New
’ Orleans, $0,000: Brooklyn, Sfi,000:Bos
ton, $ 14,000; 1923, Buffalo, $9,000, and
Kansas City, $27,000
Other amounts, of which he had
kept no account, were mentioned, po
lice say.
Obtained $25,000 in Kansas City.
Kansas City, Mo., Dec. 24.—Fred
Mayher, who Is alleged to have ob
tained approximately $26,000 from
"in« Kansas City banks, is cne of the
- leverest check swindlers on record
here. A warrant far Mayher’s arrest
on a charge of forgery was issued lato
today on the request of C. W. Allen
doerfer, vice president of the First
National bank.
Mayher, under the name of E. B.
Hatfield, deposited $3,100 In the First
National hank last July. He said he
ntended to open a brokerage busi
ness here and furnished Chicago ref
■ i ences which later, according to
Allendoerfer, were found to be fictiti
i us.
Csing the name of 'William F.
W alker, it is explained, Mayher then
epened accounts in eight other banks,
i heae were the Commerce Trust com
pany, Fidelity National Bank and
Trust company. Continental National
I lank and Trust company, Twelfth
.-'treet bank, home Trust company,
New England National bank. Liberty
^1 National bank and People’s Trust
One day in August Hatfield ob
tained a certified check from the
First National. Within three hours,
it is charged, he had passed forged
copies of the check on the other
institutions where he was known as
Walker. Then ho disappeared and
a nation wide search was Instituted.
Hatfield’s arrest in Los Angeles, ac
cording to reports here, was due to
the good memory for faces of Oscar
Sitterle, formerly assistant secretary
nt the Home Trust company, one of
the victims of the alleged swindle.
Recently he went to Los Angeles to
establish an agency for a Kansas City
manufacturing concern and recogn
ized nHtfleld when he saw him on
the street.
Married in Council Bluffs.
The following persons obtained mar
riage licenses* in Council Bluffs yesterday;
Ralph Beam, Tekamah, Neb. .22
Ruth Pear re, Tekamah. Neb.16
Joel Calkins. Osceola. Ia . . 28
Kern McCalip. Seward. Neb.- ‘
Ooda Mair. Utica. Neb. .
4nn* Ooodbrod York. Neb. ’
J. S. Alllvlnl, Om-Nha .
Bepevive Rhine, Omaha .••
Frank Straight. Omaha .21
Rose Ce’*msn, Omaha . -1
Rvan Williams, McClelland, la.26
Vivian Houser, Treynor. Ia.20
Clauda Beamia. Crete. Neb.
Tilly Mara nek. Crete. Neb .
Harry Atkinson. I^orette, Neb.26
Agnie Streets. I.orette, N'eb.,..-l
Harold Wiley. Fremont. Neb.21
I,a Vue Arps. Frenmnt, Neb. .-’1
Rav OrhsenUrdn. Omaha .... '....24
Annabel!# Hagemm. Omaha .-0
lose Pirniento, J.ln^ln, Neb.21
Rosario Barcia. Lincoln. Neb.16
Brnr# Miller, Albion. N'eii 21
Viola Church, Clarkson. Neb . 22
Kmery Rlackhurn. Kansas City, .Mo ..19
Pansy Salisbury. Omaha .19
Rwanl Melvin. Omaha .22
Lillian Ilolick. Omaha .20
William llerzof*, Sioux City, la . .28
Bess Fpx, Omaha .22
Raymond M<Bill. Herman. Neb ... 21
H.-ssle llovendick. Herman. Ngb.21
Henry Ondh k. Ravenna. Neb. . .32
Nellie Roberts. Sweetwater. Neb.23
Frjward Mates. Omaha .32
Ruth Webb. Omaha . 1 ■
Paul Kazahe*. tuna ha.27
Mildred Stover. Omaha . 21
Hamel Thompaon. Council Bluffs.4»
M.iigaret Barker. Council Bluffs.36
Richmond M' Haniel. Zooks Hj ur. Ia....*’*;
Frances Harvey, Zook* Spur. In.3 »
‘Jeorgc Jackson. ' uriahl. 26
Brave Smith. Omaha. ..19
Claron*** Sanderson. Junction City. Neb.32
Rose Thompson. Omaha.3d
M. XV. Waltz. Bl in wood. Net*. ...76
Catherine 11 arm* Berger, Kim wood. Neb.67
Co* West rip. Council Riuffs. . ...31
• rn Boss, < min* II Bluffs......2-i
1 • ’ > i ,i .8 S
Cornciix Waring. Omaha . I'*
William Kpeek. Brand Island. Neb...22
,dni Christensen. Brand Island, Neb.. 19
« I ;r« lire Barker. Lyons, la. .21
Wilma Bracknev. Oakalooaa. Is . . ik
VI:•• rt I.»i«■ dt' » . He!grade. \ • b ... 24
Mary Callaway, Cedar Rapid*. Net)....16
• 'hurl)* Cnllawriy. C dar Rapids. Neb..27
I ■n;i Bone. Inin ill. Neb .19
Bu\ Rasmus. Omaha... .3 1
Bertha Foil rev. Falls Citv. Noli....... 22
F. Ii Renton. Council Bluff" . . .16
llaael i pp-'ison, ‘oumll Minify.2 ’.
iJuniH Pnlist. Cedar llupids. Nob.21
tart hit Aldrich. WolbHch. Neb ........ 19
• 'liiude Weaver. l>«oatur. N’ef» .,.,^,...23
*i li. | Boltins. I »et aim. Neb. B»
• '; • . b Hall. * >mahu .......... 21
\ nun I’u \ ior Omaha .21
hi"- Maun. * Mm#ha . 24 1
|| in ilt on, « cn.-i ...1
r*
*
The Day in
Washington
President Coolidge granted Christ
inas pardons and commutation to
• II men.
Washington's bootleg • scandal
de» eloped to the point where a
sweeping inquiry into charges of
liquor drinking in high places is
threatened.
The Department of Agriculture
announced agricultural imports ex
ceeded exports for the first time
in history during the last fiscal
year.
Kesuhmission of nominations of
Frederick I. Thompson and Rprt
K. Haney as members of the ship
ping board was indicated after
White House conferences.
The State department made pub
lic the text of the article in the
soviet organ Izvestia, which* ac
knowledged the close bonds between
the soviet regimp and the commun
ist international.
President Lights
Christmas Tree
at White House
Coolidges Take Active Part in
Observance of Holiday
at National
Capital.
Washington, Dec. 24.—Christmas
in Washington finds governmental
activities almost entirely, suspended,
and President and Mrs. Coolidge par
ticipating actively in the capital’s
observance of the holiday.
The chief executive himself for
mally started the city's observance at
o this evening by turning a switch
which lighted thousands of lights on
the big “national Christmas tree”
erected on the ellipse directly south
of the White House. Cater, the presi
dent and Mrs. Coolidge threw open
the gates rtf the White House grounds
for thousands to'gather there to sing
Christmas carols. The Coolidges to
morrow will attend a union Christ
mas service of the city's churches.
Activities (’ease.
Activities in the government de.
partments ceased at noon. Cabinet
members will not return to their of
fices until Wednesday morning.
Mr. Coolidge. tfowever, worked
through the afternoon in the execu
tive offices, leaving only when the
time came to turn on the Christmas'
tree lights.
Tiie "national Christmas tree"
lighted by the president, was sent
to the executive by Middlebury col
lege of Vermont, but Mr. Coolidge de
cided to share it with the whole city
and bought a small tree for the
White House. This small tree was
put up this afternoon in the blue
room and trimmed oy Mrs. Coolidge
and the boys, John and Calvin, jr.
On it were placed the family gifts.
Thousands Sing Carols.
The singing of Christmas carols at
the White House took place at the
north entrance, where several thou
sand persons joined with the choir
of the president's church, the First
Congtcgational. in the music. The
plan was conceived by Mrs. Coolidge.
who has expressed the hope that It
will become an annual custom.
Mrs. Coolidge today attended
Christmas exercises and distribution
of toys and dinners to the poor by
the Salvation Army.
Fifty shop girls from the store
where Mrs. Coolidge buys many of
her clothes received large bouquets
of roses today from the White House
conservatories, the gift of Mrs. Cool
idge. The president and Ids family
will be accompanied to church tomor
row by Mr. and Mrs. Frank W.
Stearns of Boston, the only guests at
the White House for Christmas. The
Christmas dinner will be served In
the evening after a day quietly spent.
Less Wheat •
in Nebraska
Washington, Dec. 24.—Nebraska
fanners have cut their planted wheat
atreag* 12 per cent, according to a
survey by the United States Depart
ment of Agriculture.
This fall 3,104.00(1 acres of wheat
were planted in N’ebraaka. as against
3.527,000 acres at the name period In
1822.
This decrease Is slightly lower Ilian
the decrease for the country as a
whole, American farmers In the mass
having reduced their acreage 12.6 per
cent.
Transient Peddlers in
OdundniH to Pay $10 lax
Columbus. Neb.. l>ec, 24.—Tram*
lent hawksrs. peddlers and merchan
dise: canvasser* will be required t*»
pay an occupation tax of $10 n day in
stead of $2.50 us at present to do
business in Columbus. The council’s
action was taken with a petition sub
mltted by the secretary of the t ham
her of commerce and hearing the sin
nature* of a dozen Columbus grocer *
and meat market proprietors.
The petitioners took the position
that the transients who came her**
to sell their wares without paying
taxes contributing to the maintenance
and welfare of the community should j
be made to bear their proportions!** i
share with the men hunts who paid
taxes.
W liili* Christman in Sijilit.
Beatrice, Neb., Bee. 24. Cold i; in
began falling In this section of the
state tliis evening, indications are
that tomorrow' will he a white Christ
I mas. The moisture b- badl.v needed
for winter wheat
Cpon 111 i m Christmas morniriK.j
aroused by the crashing noise of a
gleeful happy household of carefree
alrla and boys. Bin of tVie drum* and
trumpets, rattle and bang of toys,
and springing from bed I Join them,
sharing their Christmas Joys ,
THE GIFTS TO THE
rt'i .i-iiL’it
AU -. .
By Eleanor H. Hinman
*
—Thlj» ilM.mf of fh<* thr*e wise men from the en*t wim made expreesly for The Omaha B*»e Christmas edition b* M «• v*ra I 'aebeth C- *. c <t! . ce of :n ! gh »-h-. > ao has g en
up her art studio iti Chicago to matte her home again in Council Bluffs. -- -
There are three kings come riding,
Riding—riding—
On tall black camels striding,
Out of the orient night.
With jewglSff'tflWahs gleaming.
With small bells soft as dreaming,
Led by a star’s downstreaming
Long path of flaky light.
Proud Caspar, robed in azure
(In cloth of gold and azure) ;
Pale Melchior, black Bathasar,
With fretted diadem.
Red gold in ivory coffer,
Incense and myrrh, they proffer;
Such are the gifts they offer
The King of Rethlehcm.
There are three kings go riding.
Riding—riding—
On tail black camels striding.
Into the growing light.
With small bells gladly ringing.
With lifted faces, singing,
Great wonders homeward bringing,
They drift across the sight.
✓
O gracious kings, we pray you,
Stay in your steps and say you,
How did that King repay you,
The Babe of Bethlehem?
What is your new-found treasure?
King Casper, what your pleasure;
King Melchior. King Balthasar,
What strange and priceless gem?
"1 who have fought for power
Learned pity .in that 'hour.
Took peace to be my dower,
Such was His gift to me.”
“I who have nightlv striven
Tor truth, I, wrenched and riven
By strong despair, was given
The faith by which men see."
“And I, the hurt and hated.
Dethroned. despi<*ed and baited.
Found that for me there waited
The perfect gift of love."
So these three kings go riding,
Riding—riding—
In hope and iov abiding,
And the dawn fl t.ies high above.
Ten Children
in Five Births j
Kpforil Keli«“\ptl Held l>\ Mal-j
im> Couple — Triplet- i
Among Arrivals.
Wuhoo, Neb.. Dec. 24.— On tin* ar
m il of a pair of twins, a boy and
girl, at the homo <f Mr. and Mrs.
Thomas Holtorf of Maimo, December
nr it looks like a world record has
been established for this family. A
set of triplets, three sets of twins and
a single child born to this couple dur
ing the last seven years.
Following is the record of the
births: .
November 10, 1916. triplels, s boy
and two Kiris were born.
January 2, 1919, twins, both girls.
November 21, 1919, twins, a bqy anil
a Kiri.
November 19, 1921, a Kiri was born.
December IS, 1923. a bey and girl.
All children are living except lhe
triplets, the first children, w ho lived
onl\ four days. Dr. K. O. Weber
was the attending physician at all
cases. Mrs Holtorf w.is formerly Miss
Freda liredenlwrg of Maimo.
No Marry Christmas
Trap far Omaha Kirhlirs;
Mayor Is Lonasoma
Omaha will have no municipal
Christman tree this year Kor the
first year since Janie* C. liahltnan
has hern mayor of Omaha, hundreds
• *f kiddie* will mi^s gathering around
the Inigo troo decked in sparkling
ornaments and gllstining tinsel, it*
base hanked with hags of goodies.
"Y«’h." mused Mayor Onhlman. gaz
Ing off into spne»*.this is the first
time we haven't had ope. But with
the community chest drive Just corn
pleted. I didn't hav* the heart to ask
for contributions for the entertain
merit.
“Hut. Just the same," tie added
clam ing dubiously at a box of Christ !
tun* cigars, we're going to hav# one
next year
Cp before Christmas downing lo
light tlie Christinas trei dancing
'round with the kiddles, happy a*
man can he Watching the enndlek
gleaming, joining In childish glee,
thanking the lord f.»i blessing* so
tieely bestowed on mo,
]
Bryan Urged to Send
Judging Team Abroad
\ letter from f*. L. Westcott. sup
erintendent of schools at Bins Hill,
X<*l> . in which he urges that Nebraska
finance the trip of the Nebraska live
stock Judging team to a judging con
test at London, has been received by
governor Bryan.
"fireut honor has been brought up
on the state of Nebraska which has
given It not only nationwide prom
inence hut worldwide as well.” wrote
Mr. Westcott. "The Nebraska stock
judging team brought bark world
honors from the International live
stock Judging contest at Chicago. Ne
braska must l>e represented at the
contests at London. Not to be repre
•rented at this time would lie a deadly
blow to the civic pride and the agri
cultural Interests of not only our own
state, but the great middle west ns
well "
According to Mr. Westcott, the cost
would range lietween $3,000 and $4,000.
The First National hank of Blue Hill
has consented lo act as custodian to
receive funds.
Omaha Risk Company
Merges With Standard
Lincoln. 21—The state trade
and commerce secretary, K. C
K nudson Monday approved the
merger of the Commonwealth Life
Insurance company, Omaha, and the
Standard Life Insurance company of
Decatur, III., contemplating removal
to St. Louis.
In the merger the Common wealth
company loses its Identity. All policy
holders In the company will he rein
sured in the Standard.
Knudaon'* approval to the merger
was given after eight examiner* for
the states of Nebraska. Iowa and
.Minnow I had made nil Itiqulr* inlo
the affairs of the two companies and
found that the Standard company
w is financially able to assume the
added obligations contemplated in the
merger. The combined capital of the
merged companies Is $,186.01)0 with i
surplus of $482,000. The combined
nets are IT.OM.sTO.
All stockholders in the Common
wealth will receive* share* in the
Standard for an equal amount.
Hunting tbs tree for pr« ■ ni old
Santa ha? s< altered ll.en 1. night* i
and Muigs loud ringing on the < In Im
mas nir. tabbing anew the spirit of
youth and It* playtime fair, I join
with my happy kiddie* in ilulmina
a t alii iatmas •hai •.
Christmas Is Time
for All to Rejoice
First Christian Cimrrh Pa-tor
Speaker at Chamber of
Commerce Party.
Christmas spirit an I w'aat 1 means
to the work! today was emphasized by
Rev. C. A Miller, pastor of the Firgf
Christian church, at the Chamber of
Commerce Christmas party yesterday.
“Joy, love sntl hopefulness were
demonstrated at the birth of Christ."
he said. “That is our Instruction to
always 1*» Joyful, alwa/s be hopeful
and always love others at a If times
I ut more especially now hi Christmas
time.
“We have Christinas trees because
at that time a tree was decorated to,
denote the joy am! the light of world.
We exchange presents hciause the
wise men of the east gave presents
to the <’hrist child.
"Many people have forgotten tills
and seem to want to make tTiristmas
a season of extravagance. Tliey for
get the cheer that should go with the
season ami grumble."
Rev. Mr. Miller ended his talk with
a plea for all to l*e joyful.
Mot *' than 3^0 ni* tubers of the
Chamber of Commerce and their fami
lies were at the luncheon. Four
Santa Clauses moved from table to
table distributing nrosrnt* J. I*
Puffy, one of the Santas, added to
bis g:ft a ki>* for * • h of tin* women
present.
Charles Cardioi aided the fun by
donning a wig and little red cap. then
following Ibiffy about the room On#
stop was enough for Gm drier. who
turned the festivity over to Puffs
-- ^
HASTINGS- Fourteen hundred In i
mutes »if Intileslde State Hospital for
the insane will enjoy a special Christ -
nhim dinner. Two thousand < ’hrist
tuns parages lrt\ ■ been reerived foi
inmates
HASTINGS George Hutton Hast
lugs busin* ms man. who has just re
turned from Washington and other
I eastern oil lea, predicted a prosperous
lb.* | for hasting* and Nebraska In n
speech at the eh miber of commerce'
luncheon today.
i»ff from m> weny -boulder* lj
inst flu' weight of the \r.irs; there In
the joy* of YuletiUe I banish tnv
doubts and fears Seen through the
Christmas dawning * sweetheart *
file* appears the far.. «<f .« smiling
mother who*# aintl# .» th* -intis tlml
cheer*
1
Essay Contest for
High School Students
Nebraska high school students are|
. • compete in the tftire essay con-\
te-t of the American Fheinic.il so
ciety. PHie* are t*» he c.ieh and j
scholarship to unive.Dtiejt in lhe;
l.’nited State*.
Twelve men have been selected for
tho judging commit >e for Nebraska
They are Dr. W M Barr, consulting
chemist; Dr. II F. 'let aid. Creighton
unfverslty; Dr. Karl Farji -Worth.
Orand Island. J. W. S’enhardt, presi
dent of the Nebraska Manufacturers’
association; Way lan l Me flee, Ben
nington; C. \W Taylor, state com
nmnder. American Legion J H.
Beveridge, supetant« ndent of hoois.
Omaha: Judge C. ti Litton, Lincoln:
F. W. I’pson. T'nivetsuy of Nebraska,
and *r, J. \Varner, state senator.
All high school students are eligible
to compete in the contest Six prizes
of <10 each will be given In each state
and six scholarship* wti lhe given to
the students who write the best e*
.-ays Jn the entire country The
scholarships will be to any college the
winners desire.
Souder Accepts
Verdict of lurv
J J
North Plane Neb *>•■ '-4 IV j
i taring he hail "made his light” and !
that he did not see how he could go
any further, Samuel M Soudet
former Lincoln county treasurer, con
victed Saturday night of arson in con
ne«-tion with the burning last April L"i
30 of the old county courthouse, indi ,
i.lp‘1 ! od«\ h.s tight fcl fteed-'Pl W a> ,
over.
Souder. who w .is indicted by a I
grand Jury chaiged with cmheirtle- ]
incut of i total of $4f< 1 1 7 77. is soiled 1
tiled to appeal tie fore Judge Tewel!
January 7 for sentence on the arson
charge The penalty is an indeter
minute term of from J to 20 years, but
tlie court may. if it sees fit, raise the
minimum and low* t the maximum. It
was the prosecution's contention that
Souder burned or caused to lie burned,
the courthouse, to cover up an alleged
shortage, and that Souder knew the1
day before the fire auditors were <cin
ng to investigate county affairs
l.midlv the voices lifting the carols
to t'lirist the King, beaming the « hlM
ish faces as loudly their voters ting,
u the joys that tlieir laughter to iVad
and the Mother bring. as clustered
there tn the dawning lhe> xfulh
dan • snd sing
Sears ami Howard
Seek Re-Election
( on«:re»-»iei» \«ain to Kilter
Haee in Second and Third
Di'lricts. *
\\ .i>*h.* i‘li, [Vo. 14 4’on^l t*M?
man Willi* C Sear*. Omaha, repub
i*t’a a' . nnd OorffrresAman - Edwttrd
Howsnli e« irmhun, democrat, today
I forwardftj proper . paper* to their
county «!erk* to have their* name*
nut «»n ballot* *aa candidate* for their
thirty nomination in the primarb**
tor the came position* they now hold
in the S*-*cond and Third oongreewipn
*il ili*trio’* respc, tively.
I 1 Held on Liquor Law
Charges at Hastings
Hasting NO*. IV '2i—The visit
< f .« Hoii oi of f..ier.*! and state offii-em
t»* HhmiVs last Saturday night lv s
•■suited in 10 nun and one woman be
ing ound o' »• n t t h ■ .
■ 1 "lth 'illations of the \ inhibition
Jaws,
Deputy Marshal J C* MiH’lune Fed
oral •'ff»r«*i s s"T*rl Srhiitii!. O. K. For*
hi si l \ .! lb ' • UN at i
•Stab* Oft. ei* Milton (bites. O 1>
1 Hidsch.is uul N*eji Olson were the
officers.
T irt* n 4 . i v am! 1 - 1« on V -If
pint l ml tie* «.f alleged whi*hv "vie
tadsed when Thomas Ik hi v wa< nr
rested and five %nli" s , f suppos. d
inoonshin*' and five of vine were luk
en ft >>m Will Hays
The Weather
i op :« hour* •" I c i r m Ivopto
' bf*f . 4 .
Htfli' <t. 4» <>«*%! .* o.iP.'- ST. nor
T< To>l p\, p»« n-,•_• * Unuio 1.
! lb 0
M»uirl> 1 i'iMi*»rul»rr*.
a . »
! k a n» V T
<* m ... *
k n. ni -1
! 1* * m J
| i i *• m. T
13 n<v»n «
» tv m. 4»
• w in 4\
t* m ...... . 4f
4 I' Hi .... 4 .
• H m ..... 4?
«■ n m ... 41
T n m
' i' '
\\« hn «bo il«v« « f watting tv hit*
dwnllinu it . mtl* *« » it lon.'«%'onn>
tho Iiimhh of toiling' whh many an
a« hr of brail all ran* atnl
toit iiw win « I’hi1st unt.> .\»'m nv' a
t'ait In laughter anil *»w anil tmistr
tt bon ibtttii marks tb« Ohrlutmnw
ftai t
4 Dry Agents
Shot in Raid
atMarionJll.
_
Roundup of Moonshiner§ I*
Made in County Where
Coal Miners Were
Massacred.
13 Arrests Are Made
By Associated Press
Marlon, III., Dec. 24.—Four men
were shot, one seriously, In a round
up of alleged moonshiners and boot
leggers in Williamson county Satur
day night and yesterday. Thirteen
persons were held In the Franklin
county jail at Benton and 02 were
at liberty under bonds ranging froir.
52.000 to 55,000. All were charge*
with violating the federal prohihitior
law.
The volunteer raidera were led bj
G. J. Simons of Washington, D. C
who was sent here by Prohibition Di
rector Haynes. Klansmen, it is said
assisted in the raids, which were con
ducted without the knowledge of th«
county authorities.
Otis Clark, the first man lndlcte*
In connection with the Herrin mine
killings, was among those arrested.
The raiders swooped down on all
nearby towns almost simultaneously,
an<V early yesterday there was great,
excitement In Benton, it being esti
mated that more than 3,000 people
were gathered in the town square.
Hr .pDOfiatrd Prm
Chicago, Dec. ;4.—The story of the
raid of the fpderal prohibition force*
in Williamson county Saturday night
and Sunday was told in official re
ports today in local enforcement head
quarters by Gus J. Simons, a field
chief working under the Washington
prohibition unit.
Simons' reports, corroborated by J.
F I.oeffler and V. L. Armitage. local
agents, made no mention of the co
operation of members of the Ku Klux
Klan in the roundup.
While the report* make no men
tion of the active co-operaticn of
Williamson county officials in the
roundup, Simons slated that Sheriff
Mont Owens of Franklin county, ad
joining. gave every possible help to
the federal officers. Many of the vol
unteer force of 450 citizens wer»
ynlott miners of Williamson count."
who were deputized after the federA
1 fHcers had called for men "prepared
jto die in this undertaking."
Asked later if there was klan co
operation. Simons said mat Knights
| of Columbus and members of other
iTganlzations, at- well as klar.smen
Participated, and that the klan did
not participate as an organization and
was not officially recognized.
There were two to five revolver*
ind two or three automatic shotgun*
In each of the 56 places raided,"
Simons said A battle at FYeeman
usted an hour and a half and there
iltKi shots were fired out of Joe Tol
j ierto'* place alone. Four men w ere
\ wounded."
"The affair at Herrin was quiet."
« .id Simon*. "We took Herrin with
j.-ut bloodshed, as Grant took Rich
; tnond. despite the fact ihat one man
! dred 11 shot* at u*. He used up the
[charges in his notched automatic and
■ then he was no good.'
Fifty *ix separate raids were mud*
.and seven t wn* occupied, according
| io Simons.
Big » unapiracy tncovered. (
New York. Dec. N—Prohibition ol
i.ils 'declared today they had un
covered one of the greatest rum-run
ning < oiisp.racies since prohfbitlor
went nt ■ \ when they arrested
Robert Graham Pothergill, an Dng
lishman. and five others, on a motui
boat off Pi re Island
Pothergill had $4.',00 in his posses
sion which the authorities allege he
had obtained in collections from h •
schooner. ”Wi»i k." which he sa: 1
culled under the lease front Nassau
three weeks situ He declared It might
i>e loaded with liquor and a member
• >f the fleet of IT schooners on Rum
Row.
lie denied, however, he had been
engaged In smuggling operations or
liquor dealings of any sort .He and
a party of ft ends, he said, were on a
lMeasure jaunt in the motorboat when
I the engine stalled. Distress signals
1 were hoisted and the coast guard
cutter Seminole cruising in the vulr
itj of the rum fleet made the arrest.
P* tio rgill. the prohibition officials
saul had lists of names of suspected
bet! ici* .all over the country and
other documents.
He w .s paruled without hail w!'#n
ie and his companions were arraign
<d on charges of conspiring to violate
the Volstead act.
Operating near the lfnrile limit,
the . oast guard cutter Gresham,
for i deserted --cu plane loaded with
seven vases cf whisky and a case of
(hnmpngne. The crew confiscated
the liquor and scuttled the disabled
plane
lots.) Divorce l aw Block*
Marring? of \cl>raskan*
Siienaiidr-ah. U T>*o ;'4.—h-ebnts
j ...ns mining to Iowa for marriage
licenses are finding on* ston* in th*
$ond to matrimony.
* couple who appeared at Sidney
from N'lhiiisk* wots- asked ihe ree**
|s,uy questions and it was discovered
on* of them had been divorced in loss
than a n>ir Nebraska '*»< permit
th* marring* of divorced people after
st\ month* whil* in Iowa a year (a
re mired.
Home with the w.T- ui.l children;
> ' -d ' i . on i:! « k for t »
lo\. ght shining in each of my Kid
j die s i .'e« Hnchtei iht son :« e‘ n
! .r.k -a Noe In lire Christmas sKte*—
■ w .1
IV %«, •%. of ilfr'a beat P .**.
W. M M. j
