r WEATHER FORECAST ^ ^ I ^ ¥ T T> /f \ ¥1 \ ^/T/^ATT '^TTIVT f"L C E' THOUGHT FOR THE DAY. ^ °* "** A il *-/ V^/lVl l\ 11 r\. l»Ivy ivl > ¥lU L/1—/ its; t u* ttin 11 upon lh« wajr in wlikh we ,——■■■■■■ ■■■■ ■-—?—=■ ■- ..■■-l j. —-g—9—= ■— si... y ■.,■■ ..■i.i..=gmarr, r, i , i ■’ ■ ■ -i'..'... ■■'.ri ■■■ ■=<=== ' " """* take it.—Schopenhauer. v CITY EDITION J V0L. 53 NO. 239. OMAHA, FRIDAY, MARCH 21. 1924. * TWO CENTS* KEW?-* Vs_ZZ_J ^ ■" By Malt <1 Taar): Dally and Rur' , \ Sunday, 18.H. within tha Ath a. a*. Oat aid, tha 4th Zo.ia <1 TaarH Pally and Sunday. >H: Sunday duly. It.___ i HOUSE WILL VOTE GERMAN RELIEF YlLL MONDA Y ARGUMENTS FORioWER RAIL RATES IN WEST RESUMED EXONERATED BY RICKARD’S TESTIMONY, DAUGHERTY SAYS \ > , * ^ e> _ ■.■ I. C. C. Allots Three Days for Hearing Nebraska Included Among Nine States Which Are Seek ing Freight Reduction to Aid Farmers. Cut Is Necessary—Reed Washington, March 20.—Represen tatives of nine western etates today brought their demand for decreases in the railroad freight rates on grain, grain products and hay to the final stage of argument before the inter state commerce commission. Clyda Reed, chairman of the Kansas Utilities commission, which initiated the proceeding and has since been Joined by the state gov ernments of Missouri, Iowa, Min nesota, I.ouisiana, Oklahoma. Nebras ka and North and South Dakota, pre sented a summary of the arguments of agr'cultural shippers for a de crease in the rates, and representa tive* of western carriers were ready to appear in opposition. Three days has been allotted for the arguments. Reduction Justified. The economic condition of western agriculture, unreasonableness of pres ent rates and ability of western rail roads to stand decreased earnings. Mr. Read contended. Justified the proposed reduction. "We have told of bank failures." Reed said, "frozen credits. Inability to liquidate indebtedness, increase in chattel and real estate mortgages, foreclosures and transfer of property from debtor to creditor without the necessity of legal proceedings, of de crease* in bank clearings and ban!: resources. No Relief Since War. "Transportation at reasonable rates 1* absolutely essential to the very existence of the western grain grow er*. On a production for which he receives hi* prewar pftce he is pay ing freight rates from 40 to 95 per cent higher than before the war. Th“ traffic will not stand It. "As compared with the prewar freight rates, those on gTaln and hay have been increased in the same per centage a* those on commodities which range from 50 to 150 per cent in value above the prewar price." Reed argued that the valuation of $8,100,000,000 fixed by the commie slon as a rate-making base In the western district In 1920 wa* "$1,200, 000,000 too high." He added that the "fair return” rate of 5 3-4 per cent on the $8,100,000,000 valuation would entitle western roads to earn above all expenses and taxes $416,750,000 annually, Orhlch he declared was "too high.” Doheny Faces Court in Ha Lease Case Hf Associated FrfSS. I.os Angeles, March 20.—E. I... Doheny, oil magnate, went before the county grand Jury today on a aub poana In connection with a harbor pier lease held by one of his com panies, the Pan-American Petroleum and Transport company. Tha county grand Jury’i investiga tion la directed at the administration of Edgar McKee, recently removed from the position of president of the harbor commission. Shortly before the lease to the Doheny company was granted, over what was alleged to have been a civic charter provision that the particular property Involved was to be exempt from private lease, McKee made a trip to Honolulu on Doheny's private yacht. The grand Jury expected to obtain Information both on the ocean Jaunt and the lease negotiations from the oil magnate. York Commercial Club Plans Style Show April 11 York. Neb . March 20.—York Com mercial club retail trade committee U planning an elaborate etyle ahotv to be held April 11. The very latent In women's and men's styles will be shown and commodities of local mer chants displayed. Two shows will be held in the afternoon and two in the evening, each about an hour long. Elaborate decorations for the stage are being planned with special light ing effects to show off the styles In ihe best possible manner. A runway Is to be built out about 15 feet, over the first two rows of seats, where the models may promenade. Unusual Number of Wild Duck is in State This Spring Broadwater, Neb.. March 20.—If has been many years since this sec tion of Nebraska has seen so many wild ducks ns there are this wason. Every lake, lagoon and pond Is fairly covered by th»m. and the river hIso * Is a favorite feeding place. Many of the fowls wintered here. The ducks behave as if their were aware of the fact that they are not to be molested during Ihe spring. If they do not change their habits, they will make this section a preferred breeding place. The shooting this fall will be better than for many years jr Perhaps We’d Better Reinforce That Fence a Little. t. Brictson Freed of Mail Fraud Case Taken From Jury by Judge Elliott Who Says No Criminal Intent Shown. Federal Judge Elliott late yester day afternoon ordered a directed verdict of "not guilty" In favor of Ole Brictson, who stood Indicted ‘‘with using the malls to defraud.” The verdict was given after four days of trial and following arguments mads to support a motion to dismiss Brictson, after the government had rested Its case. Judge Elliott contended that there was no criminal intent on the part of Brictson when he moved his tire factory from Brookings, B. D., to Omaha, and later began to sell stock that totaled gbout 8326.000. The com pany had 800 stockholders. “It la evident,” said Elliott, “that Brictson was acting In good faith. Ilia proposition appealed to people all over the country. No doubt It was a “dream” of Brictson. It was a dream to develop and build a large organization, but there was no bad faith.” Brictson, the Jurist stated, accord ing to the evidence, came to Omaha with a substantial business and had confidence In it. There is nothing In the record of the case that justifies that there was any scheme or device to defraud an set forth In the Indict ment, he said. ( “The evidence may be Injudicious, but not criminal." said Elliott, who pointed out the fact that the ques tion of intent and purpose to waste money of the Brlction company can not be ineferred of the defendant and the claim that Brictson paid himself excessive amounts of money Is not established. As Elliott finished. Mrs. Brictson, who faithfully sat behind her hus band every day of the trial, began to weep. Day after day she Jotted down notes as the trial progressed. Brictson, too. Uteri Ills glasses and wiped toare from Ills eyes ns Elliott exonerated him. Special Government Prosecutor Dorsey, after the case, stated thnt the Judge would not allow some evi dence In the case that In his mind -was competent. ' \ Coolidge (Jlub Formed by Stromtdmrg Residents Strom*burg. N'eb., March 2ft.—Cool idga club wa* organized here by J. A. Dunlap, executive secretary of the Coolldge lengue. Following officer* were elected: President, E. C. Nord lund: vice president, E. P. Pike; sec retary, Mrs. B. F. Clifford; treasurer, Mrs, W. A. Burke. Alameda Banc Rejected. Washington. March 20.— Plans of the Navy department for a naval base at Alanteda. t'al., were disap proved today by the bouse natal com inlttee. The vote was 6 to 13 The Day in Washington Plana for a naval bate at Ala meda, Cal., was disapproved by the house naval committee. Harry F. Sinclair was summoned to appear tomorrow before the sen ate oil committee, which held only a brief session today. A resolution calling upon Secre tary Weeks for full Information about sale of arms to, Mexico was adopted by the senate. Charges of dishonesty In the In ternal revenue bureau were in quired into by the senate commit tee Investigating the bureau. President C'oolldge made plans to confer with hoifle republican lead ers tomorrow night in his drive to speed up legislation. Representatives of western states concluded their argument before the interstate commerce commis sion for lower grain freight rates. The senate adopted a resolution asking the shipping board whether it was a member of the North At lantic and l*tiited Kingdom steam ship conference. Senator Watson, republican, In diana, a member of the finance committee predicted the soldier bonus bill would be given priority over the tax measure. The senate finance committee approved changes in the revenue law advocated by treasury officials to tighten provisions for tax collec tions on gains from sales and ex changes by corporations. The Navy department sent In structions for an adequate forre of sailors to be kept in Teguci galpa, capital of Honduras, to pro tect American lives and property after the de facto government had demanded that American blue jackets return to the Cruiser Mil waukee and the American minister had refused. Tev Rickard told the Daugherty committee he had been “bunked'’ when he arranged with .lap Muma, Will A. Orr and “Ike" Martin to exhibit motion pictures of the t'arpouticr-Dempsey fight witli Im munity from prosecution. Thomas Spellary was called to verify some of the testimony of li. O. Iloldridge, former Department of Justice agent. Bridges Heads Horrigan for Congress Committee l*ri»on* obtained mar rlngo Ilcensa* In Counril Mluff* yester day: Mart C'lllftwuv. Dumb* 25 ilrrtrudr Merlin, Omelts .»*,. 11* Pate Millar. Lincoln Nab . 2.1 \tnrg«r*t Pnder, Lincoln, Neb. 15 Louis Williams. < 'malts . 25 i.lllia .Ton**, <>ninlis 22 R W Winn < bvisha . 3.'* ilthal Cunning h* in. Onislut .22 K'anneth .fobrson T hllng Nab ’7 I loranr# Pctaraon t'bling. Nab 22 PJddie Wilts, Madison, Nab .. 25 Anne Lau. Jennings, Neb. .. 23 Maryland Senator Admits Taking Drink Bj International N«m Sentee. Washington, March 20.—In a tilt over prohibition. Senator Bruce, dem ocrat of Maryland, this afternoon ad mitted in tha sendte that ha had ac cepted "several drinks” offered him at a recent banquet. "It was offered to me and I ac cepted it and I told them I hoped for many happy returns,” said ‘Bruce. Bruce cited this instance to Sen ator Walsh, democrat of Montana, to prove a contention that "prohibition was not supported by a majority of the people.” Outlook Growing Brighter in West Part of Nebraska Business Upturn Indicated by Confidence of Tradesmen and Optimism of Farm ers and Banks. Scottsbluff, Neb., March 20.—The financial depression that has ham pered western Nebraska for the last two years seems to have reached its lowest ebb. and business is now on the upturn. That this is true is evi denced by the more confident tone of business men. the more hopeful con versation of farmers and the more optimistic predictions of bankers. As one prominent and successful banker expressed It: "The period of liquidation Is rapidly nearing the end. The greater part of it already ig ac complished. Bankers and business men have written off their losses, and many farmers have seen the wisdom of doing the same thing. To many it will mean beginning all over again, but that is better than struggling along under a burden of debt without hope of ever being able to get even. The outlook is growing brighter every day. and one good crop will see west ern Nebraska again on the high road to prosperity." Solution in Hard Work. One of the moat Interesting facts brought out In conversation with scores of men of ell walks of life. Is that there la a growing feeling that too much dependence has been put upon political action; too much reli ance placed on legislative enactments, and that the solution of most of the economic problems is in co-operation, hard work and scientlflo diversi fication of farming. Dairying Is being given more attenUon right now than It has ever has before. The farmers, however, are not going Into this with out careful consideration and inten sive study. Right hers ths real leaders in the dairy cow movement are sounding a warning. Unscrupulous men are al ready taking advantage of the dairy ing propaganda to unload upon un wary farmers a class of dairy cows that will be a liability from the start. These men pretend that they have been delegated to distribute high class dairy cows In furtherance of the cam paign, and then foist underbred, scrawny cows upon their victims, and at fancy prices. The men who are promoting the dairy campaign In Ne braska plan to see to It that these unscrupulous men are brought to book, and that some method be de vised whereby farmers who want to embark in the dairy business on a moderate scale may obtain really good cows at reasonable prices. Brighter Outlook. One evidence of the aroused Inter est In dairying is the organization of a company In this city to build and •operate a cheese factory. There Is a big creamery hers now. Taking everything Into consider ation. the outlook In western Nebras ka is brighter than It haa been for several yedre and confidence is re turning. Haetiusg Array Officer to Be Buried at Beatrice hpeelsl IIUpHtrh to Th« Omaha Boo. Beatrice. Neb., March 20.—Tho body of Major Lawrence Jonea, for merly captain of company C of this city, who died at Omaha, will be brought here Saturday afternoon from hia home nt Hastings, accom panied by Captain C'roason, who will act ns a military escort. The Mhkoiis and a filing squad from company C will me/t the body at the Burlington station and fscort It to Scott Harmon chapel, where a military funeral will be held. Burial will he at Kvergreen home cemetery. Messenger Sues Telegraph firm for $23,000 Damages Special Dispatch to The Omaha Bee. Beatrice, Neb., March 20.—Accord ing to word received here, Archie Klemuft of tills city, overseas vet eran. h/ts brought suit for $25,000 at San Francisco, «gainst the Western Union company for injuries received while delivering a message. He was run down by a truck. Klenmn's par ents reside in Beatrice. Nchraskan (Jets Consular Post in Dutch HI cst Indies Alexandria. \rl>.. March ?l>.—Oliver >xtell of Alexandria has been as signed to duty in the consular service nt 'Willlainstead. Island of Curacao. Dutch West Indies, ami will leave for that placs soon. W 'ey v Promoter ‘Bunked’ on Film Deals Testified He Was Promised Enactment of Law Legaliz ing Transportation of Pictures. Contracts Washington, March 20.—More reels of the famous fight film "deal” wore run off today before the Daugh erty investigating committee by Tex Rickard, promoter, and Thomas O. Spellacy, a former Department of Justice agent. Their testimony partly corroborated and partly conflicted with previous stories told the committee. In hie nightly statement summing up the day's development, Attorney General Daugherty declared that Rickard had "exonerated” him from failure to prosecute film exhibition, and that Spellacy’s testimony mainly was “hearsay.” Rickard, in two lively hours on the stand, told of his part in the contract for widespread exhibition of the Dempsey-Carpcntier fight films in 1921, but said he had been “bunked” by his associates, had made little money and had been twice fined for his part in the exhibition. Spellacy confirmed generally the statement of Gerald O. Holdridge, an other former Department of Justice agent, regarding the story told them by Jap Muma. and its involvement of a Daugherty, Edward M. McLean, thel Washington publishers, and others. He quoted Muma as saying Daugh erty suggested that Muma should get a "cut” In the profits of the exhi bitions, but disclaimed Holdridge* version, that the attorney general suggested a 50 per cent "cut." Ml'JL* FAILS TO APPEAR DESPITE PROMISE MADE. eating figure tonight through futli# efforts of the committee to locate him. He failed to respond today when his name, was called, although Senator Wheeler, democrat, Montana, in charge of the testimony, said Muma's lawyer had promised his appearance. Process servers now are on a fresh hunt for him, and Senator Wheeler expects him before the committee shortly. Rickard said that Muma, telling of “influence” In Washington, suggestwl exhibition of the fight films upon as surances that a law would be passed forthwith, making their display legal. This action could be secured in two weeks. Rickard said he was assured, but said that on this, as well as other promises, he was '•bunked.” “I got bunked, that s all." wae his only explanation of the promises of legislation, when senators expressed amazement that he considered them seriously. RICKARD PROIH/CKS WRITTEN AGREEMENTS. "They did not do anything for us,” he said, regarding Muma and his as sociates. “We got no protection and got nothing and they got their money without doing anything.” Rickard said he had nothing to do. except receive his share of the profits, with the film exhibitions out side of New York and Illinois, where he was fined *t,000 and $5»0, respec tively. He denied any "conspiracy” In the agreement, but presented two contracts corroborating the agreement previously testified to. He and Fred C. Qulniby, New York film producer, were the parties on one side, with Muma, Ike Martin and Will A. On on the other, each group receiving to per cent of the proceeds. In addition to developing the fight film transaction, the committee today received several bundles of telegrams, some between Roxle Stinson and Jesee Smith, some relating lo Attorney Gen eral Daugherty and his brother, and some from Texas regarding oil af fairs. None was said to be of great importance. MISS STINSON'S TESTIMONY (ORKOHORATED RY WIRES. The Jesse Smith Roxle Sllnson tele grains were said to corroborate Mtss Stinson's testimony, that she and Smith were In frequent communica tion regarding financial and other matters. The committee also today gave a big order to the Department of Jus tire through Arthur Robb, chief of Its malls nml files section. At Sen alor Wheeler's request, h* was direct eti to submit it list of every case pre seated to the department since Raugh rrty took office, shout SO,000 In all. Rickard easily was the feature of today’s proceedings. Although re peatedly under hard pounding by sen ators, his face never once changed Its Impassive mold, while his brown eye* kept a sharp play on his Inquisi tors. Ills voice was seldom raised, hut lie spoke clearly and In most costs without hesitation. Senators manifested most Interest In the promoter's statement that he went into the film exhibition upon representations from Mutua that, through influence In Washington, he could gel legislation within two w t*r Km that would make the exhibitions legal. • Coolidge Retains Lead in North Dakota Fargo, N. D., March 20—Calvin Coolidge tonight clung to his plurality of around 14,000 as belated returns came in from the republican pres dential preferential contest of Tues day in North Dakota. The "mopping up” of scattered re turns in the rural districts also served to entrench Senator Robert M. La Fcllette in second place, more than 3,5.00 votes ahead of Senator Hiram Johnson, who had been runner-up in earlier returns. When 1,780 of the state's 2.058 pre cincts had reported the president had a plurality of 14.836 in a total vote of 111.321, the polling showing: Cool idge, 48.240; La Follette, 33,404; John son, 28,877. Report Thomas Will Refuse Dry * Post Is Denied Nebraska Senators to Take No Further Action Until Atti tude of Man Recommend ed Is Learned. B.v P. C. POWELL* Wualiinrton r<#ire»ponilent The Omaha Bee. Washington, March 20.—Senator R. B. Howell received telegrams from friends in Omaha this afternoon deny ing a report that Elmer E. Thomas would refuse to accept the position of federal prohibition director for Ne braska. Early in the morning the senator received a report that Thomas had declined the position and had urged the appointment of J. Dean Ringer. There w ill be no further steps taken Ly either Senator Norris or Howell until they learn definitely whether or rot Thomas will accept. As yet neither senator has sent any word directly to Thomas concerning their action In recommending him for ap pointment to Prohibition Director Haynes; •'Undoubtedly that will be done." How-ell said. "I have not heard from Mr. Thomas." Director Haynes had not received the official resignation of U. S. Rohrer nor the recommendation of Mr. Thomas late today. As Rohrer has announced through the press that his resignation will not become effective until April 1, there will be no need for hurry on the part of Haynes 4n appointing Thomas or anyone else decided upon. Former Creamery Head to Eseaj)e 6-Months" Term Circuit Court Overrules Pen alty Invoked on LeRoy Cor liss by Federal Judge Woodrough. Sentence of six months in the coun ty Jail imposed on HeRoy Corliss, for merly head of the defunct Waterloo Creamery company, was reversed by decision of the circuit court of ap peals in St. Ixiuis today, according to telegraphic information received this afternoon. Corliss was sentenced, according to his attorney. William Frazier, by Federal Judge Woodrough because he refused to answer certain questions put to him while on the witness stand during Waterloo Creamery company litigation. The questions, according to Frazer, were put to the former creamery head by the referee In bankruptcy. Corliss has been at liberty on bond [tending decision of the circuit court of appeals on his appeal from the sentence. Mother of E. C. Eppley Dies in Long Beach. Cal. Mia Jessie C. Eppley. mother of Eugene C. Eppley. owner of Hotel Fontenelle. died yesterday at Seaside hospital. Long Beach, Oal. Mrs. I. A. Medlar, Eugene C. Eppley and Mrs. S. J. Philips, mother of Mrs. Eppley. were at the bedside at the time of her death. Funeral services will be held Sat j ut-day in Iawg Reach. Rurial will be In Omaha, March 29. w ith short serv ' Ices, The body, which will be brought I east by her son. mother and Mrs. Medlar will he placed temporarily in a vault at Forest Umn cemetery. Geneva Pupils Give Play. Gepava. Neb.. March SO.—Th.-j drama. "Honor Bright." will l<« pri son ted by school pupils at the city au dttorlum Friday evening. The schools annual declaniatorv contest is scheduled for next VVednes day. The high school debating team will go to Hastings W ednesday to debate with the Hastings team and wilt meet the Aurora debaters here Thursday. Political Writer Hies. Indianapolis lint, March ?0—Wtl-j Ham H. Blodgett, t>V. political write' and a member of the editorial Bluff! of the Indianapolis News fci nearly i 40 years, died today. Relief Bill to Provide $10,000,000 Republican Leaders Deter mine Upon Fish Resolution Preliminary to White House Conference. Debate Limited to 1 Da> Washington, March 20.—The Fist resolution to authorize a $10,000,Wd appropriation for the relief of Gar man 6omen and children will be pat to a vote in the house Monday. This was determined upon today by re publican leaders, preliminary to a conference on the legislation situa tion with President Coolidge at tbs White House tomorrow night. Speaker Gillelt, Repregentativ? Longworth, the party leader: Cha't man Snell of the rules committee. Chairman Madden of the approprf-. atlons committee, and members of the house republican steering com mittee have l>een asked to participate in the discussion. Vote Monday Assured. The German relief resolution, intro duced by Representative Fisli. repub lican. New York, and reported by the foreign affairs committee, will be brought up under a rule limiting debate to one day, insuring a vote Monday. leaders believe the naval appropri ation bill will be disposed of this week, and plan to take up the army bill Tuesday. It will be followed In turn by the Independent office appro priation which is considered one of the controversial supply measures, by the Johnson immigration bill and the other appropriation bills. To Vote on Norris Bill. Longworth said today that a house vote would be had this session on a resolution proposing a child laboi amendment. Such a resolution, h» predicted, will be reported next week i by the judiciary committee. He als< said that the house probably wouU Vote on the Norris resolution, ap prove! Tuesday by fhe senate, whlci would advance the date for the in auguration of presidents and the con vening of congress. In agreement with President Coed idge that congress should adjourn before the June conventions. Long worth said that so far as the house is concerned there Would be nothing to prevent. He said he was f.rmly opposed to a iwcess over the conven tion^. and would insist that congress stay in session throughout the con vention period if unable to adjour^f sine die lefore then. In an effort to speed up its pro gram the bouse tomorrow will meet at 11 instead of noon, and will be in session tomorrow- night to pass on bills on the private calendar Motorist Hurt on Jinx Bridge Removal of Sign* Fail* to Halt Accidents—Bluffs Man Is Injured. Within a few hours after workmen removed the signs which the Sprague Tire company had placed upon tnw middle span of the Thirteenth street bridge ofer Indian creek on Broad way. Council Bluffs. A. I*. Golds berry. 22? Eleventh avenue. Council Bluffs, was seriously injured when his automobile wrecked itself against the steel girders w hich form the spar.. He suffered severe cuts and bruise* about the head. He was attended by Dr. Harry D. Kelly, police surgeon, and taken home. Two passenger*. Ray Wolf, 222 Eleventh avenue, and Rude Meyerson. 202 Turley avenue, were not seriously hurt. The ma chine W'.s demolished. The "jinx bridge." as the Thir teenth street structure has been dubbed, has been the scene of several fatal automobile accidents, because motorists with difficulty discern the center span of the bridge after dark. The council gave the tire company l>ermission to erect signs on the bridge some time ago. because they were to be electric lighted, and. it was thought, would call attention to the double passageway. Failure to light the sign* nightly resulted In en order for their removal. Mother-Daughter Banquet Staged h\ Camp Fire Girl« Pwvid Oily. Neb. March 10.—Tha Franklin Cutup Fire Girls of thia city celebrated the llth anniversary of the national organization with a Mother and Daughter banquet at the home of Mr. and Mrsrt Joseph £hramek. Following the repast the mothers witnessed the Camp Fire ceremonial staged by the girls Midland. \le*l eyan Stage Open Forum Dual Dehate Fremont. Neb . March IP—An open forum dual dehate between Midland college and Nebraska was held at Fremont and I'nlverslty Place The question was the league of nations is sue. Midland * nrnaitve team delate ', the Wesleyan a,tentative team at Fie moat.