anaheim-gazette 1923-04-05

VOLUME LII HAMMER USED AS MURDEROUS WEAPON THE BODY OF MAN, BEATEN TO DEATH, FOUND ON THE EMORY RANCH Identified as Nunzio Spaminata, Los Angeles Fugitive From Justice—Love Affair Over the "Queen of Little Italy" Possibly Responsible for His Murder—Officers Also Investigating Theory That He Was Mixed Up in a Bootleggers' Feud. Another hammer murder, companion of the famous Phillips-Meadows case on the San Fernando road some months ago, was brought to light Sunday when two boys found the body of a man wrapped in a blanket lying on the bank of a small stream on the Emory ranch, near Fullerton. The man had been beaten to death with a hammer. The weapon, a small lather's hammer, was found near the search. She has, however, mysteriously dropped from sight. Spaminata at one time conducted a cafe at 626 South Spring street, Los Angeles. A short time ago he sold it to Miss Minnie Stephens. She has not yet been located for questioning. The murdered man's escape from Justice Scott's court last Thursday, after he had been arraigned for manslaughter, had been kept secret by the authorities. His identity remained a mystery for hours because his features had been so badly disfigured by the hammer. At 1 o'clock Monday morning, however, Deputy Sheriff Herman J. Zabel, finger print expert of Orange county, positively identified the body as being that of Spaminata, when he took the finger prints of the dead man and found they tallied with those in the bureau of identification. Later developments lead the officers to believe that Spaminata may have been the victim of the Italian Black Hand. They are following clues pointing in that direction. FILE TWO MORE WILLS MADE BY MRS. FROHLING Three Documents Are Almost Identical in Their Provisions In the petition for probate of the will of Mrs. Amalie Frohlings, first filed on March 5 and amended peti- Another hammer murder, companion of the famous Phillips-Meadows case on the San Fernando road some months ago, was brought to light Sunday when two boys found the body of a man wrapped in a blanket lying on the bank of a small stream on the Emory ranch, near Fullerton. The man had been beaten to death with a hammer. The weapon, a small lather's hammer, was found near the body. Numerous blows had been showered upon his head and face, and both ears were severed. The boys gave the alarm and Sheriff Jernigan, Coroner Brown and several deputies immediately began an investigation. It was discovered that the dead man was Nunzio Spaminata, an Italian, formerly proprietor of a Spring street cafe, in Los Angeles. Spaminata was a fugitive from justice, having escaped from the officers in Los Angeles Thursday while being arraigned on a charge of murdering a Mexican named Ruiz in a battle over a lady known in certain quarters in Los Angeles as "The Queen of Little Italy." During his arraignment Spaminata slipped out of the court room and disappeared. The dead man is also suspected of having been a bootleger and a peddler of narcotics, and there is a possibility some of his associates in this enterprise followed him and killed him, but the officers believe that the woman who caused his former trouble with the Mexican was responsible for his death. The ground near where the body was found indicated that there had been a desperate fight before he was killed, and a woman's tracks were plainly discernable among the other footprints. The fact that he had not been robbed, and that a purse containing $295, and many articles of value were found on the body, indicated that revenge and not robbery was the motive for the crime. The bloody hammer, which was found near Spaminata's cut and bleeding body, is the only definite clew the authorities have at the present time. The hammer is now in the possession of finger print experts, and it is hoped that it may furnish a print that will go a long way in solving the mystery. Spaminata's body was found in a deep ravine. It was covered over with an old army blanket and was still warm. The hammer lay within 10 feet of the body, wrapped in old news- found near Spaminata's cut and bleeding body, is the only definite clew the authorities have at the present time. The hammer is now in the possession of finger print experts, and it is hoped that it may furnish a print that will go a long way in solving the mystery. Spaminata's body was found in a deep ravine. It was covered over with an old army blanket and was still warm. The hammer lay within 10 feet of the body, wrapped in old newspapers. Footprints indicated that Spaminata had struggled with his assailant, but was helpless under the rain of hammer blows. Robbery as a motive for the murder was unscathed when all of Spaminata's valuables and $295 in money were found in his pockets. Documents, however, were missing and some were torn to shreds and scattered about the scene of the murder. This gives indication that the authorities say, that bootleggers or dope peddlers may have had something to do with the crime. The fact that Spaminata's documents were the only things disturbed in the man's possessions indicates, the police say, that the victim had powerful documentary evidence against members of the bootlegger or dope rings, which he held over their heads to extort money from them. It was evident that some person valued the papers enough to take his life. With the murder investigation centering in Los Angeles, Sheriff Jernigan and members of the sheriff's force directed a search for friends of Ruiz and the woman over whom he and Spaminata engaged in the death quarrel. The bounty quarrel as a motive for the murder now held as the most logical by the authorities. The name of the woman in the case is known to the authorities, and she is now the object of an extensive COUNTY TO CONFISCATE CARS CARRYING LIQUOR Automobiles used for transporting liquor will be confiscated. Orange county authorities issued this warning Thursday. The decision came as a result of a conference between Sheriff Sam Jernigan and District Attorney A. P. Nelson. "We have always had the authority to seize the cars used in transporting liquor," Jernigan said. "Because the situation has become so serious, we are going to take advantage of this local right provided under the Wright act, which is national prohibition act." The cars sledged will be taken over by the county, and sold, according to Nelson. The mere fact that a car may not be owned by its driver, would not prevent the county from confiscating the vehicle, Nelson explained. "The law says that after the sale, any person having a lien on the car, provided that it was not used for transporting with their knowledge, may present those claims to the county," he continued. "This provides for agents holding a contract on an automobile. "These liens will be settled after the expenses of the sale have been paid." Jernigan announced his intention to prosecute this plan impartially and vigorously. "I have no friends who will take advantage of this friendship to claim immunity," he said. "If there are persons who claim friendship for this purpose, they will be prosecuted all the more vigorously." Officers were instructed to bring in all cars in which booze is found, OFFICERS SEARCHING FOR S Its Presence is Made K Its Odor. Sheriff's operatives are led by the "phantom" Placentia. Late Saturday, police at Fullerton and the were called to the home Ruiz, of Placentia. M had recently entered a er street, Placentia, s place was filled with from a body, long dead. Deputy Sheriff G. E. lice Officers Joe Marilin ing the house, they e trouble in locating th emitted from beneath a floor in a rear room. Tearing up the board discovered a wallet, fill and records, in which Tom McFadden, Perrie peared frequently. We theory that McFadden with foul play,and that have been buried bene ANAHEIM CONVICT MEETS HERO'S DEATH HERBERT DYER MEETS DEATH WHILE ENDEAVORING TO SAVE A LIFE Rushed to the Rescue of a Prison Guard Who Was in Danger Zone During Blasting Operations, and Both Are Killed—Dyer Serving a Twenty-Five Year Sentence After Being Convicted of Statutory Offense Against His Step-Daughter. Word was received here Monday of the death of Herbert E. Dyer, aged 47 years, through the explosion of dynamite, while he was engaged in road work in a camp near Folsom prison. Dyer was sent to the penitentiary 12 years ago from here, being accused of intimacy with his step-daughter, a minor, receiving a sentence of 25 years. Reports from the camp stated that the officers began extensive excavations. After the ground had been loosened and removed beneath the floor, however, nothing was discovered, despite the fact that the putrid odor remained. Several hours of extensive investigation failed to solve the mystery. The presence of the wallet, unexplained, lent color to the mystery, which is still unsolved. WHAT COURT DECISION COST ORANGE COUNTY Deputies WII Receive One Thousand Dollars in Back Pay Orange county will pay $1175 to employees and ex-employees in back pay as a result of a recent decision of the California supreme court, which rules that the pay of deputy county officers could be raised during the term of office of the official, overruling a former decision of the same court last fall. The decision affected 18 persons, the highest back pay coming from Mrs. M. M. Joplin, deputy county treasurer, who suffered the most cut in the former decision. Those expecting back pay checks are: Theo, Lacy, Jr., ex-jailer; Mrs. M. M. Joplin, deputy treasurer; Mrs. L. HEAVY VOTE AT BOTH SCHOOL ELECTIONS S. D. WINTERS AND G. W. SLOOP RE-ELECTED BY OVERWHELMING MAJORITIES Report That Church Organization Had Put Forth Two Candidates Caused Stampede Toward the Polls — Abernathy Candidate Shows Little Strength, Getting 80 Votes Out of 1034 Cast — Close Contest for Fullerton High School Trustee. The sister cities of Anaheim and Fullerton experienced the most exciting school elections Friday ever known in either of the towns. In Fullerton there was a well defined issue in the contest for high school trustee, the present board being under criticism, and the faction demanding a change in the government of the school putting up G. W. Finch in opposition to W. J. Travers, retiring sued, the gating $18 million were Shaw bulldogs, and on Chestnut ing cost $2 million. Take $2000 Way Gerald held up an armed Merger ago, while from that party's purist distant, it ceived from Mr. Ward furnishing was on his direct funds for payroll. He and when she was held money. Set out for time taking his employe Word was received here Monday of the death of Herbert E. Dyer, aged 47 years, through the explosion of dynamite, while he was engaged in road work in a camp near Folsom prison. Dyer was sent to the penitentiary 12 years ago from here, being accused of intimacy with his step-daughter, a minor, receiving a sentence of 25 years. Reports from the camp stated that Dyer was working as assistant powderman. He and the guard, Edward H. Cowen, were lighting fuses to set off dynamite when the accident occurred which meant death for both guard and convict. According to the guards at the camp, Cowen's torch had gone out and he had stopped to relight it. In the meantime charges had been lighted on either side of him. Dyer, seeing Cowen's danger, rushed in to save him from the blasts, but was too late, Cowen was fatally injured, dying two hours later, and Dyer received injuries which caused his death later. The arrest of Dyer, created quite a sensation, he being held in high estem by people who knew him. After his arrest he had been admitted to bail, in the sum of $5000. W. P. Webb., Sr., and Frank Machlieb qualified as his sureties, these gentlemen believing the man innocent. The day before the date set for his trial Dyer skipped out for Canada. His ball was declared forfeited. Mrs. Dyer, then living on the 20 acre ranch southeast of town, called in Mr. Webb and turned over to him a deed to the place, which later Webb sold and recovered his money put up for bail. The ranch carried a mortgage. It is said that Dyer, after gaining his liberty on bail, confessed to Webb that he was guilty and made his escape. After several months of search by the sheriff of the county Dyer was located and returned here for trial. The case was hotly contested, but Dyer's disappearance and admission to Webb that he was guilty strengthened the case against him and the jury so rendered its verdict. It is reported that Dyer was a model prisoner and was assigned with a squad of inmates to do road building on the state highways. While living here he owned two or three tracts of land and was considered well to do. After he began his term in prison his wife went to live near the penitentiary in order to be near her husband while in jail. She provided them for a couple of weeks could be raised during the term of office of the official, overruling a former decision of the same court last fall. The decision affected 18 persons, the highest back pay coming from Mrs. M. M. Joplin deputy county treasurer, who suffered the most cut in the former decision. Those expecting back pay checks are: Theo. Lacy Jr., ex-jailer; Mrs. M. M. Joplin, deputy treasurer; Mrs. L. S. Mitchell, deputy school superintendent; D. G. Wetlin and C. N. Mozley, deputy district attorneys; Miss Arliss M. Cravath, stenographer for the district attorney; E. E. French, under Sheriff; Herman Zabel, deputy sheriff; Mrs. B. A. Swanwick, sheriff's clerk; Joe B. Irvine, deputy jailer; J. M. Gunnett, ex-bailiff; J. R. Fowler, ex-bailiff; Maurice F. Enderle, chief deputy assessor; Miss Hattle Powers, chief deputy recorder; Miss Edith Schaniel, and Ruth Crosby, deputy recorders, and F. L. Yates, ex-deputy sheriff. The pay will amount to the total reduction received for November, December and January. After that time the new pay rate, which they had been receiving, was allowed without question. The county auditor is expected to approve the warrants and allow the claims, following their approval by the supervisors. RAYMOND NEBELUNG IS COMING HOME Now Visiting in India, Expected to Return the Latter Part of Next Month. Raymond Nebelung, who has been at Pretoria, South Africa, for a year and a half, writes from Calcutta that he left South Africa December 22, and is spending several weeks in India. He will go to China and Japan, and will later come to Honolulu, where he will stay two weeks. He is expected home some time the latter part of next month. Eighteen months ago Raymond went to Pretoria under a three-year contract with the Republic of South Africa to introduce into that country the California method of growing oranges. The African government had asked the horticulturists of the state university to send them a competent man, and Nebelung was recommended. He entered into a contract with the government and left at once to take up his duties. The sister cities of Anaheim and Fullerton experienced the most exciting school elections Friday ever known in either of the towns. In Fullerton there was a well defined issue in the contest for high school trustee, the present board being under criticism, and the faction demanding a change in the government of the school putting up G. W. Finch in opposition to W. J. Travers, retiring member of the board, who was seeking re-election. The vote in 'the district was 2233. Travers being re-elected by a majority of 92. The electita in Anaheim was a remarkable one. The issue here was an imaginary one but it served to get out the largest vote ever polled at a school election. In the high school district 1231 votes were cast, and in the grammar school district the total was 1034. A day or two before the election the majority of the people were indifferent, and it was presumed that the usual poll of one-tenth of the registration would be cast. Then the report was circulated that a church organization had put forth H. J. Ekker for the high school board, and Henry Heying for the grammar school board, and expected to take advantage of the people's apathy to push them through. This was the signal for all persons outside the church to combine and rush to the polls in a body. The heaviest vote ever cast at a school election in Anaheim was the result. There was a stampede toward the polls late in the afternoon, and when the closing hour came at 6 o'clock there was a waiting line at both polling places, scores of persons being deprived of the satisfaction of voting. When the vote was counted in the evening and the overwhelming majority for the incumbents, S...D. Winters, of the high school, and George W. Sloop, of the grammar school, was announced to the anxious public, the affair was characterized by a neutral as much a-do about nothing, but it should better be designated as a comedy of errors. Members of the society that put forth the two candidates were amazed at the excitement, and made no effort to elect their candidates, and members of the church, accused of being responsible for the candidacy of Messrs. Ekker and Heying were either indifferent and remained at home, or registered their satisfaction with the present management of the schools and voted for Winters and Sloop. There are several Mr. Ward furnishing was on his behalf directed funds for payroll.H and when she was held money.Set out for time taking his employa mounted station unmanaged time for 25 years time he time every A good was obtained to imme SAMUEL H Tallest Built Boss Much spent in as to Kraemer bury bakery Claudina st in circulation an eight-story appears to be dated. It is stated that he co steel building slide story.The ing only a street.com build into this Work on before nextery will more Kraemer bury furniture st pleted,and cigar store Kistler buil his present NEW FEET The Call another feent weekly have been deville to night,conserve have been Angeles Or show at hour long trip. At every OFFICERS SEARCHING FOR SPOOKY BODY Its Presence is Made Known Only By Its Odor. Sheriff's operatives are frankly puzzled by the "phantom" dead body of Placentia. Late Saturday, police headquarters at Fullerton and the sheriff's office were called to the home of Mrs. Marie Ruiz, of Placentia. Mrs. Ruiz, who had recently entered a house on Baker street, Placentia, said that the place was filled with an odor as if from a body, long dead. Deputy Sheriff G. E. McClellan, Police Officers Joe Marillo and Dorsey ing the house, they experienced no trouble in locating the odor. It was emitted from beneath the boards of a floor in a rear room of the house. Tearing up the boards, the officers discovered a wallet, filled with papers and records, in which the name of Tom McFadden, Perris; Calif., appeared frequently. Working on the theory that McFadden may have met with foul play and that his body might have been buried beneath the house, Eighteen months ago Raymond went to Pretoria under a three-year contract with the Republic of South Africa to introduce into that country the California method of growing oranges. The African government had asked the horticulturists of the state university to send them a competent man, and Nebelung was recommended. He entered into a contract with the government and left at once to take up his duties. According to letters received from him, he found Oom Paul's country entirely different from his expectations. Many months ago he signified his intention of giving up his position and returning home. He found the natives using primitive methods of smoking and not giving them a start in the right direction. AN OLD CUSTOM Probably one of the oldest Spanish customs which is still followed, was participated in Friday night by the Capistrano boys. It was the burning of Judas. It has always been the custom there to stuff a dummy to represent Judas on Good Friday. Late in the night the boys pull all the wagons, plows, etc., they can find in the neighboring country and line them up in front of the San Juan Capistrano mission. Then a large bonfire is made in the road in front of the mission and Judas is burned in effigy. This year, instead of burning "Judas," he was suspended from a wire extending from Kelly & Romer's store to the White garage across the highway. Two automobiles which had not been carefully locked and put away, were put, one in the archway in front of Bercaw's store and the other in the archway of the drug store, as a part of the affair. BUILDING PERMITS Building permits for the quarter ending March 31, issued by J W. Price, Inspector, totalled $700,000. If this record continues throughout the year the total for the four quarters will reach almost $3,000,000. The number of permits taken out during the three months was 203. A large majority of them were for residences. During March 64 permits were issued. ETTE Number 22 TE AT HOOL INS G. W. SLOOP ERWHELM-MIES Organization of Candidates ward the Polls Shows Little Votes Out of test for Fulleree. Anaheim and the most excitFriday ever is towns. In well defined ishigh school ward being unction demandment of the Finch in oppers, retiring sued, the cost of the buildings aggregating $186,000. Two business buildings were included in this list, the Shaw building at Helena and Center streets, and the McFarlane building on Chestnut street. The Shaw building cost $36,400, and the McFarlane building $26,000 MEXICAN ROBBERS HOLD UP MR. WARD Take $2000 From Him While on His Way to Pay Off Employes Gerald Ward, of Mazatlan, was held up and robbed of $2000 by three armed Mexican bandits several days ago, while he was driving in his car from that city to the water company’s pumping plant eighteen miles distant, it is learned from letters received from him by relatives here. Mr. Ward is manager of a company furnishing water to Mazatlan, and was on his way, in company of one of the directors of the company, with funds for the company’s bi-weekly payroll. He was traveling in his car, and when several miles out of the city was held up and relieved of the money. Several days later he again set out for the pumping plant, this time taking with him $3000 to pay off his employees. He was furnished with a mounted guard and reached his des- THERE’LL BE NO SLUMP IN CITY’S GROWTH FORMER VISITOR PREDICTS A WONDERFUL FUTURE FOR THIS CITY Thinks the Rapid Advance of the Past Few Years Will Continue for Years to Come—Extension of the Citrus Groves Attracting Eastern Investors, and Development of the Valencia Orange Giving the Town a Stable Profit-Yielding Product. A gentleman who has been a resident of southern California for several years was in town a few days ago and was greatly impressed with the substantial improvements now being made in this city. He travels extensively and from what he sees he feels convinced, that where towns and cities in the southland have doubled in population during the past ten years, this ratio will be doubled dur- Mr. Ward is manager of a company furnishing water to Mazatlan, and was on his way, in company of one of the directors of the company, with funds for the company's bi-weekly payroll. He was traveling in his car, and when several miles out of the city was held up and relieved of the money. Several days later he again set out for the pumping plant, this time taking with him $3000 to pay off his employes. He was furnished with a mounted guard and reached his destination unmolested. Mr. Ward has managed the water company there for 25 years, and this was the first time he ever met with this experience. A good description of the bandits was obtained, and arrests are expected to immediately follow. SAMUEL KRAEMER TO BUILD FIVE-STORY STRUCTURE Tallest Building in Town Planned for Boston Bakery Corner Much speculation has been indulged in as to the kind of building Mr. Kraemer expects to erect on the Boston bakery corner at Center and Claudina streets. There was a report in circulation that he was figuring on an eight-story sky scraper, but this appears to have been greatly exaggerated. It is stated now on good authority that he contemplates a five-story steel building, and may possibly decide to extend these plans another story. The ground is not large, having only a 48-foot frontage on Center street, consequently he expects to build into the air. Work on it will probably not begin before next winter. The Boston bakery will move into a room of the new Kraemer building, adjoining the Gates furniture store, as soon as it is completed, and Peter Palm will move his cigar store into the east room of the Kistler building, two doors east of his present location. NEW FEATURES AT THEATRE The California theatre has added another feature to its already excellent weekly program. Arrangements have been made for an Orpheum vaudeville to be given every Thursday night, consequently theatre-goers who have been making trips to the Los Angeles Orpheum can see the same show at home and save themselves the long trip. At every night's performance at A gentleman who has been a resident of southern California for several years was in town a few days ago and was greatly impressed with the substantial improvements now being made in this city. He travels extensively and from what he sees he feels convinced, that where towns and cities in the southland have doubled in population during the past ten years, this ratio will be doubled during the next decade. This man bases his figures upon a close observation of the continual higera of people from the middle and northwestern states, a class of citizens who are seeking new homes. Besides these there will come the tourists who annually seek the balmy climate of the Pacific coast. This means much for this section, as it is without doubt advancing more rapidly than any part of the state. The man who voiced these sentiments regarding the population says where one carload of produce is now raised, in the next ten years this will have been multiplied by ten, especially in regard to the citrus industry. While it is true some districts in the northern part of the state raise good oranges, the southland will always be the banner orange growing section of California. Anaheim proudly boasts of being the home of the Valencia orange, along with her prosperous environs, which fact is amply demonstrated at each recurring annual exhibition held in this city. The wonderful thing about a Valencia orange is its coming into fruition when practically all other fruits are off the market. These remarks are to remind the people of this section of the vast opportunities that await them at their doors, and to prepare for the hordes of pilgrims that are headed westward. Occasionally one hears the opinion expressed that values are high here, but according to the optimistic gentleman who was here the other day, land values are due for a material advance, and there is nothing to stop them. The future of Anaheim is bright and its onward march increases with each succeeding year, and while the progress made here in the past five years has been great, the advancement yet to come will be phenomenal and there is no doubt about it at all. Seeing is believing and every new arrival here becomes an ardent admirer of Anaheim. NEW FEATURES AT THEATRE The California theatre has added another feature to its already excellent weekly program. Arrangements have been made for an Orpheum vaudeville to be given every Thursday night, consequently theatre-goers who have been making trips to the Los Angeles Orpheum can see the same show at home and save themselves the long trip. At every night's performance at this theatre there is now shown one vaudeville act, in addition to the pictures and other interesting features. The managers have arranged for the best pictures that can be produced and the best the theatre is the public. The wonderful music heard at every performance at this theatre is out of the chief attractions to many people. EXTERMINATION OF THE DEADLY PUNCHBOARD The office of District Attorney A. P. Nelson was adorned with $1000 worth of punch boards and prizes, seized late Saturday by Investigator O. K. Carr and Deputy Sheriff L. J. Heffner, in raids on three stores south of San Juan Capistrano. The punch boards illegal devices of chance, according to the statutes, were in operation in the three stores. Money, totalling $100, offered as prizes, four shot guns and five revolvers, and watches and valuables worth $700 were seized in the raids. The stores raided are owned by John Prather, Mrs. M. Barto and Mrs. George Deach, and were all situated on the county highway south of the mission town. The proprietors were not arrested, Carr stated, because the machines were installed by a Los Angeles man, whom the authorities are seeking. PAY TAXES NOW Entering upon the last month for the payment of 1922-1923 taxes County Tax Collector J. C. Lamb is drawing a long breath. He doesn't expect to get another one until the rush is over. The tax collector's office is in the Medical building, 618 North Main street, Santa Ana. Owing to the crowded conditions at the court house new offices were found for the collector. "Many taxpayers haven't found where the office is," said Lamb. "They still go to the court house and have to be directed to the Main street office." Lamb said that those who have bought property recently ought to bring with them to the court house accurate descriptions of the property. Those who have tax bills should bring the tax bills with them. "The earlier the taxes are paid this month the better it will be for all concerned," said Lamb. "And let me say again, the easiest way to pay your taxes is to write out a check for the amount shown on your tax bill and mail check and tax bill in the same envelope to me." If you don't know your job, somebody else will.