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TALLAHASSE. Nov. 13, 1950 Four witnesses repeated testimony
boxers governor Warren today that they had participated in Bolito
and a her game at Deland end thirt ~rour others testirttds for
suspenggd Sheriff Littlelield that t ey did not know or gambling
there. Volusia residents paraded berore the governor in an all
day hearing ill-ls requested by Littlefield otter his suspension
October 31 and others will be called tomorrow. Warren announced
it was the first hearing of its kind ever held in the history of
Florida. A quasi-court for a suspended official and it brought
a crowd that overtlowed the state cabinet room. Littletield and
Constable W.M.Slaughter or Deland eungsuspended after an investi-
gation by the State Attorney General's office which was pron ted
by stories in the Taupe Tribune by Ted Shurtlerf telling of olito
sales and other commercial poker games in a DeLand poblrroom.
Attorney General Irwin made his investigation at the request
of Warren. The long hearing was dranat sed at two points, once
by a Daytona Beach pastorwmm testified he "smelled out" t as
ramblinn Joints in Tampa and aaein by constable liutntcr aha
don; vxepln" on the stand when mention was .ade oi awn so;cty
parol boys who: he was inatructinc. Slauuhter was telling about
the boys when he burst into tears. Governor Warren called a short
recess to enable him to regain his composure. When the hearing
resumed 3lauxhter apologised to the overnor. "Those b 3 think
0. me as their daddy" he said, "and am a suspended ol cial."
I understand. said the governor. The Rev. Lee Nichole. pastor
as the xirst Baptist church in Daytona Beach told the governor
that he used to be a newspgper reporter and that experience taught
him to "smell gambling". e said he spoke in Tampa once and
smelled three gambling places between the hotel and the church
where he was to speak on law enforcement. The Rev. Nichols
tesclzied gambling had been wide open in Volueia County until
two years ago when a citisen's committee became active. "Since
then. he reported, a radical translormation in law eniorcensnt'.
"Ir the suspension or Sherill Littlexield is sustained, be said.
it will be a derinite set back for good law enforcement. It is
common belief that he is here because or political ressure."
Cross examined I. Halter Hawkins ol Daytona Beac appearing
as a lriend 01 t e court. the pastor said he did not know "or his
own Knowledge" Cl gambling conditions in Deland. his testimony
in substance was similar to that or 33 others who appeared in
behsll ox the suspended sherilf and constable. They were questioned
by John Musxoxl ox Jacxsonville and Louis Ossinsxi ol Daytona Beach,
attorneys zor Littlerield. V. w. Judge, Daytona Beach attorney tor
Slaughter and Paul Raymond cl Daytona Beach who also appeared as
a xrienc or the court. Handling the cross examination ror Irwin's
orfice were assistants attorneys General Reeves Bowen and George
Owen. Irwin was unable to attend because of a previous speaking
engagement at the convention ol the Florida League or Mun cl al ties
at Lakeland. Littlelield ans Slaughter both testilied they d
used all resources in their power to stop gambling and had been
willing to mate arrests on any warrants that might have been
presented to them. Both said they did not have facilities to parlorm
all the duties required or them. In addition to bein constable
Slaunhter also is a Delano police lieutenant working eilg {:3n /
oa
L p.m. to nionizhnt and spends much time with his schOOl
atrol. The Rev. ee led the procession 01 witnesses {or Littlerield.
e was :ollowed by e Ella Echolding, pastor ol the Second
t e
D
Baptist ChurCh 850 3218 9 had at am ted to royide officers with
evidences of Blito but could rind ng one algllto willing
to buy numbers tickets and testify to the purchasing. Mat Roth
Daytona Beach business man, said there had been no open gambling there
in two years but some Bolito was sold on a sneak basis. I send
a negro help out to buy acne, he said, and they couldnt lind it,
t on along comes a str er from Tampa while the grand Jury was
in session, while two he murders were being investigated, and
lound a man waiting with open arms to sell him bolito. It looked
kins or :ishy, and I say it looks runny to me."
Mrs.D.B.Aecherl, president of the Zonta Club at De na Beach
resigned as deputy sheriff to become a member of t e current
Volusia grand Jury, told the governor she "resented" unfavorable
attention that this hes brought to our county." I have never
heard one word o1 unravorable comment a ainst sheriff Littlerield
she said. Others who testilied along t a same line for Littlsrield
that open gambling had been closed for two years included John Latour,
Daytona Beach contractor and former policeman, W. Robert Sti ler
Daytona Beach county commissioner; major V20. Foley, Ornona ac
Justice o: the Peace; 0.1. Thompson, Da§tona Beach transportation
and storage business owner Ban Holch, olly Bills City attorney;
3.3. Hamlin, distributor o' billiards equi ant and past resident
o: the Holly Hill exchange club; the Rev. W. Dickert, olly Hill
Baptistc- pastor; Harry M. Pack, Ormond rruit shipper; John W. Hill,
Deland restaurant operator R.A.Bradley, president ox Alders ate
College at Lake Helen whic has 12 students; Claude J Keys, eytona
Beach negro barber; Walter B. C. Bilderback Delano grocer; Peace
Justice Fred R. Brannon; New Smyrna, Floyd end Deland auto dealer;
Ednzilliill R.F.Tur1e¥ Deland bondsnan: Herbert Plippo, Daytone
Beach fish dealer: Baa l B. Bolen and Mrs. Bolen Daytone Beach
restaurant proprietors: Mrs. Helen Van Buskirk, aytona Beach:
Carl Converse and Fred Ennis, Holly Hill bondsmen; and A.O. Folsom,
retired Daytona Beach salesman.
John Henry Dickerson, Daytona Beach service operator and president
of the Florida State egro Business League
said after that story appeared he had made a spot check of bolito
outlets mentioned but could find no numbers for sale. he admitted
on cost examination. however, that he did not go to all the places
listed.
C.D.Rodgers.Jr. Daytona Beach negro real estate dealer told the sane
story. Both admitted they did not know anything or gambling con-
ditions in Deland.
Emanuel inhale: Joanos, Tallahassee Instill: restaurant owner who
also has a seaside inn at Daytona Beach, told the governor he
likes to bet and recently he gave money to hell boys in his hotel
to buy holito and he was informed it couldnt be bought.
Littlefield said he had tried to the best of his ability to enforce
all laws. as ecially gambling laws but he was unable to do it with
a staff of n no deputys, three or whom were on traveling patrols.
He said he had not collected his allowed07500.salary in several years
and had been spending from 8&0 to 880 a week on informers attem ting
to get gambling evidence. Bowen asked Littlefield if he knew a out
wide open gambling two years ago as described by his witnesses. It
was all over ape stat than, said Little field. It wasnt only in
Our county. ou rea
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about what Sherwood wrote in the Tribune about gambling, said Bowen.
Have you made any investigation? I had two man detailed to all those
places listed, said Littlerield and I have never found one vantage
of evidence. Did you make any investigation of Jim Butts' poolroon
in Deland? I have never been there, said Littlefield. The only
information I have is a that the poker game there was a specie fans
and the only cuts of the pot were made to buy cards and pa the ight
bill. I? it had been the game that was d scribed I think t would
have been raided two years ago. GovernOr Warren asked Littlefield
about the number of gambling arrests he had made. and the sheriff
said he had been keeping a record of them only since last June.
Since then he listed ambling arrests as follows: June 17, July 8,
August 6, September and October 20. Warren asked Littlefield
about his other duties and the sheriff listed then as "answering a
thousand and one calls" keeping the jails, serving civil processes,
attending sessions of circuit court grand uries. He said trartic
was the county's bignest problem. Littler eld added that he was
opposed to the fee system and said he believed his office could be
operated more efficiently on a budget basis.
As Littlerield's attorneys rested their case warren explained when
the hearing W38 POQU5$d he had invited persons to sign alfidavn
on Volusia gambling to attend the hearing. He explained he did not
subpoena them because he has no power to subpoena but ii any were
here they would be heard. Four witnesses who testified today gave
names. dates and places 01 bolito buyers and participation in the
planner poker game at Jim Butt's Eoolroou. Carl Reynolds. operator
oi a loan company said he had sold olito sold on the streets or
Deland beiore and alter September 6 the date governor warren gave
law enrorcemenc oiiicere as a deadl no for enforcement ox gamblin
laws under penalty or suspension without a hearing. Reynolds eel
he had seen numbers sold on the boulevard, Georgia Ave. and South
BOUlevard in Deland by white and negro peddlara. Husker: attem ted
to make Reynolds say he was interested n cleanin up gambling ecause
a iriend had been arrested for selling numbers 3 "others were
operablnn" but Reynolds said that than: that was "water over the dam",
it made no diiierence to him. Why didnt you tell a law enlorcement
olficer asked Jude: attorney xor Constable'81aaghter. "I the t thats
what we had law enforcement officers for replied Reynolds. figure
it is as easy for them to get evidence as ior me to get it. Ca tain
Reamore. retired Marine, said he had bought bolito before and s to
September 6 at Stewart's grass, :: Baardarord Ave. in Deland where
a negro employee was sent out alley on Indiana Avenue where a
teat 0: his car horn brought curb service and at a June in colored
town. He said if he went on the curb to purchase tickets which he
never did. I would no to Red Anderson's Cafe to collect. Kenmore said
he had told Slaughter he was buyng bolito tickets "but wouldn't lead
him to the places." You just like to gamble, asked Jud Yes sir,
said Leamore. It iantayour interest to sugpreas it? N sir, I'd .
love it i: it were leg ined. Leonora sai he believed Slaughter...
had done all he could to enforce gambling laws except to give up
one Job." He said Slaughter was trying to do too much to be a
policeman and a constable at the same time. Charles 0. Clifton
teetified he had boe.ht bolito every Saturday before and alter
September 6 tron pad lers coming to his :ather's garage at 129 South
Florida Avenue, Deland: that he had observed the poker game in
Butte olroom tor the last two or three years" and saw the parked
truck y the house on every hand. To a question by Sis hter's
attorney Clifton said he hadn't been to any officials because
"I dont think they perform their duties.n "Have you given any inior-
nation to the State Attorney?
Judge asked. "I dont think I need to'eaid Clifton he lives in Volusia
County and knows as much about it as I do. Hilton 8. Shackbford,
Deland barber told of meeting Shurtluff October 6 thinking he was
a Stetson University student and taki him to Jim Butts poker game.
Shackelford said he sat in the game wh le Shurtluff watched and lost
817.00 He said the game was after Shurtluffs story was
published in the tribune. He ad333 that he had bought bolito tickets
last Friday. Several witnesses said it was not the custom ofVolusia
coverers to ive tickets in recent weeks but if large amounts
were there they co d obtain tickets from adjoining Seminole Count
at Sanzord where operators were covering the larger tickets. Shae elford
was still on the stand when governor Warren recessed the hearing all-r until
nine o'clock tomorrow morning.
TALLAHASSEE Oct.30,l950 by Jim Powell. Governor warren came out
today against any increase in state taxes in the next governmental
biennium. It was the first indication he had given of his attitude
on proposals for raising more revenue. The most frequently mentioned
plan calls for broadening the sales tax which now exempts groceries,
clothing and other items considered necessities. warren went on the
record with a prepared statement that declared: "We should resolutely
set ourselves age nst any increase in taxes. The Federal government s
recent increase in income taxes will take a considerably larger bite
of the incomes of the citizens of Florida. To this additional Federal
tax burden there certainly should not be added more state taxes."
TALLAHASSEE Nov.lL.l950 -by Bill Abbott. Governor warren who took
the word of 18 Volusia County citizens two weeks ago and one ended
Sherilz Alex B. Littlefield and Constable W.M. Slaughter of eland
reversed himselx today and reinstated the officials after eleven of the
eighteen citizens had repeated their testimony before em. Warrran
announced his new decision before a crowded cabinet/a9 e and of the
day an in a half hearing at the request of the officers. "Sheriff
Alex 8. Littleiield and Sill!!! Constable W.M.Slaughter were suspended
without a heerin on grounds of neglect of duty to enforce the laws
against family. He said "The evidence is not proved that these
officers have neglected their duty to entorce the laws against gambling,
therefore the su nsions will be revoked and the officers will be
reinstated. The caring is adjourned." The audience burst into
applause as most or its members rushed over to congratulate the officers.
Littlefield told friends "I have always tried to be fair with everybody
and lay all my cards on the top or the table." He also said he would
ask or a copy or the testimony of those who said they knew of gambling
and will confer with state attorney Murray Ssms about what use can be
made of it. Sla ter said he was grateful to the governor for leaning
the hearing and istening to all the phony testimony that was g van."
Littlefield was the fifth sheriff to be suspended in recent months by
the governor and the first to be reinstated. The others were Sheriff
H.l. Enter or Oceloosa, Frank Williams of Po e, James A. Sullivan of
Bade and Walter Clark of Broward counties. illiams, Sullivan and
Clark have been indicted by and uries. At the hearing for Littlerield
and Slaughter 3t witnesses nclud g three Baptist pastors testified
they did not inow of the extensive commercial gamblin in Volasia County
and said law enforcement conditions had improved in t e last two years.
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Twelve witnesses testified to the contrary however and told of
buying bolite openly in Deland ano other places and of a commercial
poker game in a Deland pool room. Irwin's investigators gathered
l9 affidavits including one from Sburtluff and the governor based his
stair suspensions on their allegations. But at the hearing this
morning Warren ruled out the presentation of affidavits and said
he would require witnesses who bought belito to identify the sellers
in open hearing. At the same time Paul Ramond. a Daytona Beach
attorney. appearing as a friend ol the court in behalf ol Littlefield
and Slaughter. hinted that purchasers themselves might be liable to
prosecution. "When a witness had made a purchase which is a felony,
he said, it will be close to com ounding a felony if he 3:11:12:
refuses to reveal the seller." ssistant state attorney. General
Robert Bowen protested that the governor had the right to believe
the witness if he did not name a seller but Warren ruled "the refusal
to disclose from whom belito is purchased is a very suspicious
circumstance. insultsxxha
JACKSONVILLE 0ct.26. 1950 AP -- Governor Warren and Mayor
Radon Burns of Jacksonville today recalled warriors on gambling
and racketeering and chief leaders against state sectionalism.
James M. Owens Jr.. mayor or Palm Beach deans: and tax assessor
of Palm Beach County said the two had spearheaded the drive against
"all three enemies of the state".
TALLAHASSEE Nov. 17. 1950. Floridas assistant governor probably
will resign soon to accept a besr paying Job, putting another dent
in governor Fuller warren's rapidly dwindling official family circle.
Death. political disagreement and the fortunes of elections have
made vest inroads in Harren's political hirearchy since the governor
took over his executive duties. Quarreling with the Herren political
household has accounted for most of the casualties. These include
C.V.Griffin. one of warren's financial advisers who walked out with
an explosive series of gambling exposes; Re Belch whose post
the governor declared vacated after Belch hand ed publicity for
Griffin. Robert Ghiotto who queered his read department secretary
with a court suit which forced the administration to stop negotiating
for road construction work without competitive bids, and kin Loin T.
Vice of Heines City resigned from the citrus commission after saying
it was gorfgged with politics. Three members of Warren's Browsrd
Conntf"fmx. ea :lsn walked out on the governor in a iiapuae 0' an
apnofn'.qnt 0: inc: Hall. a sherizf to succeed suspended halter
ler : doerh to Dodve Taylor. trusted citrus advisor;and legislative
lieutenant Charles 3chuh of Pinellas County who was murdered. Senate
spokesman John Matthews of Jacksonville:and administration House
Leader Archie Clement of Pinellae County fell at the poles. Wright
says "the boss" Warren understands his position in seeking a better
payinn Job which would have a longer life than his present one. The
governor understands and does not want to stand in m way. Wright
said. The assistant governor said the Job offered m as city manager
01 Winter Park is enly"one or several oxfers which have come to me."
The city mansgership position was tendered wright yesterday. It would
pay him $8300 a year. He now gets 37500.
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TALLAHASSEE. December 22. l0>O by Jim Powell The state has leased a
private passenger plane for the use or air minded governor warren. Owned
and piloted by Ralph G. Pendleton. clerk in the state road department.
the aircralt is a twin-engine Cessna and is leased at 32> an our when
it is in use. Rental is paid by the road dzpartmsnt which also supplies
gee and oil. In the first year of his admi stration governor Warren
had at his command a private plane owned by his former friend and
supporter C.V. Grilfin oz harry in the all a, roughly citrus grower.
MIAMI. Kay 2). 1950 by Bill lobstt --- The crime commission or Greater
Miami which severely criticised governor Warren to his lace here three
months ago {or lack or law enrorcement, put him over the barrel again
tonight at a public meeting for {allure to move against
PECKBteers and Florida dog racing. The commission renewed a charge it
nude during the governor's visit here February 20 to make his"own
investigation" or east coast gambling that members or the Capone
syndicate had inziltratsd into dog racing and were headed by no less
than one or the governor's top supporters and advisers William R. Johnston.
Johnston. now reggrted to be on a vacation in Ireland heads dog tracks
in Tampa, Xiani sch Jacksonville and Orange Park. He was rormerly
associated with Edward J. O'hare, capone lieutenant in the operation or
a Chicago track and was a hensriciary under O'Hare's will after the
latter was assassinated in a gang slaying in l939. The crime commission
had reported in this and other a leged tie u s or Johnston and the
Capone empire and its successors and asked t.e governor to investigate
their inxluence on Florida don tracks. The vernor romised he would
do something about it. But in a letter recs ved b t a commission
today he said the commission had made no showing t t any or Johnston's
tracks had violated the law and the law authorised no such investigation.
It was the same things as turning over a hornet'e nest among more than
200 Miami business and pretensional men and women who were interested
enough in law enforcement to turn out tonight ior the second annual
meetinr of the commission at the Miami womens Club. and wildly applaud
Jaox R. Younger, commission president, Daniel P. Sullivan, operat
director and circuit Judge Stanley Milledge, all or whom he on t e
necessity tor tightening law enzorcemsnt in Florida. Sull van said
Governor warren had promised three months ago to thoroughly investigate
rackets in Dade County but so xer had done nothing but send an investi-
gator here for a few days, on a more spot check said Sullivan wide open
violations were pointed out to the inVestigator at l2 or the 13 places
pieced at random. Sullivan asked the governor in errect how else could
a gang connection be shown conclusively without an investigation. He
maintained that evidence gathered by the commission ustiiied the
investigation and there was am ls precidence for sue a probe since
the Tropical Park Horse Track ere had been purged or hacket inlluencs
in 1941 during the administration of Governor Holland under similar
circumstances. "We have never indicated that any race tracks violated
the law. Sullivan said, we have contended consistently, however, it is
against the public interest ion the state to grant a license to any
racetrack operated under state supervision when that racetrack is owned
in whole or in part by persons connected with the capons syndicate.
Governor Warren quotes a ortion ox the Florida State laws on requirements
to be followed by the rec ng commission. That law requires that the
agplication {or racing dates set rorth information concerning members of
t a racing assoccietion making the request and the names or directors
and stock holders of that corporation.
It is obvious that it the capone interests own stock in any of the race
traces names or the real persons owning the stock would not he carried
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on any records or the racing commission. Such stock naturally would be
carried in the name or the front man or ustraw man". we told the
governor here and we charge now that there is a concealed ownership
in these tracks. Inrormation already in the hands or the governor more
than justixted an investigation to rind out who actually owns stock in
these four tracks." Sullivan said the ortance or the requested
investigation is heightened by the fact t at Johnston is a "close
associate of governor warren" and has exerted considerable influence
in the appointment ox emplogees to certain state Jobs." An investigation
is particnlarly important" a continued, beca ts; the increasing
inxluence or the Capone gang in local rackets7§ ther parts or the state
and here in Dade County.
PAGE 1
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