Muncie Post-Democrat, Muncie, Delaware County, 25 February 1921 — Page 1

THE ONLY DEMOCRATIC NEWSPAPER IN DELAWARE COUNTY

THE MUNCIE POST-DEMOCRAT

VOL. 1. NUMBER 7

THE MUNCIE POST-DEMOCRAT, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1921

SUBSCRIPTION PRICE $2.00 A YEAR IN ADVANCE

COURT DECLARES TRUSTEES HAD NO RIGHT TO PUBUSH IN TWO REPUBLICAN PAPERS

During the argument of the case of George R. Dale, publisher of the Post-Democrat, against Merritt Heath trustee of Centre Township, in which the plaintiff seeks to secure a writ of mandamus against the official, directing him to publish his annual report in the newspaper, some very interesting matters came to light. The argument was on a motion filed by defendant’s attorneys, Warner & Warner, asking that the case be dismissed because of the fact that the four weeks had expired in which the trustee is required by law to publish his report, following the filing of the report with the county auditor. The court in his rulings upheld the principle of the law requiring publication to be made in two newspapers of opposite politics, and held that trustees have no discretion in the matter, that their action is directory, and not discretionary, as was contended by Heath. The court withheld his decision pending further reference to authorities and precedents as to the question of whether the publications can be lawfully made after the expiration of the time limit. While the argument was in progress the court inquired of Mr. Warner how the trustees of Delaware County had been in the habit of running their reports. Informed that they had been running them in the Star and Press, two republican newspapers, the court declared such a practice to be unlawful. When informed that they had been so publishing their reports when no democratic newspaper was in existance here, he said: The law is that when both parties are not represented by newspapers publication is required in only one newspaper. This practice has caused the taxpayers of the township unnecessary expense,” declared the

judge.

“Well, your honor, it isn’t exactly the law,” remarked Mr. Warner, “but the trustees secured an opinion from the state board of accounts that they could publish in the Star and Press.” ????? board of accounts got to do with the law in the case?" inquired the court. “The state board of accounts gave an opinion that the city of Muncie would have to pay for the school houses of Centre township, but as you will no doubt remember it was not the law, by any means." It was thus disclosed, in an action brought to require the trustees to do what the law plainly directs them to do. that they have been going the limit in the other direction by paying double for the publication of their re-

ports.

No doubt, if there were three, or four, republican newspapers in Muncie, instead of two, they would have favored all of them with the legal

advertising.

..The trustees no doubt go on the theory that inasmuch as it is somebody else’s money that is being spent

they should worry.

. . In the meantime the Post-Democrat is going to see this thing though and will find out whether or not public officials can declare themselves above. the law and get away with it.

NO CHEAPER DIAMONDS

Amsterdam—In order to prevent further lowering of prices of cut diamonds, the 'Diamond Industry Committee has passed a resolution stating that there is no reason to sell cut diamonds at lower prices, because the price of a British syndicate for rough diamonds makes it impossible to re-

place the good at a cheaper rate. WOMEN BEST VIOLINISTS, SAYS FAMOUS COMPOSER

London, Eng.—“I will never conduct an orchestra without women in future; they do their work so well,” declared Sir Henry Wood, England’s foremost composer. “Women have great talent for the violin. They have a wonder delicacy of touch. They are sincere. They do not drink and they do not smoke as much as men.”

HUNT BEAR WITH ARROWS Pittsfield, Mass.—Swords, bows and arrows and suits of ancient armor. for use at clase quarters, are to be pressed into service in the hunt for a large black bear which killed scores of sheep, in the Greylock mountain reservation. Recourse to the old methods of warfare is made necessary by a State law that forbids the use of firearms on a State reservation.

NEW RADIO CALL FOR DOCTOR New York.—“K. D. K. E.” is a new wireless call which is to indicate that some one aboard is seriously ill and that expert medical advice is needed. Medical officers are to be kept within reach of answer calls so that they will be able to diagnose and prescribe by wireless when their assistance is sought. FAKE WHISTLER DISCOVERED Paris.—A still-life picture, painted in 1905 and then sold for $17 was partly repainted and the signature of the artist replaced by that of Whistler. The picture was then shown at an art gallery, the price being fixed at $30, 000. The fraud was discovered before a sale could be consummated.

ROUND THE WORLD AT 75 London, Eng.—Harry Homer, who is in his 75th year, is about to take another of his periodical trips around the world.

WANT IMMIGRANTS TO SMASH UNIONS

New York, Feb. 25—Big business wants immigrants to aid its “open shop” campaign is the frank statement by Miss Frances Kellor in her book “Immigration and the Future.” Miss Kellor is the organizer and vice chairman pf the interracial council and has reorganized the American association of foreign language newspapers. The interracial council includes representatives of the largest corporations in the country. “The United States,” writes Miss Kellor, “is now bent upon increasing production and lowering its cost, upon an ‘open shop’ contest, and to further this it wants immigrant man

lower.

“The United States needs immigrant with habits of thrift and frugality who will accumulate savings and thus increase capital for new enterprises, and for this it needs immigrant wage earners. In a word, if the incoming immigrant does not contribute some or all of these things, Americans do not want him because his coming will be a failure for himself and for this country.” In a New York financial paper last December Miss Kellor suggested that a board be created to investigate the immigration laws "whenever a statement of conditions is presented walsch may make it appear necessary or expedient." This board would consist of five cabinet officials and four ????? sens, appointed by the presiden, one of whom should represent labor. “Unanimous consent of the members should be necessary to any action of the board to exclude certain classes for a stated period or to limit the number of immigrants of any race, class or occupation of any economic, industrial or other condition temporarily existing in the United States.” The above statements indicate the desire of big business—the creation of a supergovernment that would have sole charge of these aliens in attacks on trade unions and a lowering of living standards. “Thrifty immigrants” are desired so their money can be used by capitalists “for new enterprises.” This is what big business is pleased to term “scientific immigration regulation.”

DON’T GET SCARED OUT.

The Muncie Press is either woefully ignorant of the primary election law, or is trying for some reason or other to throw a scare into some of the republican candidates who- are shy of money. That newspaper has repeatedly informed its readers that the primary law provides that all candidates, upon filing of their notice of candidacy, must put up with the officer with whom the notice is filed, a sum equal to one percent of the salary of the office to which the candidate aspires. At present there are fifteen or twenty republican candidates for mayor, including the manager of the Press. The salary of the mayor of Muncie is four thousand dollars a year. If the candidates had to put up one percent of this amount, each of the fifteen candidates would be separated from forty dollars. One would think that a real for sure candidate would know the law, but evidently the newspaper candidate, whose paper has repeatedly made the misstatement, is either iguorant of it, or, as one fellow put it, “maybe Walter thinks he is the only one in the whole field that has the forty bucks, and thinks he can scare the others out and have the field to himself by springing such a wild story.” The statement, which has been made repeatedly, in all seriousness, has caused considerable merriment among politicians who know better. For the information of all the republican candidates who were going to withdraw from the race when the Press told them there was an initiation fee, the Post-Democrat wishes to inform all and sundry that it doesn’t cost a penny to file your candidatorial notice. The water is fine; hop in and do not listen to any hoht air about having to pay for the privilege of being a candidate.

CLEANING UP MUNCIE

dge, she wants to be shown, and to see what makes the wheels go

We are hearing a great deal these days from republican candidates for the nomination for mayor, who are running on platforms calling for a thorough cleaning up of

alleged lawless conditions in the city of Muncie.

To the various groups of politicians who arc backing the candidacies of these new-born agents of tardy reformation, their protestations are one huge joke. "That's the stuff," the bosses tell them, "feed that bunk in doses as big as they

can swallow and we’ll get the women vote sure.”

To a certain type of politician, the "woman vote" is gullible enough to believe any-

thing in the world, as long as it is told by a republican.

They seem to think that woman, being emotional, can be swayed by the same old twaddle that has been used successfully in times past on men voters. It has been our experience with women that they are just a little harder to convince than the men. The average woman may have her own argument with the in-

surmountable word “because,” but, like Toddy and if necessary will pick an argument to pieces in ord

round.

Just at this blessed moment a gang of unscrupulous politicians, who care about as much for the moral welfare of Muncie as they do of the moral status of China or Timbuctoo, are trying to get hold of the municipal reins, in order to enhance their own political and financial status. With them it is anything to win, and they are willing to ride to victory astride of any sort of a steed, from a jackass to a baby elephant, provided the steed will land them inside of the municipal crib on election day, Surveying the situation, the republican machine, casting about for some slogan that will appeal to the women voters of the city, dragged out its old, worn out joke about “cleaning up” Muncie. Say, voters, you know the men who manipulate republican machine politics in Muncie. It is the same old bunch that has worked behind the scenes, here for many years. Knowing these men, and viewing their past performances as a guide to ‘future realization of their promises, do you have much faith in the bleating of those who are

doing their bidding?

The slate candidate is especially profuse in campaign promises along clean up lines. He stands aghast at the wickedness of Muncie, which he does not hesitate to declare is attributable solely to the democrats. He wants to be mayor, he says, in order that Muncie may be redeemed. This man, backed by politicians who have played the game under the old rules; who have worked with the lawless elements time and again to accomplish their ends and who are now attempting to make every so called “liberal” a unit of the republican ma-

REPUBLICAN EX-STATE OFFICIAL IS IN THE LIMELIGHT

MUNCIE BRIEFS

Another man soaked for soakingoysters. Gentleman of Italian axtration. He said that was the way they treated oysters in Italy. Didn’t go here. John Ale, state food inspector, says he is going to make oyster soaking in Muncie an unpopular indoor sport.

Seven or eight more republican candidates announce. Tired business men anxious to serve city. Pay no inducement. Pure patriotism and civic pride.

??ine They are just as easily good to law breakers, in the who trot in machine harness will

The republican machine has already promised the "underworld" that Muncie will be a paradise for gamblers, booze peddlers and harlots if the underworld will only enlist under the bright and shining banner of spotless republicanism. That promise may, or may not, be made good in case of republican success. All we know about it is that the promise has been made. Personally we would not believe the promise of any machine politician, of any party on a bet. What republican machine wants, is control of the city, with its vast resources, its many municipal jobs, its big financial possibilities and the club of ownership which will make future elections easier for the machine. Promises are easily made by the republican brokest. If it pleases the machine to make his event of republican success, those of "underworked" no doubt be rewarded with license to pursue their business without molestations. if it seem better for the machine to send their fellow workers to jail and bring in a new set of law breakers, it will not hesitate to do so. The impudence of the machine candidate in charging democracy with any lawless condition which might exist here, is deserving of severe rebuke. It is true that the city administration is democratic, and, laying aside the question of politics, is partially responsible for conditions here be they lawless or otherwise. But if conditions are so terrible here, as the machine candidate asserts, why does he not appeal to the republican prosecuting attorney, appointed by the saintly Goodrich, for immediate relief. It is the duty of the prosecuting attorney to approve all prosecutions of law violators. If the democratic party is the refuge of the sinful and the republican party the home of the redeemed and sanctified, can it be that Muncie is the wicked city painted by the machine candidate, with two republican judges on the bench, a republican sheriff, a republican prosecutor, a bipartisan police board and a police force nearly equally divided in the matter of politics? And that is not all, by any means. There are two republican daily newspaper in Muncie. What have these newspapers done in the way of bettering moral conditions? Occasionally they deal in glittering generalities, but what have they done, specifically, in the way of creating a spotless Muncie? They have four flushed along, playing both ends against the middle, protecting the big crook, making a loud noise over the misdeeds of the obscure violator of the law, and never in any instance inaugurating any movement directed against any sort of a law violator, from the petty bootlegger to the big thief who steals hundreds of thousands. The so called prize fight swindles, operated by outsiders, had been going on here for over a year before the government began action. The local dailies made a loud noise after the government acted. Holaday had been operating without disturbance for a year and a half, without a word from either of the “reform” dailies. He was an advertiser, therefore immune. When the government caught him, he was played up for columns and columns. The slate candidate tells his audiences that the paper of which he is manager has inaugurated all the great reforms which have been effected in Muncie. Last Saturday in the circuit court, commenting on the action of the trustees in printing legal advertisements in two republican newspapers, Judge Thompson asserted that it was illegal. For years republican officials have been carrying legal notices in both the Press and the Star, thus duplicating the expense to the taxpayers. Republican officials and republican newspapers thus conspired to defraud the taxpayers of the county put of large sums of money, without warrant of law, but on the principle that the gang’s all here, so what the hell do we care? The slate candidate who prates of lawlessness does not dare to discuss that phase of lawlessness. He is the business manager of one of the newspapers that has been getting this easy money. One of the first requisites of a successful lawsuit is the coming into court with clean hands. It would take a barrel of soft soap to clean the hands of the “clean up” boys.

Churches of Muncie becoming active in politics. All seeking the right man for the job and as usual each church picks out a different man. If it were not sinful to say so, we would assert that the only man that could meet all the requirements was crucified two thousand years ago for defying autocracy and declaring Himself in favor of the common man.

Banks, postoffice and court house closed up Tuesday in honor of G. Washington’s birthday. The father of his country was a real guy. He never told a lie in his life and is the only boy that was ever able to make John Bull say uncle. Good thing to take a day off once in a while to honor the men who founded this

nation of pure democracy,

and millionaires.

Indianapolis, Feb. 24—Irregularities in allowances and the lack of required itemized accounts and statements were charged against Otto L. Klauss, former state auditor, during the last fourteen months of his term of office in a report of the state hoard of ac-

counts made public recently.

The report covering the period from October 1, 1919. to November 20, 1920, showed a number of claims filed totaling about $3,500 for which there were no vouchers, no dates and in some in-

stances incomplete affidavits.

“Our examination of the account discloses a number of allowances made by the auditor of state which are irregular and unauthorized by the

law governing that office.

A warrant for $800 drawn to Klauss ten days before the expiration of his term of office was found by the ex-

aminers to be listed:

“Refund money expended for postage and travelling expenses during years 1917 and 1918 for insurance and banking departments." There were no dates and vouchers, the report said, but the warrant was approved by former Governor Goodrich. Another warrant filed a few days before the end of his term was for $900 and was filed for Klauss and listed as traveling expenses for the insurance and banking department during 1917, 1918 and 1919.

paupers

Federal marshals swooped down on Muncie again this week. Swooping down on Muncie seems to be their regular business. Only landed one victim this time but several who thought their time had come very

is nearly died with heart failure. Bad

thing for weak heart.

HEAD OF STATE HIGHWAY BODY IS PRODDED BY REPORT

Judge Thompson see law concerning leg

???? accecpt the view that an opinion from the state board of accounts carries with it the weight of a su-

preme court decision.

H. Wright tate high???

republican

head of

WOMEN TO CHASE KISSERS Freeport, L. I. -- Freeport, where many Broadway theatrical celebrites have established what is known as the “actors’ colony” is patterning its municipal affairs to some extent after the “big town.” Freeport now has two policewomen, both married women. Spooners on Kissing Bridge will be one of their (objective points in the big “clean up” campaign planned for next summer. MUST WEAR TROUSERS Paris, France - Trouser-wearing in public is now compulsory for men in the American colony of the Phillippine Islands. The penalty for appearing in the streets without trousers is five years imprisonment. Many natives are compelled to remain indoors because they have not the necessary garments.

PLANS DAIRY AT JAIL New York—Milk needs of the Department of Corrections here may be supplied entirely by, he model wallless reformatory at New Hampton Farms, if recommendations of the Commissioner are carried out. After visiting the reformatory he declared he would urge that the dairy industry be greatly expanded there.

COCK-CROWING CONTESTS Brussels, Belgium.-Cock crowing competitions have now replaced cock-

EMPTIES TWO WINE CELLARS London, Eng.—Emily Mantelow, a servant, was sentenced to three months at hard labor. She had worked in two places, and being allowed wine, had imposed on her employers, by emptying two wine cellars of their contents. Empty bottles were found in her room and under her pillow.

HARDING RAN ALONE, SAYS ONE NEW CITIZEN

New York—Justice Faber, presiding in the Queens Supreme Court,

fighting in the coal mining and indus- hearing applications for citizenship

trial regions of Belgium. Cocks usually crow about 60 tires an hour, and intensive feeding on millet, chopped meat, beer and wine and water increases the volume of sound and the frequency of the calls, Cocks can be trained to crow about 100 times in the 30

had one Italian before him whom he asked “Who was elected president recently?” “Harding,” was the reply. “Who ran against him?” asked the Judge. “Nobody,” was the reply. “I guess you are nearer right in that than you may think,” said the Justice.

minutes—the duration of the contest. | The man became a citizen.

Democrats organized Monday night for the city campaign. Elected a woman for vice chairman. Good eye old scouts, the democratic women of Muncie are live wires and will show the republican sisters some real politics before the campaign is over.

That was a fine little speech the slate candidate made over in Normal City one night last week. Trouble was. he got his speech mixed up with one he had made in Congerville. Told Normal City he was going to see to it that Congerville Streets and allies were looked after. Then backed up and said he meant Normal City. Also took credit for “cleaning un” Muncie. If he happens to get in. the gang that is behind him will undertake to finish any “cleaning”' the slate candidate overlooked. Muncie will not only be cleaned, but, we imagine, picked, as well.

City council prepares to mandate commissioners to compel ’em to build new Washington Street bridge. Funny that it’s necessary to mandate republicans to compel them to perform their duty.

counts with such an amazing breach of trust that the state wonder what is going to be done about it. According to the accounts board the commission has spent a little over four million dollars in a year and a half, and that over two million of it went into “overhead” expense. The report of the state examiners discloses irregularities in the manner of conducting the office which demands a complete investigation. For instancy, the commission’s charge was constructed at an expense of $13,000 in excess of the figure submitted by the lowest bidded, The farmers of the state have been against the state highway commission on principle. Now that they see the manner in which it has been doing business they will have less love for

it.

Wright tries to excuse himself by explaining that he acted in accordance with the desires of former governor Goodrich and ex-State Auditor Otto Klauss, a republican official who is now under fire himself. The whole story of republican graft and misrule should be brought out.

LIVED IN FOUR REIGNS London, Eng.—Four people who have lived in four reigns were entertained at Fleet. Their ages ranged from 87 to 92. Miss Stevens, the oldest of the party, had to run the gauntlet of a piece of mistletoe hanging over a drawing room door.

380,000 NEW TITLED NAMES London—More than 30.000 names have been added to the firsts of the various orders of knighthoods in the

MAY SOON SEE WITHOUT EYES Paris, France—The possibility of seeing without eyes is foreshadowed by Doctor Sarigoule in a statement in which he claims that, although a man may lie completely eyeless, he may be made to see by the skin of his face, chest and arms, which he can try in to develop the ancient property of being effected by light exactly as a photographic plate. Dr. Sarigoule experimented with himself with his eyes tightly bound for 50 hours, and was able to recognize such objects as keys and scissors.

SHEEP AS WEDDING PRESENT London. Eng.—A wedding present received by the Hon. C. W. Sholto

Peerage book just issued. The war is | Douglass and Miss Fox Pitt was a responsible for this tremendous grow- | flock of 350 sheep from the Earl of th of titles. | Morton, the bridegroom's father.

RAY ANDREWS CITY CHAIRMAN.

At an enthusiastic meeting of the democratic city central committee, held Monday night in the city council chamber, C Ray Andrews was unanimously reelected as city chairman and party leader for the coming campaign. Mrs. P. E. Early was elected vice-chairman and R. Milt Retherford was chosen treasurer of the organization. By unanimous vote of the committee the chairman was authorized to select a secretary for the committee. The name of William King was first proposed for vice chairman, but after a decision of the committee that there would be no sperate woman’s organization during the campaign, the name of Mr. King was withdrawn and Mrs. Early was named vice chairman by unanimous vote. The meeting was presided over by Obed Kilgore, who made a short address. Mr. Andrews, Mrs. Early and others gave short talks and much enthusiasm was manifested. The party is to be congratulated upon the leadership assured it for the coming campaign. Ray Andrews was party manager in the last city campaign when the entire democratic ticket was elected by majorities ranging from sixteen hundred to over two thousand. Ray doesn’t believe in the word tail and has more pep and energy to the square inch than a forty horse power motor. Mrs. Early was active in the last campaign and is especially fitted to aid in a campaign where experienced leadership is an essential. At the meeting Charles B. Thompson, who has been mentioned as a possibility for mayor, announced his candidacy for re-election as councilman from the sixth ward.

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