Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 5, Number 117, Decatur, Adams County, 13 May 1907 — Page 1

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT.

V. Number 117

FIVE HUNDRED VISITORS Gala Day for the Local Knights of I Columbus Lodge

SERMON AT TEN A Class of Thirty-Six Were Given the Work VISITORS ROYALLY ENTERTAINED The Program of the Day Ended with a Luncheon Served in Their Banquet Room. The weather man was good to the local Knights of Columbus lodge yesterday and as a result our city was visited by one of the largest crowds she has seen in recent years, and the event was one that will be long remembered. The day was perfect in every respect, not to cold, neither was it too hot. and was just right to permit every one to turn out in gala attire and recive the visitors. The strangers commenced to arrive early in the morning and by two o'clock it was estimated that something like five Hundred visiting knights were in our midst, and they were tendered a royal reception by the local reception Committee, who had this part of the program in charge. ’ The Fort Wayne and Springfield railway company did a thriving business and to handle and accommodate the people were forced to adopt the every hour and a half schedule, and by this route something like three hundred knights came from Ft. Wayne, while Union City turned out forty, KI wood forty, Delphos twenty, LogansLfe,. -port sixty, Piqua twenty, Huntington ■Shftxty, Gas City ten. and various other from over the state were repHF resented by from one to five members Reach. The knight attending from the I larthest point was a member from I the New Haven, Conn., council and K he was tendered a rousing reception B by every knight present. At eight Ro’clock the candidates, who numbered F thirty-six, assembled at the lodge E room and it was here that the first degree work was conferred by the local order and from what we are able R, to learn the members of the degree ■ staff did their work in a most pleasing | and impressive manner and were the K recipients of many congratulations Elrom their visiting brothers. Bl At the close of the work the memK"hers remained at the lodge room until ten-thirty o'clock standard time and Wthen fell in line and marched down Slßecond street to Monroe, thence west to Fourth, thence south to the St. IKarys Catholic church, where Father te "Wilken delivered an address to the ■'Knights and candidates. The line of K; .march covered over two squares and ■ was headed by the older knights, ■ while the candidates were forced to ■ "bring up the rear and were easily dis- ■ tinguishable owing to the red ribbons | that they wore, and the haggard and ■ -dejected countenance that each bote,

I f v S- / ajr\" % . ' * S ■' ''"''r HL;-', REV H. THEO. WILKEN, ” ’ sermon to the Local and Visiting Knights. Whn Delivered an Entertaining Sermon

in fact, several of the candidates were noticed to quake and shiver every time the line of march stopped, and they up until that time had received but the first degree. What they did during the next two degrees can be easily imagined by our readers, and while it is not verified by any one it is rumored that several of the candidates collapsed before the work was finished. At one o’clock the lodge convened again and the task of conferring the second degree was taken up, this work being performed by Dr. Bruggeman 'and staff from Ft. Wayne and they did their work with a promptness and dispatch that evoked much applause from the spectators. The work of conferring the third degree fell upon the shoulders of District Deputy T. J. McLaughlin and staff, which they carried out to perfection. We might add here that this team has a reputation that is unexcelled throughout the state and are in demand at nearly every meeting held in the state. In the evening at the close of the work, a luncheon was served after which the evening was spent in listening to addresses from the various councils present and some very able speeches were delivered and the candidates in this manner received some excellent advice as to how a good knight should conduct himself, and what he should do to become an excellent member. This part of the program was enjoyed by all and the entertainment lasted until a late hour. (Continued on Page 4.) ANOTHER BATTLE The Cromer Organization is to be Revived HIS FRIENDS STILL WITH HIM Many Adams County People Believe that He Has the Long String on the Nomination. A special dispatch from Washington says: "That politicians at the national capital are astonished over the word that comes to them from the Eighth Indiana district. They learn, from what they consider indisputable cources, that the Cromer organization is being revived and put in condition for another giry battle next year, led by that indomitable political chieftain who never knows when he is licked —Gen. George Washington Cromer. This news from Indiana has caused a flood of talk in Washington, where the opinion prevailed after the last disastrous election in the Eighth district that Mr. Cromer never would enter the (Continued on Page 4.)

Decatur, Indiana, Monday, Evening, May 13, 1907.

BETTER SALARIES LAST YEAR. County Superintendents Fared Better than Ever Before. According to statistics gathered by the state statistician, the county superintendents of the state fared much better in the way of salaries during the year 1906 than they did in 1905. The same Is true of truant officers. The county commissioners and county councilmen of the state did not fare so well. The county superintendents received a total of $126,655.58 in salaries in 1906. The office expense reported by the county superintendents for the year was $14,594.35. The total allowances made in Indiana for county institutes made $9,200. In 1906 the total amount paid out by the counties of the state in salaries to truant officers was $33,266.35. At the rate of 25 cents admission for children this money would enable 133,065 barefooted boys to play “hookey” from school and attend the circus. The county commissioners of the state received in salaries a total of $114,743.98. The county councilmen were paid a total of $7,716.25. GREATERDECATUR The Building Boom has Struck the City MANY DWELLINGS GOING UP To the List that Follows May be Added Many More Under Contemplation. Work began this morning on the new Madison street residence of Fred Hoffman, and when completed it will be not only commodious in size but it will be strictly modern, with all the conveniences and improvements of the times. It has already been engaged at a fancy rental. The A. R. Bell residence on Madison street is nearly ready for occupancy, and is a model little home, containing everything for convenience and comfort. A basement under the entire structure and a furnace are among the improvements. It is rented. Dr. Roy Archbold will build a three thousand dollar residence on Sixth street. He is already thinking of employing a private secretary to handle the volume of inquiries from prospective renters. The foundation for the handsome Fourth street home of Henry Schulte is complete, and work upon the structure has begun. His old house will later be moved to the western part of the city and fixed up for some good renter. John Niblick will erect a handsome house on Third street, on the property purchased from H. A. Hartman. It will be occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Suttles. The old house will be moved to a vacant lot on Fornax street. William Ramey is building a house in the Shieman addition on east Mercer avenue. The new home of Will Colchin in the south end of the city has just been completed. It is a neat and comfortable house. The Weiland home on west Monroe street is being remodeled. The additions under way will make it among the best homes in Decatur. Joseph W. Smith is building quite a handsome home on Mercer avenue, to replace the one destroyed by fire a few months ago. Emerson Beavers has in mind the erection of a commodious home on west Monroe street, the coming aristocratic section of the city. The word is out that Sam Lehman will convert the barn on Madison street property into a dwelling. It is well located and will bring the top price in rental. The south Second street home of J. C. Patterson is being remodeled and changed inside. The improvement is quite noticeable and adds greatly to appearances.

HEART FAILURE Mrs. Alexander Bold Died Suddenly HARTFORD TOWNSHIP PIONEER Husband and Four Children Survive —the Funeral will Occur Wednesday. Mrs. Leah Bolds, the wife of Alexander Bolds, of Hartford township, died some time during last night. Her death was caused by heart failure and was wholly unexpected. For many years she has suffered with a chronic case of stomach trouble, yet even in her advanced years, she was rugged in appearance and physically strong. Mrs. Bolds was among the early settlers of Hartford township, where, for many years, she has lived a life of happiness. She was known by every one for miles surrounding her home, and was an. exemplary woman, known for her many deeds of kindness and charity. Leah Pontius was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, June 3, 1835, and this coming June would have been seventytwo years old. She was married to her present bereaved husband August 14, 1856, her married life bein£ unusually pleasant and happy. Four children survive, Daniel P. Bolds, a former resident of this city and for four years county treasurer, George W. and Otta Bolds and Ruffina M. the latter being the wife of Eugene Lindsey. The funral will occur Wednesday from the family home in Hartford township, a place long known for its hospitality. o A MILITARY PLAY Columbian Club Take to the Stage SANTIAGO, A MILITARY DRAMA The Cast of Characters and Other Arrangements will be Announced at a Later Date. The Columbian club, an organization composed of the young members of the Catholic congregation and being affiliated with the Knights of Columbus lodge, have completed arrangements for a local talent show’ to be given May 20 and 21. As Decoration Day is so near at hand, they chose a military play as being peculiarly appropriate. The play will be "Santiago,” the best Cuban war play ever written. "Santiago” is a military melodrama set to music, and is filled with fine comedy, thrilling situations and pleasing climaxes. Its plot is good, clean and cleverly constructed, and its characters are brought together to form a symmetrical whole. Through it all, like a thread of gold is felt the strong personality, the wholesome influence of the true American women. The lines are bright, sparkling and often bubbling with keen American humor. There are silences that speak more than words and suffice it to say that "Santiago” is undoubtedly true to life and last, but not least, it shows what America has done and what it is doing. The cast will be made up of old time local favorites, while an augmented chorus of young ladies will assist in rendering the twelve big musical numbers, some of which have been written especially for this production. The proceeds of "Santiago'' the Columbian club will donate to the funds for the new Catholic school ouilding, and they will be assisted in the ticket canvass by the lady friends of the club. The admission will as usual be twenty-five cents to any part of the house and you can't afford to miss this spectacular production, as the scene realisticly picturing the battle of Santiago is alone well worth the price. The cast will be announced later. o Miss Ella Edginton and Miss Gunda Springer, of Berne, visited the former's parents here over Sunday and I returned to Berne this morning.

SAID TO BE ONLY A BUBBLE. Portland Simply Will not Let Bluffton be Even a Close Second. With all the boosting and booming of the Bluffton newspapers and her chesty citizens it will be many years before the metropolis of Wells county will be anything like as good a city as Portland is today. This boosting on the part of our neighbor is all right, but in their enthusiasm they sometimes overestimate the real extent of the Parlor City boom. Cold facts and figures put a new face on the Bluffton boom and one that can-' not be troverted. For instance the school enumeration taken in April of this year shows Bluffton to have 1,230 children of school age as against 1,264 in 1906, a loss of 34. Portland this year has a total school enumeration of 1,461 a gain of 31 over 1906, or 231 more than booming Bluffton. Based upon the rule of counting a population of four for each child of school age the respective population of the two cities would be Portland 5,844 and Bluffton 4,920. —Portland Sun. o WAS A FAST GAME Portland Bows in Defeat Before the Locals SCORE WAS SEVEN AND FIVE Peterson Proves to be the Hero of the Day and Brings Victory to His Club. The local high school base ball team Saturday demonstrated that they are made out of the right kind of stuff when they defeated the Portland Sluggers, -a team that has not been defeated a game this season, and who only lost one game all last season, by a score of seven to five. The game was close throughout, and many exciting moments were entertained, especially was this true in the seventh inning, when the game was a tie five and five, and the locals had the bases full and two men out and with Dick Peterson at bat. You cauld have, heard a pin drop any place in the grand stand and when Dick made a clean single into right field, scoring two men and practically clinching the game, the local rooters rose up in a body and the cheering could have been heard for several blocks. The hit was a dandy and Dick was bestowed with congratulations from all sides. «Buffenbarger, the local pitcher, proved a tower of strength and time after time he struck out the opposing batsman when a hit would have meant a score. The entire team fielded in excellent style and only two errors were credited against our boys and these were made on difficult chances. While on the other hand the fielding of the visitors at times was of a shady color, and they were chalked up with five misplays. The Portland team is made up of a perfect set of young gentlemen, who conducted themselves in a very creditable manner both on and off the field and would be welcomed back again by the local fans any time. Tom Railing held the indicator, and his work was perfect, not a kick being registered by either side. The locals are figuring on tackling Van Wert, 0., next. Well, here's success boys. The score by innings was as follows: 123456789 RHE Portland .. 12000200 o—s 3 5 Decatur ...10010320 x—7 8 2 Batteries— Brady and Bergman, Buffenbarger and McKean. o NAMED THE BIG STICK. The Roosevelt Tree Planted by Spokane Floral Association. Spokane. Wash., May 13. —The Theodore Roosevelt tree, planted by the Spokane Floral association in Liberty Park four years ago. has been named “the Big Stick,” having grown more than ten feet since the sprig of mountain ash was set into the ground in 1903. The tree is three inches in diameter and Is sturdy. The association has prepared a history of the tree, together with photographs and an account of its growth, to be forwarded to the president at Washington, D. C. o— John Glancy and his gang of bridge carpenters went to Ridgeville this morning to repair a bridge.

IN MARION JAIL Fred Blazer and Lena Harshman in Trouble WERE ARRESTED AT GAS CITY They Were Living There as Man and Wife, but Could not Prove it to the Police. Fred Blazer and Miss Lena Harshman, two former Decaturites, were arrested last Friday evening at Gas City by the police on a charge of cohabiting. The arrest was made at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Dan Straub, who are now residents, of Gas City and to whom the above named couple had informed and made believe that they were legally married. The arrest came as a surprise to Mr. and Mrs. Straub, who were ignorant of the fact that they were harboring such people, and when the demand was made by the police for the couple they willingly showed them where the couple were sleeping, and the arrests were made. From what we are able to learn, the the affidavit and information was received by the Gas City police from Van Wert, Ohio, where Miss Harshman's former husband is supposed to be living. The couple were taken to Marion, Ind., where they plead guilty to the charge and were fined a dollar and costs each and in connection were given thirty days and they are now confined in the Marion jail. Young Blazer is well known here as being a young man who had been in trouble nearly all his life and Miss Harshman is a young lady who has borne a bad reputation for some time. However, for the next thirty days the public will be free from their company. COURT HOUSE NEWS State Case Venued Here from Jay County ASKS JUDGMENT ON VERDICT Case of Wittwer vs. Clara Sheets set for Trial—Other News from the Court Records. A transcript of former proceedings was filed in the Adams circuit court in the case venued from Jay county State vs. George D. Allen. The defendant is charged with a misdemeanor. The case of Amanda Sell vs. Ora Sell was ordered left off the docket. Frederick Schafer et al vs. Chris Beery, a demurrer was filed to the second paragraph of the defendant's plea in abatement. Eli Meyer vs. Julius Haugk; a motion was filed by the plaintiff for a judgment on the verdict rendered in the case tried a few days ago. William Wittwer vs. Clara D. Sheets administratrix, for claim of $43.87; case set for trial Wednesday, May 22. Joseph W. Murphy vs. John Fox and Amiel Sprunger for damages $1,375, Frank M. Cottrell entered his appearance for the defendants. Rule to answer. Marriage licenses were issued to Walter Koos, twenty-seven, of Ft. Wayne, and Bessie Jackson, twenty; William Fronefield, fifty-two, and Ma-1 linda Zimmerman, fifty-seven; Train| L. Juday, sixty-seven and Delilah A. j Twigg, sixty-two, both of Geneva. o STYLE IN THE PARLOR CITY. Bob Bennett and Mrs. Minnie Campbell, formerly Mrs. “Dink” Campbell. were arrested this morning on the charge of living together without having complied with the statutes of the state regarding marriage, Tsob gave bond of SSOO with Harry Swisher his employer, as security, but Mrs. Campbell had to go to jail. She was making the telephone wires hum from there trying to raise the bond. I—Bluffton News

Price Two Cents

STILL SELECTING A JURY. Many Sensational Stories Afloat, but None of Them Verified. Boise, Idaho, May 13. —Farmers and stockmen comprise most of the special panel, from which an effort will be made to select those who will hear and render a verdict in the Haywood case. One hundred of thia special panel were present when court was resumed this morning. Most of the men come from remote portions, Ada county mostly. The usual crop ot sensational rumors and yellow stories are floating around today. Among them is one that Gregard is losing his mind and unable to testify; that lawyers are quarreling; that the prosecution fears that their best witness might be reached. Whatever truth there might be in these stories none of them developed anything today. Mesdames Charles Kaltwasser and Jacob Klopfenstine and their brother, Ed Bentz, are arranging to leave in about a week for a visit with their brother, Philip, in Minnesota. He has been in the northwest for about twenty years.—Bluffton News. o A NARROW ESCAPE George Nachtrieb in a Gas Explosion FACE AND HANDS IN BLISTER Escaped Gas in the Furnace Caused a Bad Explosion at the Nachtrieb Home. George Nachtrib, the son of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Nachtrieb, was painfully injured last night at about 7 o’clock by attempting to light the gas in the furnace at their home. During the afternoon yesterday when the gas was quite low, Mrs. Nachtrieb turned the valve wide open in order to get all the gas possible. She had forgotten to partially close the valve in the evening so as to regulate the gas as the increase came, and it came on so strong that the fire was blown out. At about seven o’clock Mrs. Nachtrieb sent George to the basement to see why there was no heat coming from the furnace, and the little boy, when noticing that the flames had expired, struck a match and not being aware of the danger that was confronting him, placed it into the furnace. In an instant the escaped gas exploded, burning his face and hands to a blister, and also burned his hair and eyebrows. The terror stricken boy went hurriedly up stairs to his mother and she extinguished the fire that had caught his waist. Dr. McMillen was hastily summoned to care for the burns and the boy is getting along as well as is expected. —o IT LOOKS LIKE DOLLAR WHEAT Great Excitement Prevailed Today in the Chicago Exchange Market. Chicago, 111., May 13.—With September wheat selling at one dollar and December at ninety-six and a half and one dollar and July from ninetyone to ninety-seven, the bull market in that cereal this morning went sailing at the tap of the gong. The wheat pit became a seathing mass of humanity and prices changed with kaleidoscopic rapidity. For a time the marer had more than his share of work, and could scarcely keep up with the tab on changes. Continued reports on short acreage and the green bug damage are said to be the cause of the situation. The prices advanced at a sensational rate. The December option climbed until it reached a dollar and three cents. o . MORE FROM TURBULENT OHIO. Taft Men are Trying to Ignore Senator Foraker. Washington. May 13.—The Taft men here today say they will ignore Foraker's spirited announcement that he will not be bound by any action the Republicans may take at Columbus. It is recalled that the Taft men did not call the meeting. That it was called by Foraker himself, who now seems to be worried and sorry he called it. The meeting will probably not endorse Foraker, but will endorse Taft. Q. Oscar and Floyd Shaw went to Bluffton this morning where they will I visit friends for some time.