Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 5, Number 222, Decatur, Adams County, 13 September 1907 — Page 1

DECATUR DAIIA DEMOCRAT.

Volume V. Number 222

MARSHAL GREEN ON TRIAL First Hearing of the Kind in the History of Decatur

EVIDENCE IS HEARD Mayor Coffee the First Witness to Testify tells some shop secrets _ f Giving Several Instances Wh e n H e Claims His Orders Were Disobeyed— Several Other Witnesses Used.

Interest centers today at the council chamber in library hall, where Marshal Ed Green is on trial, charged with incompetency, this being the first impeachment proceedings, or case wherein was a tinge of such in Detur’s history. All day long visitors came and went, while a few were sufficiently interested to remain throughout the entire trial. The public were admitted to hear any or all of the evidence, and the proceedings are being conducted very similar to a court trial, wherein the councilmen sit as jurors. Mayor Coffee is acting as his own attorney and throughout the investigation shows the interest he has and the study he has given his side of the case. The proceedings opened promptly at nine-thirty o’clock, every councilman being present, and the accused being represented by Attorneys Peterson and Moran, who at once filed an answer to the charges, denying every allegation therein contained. Attorney Peterson then asked that the council appoint one of their members to act as presiding officer, the mayor being the prosecuting witness and interested in the case, and upon the advice of the city attorney L. C. DeVoss, the mayor appointed councilman Van Camp to serve in this capacity. The city attorney advised the council and the representatives handling both sides of the case that he would permit no evidence to be introduced that was beyond time or dated back farther than the time of Marshal Green's appointment a little over a year ago. Mayor Coffee was the first witness and testified as follows: That he had ordered the marshal to arrest Mr. Worley, who was living in adultery, and that the marshal refused to do so and that the marshal then reported that Mr. Worley was enticing young girls into his livery barn on Jefferson street and still refused to make the arrest. After again bei<g ordered so to do by the mayor. Informed marshal that gambling was being carried on by boys across the river and that he ordered him to break it up which he refused to do. He also informed him that a prostitue namely "Virgil C” was holding forth across the river in a tent and that he then ordered him to arrest the said Virgil C. which he refused to do. Also ordered him to arrest Mrs. Sells, who was running a house of id fame on Eighth street at the request of the surrounding neighbors, and this he failed and refused to do, and that he was forced to get the other police to performe his duties. Also ordered the marshal to arrest Harry Straub, who was living in adultery and that he again refused to do his duty. That he ordered the marshal to see that all saloons were closed promtply at eleven o’clock and that he failed to do this and permitted them to violate the law, and at the same time ordered him to see that the saloons were closed on Sunday and that he failed to enforce this order. That he permitted fights and brawls to be carried on in the city and refused to make any- arrests and that he per mitted other violations to be carried on without making arrest, and when taken to task for the same, remained silent, and upon one occasion failed to report to the mayor for three days when the law makes it his duty to report every day. That he also re ported that there was a house of ill fame being run on Winchester street ana ordered the marshal to arrest the inmates which he refused to do. This house being run and operated by Mrs. Foster, and that in order to get justice done the citizens, the mayor was forced to secure the services of the

deputy sheriff to make the arrests. That, he also violated the order o£ the mayor in collecting fines assessed against Dick Roop, Harry Straub, Tom Covalt and others and permitted them to escape and leave the state. Mayor Coffee was cross examined very sharply by Attorney Peterson and stuck to his original story but did admit that the marshal had arrested many saloon men and caused them to be fined and that tne marshal in other instances, but those mentioned above, did his duty in so far as he knew. J. F. Tisron: Resides on Eighth street in this city. That he did report to the mayor that Mrs. Sells was running a house of ill fame and that at the same time he reported the case to the marshal and that a time was set by the marshal to make the arrest and that in some manner Mrs. Sells got wind of the raid and refused to allow any one to enter her house at that time, but that later on she again open ed the doors of her house to the public and permitted men and boys to enter, and that in order to get rid of her in that community the neighbors had to go to the owner of the house and ask him to turn her out or they would file an affidavit against him, and that in a few days she left. On cross examination he admitted that he was a detective. but did not desire to file an affidavit, and did admit that marshal Green informed him that he would lay a plan for pulling the house and that he, Tisson was to report when the house was occupied by men and boys and that he Tison did not report to the marshal and that in a short time she moved. H. B. Heller, prosecutor, was called next by the mayor. He stated that he was present at a conversation had between the mayor and marshal in relation to the Worley matter and that at that time he was asked for his advice in the matter, and informed

(Continued on page 2.) o IN MODERN IDEAS An Anderson Minister Believes in Them AND HE FINALLY WON OUT Driven from Pastorate he Built up a Large Congregation in His Mission Churih.

Anderson, Sept. 13. —Because the Rev. W. B. Phillips the young pastor of the East Lynn Christian church, endeavored to introduce some modern ideas in church work, an effort was made by some of the members to force him to give up the pastorate. The Rev. Mr. Phillips is the youngest pastor in the city and is a graduate of Moody Institute of Chicago. He came to Anderson about a year ago and was installed as pastor at East Lynn and Shadeland churches and clerical assistant to the Rev. Mr. Graf, ton, of Central Christian church. The duties dwindled down to the East Lynn pastorate and since last April he has given his volntary service to building up that congregation and has doubled the membership. His ambition to build a large mission church and his solicitation of members from all classes did not meet with the approval of some members of the board and they resigned. The pastor promptlyfilled their plates with other officers and precipitated matters by appointing three lady deaconesses on the board. Anticipating a crisis in the affairs of the church he called a congregational meeting for last night and requested all members to attend and choose whom they would have serve them. The meeting was largely attended and the young pastor was elected to the pastorate for another year. The Rev. Mr. Phillips is but 22 years old and has a wife and two interesting children. He is an earnest energetic worker and is personally acquainted with nearly every family in the district, where his church is located.

Decatur, Ind

THIS IS FRIDAY THE THIRTEENTH Friday, the thirteenth. This is the day when superstitious folks should remain at home between feather-ticks. According to “dope” today’s history will be marked by dire catastrophies. Friday is usually considered unlucky. Nearly every one has an aversion to “13.” The thirteenth falling on Friday is taken by some to mean an ill omen of the highest decree. Woe unto the man that breaks a mirror today; walks under a ladder or carries a garden implement through the house. To him the worst is sure to happen. If all the signs come true, as believed by the superstitious person, the undertakers will be the busiest people in the country for the next few days.

A COUNCIL SESSION Winchester Street Sidewalks Ordered CONTRACT FOR BRICK STREET Julius Haugk Will Start to Work off Seventh Stre e t —Madison and Third Street Assessments.

The council met in special session last evening, Mayor Coffee presiding.

and every councilman being present, except Van Camp. The object of the meeting was to hear objections from the property owners along Second and Winchester streets as to the construction of the proposed cement sidewalk and as no one appeared to object the original resolution was confirmed and the property owners must now put in their walks or the city will cause the same to be constructed and take a lien on the property for the amount. However, they are anticipating no trouble of this description. The engineer filed his report on Madison and Third streets, stating that the same were completed and at the same time filed his assessment rolls, which are now on file with the clerk's office, and may be seen by any one interested and the clerk was ordered and directed to fix the 24th day of September as a day when objections to the assessment roll would be heard. This also being the time set for the receiving of bids for the construction of Seventh street with brick, the clerk was ordered to open the bids. But one bid was filed, this being by Julius Haugk and as the council consented: to consider this one, the bid was opened and was as follows; The street complete for $lO,131.78. This bid was S9OO below the estimate as made by the engineer and upon motion the contract was awarded to Mr. Haugk and he will at once start on the same, as he desires to complete the street before cold weath. er sets in. It was at this time agreed upon to use the Berea sandstone for curbing purposes, and the Metropolitan brick for the street. Upon motion the sidewalks along Madison street were ordered to be constructed next to the curb, five feet wide and out of cement or flag st,one. The judiciary committee to whom had been referred the charges of the mayor, against the marshal, made their report. in which they decided to hear the evidence in the case and thus determine the guilt or innocence of the accused. There being no further business, the council adjourned.

BUSY WITH WHITEWASH BRUSH The Editor and Preacher Spread the Salve Handsomely. A preacher came at a newspaper man in this way: You editors do not tell the truth. If you did you could not live; your new-spapers would be a failure. The editor replied: You are right, and the minister who will at all times and under all circumstances tell the whole truth about his members, alive or dead, will not occupy his pulpit more than one Sunday, and then he will find it necessary to leave town in a hurry. The press and the pulpit go hand in hand with w-hite wash brushes and pleasant words, magnifying little virtues into big ones. The pulpit, the pen and the gravestone are the great making triumvirate. And the great minister went away looking thoughtful while the editor turned to his work and told of unsurpassing beauty of the bride, while in fact she was homely as a mud fence.

iana, Friday Evening, September 13, (907.

WESTERN MONEY East Making Campaign for Cash THE SEASON OF INTERVIEWS Every Statesman Reaching Washing ton Carries a Cann e d Interview. Washington, Sept. 13. —In support of a recent statement by him that the east is getting money from the west, Secretary of of Agriculture Wilson | exhibited circulars sent out by big | eastern banking institutions to western country bankers, offering unusual inducements Tor western country money. The eastern bankers, the ciri culars. show, are offering high-grade eastern securities for long-time loans. Secretary Wilson says the e astern banks want to borrow the money in the hands of farmers, particularly the farmers of the prosperous middle west. The rates of interest offered range from 6 to 7 per cent and even higher payable in advance. Secretary Wilson says the big financial institutions are just beginning to realize that when they want money they must go to the men who produce the most of it. the farmers. “The crops of the country were worth over 16,500,000,000 last year,” said he, “and this year, because of high prices, they be worth a half billion or more in excess of that amount.”

Washington, September 13. —The season of interviews with public men is here. This week has brought to the capital scores of senators and representatives, most of whom have come to put their children in school and to settle down here for the long session of congress. Nearly everybody of any consequence comes with an interview on the political situation already prepared. Within the last ten days the whole country has been pretty well represented in the symposium. There is practical unanimity on the declaration that the Republicans everywhere as a rule, cling to the notion that President Roosevelt can be forced to take another nomination.

INCREASE IS LARGE In Number of Deaths for Month of July OVER THAT OF LAST YEAR Consumption Again Leads All Others for Causes—Many Deaths by Violence this Year.

Indianapolis, Sept. 13. —The bulletin of the state board of health for the month of July issued today shows a big decrease in the number of deaths in the state over the same month of the preceding year. Dysentery was the most prevalent disease during the month. In the pre. ceding months measles predominated, while dysentery was the most prevalent disease during July of 1906. Diseases of the digestive organs killed 415 people during July this year as against 361 during the correspond’ng month last year.

The total number of deaths by vioence during the month throughout the state was 225; in the corresponding month last year there were 177 deaths. In the preceding month there were 184 deaths. The total number of deaths was 2,986; rate 13.0. In the corresponding month last year 2,774, rate 12.3. In the preceding month 2,504. rate 11.3. Deaths by important ages were:

Under 1 year. 576 or 20.3 per cent of the total; 1 to 5, 264; 5 to 10, 57; 10 to 15, 57; 15 to 20. 104; 65 and over, 730 or 25.8 of the total. Seme important causes of death were: Consumption, all forms, 354, of which 298 were pulmonary and 56 other forms. Typhoid fever, 53; diphtheria, 14; scarlet fever, 9; measles. 14; whooping cough. 15; pneumonia, 84; diarrhoeal diseases, under 5 years of age, 415; cerebro spinal meningitis, 13; influenza, 7; cancer, 145. o Mrs. M. F. Rice went to Berne this afternoon to be the guest of her son Edward and family for a short time.

A MARVELOUS ROMANCE. The marvelous romance of “Monte Cristo” as arranged for the stage by 3 distinguished actor of Edmond Dantes, Eugene Moore, will be seen at the Bosse Opera House. Decatur, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 14th. In these days of so many degenrate dramas, suggestive problem plays and melodramas real melodramas like “Monte Cristo” that preserve the true character of the stage as a means of recreation. It is therefore expected that the engagement of this play will be as it should, an encouraging success. Manager Fred G. Conrad has the reputation of furnishing'plays with good companies and of supplying the necessary excellent scenery to complete the production. FOR REV. FOWLER Resolutions Adopted by Congregation

IS HELD IN HIGH ESTEEM His Service Here Has Been Appreciated and He Leaves With Kindliest Wishes of Community. At a congregtional meeting of the Presbyterian church the resignation

, of Rev. Alfred Fowler was accepted to take effect October Ist. Rev. Fowler leaves many friends in Decatur, who admire him earnestly for his ‘ sincere and able work during his residence in this city. He is one of the ablest pastors who has ever served in this locality; gentlemanly, sincere. i and scholarly and he leaves here with the good wishes of all. Duty calls him to other fields, and he will answer r serving the charge wherever it may ; be, fearlessly and well. At a called meeting of the congregation of the First Presbyterian church, Decatur, Indiana, September 10, 1907, it was moved by Dr. S. D. Beavers, and seconded by Mrs. R. K. Allison, ’ to be placed upon the minutes of the church records, and a copy- of the same be placed in the hands of the Rev. Alfred Fowler, the retiring minister, the following resolution: That, whereas, Ist: Rev. Fowler has faithfully served the First Presbyterian church, Decatur, Indiana, as our installed pastor for the past two years, and has preached to us the simple gospel of Christ earnestly and eloquently, and has taken a fearless stand against the prominent and public evils of the church and community, and has been a champion of civic

righteousness: That 2nd: Whereas, he has been an efficient executive and a good mixer with the people, as well as a sympathetic visitor and pastor in the homes of the members of the church, and has lived a life of the highest moral character and spiritual excellence; Therefore, be it resolved: That we, the communicant members and friends of the First Presbyterian church, Decatur, Indiana, do heartily commend the Rev. Alfred Fowler for the good he has done, the exemplary life he has lived in our midst, and especially do we recommend him as a capable and efficient minister of the gospel, and sincerely wish him Godspeed in his future field of labor. The above resolution was unanimously adopted by the congregation of the First Presbyterian church, Decatur. Indiana, in regular session. September 10, 1907. Dore B Erwin, Clerk pro tem.

DON'T FORGET HOUSE MEETING At Commercial Club Rooms Monday Night. Don’t lose track of that meeting at the club rooms Monday evening, when plans will be discussed for more houses. A laboring man called at this office today, said he had come from Fort Wayne, secured a job. and had searched all of today for a house, into which he could move his family, but without result. The growth of Decatur has reached its limit right now, unless we provide some way- of taking care of the people who come. They must have houses. Who will build them? The question is a big one, worthy of consideration and the attention of every wide aw-ake citizen should be called to that Monday night meeting. Hear what Mr. Wiley has to say of a similar problem, solved at Marion.

THE 1-0. PENNANT IS OURS Victory a; Van Wert this Morning Decides it to a Certainty

OREGON'S CURE FOR DRINKING. Oregon has gone after the liquor question in a new way. There the man who drinks must take out a license paying five dollars for the same, and this entitles him to the privilege of drinking in the bars of that state for six months. But this is not the worst of it from the drinker’s standpoint, for he must have his name published every six months in a newspa. per as one who has applied for a license to drink liquor, much as the applicant for a saloon license must do in Indiana. Confirmed drunkards cannot get a license, and the state takes the stand that in licensing the drinkers as the sellers, and refusing license to the drunkards, that it is simply exercising its right and duty in protecting the community. As to the publication feature, supporters of the law hold that the public has a perfect right to know who are the drinking people in any community. It is held, too, that the publication of drinking licenses has the effect of restraining many people from becoming drunkards. The law also enables the parents to keep better track of their sons.

ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH. There will be English divine services at the Zion’s Lutheran church on Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock. Based on Luke 7:11-17, the subject of the discourse will be “The meeting of the King of terrors and the Pince of Life at the gate of the city of Nain.” Memento mori, dear readers, come and hear this sermon. You are most cordially invited. Who knows how near my end may be? Time speeds away, and death comes on; How swiftly, ah! how suddenly, May death be here, and life be gone! My God, for Jesus’ sake I pray Thy peace may bless my dying day. J. H. Klausing, Pastor. o BURTON IS ELECTED Commander-In-Chief of the Grand Army THE OTHER OFFICERS SELECTED

Mrs. Jones Wins Race for National President of W. R. C.—Next Years Session to be Held at Toledo. Saratoga, N. Y., September 12. — Charles G. Burton, of Nevada, Mo., a former member of congress, today was electfed commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, which is holding its forty-first annual encampment here. Other officers elected by the encampment w-ere as follows: Lewis C. Griffith, Troy, N. Y., senior vice commander; William M Scott, Atlanta, Ga.. junior vice commander; Dr. Lane Tannyhill. Baltimore, Md., surgeon general; Bishop Samuel Fallows of Chicago, chaplain in chief. Toledo, 0., was selected as the place of meeting of the next encampment. The date will be fixed by the national council of administration.

In the morning the report of the officers and the annual address of Commander-in-chief Brown were presented; in the afternoon the reports of two committees were received and adopted. This included the resolutions of the committee on pensions, which endorsed an effort to increase the pensions of veteran’s widows to sl2 per month and that the committee on the commander-in-chief’s address which approved all of his recommendations. Resolutions urging the repeal of the anti-canteen law with sev. eral minor propositions are being considered tonight by the committee on resolutions which will present its report at the final session tomorrow. The Woman’s Relief Corps todayelected Mrs. Kate E. Jones, of New York City, national president. The ladies of the G. A. R., elected as their national presiding 'officer Mrs. Clara Sawyer, of South Portland, Me.

Price Two Cents

TWO MORE GAMES Decatur Now Has Sufficient Lead CONTEST HAS BEEN EXCITING Richmond's Downfall Complete—Battling for Place in First Division—Today’s Game. Decatur wins the pennant in the In-diana-Ohio base ball league. This fact was decided at 11:20 this morning, when the last man was put out in the game at Van Wert, the total score being 3 to 0. The winning of this game gives Decatur a lead of four games over Richmond and three and one-half over Portland. As they only have three games to play, including today’s and the locals but two, it

makes our position at the top safe, even should either win all and Decatur lose all. The news of today’s game was anxiously awaited by the fans, who hours before had figured the dope and when the returns were posted in the Democrat window at 11:30 a shout of triumph rang down the street The 1.-O. has been a pretty fight and Decatur’s team has wou it on merits alone. Not a team in the league but admits the superiority of our staff of pitchers, our batters, our in and outfielders, and all admit that we were entitled to our victory. Captain Behringer and his men deserve praise for their splendid work. Berry has proven that he is a gentleman, a ball player, a judge of good athletes and deserves more space than we can give him. Boys, you have all made good and we hope to see every one of you here next year, , ■ • • THIS MORNING’S GAME. *

“Kid” Laxon pitched his teammates to victory this morning in an interesting battle, allowing but four scattered hits. Hay was on the mound for Van Wert and allowed hits to be bunched in the fifth and sixth innings. The Commodores made the first tally in the fifth inning, when Winger went to first on balls, stole second and went to third on a wild throw, scoring on a clean single by Pierce. In the sixth Burns was hit by a pitched ball, Johnson got a two bagger, Burns going to third. The next two batters fanned and Winger hit a two sacker, scoring two runs. Van Wert never had a chance to score. Attendance 350. The score: Van Wert 00000000 o—o 4 2 Decatur ..0 0001200 o—3 7 0 Batteries —Hay and Farmer; Laxon and Winger. Two base hits —Johnson, Winger. Time —1:20. Umpire—Arundel.

The city band and several hundred “rooters” will meet the boys when they arrive this evening on the six o'clock car and give them a rousing reception. Other means of showing the appreciation of the local “fans” are undir consideration. Bluffton plays here Saturday and Sunday and while the results will not change us from first place, the boys will try hard to take both games, as a fitting climax for the season.

TRYING TO STEAL A CHURCH. Accusation Made in Suit Filed in Huntington. “ Huntington, Ind.. Sept. 12. —In a suit filed in the Huntington Circuit court on a change of venue from Kosciusko county, a church controversy of interest to all the church of God in Indiana is put at issue. John Davis and several others, trustees and members of the churches at Idaville, White county, and at Akron, Fulton county, as relators, have brought suit against Isaac W. Markley and others, demanding that they have taken possession of the church at Idaville and are seeking to take possession of the church at Akron.