Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 5, Number 234, Decatur, Adams County, 27 September 1907 — Page 1

DECATUR DAIEY DEMOCRAT.

Volume V. Number 234

c. M. FRANCE DEAD Well Known Former Citizen is Called DIED at VAN WERT, OHIO Had Suffered for Months from Cancer and the End Was Only Relief for His Sufferings. Word was received this morning from Van Wert, Ohio, announcing that C. M. France, a former resident of this city, but who for the past several years has been residing at the above named place, died last night at twelve-thirty o’clock after an illness dating back several months, the immediate cause being a cancer on the left side of his face. During the past three weks Mr. France had been confined to his home and bed and for the past week had been unable to take nourishment of any description. The cancer that resulted in his untimely death first made its appeaance last spring and he immediately gave it treatment, but all efforts to cure or stop the spreading of the disease proved fruitless and he was at last forced to his bed from weakness and from which he was doomed never more to rise. He moved several years ago to Van Wert, Ohio, where he was united in marriage to Mrs. Mary Meeley, and during that time made frequent trips to this city and visited with old friends. His last vist here was made last spring. During the past two weeks of his illness he knew that he could never get well and in consequence thereof closed all his business deals and made all necessary arrangements for the disposal of his earthly goods, together with th|s he made all his funeral arrangements, which will be carried out to the letter. Charles M. France was born in Vermont, sev-enty-three years ago. He being of Scotch and English parentage. When a child his parents moved to Ohio, where he was reared. In 1851, when a young man, he came to Indiana, and located in Adams county, where he followed farming until 1867, when, having in the meantime read law, he was admitted to the bar in 1868, located at Decatur, and be in his practice. In the spring of 1879 he moved to Bluffton, Wells county, where he resided until the year 1885, when he returned to this city and took up his residence on West Monroe street, where he resided for several years, moving to a farm just west of this city. In late years he had dropped the practice of (Continued on page 2.) o —- A BOARD MEETING Monthly Meeting of the School Board WILL PAY TEACHERS SALARIES Some New Teachers This Year —Good Work is Already Being Done. The school board will hold a meeting tonight to allow the teachers salaries for their first months' work and other important business matters will be disposed of. The pay roll for the teachers of the city schools exceeds the amount paid in former years, owing to the fact that one more instructor is employed than in previous years and the state law provides for the; advancement in the salaries of all teachers who have a creditable grade. The total amount that will be paid monthly to teachers is $1,529.34, more than SIOO.OO increase from last year, and next year another advance in their salaries will be made in accordance with an act of 1907. There are twenty-four teachers employed in the public schools of Decatur, not including Superintendent Beachler, all of whom are receiving more money this year than ever before in their same capacities in our schools. Miss Alice Gene Gray, of Detroit, is assuming a capacity in the schools that has not been filled for some time—music and drawing instructor. Miss Gray is doing very satisfactory work and the board are elated over their selection for this particular work.

G. R. &. I. ENGINE CAP BURNS. Peculiar Fire at Portland Due to Carelessness. The alleged carelessness of a watchman by the name of Hall, who was left in charge of the engine of the work train, which has been engaged in making some track repairs on the Grand Rapids and Indiana railroad, near Bryant, is alleged to have been responsible for a fire which destroyed the cab of the engine, the resulted In the calling out of the city fire department about 3:00 o’clock Wednesday morning. F. C. Jaquith, engineer of Grand Rapids. Michigan, and O. E. Vincent, fireman, of Fort Wayne, were in charge of the engine, and as had been their custom, since beginning the work at Bryant, left the engine on the siding between Arch and High streets, in the care of the night man. This was said to have been Hall’s first night on duty. He claimed that the fire caught in some waste being used about the engine and had a great start before he was able to do anything.—Portland Commercial-Review. theTawlFgood Attorney General Gives an Important Decision REGARDING TEACHERS SALARIES Says the Law is Constitutional —Question Was Brought up by Non-Com-missioned High School Teachers Indianapolis, Ind., Sept. 26. —The attorney-general has given to state Superintendent Cotton an opinion to the effect that the new minimum wage law passed by he 1907 general assembly is constitutional. Many teachers in non-commissioned high schools over the state are finding fault with the new law regulating teachers’ salaries and qualifications, passed by the last general assembly. This new law, on raising the minimum salaries of teachers, also prescribed higher qualfications for teachers, one of which is that, after 1908, graduation from a commissioned high school is necessary before one may teach. In effect this law will drive from the non-commissioned high schools many pupils who want to teach. They want to get their high school training in a commissioned high school.

One of these non-commissioned high school teachers from the southern part of the state went so far in his opposition to the new law as to ask that the constitutionality of the law be submitted to the attorney-general. This teacher contended that the law was unconstitutional because it comprised a dual subject, qualifications and salaries, whereas the title concerned only the salaries. State Superintendent Cotton referred the question to the attorney-general, who gave an opinion that the law is constitutional. In his opinion the attorney general says that the courts of Indiana have always been liberal in applying the section of the constitution referred to, and they “resolve all doubts in favor of the constitutionality of the act.” This opinion was given to Mr. Cotton September 16, and Mr. Cotton has notified the several county superintendents of the state that Mr. Bingham has held the act constitutional. o— WORTH TALKING ABOUT. Charley Deck showed us a section of tomato vines the other day which had five large and well formed tomatoes on it, and Charley thought it was ag reat curiosity. There is nothing very strange about that Charley. But if you should see a tomato vine which had five large and well formed watermelons on it, that would be something worth talking about.— Churubusco Truth. — While in session today the board of commissioners signed bonds for Rou- ' dubush.Hain. J. A. Cline. West Washington No. 5, Huser-Waggoner, Geneva Ceylon and Wabash Township No. 3, Otto Reppert and Reynolds No. 4 macadam roads. — The invoice of the stock at the Hub clothing store is nearing completion, and the doors will probably be reopened either tomorrow or Monday with Teeple, Brandyberry and Peterson as proprietors.

Decatur, Indiana, Friday Evening, September 27, 1907.

HE WILLAPPROVE IT Oklahoma Constitution is Allowed to Stand BUSINESS AT HE WHITE HOUSE President Rushed with Callers—McGoinagle to Investigate Postal Savings Banks. Washington, September 27. —President Roosevelt announced that he would approve the Oklahoma constitution. He said he had examined the document with the Attorney-General and that he felt that the question of his approval ought not to be based on his personal opinion of the document, but upon whether it came within the terms of the enabling act. His personal opinion of the document, the president laughingly said, was not fit for publication. The promulgation of his approval will be made later. Washington, September 27. —Business was brisk at the White House today. It always is when the president is in town. The waiting-room of ths executive office was crowded all day with persons who wanted a word with the chief executive on one subject or another. The senators, members of congress and others who reached him during the rush hours did not find him disposed to talk politics. Practically the entire forenoon was given over to cabinet officers and bureau chiefs who had official matters to present. Post-master-General Meyer carried in a large batch of postoffice appointments for the president’s approval, and he announced that they would be given out later in the week.

Washington, September 27. —Chas. A. McGonagle, deputy auditor of the postoffice department, formerly of Muncie, leaves Washington tomorrow in company with Mrs. McGonagle for New York, and wllf sail Saturday for Europe. The six weeks’ trip will combine both business and pleasure, as Mr. McGonagle goes to make observations of the postal savings batiks of Great Britain, and will study the parcels post system and the money order systems of foreign countries. Prof. W. P. Hart, superintendent of the Huntington schools, has announced through a circular letter his candidacy for the position of grand outer guard of the grand lodge of Knights of Pythias meeting at Indianapolis October 1.

GIVES A DECISION Indiana Railroad Commission Takes Hand STEAM AND ELECTRIC ROADS Must Interchange Traffic —Given Until October 20th to Establish and Perfect Arrangements. Indianapolis. Ind., Sept. 26. —That steam and electric roads within the state of Indiana must interchange traffic is the substance of an opinion handed down today by Union B. Hunt, chairman of the Indiana railroad commission in deciding the case of the Farmland Stone company vs. the C. C. C. and St. L. railroad and the Indiana Union traction company to compel an interchange of traffic at Winchester.

“Both the steam and the Interurban railroads are common carriers under the laws of the state” says Chairman Hunt in his opinion. “They receive their charters from the state; they owe a duty to the public which must be discharged and while not contemplating any general interchange of business between the steam and interurban railroads, the legislature foresaw that cases might arise where the public would need and demand such interchange and evidently thought i. should be given when it could be done without working hardship upon the carriers, hence it vested the commission with discretion to require an in(Continued on Page 4.)

ONLY NINETY-TWO WAYS. County Auditors to Hold a State Meeting Soon. A meeting of county auditors of the state is to be held at Indianapolis Nov. 20, the purpose being to effect a permanent, organization. At a meeting of a few auditors who were there to attend the annual convention of county commissioners, a committee was appointed to address letters to the auditors of the state calling attention to the coming meeting. This committee is Thomas Nugent of Daviess county and H. T. Payne of Vermillion county. “At present there are just ninety-two ways of keeping books in the ninety-two offices of county auditors of the state,” said one of the auditors at the meeting. “There must be some system that is the right one and it occurs to us that through a permanent organization, with stated meetings, the auditors of the state could adopt a uniform method.” o — Miss Lilah Lachot went to Bluffton this morning for a visit with friends for a few days. o

GREAT FACTORIES Indiana Produces Many Farming Implements SOUTH BEND IN THE LEAD Forty-One Indiana Factories Manufacture Farming Implements. Washington, September 27. —In the year 1905 Indiana had, according to the census reports, forty-one estab- • lishments engaged in the manufacture ' of agricultural implements. Their total capitalization amounted to $14,- . 523,167. In these factories were 389 ■ salaried officials, clerks, etc., drawing ■ salaries amounting to $466,156. There 1 were also an average number of 3,543 wage earners and they drew $1,840,-

609. The miscellaneous expenses of these factories were $1,594,046 and the cost of materials used was $2,975,568. The value of the products turned out in these Indiana factories during 1905 amounted to $8,060,575. South Bend is one of the greatest agricultural implement manufacturing cities in this country. In 1905 that city had four such establishments with a total capitalization of $2,636.883. In these factories were 122 salaried officials, clerks, etc., drawing $163,635, while the average number of wage earners was 1,559 and their wages amounted to $865,488. The miscellaneous expenses of the four South Bend factories amounted to $261,086 and the cost of materials used was $1,158,664. The value of the finished products amounted to $2,744,001. Here is what Indiana turned out in 1905: Cultivators, 10,489; harrows, 1,808; plows, 265,258; planters and drills, 21,288; horse hay rakes, 880; threshers, horse-pow'er and steam power, 1.031.

The total value of all these products was $8,060,575, distributed as follows: Seeders and planters, $694,047; implements of cultivation, $3,346,695; harvesting implements, $138,533; seed separators, $718,575; miscellaneous, $2,513,607; all other products, $520,650; amount received for repair work, etc., $128,468. POPULATION OF OKLAHOMA. Their Population is Greater Now Than Many Other States. The population of the new state of Oklahoma, according to the special census returns that are nearing completion. will be somewhat under 1,500,000. The two territories in 1900 numbered 790,000 inhabitants. Though their growth as not been so great as the sanguine Oklahoma expected, it is without a parallel in any of the territories that have formed states. Indeed. Oklahoma has today a population exceeding that in 1900 of the states of Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana. Oregon and Nevada combined. o Dr. Fred Patterson has returned to Terre Haute after making a pleasant visit in the city with his parents.

COURT HOUSE NEWS Motion for a New Trial Argued Today DEMURRER IN BEERY CASE Action in a Number of Other Causes —A New Divorce Case Has Filed Today. In the case of Henry Young vs. Sarah Hetler et al, to reform a deed, the defendants were ruled to answer in five days.

Franklin Spease vs. Fred Huffman et al, suit on account, demand $l5O, offer on part of defendant to confess judgment filed. In the case of Malinda Fronefield vs. William C. Fronefield, divorce and alimony, default of defendant, rule against prosecuting attorney to answer. Martin J. Bligh vs. Jonathan M. Andrews, account, demand $73.71, finding for plaintiff for sum demanded. Abraham Weil et al vs. Charles F. Davison, on written contract, demand $1,200. C. J. Lutz appears for defendant. David D. Clark et al vs. Emily Johnson et al, suit on note and foreclosure of mortgage, demand $200; cause dismissed and costs paid. In the case of Frederick Schafer et al vs. Christ Beery, account and contract, demand $300; a demurrer was argued, Heller and Son representing the defendants and C. J. Lutz the plaintiff. Judge Erwin will render his decision after a few days’ consideration. Bessie Cronin vs. Ft. Wayne Journal Gazette company, libel, damages $50,000, demurrer filed to answer. Defendant, Moynahan, ruled to answer within ten days.

State vs. Isadore Kalver and William Hurst, appearance for defendants by C. J. Lutz and L. C. DeVoss. A motion for a new trial in the case of Nina A. Beeler vs. Samuel E. Beeler, replevin, was argued by attorneys Lutz and Smith this morning, and Judge Erwin took the matter under advisement. (Continued on page 2.) INTERURBAN TALK Capitalists Visited Bluffton Yesterday TALK EAST AND WEST LINE No Interview Secured, But it is Supposed they are Interested in the Bluffton-Wabash Line.

F. W. Wood, of Cleveland. A. L. Wheeler, of Chicago, and L. E. Smith of Toledo, interurban promoters and capitalists, were in the city this morning. While here they looked over the eastern part of Market street and on east to the river. They spent some little ime in consultation, leaving the city soon after. No interview was secured, but it is surmised that they were interested in another proposed line from this city east. Whether or not it is a renewal of the old project for a line to Decatur and Norfolk, Ohio, or not, is not known. Some years ago a franchise was granted to one Todd for this purpose, it will be remembered, but nothing more was ever done by his company. There have been several other schemes for the building of roads east out of Bluffton, but as yet none have been completed. The officials of the M. B. and E. who hold right of way to Celina, Ohio, said this morning that they knew nothing of the formation of a new company but as they themselves were not in a position to build they would gladly transfer their land privileges to any ocrporation who wishes to do so. — Bluffton Banner.

GADDIS HELD FOR MURDER. Man Who Killed White Capper is Under Arrest. Bloomington, Ind., Sept. 26. —Thomas Gaddis, the Kentuckian who shot and killed a whitecapper Tuesday night, was placed under arrest today after the coroner’s examination and will be held pending the action of the grand jury. His 17-year-old wife is inconsolable and stays with him at the jail. The coroner summoned a number of witnesses from a little quarry town called Victor, where the alleged whitecappers must have lived. The two hats which were left in Gaddis’ front yard by the companions of Jesse Robinson, the dead man, were held as exhibits, but while it was proven that they were hats of stone-work-ers from the heavy accumulation of gray dust, the ownes could not be found. The motive for the alleged whitecapping is attracting great attention. Gaddis thinks the night marauders were trying to rob him of sls which he had in the house.

IN SOCIAL DECATUR Two Hoppy Weddings Were Solemnized PARTY AT ROUDEBUSH HOME Simeon Haines Leaves for the Far West to Claim a Bride—Other Society Affairs. By Perle Burdg. Last evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Chaifles Meyers, their charming daughter, Miss Lila Maude, became the bride of Mr. Russell Bennett, of Huntington, Ind., in presence of forty friends and relatives. Rev. Jones, of Monroe, officiated. The bride was prettily dressed in a white gown which was very becoming. Immediately at the close of the ceremony the guests were seated at two large dining tables in the dining hall, an elaborte six o’clock dinner, which was beyond description. Very beautiful did the dining room look, decorated in pretty designs made from wild ferns and cut flowers. The groom is a leading piano dealer at Huntington, where the happy couple will make their future home.

A happy crowd of young people who are noted for having their good social parties, were driven to the home of Homer Rodenbush, three and a half miles south of the city to spend the evening. Various games were played and excellent music was furnished by the Patterson’s orchestra. During the evening an elegant four-course luncheon was served the guest, who were: Misses Lucile Cusac, Ruby Parrish, Edna Hoffman, Bernice Dailey, Alice Railey, Emma Hoffman, Effie Patten, Messrs. Bruce Patterson, Glen Falk, Howard Wischaup Free Frysinger, Tom McKean, Clyde Baumgartner. Frank Mills.

A party of friends and relatives of Miss Leota Gilpin gathered at her home in response to telephone calls from her mother for a miscellaneous shower, as Miss Gilpen is to become the bride of Mr. Ed Berry, in a few short months. The evening was very pleasantly spent in a social manner. After a late hour of enjoyment, dainty refreshments were served. The hostess received many beautiful pieces of china and various other articles. Mrs. Burt Owen will entertain the Euchre Club on Monday evening. Mrs. Dan Berry was hostess at a twelve o'clock luncheon yesterday noon at twelve o’clock, given at her home on north Fifth stret to a company of ladies who were: Mrs. Miles Pillars and son, Mrs. Lee Vance, Mrs. C. D. Lewton, Mrs. Jesse Dailey. Simeon Haines left for Jamestown. North Dakota. Wednesday, where he will be united in marriage with Miss Anna Burtell. a young lady from that place. The marriage will take place Monday evening at the home of the I bride. The Ladies’ Aid Society of the Presbyterian church were delightfully entertained at the home of Mrs. Bain (Continue don page 4.)

Price Two Cents

RAILROAD NEWS Clover Leaf Will now Take Over the C. & A. ROSS WILL BE PRESIDENT Other Changes Made Necessary by the Sale—Felton Will be Well Cared For. The Chicago Inter-Ocean today says: The granting of immunity to the Chicago and Alton railroad for paying rebates to the Standard Oil company by Judge Landis yesterday removes the only obstacle in the way of ratification of the sale by the Rock Island railroad of a controlling interest in the Alton to the Toledo, St. Louis and Western, or Clover Leaf railroad, and the consolidation ultimately of the Alton, Clover Leaf, Minneapolis and St. Louis and lowa Central railroads. As soon as the necessary financial details are adjusted a re-organization of the four roads will be effected, but the independent organization of each may be maintained for some time and ' the combination deferred until it is certain that no legal complications will result. <

The rumor was current in local railway circles yesterday that President Shonts of the Clover Leaf has secured the consent of Edwin Hawley to make George H. Ross president of the Alton railroad in place of Samuel H. Felton. Since March 1,1905, Mr. Ross has been second vice-president and traffic manager of the Clover Leaf. He entered the railway service in 1879 as a clerk In the freight department of the Burington railroad under Paul Morton. When Shonts and Morton secured control of the Indiana, Illinois and lowa railroad they made Ross traffic manager. After that road was sold to the Vanderbilts, netting a fortune to Shonts and Morton, they secured control of the Clover Leaf, and in March, 1904, made Mr. Ross traffic manager of that system. A year later he became second vice-president of the road, in charge of traffic. Samuel M. Felton is regarded as one of E. H. Harriman’s most trusted railway lieutenants, and undoubtedly will be offered a high position on the Harriman system when he retires from the Alton. Many prominent railway officials are of the opinion that Mr. Felton was slated by Mr. Harriman for the presidency of the Illinois Central railway, but that in view of the fight being made by Stuyvesant Fish, Mr. Harriman is certain to retain J. T. Harrahan as president of the latter

:T0 REPEAT SHOW y , g ’ Unde Joshua Simpkins • Here Again Tonight e i LAST NIGHT’S SHOW EXCELLENT Big Crowd Greeted Them—Music was f Equal to Any Ever Heard in Decatur. 5 . The Uncle Josh Simpkins comedy show was the attraction at the Bosse opera house last night, and they were greeted by a large attendance. The cast was unusually god and that famous old rural comedy was played as only artists could handle the different roles. Uncle Josh in the leading role, and in fact the major part of the performance, acquitted himself grandly. He could bring forth laughter from the audience at any time he chose as his appearance alone was comical, not mentioning his funny pranks and jestures. Intermingled with the humorous expressions and laughable antics was woven a love story that furnishes pathetic climaxes which are most interesting to witness. The singing and dancing was good and the music furnished by the eightpiece orchestra composed of members of the Uncle Josh company, was the best ever heard in the opera house. Owing to the fact that this company has an open date for tonight, they have decided to repeat their show tonight at the Bosse opera house at ten, twenty and thirty cents.