Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 5, Number 255, Decatur, Adams County, 22 October 1907 — Page 1

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT.

Volume V. Number 255

PLAIN STATEMENT Rev. Bergman Explains His Proposition effort to join two churches Has Had it in Mind for Several Months —Six Steps are Necessary to Success. Editor Democrat: in view of the fast that the, movement in our city leaning toward a union of two churches, was started by me. I feel that I should make my position known, and state clearly my disposition toward the matter. If any conscientious person will study the condition of Decatur from an unprejudiced religious point of view that person will become convinced that the situation is a peculiar one. Were I to present facts and figures obtained after a careful study of the situation, many of our good people would say, "something should be done.” I became convinced that something should be done, and felt led by the spirit of God to ask our people to consider the advisability of re-uniting two churches that seventy-five years ago were one and the same. I shall now quote from a church history compiled by A. H. Newman, D.D., LL.D., formerly professor of church history, McMaster University, Toronto: “Baptists and Disciples are today far nearer to harmony than were the Baptists of 1830. and Alexander Campbell. The two denominations have existed side by side for the last sixty years, neutrally influencing each other. The Disciples as above remarked have abandoned much that was most objectionable in the method and substance of the teaching of the founder of the denomination, and the Baptist teaching and practice of the present is far less obnoxious to criticism than it was at the time of the schism. A desire for union has often been expressed b\ representatives of both denominations and it Is earnestly to be desired that the time may soon come when there shall be such harmony of doctrine and practice as would furnish a true basis for organic union." Again: “It is probable moreover, that if the Baptists of the southwest had been thoroughly evangelical the secession under Alexander Campbell would never have occurred.”

Speaking of Alexander Campbell, William Burden, 8.A., says: “From the time of his union with the Baptist in 1812, and especially his speech before the Redstone Association, it was evident that while he was in his views a most decided Baptist, yet he was not on some ponts. in full sympathy. These points he pressed. Perhaps his growing popularity and his remarkable abilities made him an object of jealousy with some, and thus caused his points of dissent to be magnified beyond their true value.” Again "Recent movements in the western states, where they are numerous, look toward their future identification with the great Baptist body. Whether such a consummation be reached or not, it is certain from the account we have given of them, there are points *f union, while the ground of disagreement and separation is mainly, on the effect of Baptism. Baptists denying, baptismal regeneration, and regarding all statements in definition of its effects implying baptismal regeneration

as dangerous." ' Using the above as a guide. I felt , that it would be well to ask the mem- , bers of each church to consider the advisability of uniting the churches . in Decatur. The proposition met with such hearty approval that I set about devising ways and means that would , bring the matter before our people* Knowing well that a train, runn without a schedule, and train dispatcher would meet with ultimate disaster, I devised the following method of procedure, and expect to carry on operations according to the same, i the passengers see fit to keep seats in the coach. History bears me out when that all great ends have been reached by degrees. It took the c i re Israel 4000 years to get ready f Messiah. 1517 year, passed before the world was prepared to rece ve ths great Reformation. a of 50 years the Standard Oil Co. reached a position wherein It bee m » a power, and what was tine n

cases above mentioned must be true of all great movements. My plan is progressive in its nature, and I shall now proceed to outline the same. First Step—Ascertain the disposition of each member of our respective churches toward a union, and be governed by the majority. This has been done, and I am glad to say that the majority favored a union. On all sides I hear the cry “Well, we have been thinking about that for a long time, that has been our plea.” Second Step.—Ascertain the dispoIstion of the pastors of our respective churches toward the movement. Rev. Vichart, pastor of the First Baptist church, of Fort Wayne, was consulted. and spoke in favor of a union. He also cited me to instances where the churches have united, and ac cepted an invitation tendered by me, to visit Decatur and advise to the best interests of both churches. Rev. Shamhart, pastor of Christian church, of Fort Wayne, was consulted, and spoke in favor of a union. He was with us Sunday afternoon, and the good people of both churches will bear me (Continued on page 2.) GOT A GOOD ONE Desperado Brown Draws a Long Sentence FROM TEN TO TWENTY YEARS Plead Guilty and the Court Immediately Imposed the Sentence—Leaves Here Wednesday. Gotthard Brown, the desperado who frightened, robbed and pbused the Amish people, after they had befriended him, and who during his Incarceration in the county jail, proved himself the most vcious prisoner ever in custody here, appeared in circuit court yesterday afternoon and plead guilty to the charge of burglary. He asked Judge Erwin a numbs.- of questions, and after studying a moment, expressed a desire to change his plea to that of guilty. The judge immediately imposed upon him a sentence of from ten to twenty years in the Michigan City prison and disfranchised him for a term of-twenty years. Brown was on ates ible rampage at the jail last week but after being driven to obedience became very docile and his desire to plead guilty followed. He is one of the worst scoundrels who ever visited this locality, and many people will hear with pleasure of his sentence to prison, for they were in gi eat fear of him, when he was at liberty. He has threatened to kill deputy sheriff

Butler and various other people. Sheriff Meyers will leave with the prisoner for Michigan City Wednesday morning. o —— ADAIR IS THE WHOLE THING. Republicans in Eighth District Undecided on Candidates. Blodgett, in the Indianapolis News, in writing about congressional politics, has this to say of the Eghth district: Congressman J. A. M. Adair, it can be stated on good authority, will ask

for the Democratic nomination in the Eighth district and will get it without opposition. The Democrats of the district look upon Mr. Adair as a sure winner and he can have about anything he asks foe. There are no sure enough candidates named by the Republicans yet. Judge McClure, of Anderson. is talked about, but the judge is doing none of the talking himself. Judge John W. Macy, of Winchester, has also been mentioned, but Judge Macy says he has no desire to go to congress and will not be a candidate under any condition. Ed Toner, of the Anderson Herald, and Bert Vestal, also of Madison county, have been talked about a little also. But there need be no uneasiness—the Eighth will have plenty of candidates. The men financially interested in the Central league voted to keep the circuit intact, at the annual meeting of that organization. Fort Wayne and several other cities had hoped to procure berths in the league but all were sent away disappointed. The action of the directors in the matter greatly , enhances the prospects for the organi-ra-ion of a new Indiana-Ohio circuit, . W ith Fort Wayne as «ae of the towns > on the Hoosier side.

Decatur, Indiana, Tuesday Evening, October 22, 1907

ON THE WARPATH The Government Seized Trust Goods CORTELYOU MUM AS OYSTER Nothing to Say on Campaign Contributions—Off Year Elections Not Exciting. Washington, October 22. —The Federal government took another advanced step in its warfare against trusts. It has seized trust goods passing as interstate traffic. Acting under orders firom the attorney-general a $7,000 shipment of leaf tobacco, consigned from Durham, N. C., to the BritishAmerican Tobacco Company, of Great Britain, has been attached at Norfolk. The action has been taken under section 6 of the Sherman antitrust law, which authorized the seizure and condemnation by the government of H’operty of any trust while in interstate or foreign commerce. This is the first time the section has been enforced, but it is understood that similar action may be taken against the products of other trusts, and the government charges that one-third of its $30,000,000 capital is held by the Imperial Tobacco- company, and the balance by the American Tobacco company. Washington, October 22.—Secretary Cortelyou w-111 not at this time, nor in the immediate future, make any statement regarding the campaign collections by the Republican national committee in 1904. While he was away on his vacation the alleged details of the collections in that campaign were published by a New York newspaper, and in some quarters it was believed that Mr. Cortelyou, on his return to his desk, would have something to say on thes übject. He was back at the Treasury today, but not a word came from him about the contributions. It Is known by his intimate friends that he feels keenly the sting of the criticisms of his conduct of the financial end of the campaign and it will be a surprise if he does not at some future time tell the whole story of how the Insurance contributions and the Harriman fund were raised. Washington, October 22. —Off year elections have been eliminated until this year’s campaigns hardly get a two-lipe head in the newspapers. The elections which will take place two weeks from tomorrow are, generally speaking, of small importance. None of them will have any particular bearing on national politics. Six states elect governors. These are Kentucky Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey and Rhode Island. In a few other states judicial officers are to be chosen, and local officers elected.

o JOINS THE NAVY Kurt Johnson Enlists in Marine Corps LEFT HERE THIS MORNING Will Go to Washington Tomorrow — Expects to Make Cruise Aroiind the World. Kurt Johnson left this morning for Fort Wayne, where he reports to the U. S. (recruiting station for service in the marine co*ps. He enlisted last Saturday and was ordered to report today, prepared to go to Washington Wednesday. After thirty days training service there he expect?, to leave on a cruise around the world, requir ing two years. His enlistment is for four years, during which time he ex pects to do service on the coast of China, Japan, Philippine Islands and other count) tes. Before leaving Kurt called at this office and asked us to announce his departure this time and to state also that he expects to send money to his mother to pay any accounts he may owe to Decatur meh» chants He had no trouble in passing the examination and anticipates a 1 great trip during the next four ysa-L

BALLOONS PASSED NEAR GENEVA Three of the Airships Reached that Point thie Morning. Geneva, Ind., Oct. 22. —(Special to Democrat) —Three of the big balloons in the world's race which started from St. Louis yesterday passed just south of here at 11:50 today. The big airships were moving along rapidly and were too high to permit one to tell what balloons they were. They were plainly visible from this town and from Portland and created great interest. Marion, Ind., Oct. 22. —(Special)— Two of the ballons passed over this city at 10:20 this morning, the German ship leading by abotjt ten miles and an American balloon second.

ILLNESS WAS FATAL John Miller Died at Midnight Hour AFTER A TWO YEARS’ ILLNESS Suffered With Bright's Disease and the End Had Been Expected for Several Weeks. John Miller, aged fifty-four years, and one of the best known citizens of our city, died last night at twelve o’clock at his home on Winchester street after an illness of several months' duration, death resulting from Bright's disease. The deceased was ban in Union township fifty-four years ago, where he was reared to manhood and it was there that he received his early education and training. During all his early life he followed the vocation of a farmer and after his marriage he continued in this line untl two years ago, w-hen he purchased the Levi Barkley property on Winchester street and moved to this city, where he continued to make his home until the time of his demise. He was taken ill several months ago with Bright’s disease but at the time his illness was not thought to be of a serious nature. However, he gradually grew weaker until his condition became alarming. The physicians who diagnosed the case could offer no hope and last night after months of suffering, the end came. Mr. Miller was a member of the M. E. chul ch, he having affiliated with this church when a young man. He was a devoted Christian and an earnest church worker and his many acts of kindness will be sadly missed by those who came in closet touch with him. The funeral services will be held Thursday morning at the M. E. church the funeral ccrtege leaving the house at ten o'clock, the casket will not be opened at the church and those desiring to view the remains may do so at the home. Interment will be made in Decatur cemetery. He leaves a wife, two sisters, one brother and a grandson to mourn the!)' loss.

MISS ALBERTS A RIFLE SHOT, Well Known Actress Can Also Handle a Gun. Miss Alberta Lee, who is starring in the new melodrama “As Told in the Hills,” is one of the best rifle shots in the country, having refused several offers from prominent rifle manufacturers to tour the country attending tournaments where she would come in competition with the best experts, advertising their line of rifles. In one act of the play she has to free her father who has been captured and bound, by shooting the rope which secures his wrists. This requires a steady nerve and quick eye, for both Miss Lee and the captive, but the incident has never been marked with an accident. The play is one of the few high-class productions of the season that will be seen here with the original metropolitan cast. The engagement is for one night. Friday, Oct. 25. o — Mr. and Mrs. O. D. Deldy, who visited over Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Finley Bennett south Portland, returned Monday to their home at Decatu .—Portland Review.

COURT HOUSE NEWS September Term Contintinues Next Week DIVORCEGRANTED THIB MORNING To Martin Martz—Demurrers Argued —New Criminal Cue Was Filed. The statement that court would close this week was an error, the September term continuing through next week. Cora Knepper vs. William H. Knepper, divorce, defendant ruled to answer within five days. Clara Watkins vs. John Watkins, complaint for support, demunrer to answer overruled. Martin F. Martz was granted a divorce from May H. Martz this morning, after the court had heard the testimony, which was conclusive. In the case of Mary Rice vs. Clement J. B. Rice, divorce and alimony, Peterson and Moran entered their appearance for the defendant. John Watkins vs. Clara Watkins, divorce, the plaintiff filed a counter showing to the application for a divorce. Plaintiff ordered to pay $lO for defendant. Charles J. H. Hower vs. Dora J. Hower, divorce, plaintiff ordered to pay into court SIO.OO for use of defendant. In the case of Ed Green vs. D. D. Coffee, mayor, to mandate him to sign a warrant for salary, the attorneys argued a demurrer this morning, but the court did not give his decision. Abraham Well et al vs. Charles F. Davison, suit on contract, demurrer overruled. General denial filed. The ditch petitioned for by William Glendening et al was ordered constructed and referred to the countysurveyor whose bond was fixed at $2,600. The attorney was allowed SSO. A new criminal case was filed in blank this morning, the charge being assault with intent to kill. A bench warrant was Issued, and the bond fixed at SSOO. o A letter was received this mooning from Monk Engle stating that he was at his parents' home at Eureka, 111. eating three meals a day and enjoying life immensely. Monk says he will go to the O. P. league next season and play with Sharon. He is a ball player from the word go, and will no doubt make good right off the handle. He sends his regards to all his Mends.

DENIES THE STORY Fred Augsburger Says He was Not to Blame AND EXPLAINS HIS POSITION Says His Father Was Taken to the Infirmary Before He Knew it and Was too Sick to Move. Ba|i*ne, Ind., Oct. 21, 1907. Daily Democrat, Decatur, Ind.: Gentlemen—l hereby wish to state that the item appearing in the Berne Witness of Oct. 18th and also in the Daily Democrat, concerning the death of my father, and the incarcerating him in the county infirmary, was a gross misrepresentation of my part in the sad affair. My father lived at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Jacob Vogt, in Bluecreek township the past few years, and it was through her efforts that he was taken to the infirmary by the trustee of Bluecreek township. I did not know anything of the affair until I was notified by Supt. Graber several days afterward. I at once went to the infirmary and when I called my father was already too ill to be removed and consequently died (Continued on page 3.)

MISSIONARY SERVICES HELD. Two Rouaing Meetings at and Near Linn Grove. P. L. Robinson, W. H. Merriman and Charles Burkett of this city attended and took pait in two rousing Sunday school conventions Sunday in Adams county. One held in the afternoon, was at a missionary church east of Linn Grove. The second was held In the Evangelical church of Linn Grove. At the first services Charles Burkett led the music while Mr. Merriman made the address. In the second service Mr. Burkett again led the music while both Messrs. Robinson and Merriman made spirited talks. Both services were overflow meetings, the churches being unable to hold the crowds that attended. Officers wore elected and Sunday school work in the township started with a full and complete organization. The Bluffton gentlemen have helped establish a complete county Sunday organization in Wells county and the state association has called upon them to assist in neighboring counties. —Bluffton News.

HE MUST APPEAR Frank Cotton Will Have to Stand Trial ON THE CHARGE OF PERJURY r His Father Made Effort to Secure His Release on that Charge But He Failed. > After a career of crime extending . over many years, Frank Cotton, a notorious Bluffton young man, must j stand trial. Speaking of the cases . against him the Bluffton News says: , Efforts which were made Saturday • in Frank Cotton’s behalf, in an endeavor to have the charge of perjury dis- • missed against him in circuit court at r Portland, with the understanding that he would pelad guilty to the charge of issuing a fraudulent check, pending 1 against him in court here, were un- ' availing, according to information given the News. The effort at a com- ' promise was made by Cotton’s father, George W. Cotton, of Elkhart, who came here Saturday for that purpose. He was hopeful of getting the per- ’ jury charge, in which the penalty is three to twenty-one years, dismissed, 1 and have F, rank plead guilty to the charge here, in which a minimum sentence of one year may be imposed. His proposed compromise did not agree, however, with Prosecutor Emschwiller’s views on the matter. After the fruitless trip to Hartford City to see the prosecuting attorney George Cotton returned to this city and gave bond in the sum of S4OO for Frank’s release from jail on the fraudulent check charge. Frank was already under bond of SSOO for the charge at Portland, and his total bonded value now is S9OO. Frank was anxious to give bond on the charge here, so that he would not have to go to Portland in charge of the sheriff, which would have given him a black eye right at the outset of his t-ial. Sheriff Lipkey is summoning witnesses to go to Portland on Thursday

of this week for Cotton’s trial on the perjury charge. This charge grew out of alleged false testimony before the grand jtfry last spring. o— THEY ELECTED DIRECTORS. Bank of Berne Hold Their Annual Election. The stockholders of the bank of Berne met in annual session Saturday morning in the directors’ room to transact banking business. In the election of directors the result was as follows: C. A. Neuenschwander, J. F. Lehman, Jesse Rupp, Levi A. Sprunger, Levi Moser, A. Gottschalk and R. K. Allison, of Decatur. The directors elected C. A. Neuenschwander , president, J. F. Lehman, vice president, Jesse Rupp, cashier and Miss Etta Welty, teller. This Is a re-elec- , tion of all the old officers with the exception of Miss Welty, who receives ' a promotion from the position of bookkeeper alone to that of teller and bookkeeper. The regular semi-annual j four per cent dividend plus an addl- « tional one per cent was declared. The bank has been enjoying a steady ‘ growth and is one of the solid financial institutions of the county—Be ne ; Witness.

Price Two Cents

THE G. A. R. EVENT Proved a Very Enjoyable and Happy Affair SOME OTHER SOCIETY NEWS Rebecca Lodge Held Session —Special Evangelistic Service at M. E. Church this Week. A most enjoyable and sociable gathering was held at the G. A. R. hall last night when members of the W. R. C. and their families numbering seventy-five in all, met to enjoy an evening of pleasure. An excellent supper was served by the W. R. C. members and the tables were heavily laden with good things to eat. Songs and recitations featured the amusement part of the program and Dr. Rainear assisted by other members, rendered several silent laughing stunts that drew applause from the merry party. The evening was enjoyed as only old soldiers and their families can and this occasion will be long remmbered by those who were in attendance. Initiatory work will be conferred upon several candidates at the Rebecca hall tonight. The committee have planned t» make tonight’s session a most enjoyable one, and all members are earnestly requested to be present. Refreshments will be served and a good social time will be experienced. The K. of P. lodge is preparing for their winter work and have several applicants in view. This order is having most interesting sessions and all members are requested to attend the meetings. There will be special evangelistic services at the Methodist church every night this week with the exception of Saturday night. Rev. E. E. Bergman, of the Baptist church will preach tonight and the services promise to be quite interesting. The public is cordially invited to attend these services. The Ladies’ Aid Society of the Presbyterian church will gather at the home of Mrs. Jesse Sutton next Thursday afternoon for an autumn leaf hunt. Plans have been perfected to make this a most interesting session and all members should be present to assist in doing so. Last night at their home on north Second street, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Loch entertained a number of their friends at six o’clock dinner with Mr. Raymond Berould, of Warren, Pa., as guest of honor. A dainty luncheon was served, after which music and games were indulged in. Those present were: Misses Frances Merryman, Marie Beery, Zoa Miller and Madge Hite. A most delightful time was had by all.

’ About thirty of the friends and ’ neighbors of Mrs. Mike Meibers gath- • ered at her home last night to assist ‘ in celebrating her birthday anniver- ■ sary. The affair was a complete surprise to Mrs. Meibers but after recovering from the shock, she joined the guests in enjoying an evening of pleasure. Progressive pedro was the prevailing amusement in which Mrs. John Christen and Reuben Lord secured the first prizes, Mrs. Anna Yahne and Jess Laughrey capturing the boobies. After awarding the prizes a delicious two course luncheon was served by the hostess and the guests presented her with a beautiful dish. The guests departed wishing Mrs. Meibers many more such happy ocasions. Those present were Messrs, and Mesdames John Christen, Reuben Lord, Jess Loughrey. Frank Keller, Charles Zeser, John Spuhler and Messrs. Ray Christen, Adam Schafer and Marcus Mayer, Mesdames Joe Tonnelier, Anna Yahne, Bud Brokaw and Miss Rose Tonnelier. Miss Marie Beery, of north Fifth street, will be hostess at an evening party to be given at her home tonight in honor of Raymond Gerould, of W’arren, Pa. The guests will be amused by music and dancing and all who have received invitations to this event are expecting a fine time. Those who will attend are Misses Lucile Hale. Frances Merryman, Pansy Bell, Winifred Johnson. Alma Daily and Messrs. Jesse (Continued on page s.)