Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 5, Number 283, Decatur, Adams County, 22 November 1907 — Page 1

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT

Volume V. Number 283

ILL BUT SIX DAYS Ben Houk Stood Ravages of Typhoid Only for a Short Time. FUNERAL SUNDAY Young Man Was Picture of Health —Announcement Caused Grief Here. Ben F. Houk, aged nineteen years, and the only son of Mr. and Mrs. John Houk, who reside north of this city on the county line, died Thursday at noon after an illness of six days, death resulting from pneumonia. Benjamin first took sick last Friday evening when he returned home after husking corn all day, complaining of a cold and suffering several severe chills. On the next day Saturday,, he was to go to Fort Wayne on business, but his mother did not call him and from that time until Thursday his decline was rapid, the disease Tapidly turning to a severe case of pneumonia. Thursday- morning he called all his relatives into his room and one by one be bid them an affectionate goodbye and shortly after lapsed into unconsciousness from which he never revived, death relieving him at noon. Mr. Houk was born and raised on a farm and It was there that he received his early education. Several years ago he entered the Decatur public schools, which he attended faithfully for several years, he completing his course last winter. He stood high In bis classes and grades, and W’as one of the most popular students in our schools and his friends in this city are innumerable. The funeral services will be held Sunday morning at the Antioch church, the funeral cortege leaving the home at ten o’clock and interment will be made In the Antioch cemetery. He leaves a father, mother, two sisters and a, host of relatives and friends to mourn their ’oss. THE SESsioNOVER

Missionary Ladies Close Interesting Meetings at Bluffton. OFFICERS ELECTED Mrs. Murray PresidentDelegates Chosen for National Convention. Bluffton, Ind., Nov. 21.—At this evening's session of the Womans Home Missionary society of the Northern Indiana M. E. conference, the officers elected at this mornings session to serve for the following term were installed. Most of the officers were re-elected. The list is. President, Mrs. J. C. Murray, of ■Ligonier; vice president, Mrs. L. Bunyan, of Richmond: corresponding secretary, Mrs. A. B. Cline, of Bluff ton, who received every vote on the nominating ballot; recording secretary Mrs. Olla Davis, of Middletown; and’treasurer, Mrs. J. W. Vail, of Decatur.

The delegates to the national con vention at Philadelphia in 1908 are Miss Anna Dilling, of Richmond, and Miss Grace Gilbert, of Marion, dele , gates, and Mrs. L. F. Naftzger and , Miss Meeker, of Muncie, alternates. j Mrs. A. B. Cline of this city, by '' tue of her office as corresponding secretary, is also a delegate to t e tional convention. The sessions, which convened Weanesday, will be adjourned 1 ■ 'da; noon. There will also be one a ’ Friday forenoon by Mrs. L. 11. 111 yan, of Richmond, on the subjec < district work. The interesting topics on the p gram tonight were a reading b> - B. A. Noble, of Elwood, and an a dress by Mrs. J. T. Evert, of Chicags . on the subject, “Ajfter Twpn y Years, What?”

CREATED A NEW BUSINESSVan Buren Man Discounted Oil Checks. A man residing at Van Buren worked a smooth scheme last week by which he netted a neat profit in Bluffton on a number of big checks before bls mode of operations was discovered and a halt called. The gentleman in question took advantage of the money stringency in the oil field and bought checks calling for $75 to SBO at a discount of about $5, the oil men being anxious to get the cash and being unable to secure more than a limited amount at some of the banks which restricted their payments. The man who was buying the checks was aware, however, that the Bluffton banks were paying all checks and calls in full and so he bought the oil field checks at a handsome discount and then took them to Bluffton to have them cashed. He usually took them to some store and bought some trivial article and received the cash. He could make a good day’s wages in addition to paying his carfare. When his methods of operations in discount ing the oil workers checks was discovered a stop wa3 put to his operations. He made several neat sums on the discount before a halt was called.

THEY MAY GO The President’s Order for Delegates Was Liberal. FOUR YEARS ENOUGH W. J. Bryan in Washington —Also the Vice President. Washington, November 22.—The president has no thought at this tinre of Issuing an order which w’ill bar federal officeholders from going to the republican national convention as'

delegates. According to his closest friends he is unwilling to enlarge the scope of his order of last Monday that no federal officeholder shall go to the convention instructed to vote for him for a third term. In the opinion of many public men here the chief executive has not strengthened his political position by the limited order he has issued. They are saying that if he is sincerely in earnest in wishing the convention of his party to be free from the influence of federal officeholders, he should be willing to say that his officeholders shall not go to the convention at all. There is much gossip here to the effect that the president is slowly revealing the political program he has niapped out. Washington, November 22.—“ Four years are enough for a good president and too much for a bad one,” declared William J. Bryan, on his arrival in Washington today, when his attention was called to the statement made byJustice Brewer, in New York. “I do not care to discuss Justice Brewer s statements,” continued Mr. Bryan, “further than to say that I agree with him that the president should be ineligible to re-election, but I do not think it necessary to extend the length of the term. I endeavored when in congress to secure an amendment to the constitution, making the president ineligible to re-election, and still believe that the one-term idea is better. No man with the power vested in the presidential office should be under temptation to use it to his own advantage. Human nature is too frail to be safely subjected to such temptation.”

Washington, November 22.— Vice president Fairbanks has been invited to address a meeting of laymen of prominence of the Methodist church it the Ebbitt House here next Tues dav This league of laymen is an organization in the church to develop L social side of Methodism, and is X'ing in this country. The RWorth M. Tippy, formerly of Terr Haute and Indianapolis, is secretary of the preliminary organization, and J. done much to further the work of this organization in the Methodist church. . tn the city this morning and will friends.

Decatur, Indiana, Friday Evening, November 2a, 1907.

A GOOD PROGRAM Has Been Prepared for the Teachers’ Mid-Winter Institute. TO BE HELD HERE On Saturday, November 30 —An Address by Rev. C .B. Wilcox. The teachers of Adams'county will hold a mid-winter institute session at the Methodist church in this city on Saturday, November 30th and the event is being looked forward to with interest by the various members of the association. A very interesting program has been prepared which should prove delightful, it being as follows: MORNING 9:30. Music... .Monroe Township Orchestra Invocation G. W. Warner Music... .Monroe Township Orchestra “Trodden Paths”....J. W. Hornada Discussion W. F. Beery “The Parental Condition of the Juvenile Offender”. .Jesse W. Snyder Discussion Milton Miller

Vocal Solo Miss Alta Ford “Modern Evidences of the Flood” Rev. C. B. Wilcox AFTERNOON 1:30. Music... .Monroe ownship Orchestra “Township High Schools” J. H. Weldy Discussion Robert Mann “W’hat Constitutes Good eaching?” O. E. Frazee Discussion Frank D. Huff Recitation Miss Mamie Bailey '“Does the District School Fulfill its Mission? If not, Why not?” (a) From Parent’s Standpoint.. W. H. Miller (b( From Teacher’s Standpoint.. Melvin Mallonee (c) From Product’s Standpoint.. Martin Jaberg Adjournment. A SALOON BRAWL Elmer Johnson and Son Do Battle Against Joe Karper and Son. & THE JOHNSONS WIN Disgraceful, One-Sided Affair Occurred at the Nickleplate. A disgraceful brawl occurred last evening at the Nickleplate saloan when Elmer Johnson and son Guy 'whipped Joseph Karper and son unmercifully. Karper is an old man who lives at Steele’s park, no match for either of the Johnson's and the scrap was so uneven it was almost revolting, in fact the Karper’s neither one showed any inclination to put up a battle, taking their severe punishment as best they could, blood flowing freely from both their faces and their features being otherwise distorted from the rain of blows they received. At one time the fight ceased and Elmer left the saloon, but returning in a few moments in a braggadocia manner placed one hand behind him and walking up to the young man, struck him a terrific blow in the face, knocking him down. The trouble started over some argument on a trivial subject and the fight was a most disgraceful affair. REVIVAL SERVICES AT SALEM. Beginning with Monday evening revival services begin at Salem church. Rev. Thomas, evangelist, of Wren, 0., will be present to aid in these services. A full attendance is in promise and a good meeting as well. A. B. Haist, Pastor. Mrs. Dr. T. J. McKean, of Linn Grove, and Miss Laura Clouser from here attended the Rebekah’s meeting at Decatur Tuesday evening. The Fort Wayne lodge was there and did some initiatory work.—Berne Wit- | ness.

THE BEST EVER. The Stetson-St. Clair Co. gave one of their best bills at the opera house last night to a good audience. The play “In the Shadows of the Gillotine” was well presented. The costumes were fine. The leading roles were taken by Miss Selden, Chas. Williams, Harry St. Clair, Miss Freck and Harry Stetson. The balance of the cast were exceptionally good, and the play was well received by the audience. The Stetson-St. Clair Co. are the best and most well balanced stock company ever in this city. Tonight the company will give a new version of the great society drama “East Lynne. Miss Maude Selden will take the part of “Isabelle.” Miss Selden is one of the greatest emotional actresses on the American stage today, and her portrayal of the part will be as near perfection as human Ingenuity can conceive. She has played this role a thousand times in her stage career and if you care to see a perfect production of “East Lynne” come tp the opera house tonight. behindscenes

Bluffton Reporter Beheld Some Acting of the Real Kind. IN RECENT SHOW Leading Lady and Man Quarreled —Trained Horse Kicked Jane in Head. In “Montana” at the Grand last evening, said the Bluffton Banner, Walter V. Coyle, as Perrault, the half-breed, was the villain, and his •wife, Miss Virginia Anderson (pretty name, isn’t it?) was the heroine. Therefore, it was necessary in the play for the conditions between them to be stormy, the bad man oppressing the fragile flower of the prairie. But from certain acts not dow-n on the program, that were enacted behind the scenes, it appears that the family relations of the two in real life is scarcely as tranquil, the conditions, however, being reversed with the "meek and gentle” female playing the tyrant and Walter V. doing the docile stunt. From the opening of the first act the couple continually “chewed” at one another while off the stage and the all-observing stage hands, seeing that trouble was brewing, watched the pair in hope of developments. In one of the acts it was necessary for 'the villain to grab the girl in an attempt to kiss her and the latter’s cue was to hit him a fake slug in the ribs. But las evening the slug was a grim reality and the villain came off the stage cursing the whole sex. Later in the play Coyle made a slighting remark concerning Jane Evans, who played the part the Indian girl, and his loving wife stepped up to him and delivered a resounding slap full in his face. The little woman was muscular and the blow almost felled the man. For a moment it looked as If he was going to revolt forcibly against such treatment, but his cue came and without a word he walked on the stage, leaving her master of the situation. Another unheralded act in the play came when the villain picked up the Indian girl and tossed her down the abandoned sulphur mine. To do this it was necessary to lay- her on the stage floor behind a structure of boards. As it happened. “Dolly Varden,” the trained horse, was standing nearby and as the girl started to rise from the floor the animal gave her a friendly kick on the head that rendered her unconscious. Consequently it was necessary for a super to do her groaning so that her lover might know she w-as in the mine and rescue her, and she was yet unconscious when carried across the stage by her savior. o Miss Edna Crawford has resumed her duties at the Boston store after being detained at her home for some time on account of a severe attack of tonsil! tis.

COURT HOUSE NEWS M. F. Asdv, Administrator in Tague Estate, Filed a New Bond. A DIVORCE CASE After Twenty Years of Married Life Mrs. Eckrote Asks for a Decree. In the case of Ada Major and Amanda Schroll vs. Alma Oliver et al, partition suit, a final report was filed by the commissioner, examined and allowed and the commissioner discharged. M. F. Aspy, administrator of the McClellen Tague estate, filed a new bond, the same being increased from $2,000 to $5,000 and same was approved. Twenty years ago last July Emma Eckrote and Harry Eckrote of Hartford township were married. Today Jacob Butcher, the well known Geneva attorney, filed a divorce for the plain-

tiff. During the period, me nine children were bom to the couple, the youngest being now one year old. Until about four years ago, the couple seem to have lived happily, then the husband acquired the drink habit, wasted his earnings, abused his family and failed to provide for them. He is also accused of committing adultery on July 20th last. Mrs. Eckrote says that her husband frequently cursed, choked and beat her, threatened to kill her and recently forbid her to live with him. and she consequently sought refuge in the divorce court. She asks for the custody of seven of the children, for a monthly sum for their maintenance and for temporary alimony. Eckrote is a carpenter and engineer and when sober is considered a splendid workman. o A BUSINESS DEAL H. L. Conter Buys Mrs. Place’s Interest in the J. W. Place Co. HE TAKES POSSESSION Now Owns Two Up to Date Plants, the Other is Located in Arkansas. By the terms of a business deal consummated last evening, Mr. H. L. Conter became sole owner of the J. W. Place ice cream and soft drink business in this city, purchasing the interest held by Mrs. J. W. Place. The consideration was $5,000 and Mr. Conter assumed immediate possession. The Place company is one of the oldest ice cream factories in the middle west, having been started by Mr. Place nearly thirty years ago. Mrs. Place retains the ownership of the building, Mr. Conter only purchasing the plant and business at this time. This gives him two big concerns, the one here and another equally as good at Jonesboro, Ark. He will make all preparations for a big season next year and he expects to do a flourishing business. Since embarking in the ice cream business, Mr. Conter has succeeded in a manner very satisfactory, due to his devotion to his work, his hustle, and his modern business methods. His friends confidently expect his continued success. PREACHING AT CALVARY. There will be preaching service at < Calvary church on Sunday afternoon 1 at 2:30. A cordial invitation is extended. A. B. Haist, Pastor. > .— Jesse Anderson, a well known frequenter at police court, was before i Mayor Coffee again this morning, on i the usual charge, drunkenness, and was given a fine of $5.00 and costs, i totaling $13.30. He went to jail. An- < derson was taken last night by Policeman Reynolds after quite a strug- ■ gle, Jesse objecting to a night in jail.

XMAS CRUEL TO THOUSANDS. Holiday Means Long and Weary Hours to Young Who Work. “Christmas, in some respects, seems er than a religious festival,” says Eder than aerligious festival,” says Edwin Markham in the December Delineator. “For weeks before Chrismas many of our factories are run under bursting pressure; our stores are crowded to suffocation. In the name of the young child, we make Christmas an abomination to thousands of working children. To prepare even the bonbons for the Christmas tree and the Christmas table in many box and candy factories, children are rushed in and put to work at monotonous, nerve-racking tasks for long hours, often running till eight or even later in the evening. In the stores, extra helpers, many of them children, are taken on to work in a strain of haste that depletes the worker for weeks afterward. Little children, often overheated or chilled, are herded in as carriers, wrappers and deliverers; and they are in some places harried and hurried as no savage ever works a child —as teams of dogs should not be ’driven.” o— — TICKET SALE ON For the Big Home Talent “Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch.” CAST OF CHARACTERS Includes a Number of Old and New Actors —Sure to be Enjoyable. The ticket sale for “Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch” the library benefit

show, is progressing finely and will no doubt be a great success. The play is a three act comedy, abounding in laugh producing episodes and comic situations while through it all runs a strong undercurrent of human love and sympathy that touches all hearts. The cast and a short synopsis follow: Mrs. Wiggs (Optimist) Mrs. Jennie Studabaker Lovey Mary (misunderstood) .... Miss Marie Jackson Miss Hazy (pessimist). .Minnie Orvis Miss Lucy (the Christian lady).... Miss Edna Hoffman Mrs. Eichorn (a cross patch) .... Miss Vada Martin Mrs. Schultz (neighborhood censer) Mrs. I. Kalver Asia, Australia, European (of the house of Wiggs). ...Miss Ada Murray, Miss Ruth Hammell, Miss Verona Niblick. Cuby—an annexationßy Himself Mr. Stubbs, of Bagdad Junction.. Mr. Frank Wemhoff Mr. Wiggs (after long years).... Mr. Henry Thomas Mr. Bob —an editor Mr. Calvin Peterson Billy Wiggs (an outer and outer). Mr. Sim Burk

Chris Hazy, Miss Hazy’s nephew.. Mr. Bruce Patterson H. Hunkerdunkus Jones—matrimonial agent and also deputy sheriff Mr. Ferd Litterer Brother Spicer, Deacon Bogly (pillars of the church) Mr. Frank Barthell, Portia Thomas Mr. Schultz, Mr. Eichorn (solid citizens of the patch) Mr. Sam Shamp, Mr. Vane Weaver Joe Eichorn, Pete Schultz, Micky, Lena Krasmeier, Tina Viney (little sons and daughters of the

patch Masters Claude McKean, Robt. Peterson, Free Frisinger, Miss Leah Hensley, Miss Glenys Mangold Other neighbors children and goats residing in the cabbage patch. SYNOPSIS: Act. I. Mrs. Wiggs’ kitchen. Early evening on the patch. The StubbinsHazy wedding. Act 11. Exterior of the famous tinroof house. Sunday on the patch. The passing away of Mr. Stubbins. Act HI. Same as Act 11. An eventful week later. Mrs. Wiggs has two surprises and needs all her philosophy. The admission will be twenty-five cents. Secure your tickets from the club ladies. The board will open Wednesday morning at the Holthouse drug company store. Don’t forget the library benefit Thanksgiving evening.

Price Two Cents

THE SOCIAL WORLD Mr. and Mrs. Charles Railing Celebrate Wedding Anniversary. A SURPRISE PARTY On Alvy Buffenbarger Was Delightful Event—Other Social Doings. Philip Gephart and family, of St. Marys township were most agreeably surprised last Monday evening, when about seventy-five of their friends and neighbors gathered unexpectedly at their home for a farewell party before this estimable family move to this city, which will be In the near future. Mr. Gephart has decided to move to Decatur and launch into the real estate business and his neighbors with whom he and family have been closely affiliated with for more than nineteen years, held this party in token of their sincere friendship. The sumptuous supper which was served contained everything on the calendar that is good to eat, including oysters, pie cake and most everything imaginable. Alvy Buffenbarger, residing in the south part of the city, was most agreeably surprised Wednesday night by twenty-five of his friends, who gathered at his home to remind him of his seventeenth birthday. The evening was spent in games and other amusements of the season and an excellent luncheon was served before the departure of the guests. Alvy will certainly remember his seventeenth birthday for many years to come. On the morning of Thanksgiving the usual services will, be held at the Presbyterian church and Rev. Stangle of the United Brethren church will deliver the sermon. The Presbyter-

1 fan choir will furnish the music and (Continued on page 2.) i ' A PARTIAL REPORT Filed by the Grand Jury this Morning—Nine Indictments. A SPECIAL SESSION Grand Jury Ordered to Reconvene December 30th to Complete Work. The grand jury reported to Judge R. K. Erwin at eleven o’clock thia morning, after being in session five days. The court ordered that the report be not spread of record and a detailed account of the contents of said document cannot therefore be given. The court also stated that as it appeared the investigations of the jury had not been completed, that they would be discharged until December 30th, when they will again convene to complete their work. The grand jury returned nine Indictments and the court fixed the bonds of those indicted at from SIOO to S3OO, showing that the offenses charged are not very

serious,, the greater number, no doubt, being for misdemeanors. The results of the special session ordered for December 30th, will be awaited with interest. WAS WELL KNOWN HERE. Ossian Man Dies from Cancerous Affection. Mrs. J. J. Foughty and son W. H.» have gone to Ossian to attend the funeral of the former’s brother, W. H. Hoover, who died recently from cancerous affection. Mr. Hoover has been sick for more than three years and death came as a relief from his sufferings. The deceased was well known in this city and his friends here join ■ In the hour of sorrow. He was 42 . years of age.