Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 5, Number 288, Decatur, Adams County, 29 November 1907 — Page 1

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT

Volume V. Number 288

DAY OF THANKS Observed in Usual Way in Decatur —Services at the Churches. STANGLES SERMON An Address of Great Merit and One Containing Many Good Thoughts.

Thanksgiving day has come and gone. It was a glorious day, just cool enough for turkey and cranberry sauce, just warm enough to be pleasant. The services at the various churches were rendered as announced. The union service at the Presbyterian church was very largely attended. Rev. Stangle's sermon was one of merit and for the benefit of those unable to be present we publish same in full. THE HAND OF GOD IN AMERICAN HISTORY.

“She sent her boughs unto the sea and ter branches unto the river.” Ps. 70-11. In this rich and rhythmic poetry of the Psalmist, under the figure of a vine, ampllfly itself Into a majestic and overshadowing tree, we derive the Idea of national growth and development. As the wild rose has generated an immense family of roses, double-leav-ed; as the primitive violet has blossomed Into a constellation of colored pansies with faces fair and symmetrical; as a few guttural notes have de veloped a symphony of Wagner and a sonata of Beethoven, so the ancient nation of Hebrews, from a small beginning waxed great; from a little vine easily uprooted it grew into a tree whose shadow covered the hills and whose boughs resembled the Lebanon cedars.

Much of the credit for the magnificent growth of the Hebrew race the 1 Psalmist, David, attributes to that colossal figure In the Egyptian and Mid- . ian schools —to that military chioftain and immortal lawgiver—to that illustrious organizer and brilliant leader to that chief, particular sU- in the firmament of antiquity —Moses. He

assumed th? protection and education of that crude, unlettered and complaining people, led them forth from the land -f physical serv'tade. organized them into a nation gave them laws which have become the matrix of all true government, and from tnat ancient people evolved the germ-life of an ideal civilization. It would be a suggestive study to trace the growth of that Hebrew vine from its inception during the days of Abraham and note its expansion through the evolution o f the ages. It will be much more profitable fetus to turn our attention to the unprecedented growth of our own national vine and study its evolution from a little vine easily uprooted until it has attained unto its present magnificent dimensions, until its has me -ite.l world wide renown for its Christian benefi-; cence, flinging its shadow of disapproval across every impur? international motive and working through its great and good men for pereania l righteousness. During the month of October, 1492. when the forests and woodlands were all afire with sumptuous colors, and a glitter with pomp and glory unknown in the palaces of oriental kings, the gallant Columbus immortalized his name by accidentally discovering an island in the unknown western hemisphere. If we except the century of C reation and the first and nineteenth centuries of the Christian dispensation, then none of the other firty-six centuries ha. been equal in Importance to the tif-| teenth. That century witnessed the discovery of America and the birth o the men who were to make it famou.. It gave rise to the modern printing press which became the intelluctua savior of mankind. During the age c its infancy the printing press cheapen ed literature, undermined the four dations of superstitution and made rent in the cloud which had hung or centuries over mental horizon? printing press corralled the common sense of humanity. The fifteenth century gave birth Martin Luther and Michael Angel, those two never-to-be undimmed mo lights. Angelo opened the ° classic art. He made lips of mar breathe the optimistic stanzas o (OosOaMd •«> P B ** ”

WANTS LIST OF THE INSANE Wh 0 Have Not Been Admitted to Hospitals—Mr. Butler Busy. Amos W. Butler, secretary of the State Board of Charities, is writing to the clerks of the various circuit courts of the state, asking for a statement of the number of persons in the couny who have been adjudged insane, and are not yet admitted to the state hospitals. He asks that they be classified as in county jails, county poor asylums, and at their homes and with friends. It is thought the information thus gained will be used by the board when the next legislature is asked to provide more room at the various state asylums for the state’s unfortunates. In this county there are but two. Both are at the county infirmary, and are classed as epileptics.

CABBAGE PATCH With Mrs. Wiggs .as .the Central Figure Pleased a Large Crowd. AT THE BOSSE

One of the Best Home Talents Ever Given Here— Repeated Tonight. The Bosse Opera House was packed to its utmost capacity last evening by those desiring to see the home talent production of “Mrs. Wiggs of the 1 Cabbage Patch.” Never was a Decatur audience more royally entertained and at the conclusion of the 1 performance the show was voted a success by all present. The curtain 1 arose promptly at eight-thirty o'clock i and for two hours the house was kept

in a constant uproar by the witty sayings of several of the members of the company and the acting of each and every member verged on the professional order. The cast was made up of the best talent that it was possible to secure and in making his selections Mr. Thomas made no mistake and each actor or actress fitted exactly to his or her part. The work of Mrs. Jennie Studabaker who took the part of Mrs. Wiggs, was especially worthy of special mention and from what we saw last evening we are forced to admit that she missed her calling. Her acting was as natural as could be, and she seemed to

be at home as upon the street and in everyday life and she carried out her part with a promptness that was surprising even to her friends. The part played by Mrs. Studabaker was a heavy- one and about her the Whole play was woven and it took just such a character to make the show the success it was. Mrs. I. Kalver, who played the part or Mrs. Schultz did her work in a pleasing manner and her appearance upon the stage was always the cause of considerable merriment for the spectators. She was ably assisted by Miss Vada Martin who played Mrs. Eichorn. a cross patch. Miss Minnie Orvis. as Miss Hazv wajs also splendid. It would take too much time and space to tell of the relative merits of each of the parties who took part although they were really deserving of special mention, and carried out their parts in an excellent manner and style. The performance will be repeated this evening owing to the fact that so many who desired to see the same l we re unable to secure seats ana a | (special deduction will be made to ‘school children under the age of twelve vears and they will be admitted for ten cents, providing they secure their tickets at the opera house ticket office. Mr. Thomas who so faithfully drilled this company cer tainly did his part in a magnifies manner and is to be congratulated upon his success. The revenue derived from this play wtl go toward ornamenting the Decatur library and in the way of having electric lights placed upon the outside and as the c auS e was a good one the public showed their appreciation by attend !ne The specialties by Mr. Ham t e r Claude and pleased the audience.

Decatur, Indiana, Friday Evening, November 29, 1907.

IS ALIVE AND WELL Report of Will Schirmeyer’s Death Was a Mistake— Good News Received. HE IS IN ALASKA Gave Letter to a Friend Who Afterwards Died and Who was Identified by Letter.

A few weeks ago we published the fact that F. M. Schirmeyer had received a message announcing the death of his brother Will, at Seattle, but giving no particulars. Since then he has been seeking information and this morning received word from his sister, Mrs. Young, of Belt. Montana, saying that the news was a mistake, the result of a peculiar incident. Mr. Schirmeyer also received a copy of the Great Falls Tribune which gave the following account of the affair: The reported death of Mr. Schirmeyer reached his relatives here in a rather curiuos manner. Mr. Schirmeyer has been located in Alaska for some years, where he is successfully engaged in mining. Being far from the coast and mail facilities, all outgoing travelers are commissioned to carry letters for those wishing to communicate with the outside world. A friend returning to the states was given a letter addressed to Mrs. A. C. Young, of Belt, but instead of mailing the letter, it was found on the person of the friend, who in the meantime had died in a lodging house shortly after his arrival in Seattle. The undertaker in charge, supposing that the addressed letter found in the dead man’s pocket was addressed to his own relatives, wired Mrs. Young that her brother was dead, also mailed the letter found. At last reports Mr. Schirmeyer was alive and well and expects to be in Belt for Christmas.

COURT HOUSE NEWS The Rice Habeas Corpus Case Will be Heard Tomorrow Morning. SOME OTHER NOTES Watkins Case Goes to Fort Wayne—Laisure Damage Case Set for Trial. The case of Mary E. Rice vs. Mary J. and James M. Rice, a habeas corpus proceeding, obtain possession of a child, will be heard tomorrow morning, and it is rumored that some very spicy testimony will be offered. In the case of Effie M. Springer vs. John M. Springer, divorce, the defendant filed a counter showing to his wife’s motion for an allowance. The plaintiff was allowed $25.00 payable in ten days. The case of Mirl Laisure vs. William and Mary Smith, damages SIO,OOO, set for trial January 6, 1908. The case of John W. Watkins vs. Clara Watkins, divorce, has been sent to the superior court, Fort Wayne, on change of venue. ■ The prosecutor has been ruled to answer in the case of Ella Bell vs. Harry E. Bell, suit for divorce. The case of Grace Burley vs. Frank H. Abnet, bastardy, has been set for trial December 16th. Sarah Gleason has been appointed administrator of the Clem Boge estate and filed bond for SIOO which was approved. A marriage license was Issued on Thanksgiving day to Fred Riff, a Blue Creek township farmer, aged twentythree and Miss Lola Case, aged eighteen, of Steele.

ORIENTAL PLAYS ALL THE RAGE Mr. Bosse the energetic manager of the Bosse opera house has secured Clarence Bennett’s beautiful Mexican play, "A Royla Slave” for Tuesday evening, December 3. The author has evolved a story, startling in its intensity; calling into play the strongest emotions human nature possesses. The loyal, undying devotion of Aguilla to his young mistress, the passionate hate of the Countess Inez de Ora, the sweet, confiding love of the gentle Isadora —releived by the bright, breezy comedy of the American newspaper correspondent and the equally sprightly Annetta with the specialties they introduce —all contribute their share in making “A Royal Slave” one of the most enjoyable of this season’s offerings.

IS READ BETWEEN Many Doubt Recent Letters from Roosevelt to His Cabinet Members. THINGS LEFT UNSAID Give Them Grounds for Thinking There Are Still Some Chances. Washington, November 28. —The warning contained in the president’s letter to members of his cabinet that federal officeholders shall not work for a third term nomination for him has not been communicated to subordinates. One cabinet officer says that he does not understand that any general order to federal omceuuiders is to be sent out. It is now known that the letter the president wrote was sent to only three members of the cabinet Secretaries Garfield and Cortelyou and Postmaster-General Meyer. It is pointed out that the letter from the president did not request these cabinet officers to issue any general order on the subject and the three-cabinet members are disposed to believe that the newspaper publicity given the letters makes it unnecessary to send out specific instructions to subordinates Under the circumstances, it is only natural that a good many office holders here are skeptical about the letter having any effect in deterring federal officeholders away from Washington from working for a third term for the president if they are inclined that way. A southern member of congress said today that he is prepared to prove that not a postmaster, United States marshal, district attorney, revenue collector, customs collector, or government special agent In the south has received any official intimation that he is to refrain from working for the president for a third term. ‘‘lf there is really a desire to put a stop to the activity of the federal officeholder.” said that member, “the way to do it is to give them instructions in black and white.” A semi-official announcement that Senator Aldrich will spring a bill for currency legislation which he will ask congress to pass without delay, has aroused a good deal of interest among the middle west and far west members who are here. The private comment they make is that any bill submitted by Mr. Aldrich is likely to be carefully scrutinized before it is accepted by the western members, who, voicing the sentiments of their constituents, are not disposed to permit the speculative financiers of New York to dictate currency legislation. They declare mat the west will want to be very certain that legislation enacted is not designed for the special benefit of the big financiers of New York City. Mr. Cannon has practically decided to re-appoint Mr. Fowler, of New Jersey, chairman of the committee on banking and currency. He is not disposed to punish Mr. Fowler because he criticised the administration’s measures for financial relief. The president’s plan to hold conferences this week with congressional leaders on financial legislation has not been carried out. The preliminary Inquiries 'developed so many conflicting views that it was decided to abandon the conferences. The house leaders are opposed to any hasty legislation. Their idea is that if the financial situation continues to improve, congress should take plenty of time on an effort to work out a thoroughly digested currency law.

THEMONEY FLURRY ■ ■■" in I ■ ■ M Believed Indiana Banks Will Will Soon Return to Cash Basis System. DEPENDS ON CHICAGO Practically Every Bank in this State Have Expressed a Willingness. Indianapolis, Nov. 28. —The return of Indianapolis business to a cash basis is now regarded as a thihg very soon to take place. Chicago banks expect to resume specie payments within a short time, and Indianapolis banks are prepared to do the same at the same time. No definite date is likely to he named for the resumption of cash business, but in this city and throughout Indiana, business men probably will find themselves able to get all the cash they desire much sooner than they had expected. “Indianapolis Is ready to return to cash just as soon as Chicago does,” said Volney T. Malott, chairman of the clearing house comittee in charge of the local financial situation. Dispatches from Chicago say that the clearing house committee there has ordered burned $25,000 worth of certificates that have been paid back into the clearing house and that this action is the first step toward returning to normal conditions. President Forgan, of the Chicago City National bank, announces, also, that of 1,000 banks questioned regarding the resumption of specie payment, 998 have answered that they are ready for resumption at once. “Indianapolis banks are among the 98,” said Mr. Malott. “We will not begin making cash payments, of course until the banks of other cities are ready. We do not expect to name any date for the removal of the present restrictions on cash. Business will return to the cash basis without any announcement, and probably in such manner that the change will not be noticed.”

CHASED BURGLARS Two Men Tried to Effect Entrance Into the Harman Saloon. FRIGHTENED AWAY Night Watchman Geary Gave Them a Run but They Proved Too Fast. An attempt was made last evening by two unknown men to effect an entrance into the John Harmon saloon located on north Second street but the men were frightened away before they gained an entrance and as a result the stock and what cash there was in the saloon at the time was unmolested. About ten o’clock as Anson Bremerkamp was passing the saloon enroute home he heard a loud pounding on the door of the saloon and at once sounded a cry of alarm by calling for policeman Geary who was just a square away. The robbers undoubtedly heard the call and hastily left their post. An examination disclosed that the men were using a heavy plank and had splintered the door in numerous places in their attempt to force the lock. Two suspicious characters were seen running away and the police gave chase, but could not capture the men. As a result Mr. Harmon will be out the price of a new door and is very fortunate that he is not a greater loser. — o — Yesterday the lowest price that has been paid since early in 1900 was offered for hogs, being $3.25 a hundred This price shows a drop of $3.75 from the highest price paid in the last eight years. They have advanced twentyfive cents today, however, and in all probability will not reach the low mark again for some time. Grain has also advanced a few cents on the bushel.

In the crusade for better spelling now being conducted in the schools of Indiana by the state superintendent of public instruction, Superltendent Cotton, in his third bulletin to Indiana teachers, suggests that the child be taught, not from spelling books, but from lists of words relative to the I material objects with which the child has to deal. In part he says: "The life of the children should furnish the spelling lessons. There is a farm vocabulary, and it is essential that the country children should learn to use it accurately and intelligently. A spelling lesson should be as thoughtful and as interesting as any other lesson.”

There is a farm vo-

NOT A CANDIDATE Congressman Adair Will Devote His Time to His Washington Duties. WOULD LIKE HONOR But Will Keep His Promise to the People—Quoted on the Currency Question. Washington, Nov. 28. —Mr. Adair, of the Eighth Indiana district arrived this afternoon, and at once put his gubernatorial boom In cold storage. “I am not a candidate for the nomination for governor,” he said, “but I wouldn’t refuse to make the race if nominated. In fact, I would very much appreciate the honor of leading the Indiana Democrats in the fight next year. However, I will not leave my congressional duties three or four months to make a canvass for the nomination. I promised the people of the Eighth district when I was running for congress that, if elected, I would stay in Washington and look after my congressional duties closely, and I intend to do that very thing.” As a banker Mr. Adair is,j>retty well informed on the currency question. He says he thinks there should be legislation to impart elasticity to the currency, but that he never will vote for asset currency. “Since the people are afraid to entrust their money to banks, wouldn't they be still more afraid of banks if there should be a question as to the quality of the money they are putting out?” was asked Mr. Adair. “I am opposed to the issuance of any kind of money that does not have the government back of it.” Mr. Adair hopes to be the father of some pension legislation. He will introduce a bill giviag all soldiers’ widows sl2 a month, and another bill granting to all soldiers of 70 years and over a service pension of $25 a month. Representative Rauch, accompanied by his private secretary, Carl Houston, of Marion, arrived today. Representative Adair wants a place on the committee on agriculture.

o What might have resulted in a serious catastrophe was averted Monday when a Clover Leaf brakeman found the “D” rail for the canal thrown open and the train number four in sight. It seems that the pranks of boys was the cause of the folly, as they have been causing considerable trouble to the railroad officials as well as the city police. Jacob Fetzer was seen near the place before the condition of the tracks was found, and it was thought he was responsible for the act. He was locked up by the police over night but he so strongly protested his innocence then he was let go Tuesday morning.—Delphos Herald. Into the very mouths of the school children of Indiana the State Board of Health will peer and with an investgation of the conditions in view, the first step was taken yesterday when circulars were prepared to send over the state to school teachers and to families, setting forth the value of proper care of the teeth, gums and throats of children. “If we should investigate the condition of children’s mouths right now,” said Dr. Hurty, “there would be some startling unsanitary disclosures. In fact,” he said, “there are very few mouths in the state of Indiana that are in a sanitary condition."

Price Two Cents

LATE DECISIONS Made by Supreme Court — Os Especial Interest to Our Readers. A TEACHER’S CASE Erie Denied a Re-Hearing— Decision on Ticket Used by Other Than Purchaser. Pittsburg, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Railway Company vs. City of Hartford City. Grant C. C. Affirmed. Gilbert, J. (1) An ordinance requiring a railroad to maintain at a street crossing an electric light of not greater power than other lights in the city, of sufficient power to light the entire crossing, and to keep it burning five minutes before the arrival of each and every engine or train at all times when there is no moon, or it is obscured, was not an unreasonable exercise of the power conferred on the city by Section 5173, Burns 1901. (2) Such ordinance does not take the railroad property without compensation and due process of law, nor constitute an interference with interstate commerce in excess of a valid police regulation to protect travelers on the street. (3) The requirement that the light be “of sufficient power to light the entire crossing “is sufficiently definite as to the light required, and distinguishes this case from Chicago, etc., R. Co. vs. town of Salem, 166 Ind., 71.

Chicago & Erie Railroad Company vs. Lawrence, administratrix. Porter C. C. Rehearing denied. Hadley J. (1) A party is not entitled to demand answers to interrogatories further than they can be answered from evidence without resort to mere conjecture. (2) The refusal to permit a witness to answer a question calling for his conclusion as to “what was the duty" of plaintiff’s decedent in connection with a matter stated was not error. (3) Where defendant’s negligence was clearly established evidence of the contributory negligence of plaintiff’s

decedent, must be very clear, unequivocal and undisputed, to deprive the jury of the right to find defendant liable for injuries caused by its negligence. William H. Stone, superintendent vs. Harry Fritts. Owen C. C. Reversed. Montgomery J. (1) A learned and experienced teacher duly licensed and employed cannot enjoin his county for any statutory cause (Sec. 5905 f., Burns 1901), his remedy being an appeal to the state superintendent. (2) Said statute is constitutional. (3) Refusal to attend institutes; failure to make daily preparation necessary for successful teaching and failure to begin school daily at a reasonable time are neglect for which, if proved, a teacher’s license may be revoked. (4) There Is no change of venue from the county superintendent. Baltimore & Ohio Southwestern Railroad Company vs. Evans. Clark C. C. Reversed. Jordan J. (1) Where a railroad sold a twenty-ride ticket for $8 over a route for which the regular fare was 69 cents per trip.

a special agreement that it should only be used by the purchaser and dependent members of his family, under penalty of forfeiting the ticket, being part of the consideration for the reduced fare, and the purchaser allowed strangers to use coupons from said ticket in violation of his contract the ticket thereby became forfeited and the purchaser has no right of action for subsequent refusal of defendant’s conductor to honor his ticket, nor his expulsion on refusing to pay fare. (2) The fact that the conductor did not know of said forfeiture and gave an insufficient reason for refusing to honor the ticket does not enlarge plaintiff s rights against carrier. NOTICE. The Elks’ memorial services will be held Sunday afternoon at the Bosse Opera House at two-thirty o'clock, and the public In general Is cordially Invited to attend. A fine program has been arranged for this occasion and the public will he royally entertained. I Remember, you are all Invited.