Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 5, Number 314, Decatur, Adams County, 31 December 1907 — Page 1

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT.

Volume V. Number 3 14

A GREAT DEBATE Decatur Youths Earned Another Victory from Monroe Opponents. HERE LAST NIGHT Vast Audience Listened to One of the Most Delightful Events Given Here. Never before in the history of Decatur have such logical thoughts and plausible arguments been presented by I the youths of our city upon a subject; of equal importance to the question whether or not the world owes more ! to the press than to the pulpit than 1 was heard last night, when in the lecture room of the Methodist church the boys of the Holy Grail of the Decatur and Monroe castles discussed

the merits of each side of the question. It was, in fact, difficult to contemplate that such wise and convincing arguments were forthcoming from youths who were not far in their teens, but nevertheless it was true not only of the Decatur boys but the Monroe debaters as well. The lecture room of the church had been artistically decorated in the colors peculiar to this organization, which were red. white and black with a beautiful chandelier and streamers of paper in the different colors extending from various parts of the room all joining in the center which presentd a magnificent appearance. The Monroe boys and admirers arrived aai the 7:52 G. R. and I. train and hastened to the church in time to start the program at about eight o’clock In the meantime the lecture room, gallery and class apartments had been crowded with people eager to hear the lads make their initial debut before the Decatur public. The program opened with a prayer by Rev. Edgar Jones, of Monroe, after which Don Burk rendered an excellent violin nolo with Tony Holthouse playing the accompaniment on the piano. Such a

decided hit did they make tnat encor* after encore went tip until another •election was rendered. Following this, Miss Carrie Thomas favored the vast audience by a beautiful instrumental solo which drew applause from all. She also was forced io respond to the encore by another selection. The next was a vocal solo by Mrs. Dr. Wilcox, which completely oaptivated the audience. In this her ability to singing but in impersonating as well and she was repeatedly encored un’il she responded. Dr. Wilcox then stated that the debate, the feature of the occasion, was about to ensue and he took the opportunity to announce that no unkind demonstration would be allowed on either side as it was a friendly combat. Messrs. Charles Hocker, Jonas Tritch of this city and Professor Johnson of Monroe, were selected as judges, they being informed that points, delivery and general expression were to be taken into consideration la making the grades Just as the debate was about to ensue, the Decatur boys gave forth a yell which greatly enthused their admirers and the discussion was then opened by O V. Graham of Monroe, who we must admit, did exceedingly well In his argument. Among the moat conspicuous points of his discussion on the negative was the fact that in the absence of the press, we would have wo means of knowing whst was done by our ancestors and consequently we could cot profit by the knowledge of their follies, nor would we hare means of recording history, but we

tpcmld go back Into barbarism as did our forefathers of centuries ago. It •was also brought out in this talk that the first printing press which was ever invented was made from clay by a Chinese blacksmith and thus was a striking step toward civilization. Mr Graham was followed by Howard Wisehaupt for the affirmative and he acquitted himself grandly, advancing an argument that was hard to meet. He illustrated many pom s and made an excellent delivery for which he is deserving of much credit ‘•The world owes more to the pu pi than to the press." said Mr. i jsefcaupt, “for it owes it to the pulpit for its existence.” Without the pulpit, what would become of the world. Our codo.tr v would go back to heathenism and what usefulness the press has. would be destroyed All tb e presses in the world could not save them, he continued. What would a heathen do with a press? What could they do

with it. if they bad one? He closed b> saying “Earthly empires and sysj terns of philosophy have their day, ; human institutions decay, all things of this world bloom and fade awav ,as , the lilie s of the field, but the Christion religion, the pulpit, has the dew of perennial youth, survives all changes, makes steady progress from age to iage and directs the course of civilization and lives forever. This was followed by an argument b> B. F. Shirk, of Monroe, who demonstrated his ability in debating by scoring many points. Would any of you wish to be deprived of your education, said the speaker? No, you would not, add what do you owe your education to? Why to the press. In the absence of the printing press we would have no public library's which afTord the poor a chance to obtain an education as well as the rich. Were It qot for the press, said' be, we would not have such great papers as the Youths Companion and the Epworth Herald. The debaters who followed, Mr. Wilcox of this city and Mr. Duer of Monroe pursued practically the same lines of arguments and their talks were most convincing. The judges retired to a separate room, where they figured the percentage of the debaters which resulted Decatur 84 and Monroe 83 2-3, Immediately after the debate a supper consisting of chicken patties, butter rolls, cake pickles and coffee was served much to the delight of all iand thus closed the second debate between the castles of the Holy Grail of Monroe and Decatur.

CAR EVERY HOUR Interurban Line Will Put New Schedule Into Effect Tomorrow. MAKE FAST RUNS Limited Will Make the Trip to Fort Wayne in FiftyFive Minutes.

1 Commencing Wednesday morning, January first, the Ft. Wayne and Springfield railway company will start their every hour schedule, which will continue until further notice is given. This fad was agreed upon Monday by President Fledderjohann and he at once ordered everything put in readiness so that the first car could start out on its regular running time and from what is repored the cars are being given a general overhauling ai-d will be in excellent shape for the servica The first car will leave Decatur Wednesday morning promptly at five o’clock and will run every hour a car leaving Decatur and Fort Wayne at the same time and passing at the meeting point, which will be the nine mile house. This new schedule is going to force the cars to put on a little more speed and means much quicker and better service for the traveling public between this city and Fort Wayne. There is some talk of putting on a limited car which will only have one stop in twenty-one miles and if this service is Inaugurated the limited car will be the one that leaves here at five o’clock and every two hours after that during the day. This scatter, however, has not as yet been fully determined upon and will not be until It to ascertained how the evtry hour schedule pans out. The new time cards will be out to the course of two or three days and the public will thus be enlightened to a much further degree.

the gold watch contest. Close Battle on at Pietorlum— Closes Tonight. Th e contest tor the gold watch that is now on at the Pictorium will close his everting and tomorrow the winner will be announced together with the vote received. The contest has been a friendly one for all concerned and the young ladies have been supporti g them in magnificent style. Miss Frances Rad i marker is in the lead with a vote of 819. and Is closely fallowed by Miss Ada Murray, who has 818. while the remainder of the field is well bunched. It is a hard matter at this time to tell the real winnei. aid that matter cannot be determined until the vote that is cast tonight is counted up. Whoever the winner may be we have this to say, that thev will receive a very pretty gold watch and one they may feel justly proud of.

Decatur, Indiana, Tuesda> Evening December, 31 1907

HE HAS THE GRIT Dallas Admirers Believe Biersdofer Will Make Good Anywhere. HAS BEEN DRAFTED By Washington American League—Some Incidents Showing His Nerve. Last Sunday’s Dallas, Texas, News had the foilwing concerning an Adams county boy:

Clarence Biersdofer, who was drafted by the Washington Americans, made his professional debut at the beginning of the 1907 season with the Dallas team, and many of his local friends think he is going to fast company entirely too early. Biersdofer has the stufT, however, and is a much better pitcher than some of the other youngsters who will contest for a trial on Caitillon’s staff. If he fails to stick he will probably go either to the American Association or the Western league, in both of which organizations Cantillon owns franchises. Biersdofer last season proved himself to be one of the grittiest pitchers that ever performed la Texas. After Garrett injured his arm in the Philadelphia game and Abies hurt his shoulder, Biersdofer was about all there was left to the pitching staff, as Burnett had not then recovered his propensity for losing games in the ninth inning. Biersdofer then showed what his metal was. He won consistently, and was pronounced in every city of the league as the best southpaw in Texas. It was his first season south and the dread malaria overtook him. Biersdofer knew he was needed, and he concealed his condition from Manager Maloney and his teammates. When it came his turn to work he went in and did his best. He was weakened, however?- and hv one gnme the Fort Worth Panthers romped on him for four runs in the ninth Inning. Maloney and Gardner couldn't understand It and they stuck him back to the box the next day with the Bame result. This kind of thing kept up for about two weeks, during which time Biersdofer lost nearly all the games he lost during the season. Finally his condition was discovered and he was ordered to the hospital. He cried because he couldn't stay In the game. A man with such tenacity will make good anywhere If he has the curves and control that Biersdofer has shown himself to have.

SALE POSTPONED Horse Sale Announced for January 10th is Called Off. MARKET IS POOR And Eastern Buyers Refuse to Attend—Date to be Announced Later. The Decatur Horse Sale company hare decided to postpone their first big sale which had been announced to occur January 10th. This waa decided upon by the managers, Messrs. Beery and Boch, after receiving word from their eastern buyers, that they would nfat attend a sale at this time as there Is positively no market for horses at the prices asked at present. The local horsemen not caring to deceive the people of this community and realizing that it is useless to try to hold a sale without buyers have therefore decided to postpone the first sale. They will keep an eye on the markets and just as soon as It looks good will announce a date for a sale, The Decatur firm is one of the best in Indiana in the sale and last season did nearly a million dollar business The farmers and stock , men of this locality are lucky to have j such men i - charge, and may rest assured that they are more anxious than arv one to begin the sales and ' will do so as soon as possible.

STILL JUGGLING THE FAST DITCH Again Sent Back to Allen Cou vty Commissioners. Judge O. N. Heaton handed down a decision today under which the Fast ditch case, which has done more ground' and lofty tumbll: g than any action brought in the local courts for several years, is sent back to the county commissioners to be considered again. The court held that the beard had not rendered a filial Judgment in deciding that it had no jurisdiction in the matter and that there was nothing to appeal from. He said that some final actiOD should hav e been taken by either establishing the ditch or rejecting the report. The board did not have time bo take the matter up again. —Fort Wayne Sentinel. A BIG FAMILY DINNER. For th e Studebakers at the home of W, J. Vesey Tomorrow. John Niblick and family, Mrs. Morrison, Miss Hattie StudabokeT and Mrs Champer will go to Fort Wayne tomorrow to be entertained at a family dinner at the home of W. J. Vesey. Each year a dinner is given iat this home for the members of the family aid a good time is enjoyed at all occasions. Mr. and Mrs. D E. Studabaker who have been visiting with relatives at Goshen, will be present tomorrow and an elegant time is anticipated. CLOSES TONIGHT Squire Smiths’ Bountiful Offer to Those Pierced by Cupid’s Dart. ONLY ONE ACCEPTED But the Squire Made Good —Old Price Will Be Resumed Tomorrow. Squirt? Smith informed us this morning that today was the last day that his special offer to young marriageable people would hold good and that unless- they came to before six o’clock this evening the old proced- | ure of taxing up the costs would be carried out. Squir e Smith thinks ; that he has done his duty toward the | young people of Adams county and if they have not seen fit to accept his ] proposals they are the losers. However, during the past few weeks Squire Smith has, without question, received much notoriety and his public wedding in the Hensley jewelry window will long be remembered by those who witnessed the event and will no doubt be longer remembered by the contracting parties. To this young couple Squire Smith made every promise good and proved to the citizens that he was a man- of his word. With the close of this best offer ever made to the young people of Adams county will be null and void and hereafter it will be a case of dig up at the close of the ceremony. ■■■ —♦ - ■ M. B. A E. MAY REACH MARION. Look* as THoogh a Now Franchis* Will Bo Grontod.

The Marion, Blufftoq and Eastern, officials of this city are to be offered a new franchise into Marion immediately, according to the Marion Loader. and if it proves acceptable the terminal question there may be settled shortly. In secret caucus Friday night at the office of Attorney Levi Todd, the councilmen decided upon a solution for the tmction question, which they say is given as final. The matter had been relegated to the past, and it was generally supposed the traction muddle would remain unsettled until spring. With the approach of the new year, however, the councilmen revived the question, and i tis now planned to prmit the Marion. Bluffton and Easter-, company to enter he city at once. They will be graned a franchise along east Fourth street to Branson, thence north on Branson to Third street, and then west Oa Third street to the public square. This will enable the cars to reach the public square and at the same time da away with the double track, and the controversy with the Union traction company on Fourth street.

INTRERESTED HERE Governor Hanly Favors the Improvement of the Waterways. A WEEKLY JOURNAL Government Will Soon Issue a Paper— Legislation. Washington, December 31. —The Interest that Governor Hanly and the state of Indiana in general Is showing to the national movement for the Improving of waterways and the conservation of the country’s natural resources, is bringing out much favorable comment from those in charge of the movement over here. Governor Hanly has written th e president that he will be present with three representative citizens of Indiana at the forthcoming conference of governors at the white house. May 13 to 15, a:d he says in his letter that he is in full sympathy with the purpose of the conference and that he stands ready to help in the movement in any way he can. Washington, December 31.—An official journal, to be published weekly by the government, and oftener if necessary, and which probably will contain brief notices of the work executed in the departments and independent bureaus of the departments, of the supreme court of the United States, and of the proceedings of congress so far as they may be of general public Interest, Is provided' for in a bill which Congressman Richard P. Hobson, of the Sixth Alabama district, proposes to introduce after the holidays. The sum of 175,000 is appropriated for equipment and >275,000 for the expenses of issuing the publication. Washington. December 31. —It Is altogether possible, not to say probable, that congress yielding to the pressure of the memorials and petitions now coming In upon it from every section of the country, will pass legislation for the restoration to the gold and silver coins the motto "In God We Trust,” which was stricken from then: by order of President Roosevelt. Get that resolution ready— tomorrow is 1908. Os course you have been good—but don't you know you could still improve greatly, much to the joy of those who have to live near you? PUNS PREPARED And it is Given Out That the Cover Leaf Really Means It. A NEW DEPOT Statement that the Work Will Really Begin With Arrival of Blue Birds.

After being contented for many years with the very inconvenient depot at the Clover Leaf railroad, we are authorized to announce to the public today that work will positively begin next spring on the construction of a new one which will be built on the order of the Bluffton depot, only finer, of course. The plans and specifications have already been made and the contract will soon be let. The people of Decatur have long been looking for this time to come, and although having been promised several times that the same would be done, the officials never have gone so far as to have plans drawn until recently and we are, upon reliable authority, requested to make notice of the fact that Decatur will have an up to date Clover Leaf depot ere a few months have passed. As it has been planned the ol dd'epot will be moved a short distance west of its present location and the new structure will be built where, the old one now stands. The riew building is to have equipments of the most modern style and when completed, all Decatur will have something to be proud of. We hope so, i anyway.

J. P. LIECHTY’S SUDDEN DEATH. Berne Pioneer Filled Coal Stove, then Expired. He went -and got a bucket of coal, poured it into the stove, sat down in his large rocking chair, closed his eyes and died. This is la short an account of the last acts and death of Jacob P. Llehity, whose life quietly ebbed away yesterday forenoon at about 11 o’clock in th« presence of his lifecompanion and helpmate, at the home of their oldest son living, Emanuel J. Liechty, two miles northeast of Berne. It was evidently heart failure, due to old age, that brought hi» life to a standstill, for Grandpa Lichty was not afflicted with any particular ailment, and less than two months ago. while still living in Berne, he could often, be seen splitting wood, though he was 86 years, 7 months and 8 days old at th e day of his death. Mr. and Mrs. Liechty had eight children. The oldest, Samuel, died in 1882, and the youngest, Joel, died just last month in BlufTton. The others, Emanuel J., Christian J., Jacob J., Peter J., Mrs. David C. Lehman, aad Mrs. Ulrich Sprunger are all living in this community, with 53 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren of the departed ancestor. —Berne Witness. NEW YEAR EVENTS Watch Parties Are Announced for this Evening at Several Churches. DINNERS TOMORROW K. of C. Dance Last Evening —The Historical Club— Other Society News. Last evening the members of the Pythian Sisters held their regular business meeting and (luring the period they elected the following offlcerß: Mrs. Anna Vance, M. E. C.; Mrs. Bess Vaughn, P. C.; Mrs. O. O. France, E. S.; Mrs. Neva Hewer, E. J.; Mrs. Orpha Erwin, N. of R. C.; Mrs. Ella Erwin., M. of F.; Miss luyrle Beachler, M.; Mrs. Clara Beachler, P. F.; Mrs. I Elizabeth Sellemeyer, O. G.; Mrs. J. W. Nicky, of Buffalo, N. Y., was a guest and a social time was enjoyed. The program for roll call which is to be hald at the Christian church on New Year’s night, commencing at 7 o’clock sharp. It is as follows: Song. Reading of 122nd Psalm and prayer by Mr. G. T. Burk History of the Decatur church by Mrs. Sadie Gillig. Song. Report of church clerk for 1907. Report of Ladies’ Aid society for 1907. Report of C. W. B. M. for 1907 Report of Bible school for 1907 Song. Roll call of member:. Response by Scripture quotation. Business period. Roeg Reading. “The Amen Corner” by Miss Merle F.urctg. Song. Refreshments arl soc ai hour. Every member of the church Is heartily urged 1o he present. Come at 7 o’clock md bring your friends. Miss Harriet Morrison left this morning to attend a house party which is being given at the home of Judge Vesey, at Fort Wayne. With the happy greetings of the season which came from the royal entertainers, the K. of C. boys, was what each guest received as he entered the spacious club rooms in j response to call invitations to sjmiul the evening dancing. Many pretty and dai i/ty gowns were worn by the young ladies. Exceptionally tine music was rendered by True Fristoe, John Wemhoff and Med Miller The dance continued until the wee hour of the morning, and It must be said it proved to be one of the most e jovable features of this season’s calendar. Many out of town guests were present. “Rise of the Roman Power or The (Continued on nae» ? '

Price Two Cents

TOMORROW’S SHOW Grandest Spectatcular Event Ever Given on a Decatur Stage. THE ELKS MINSTREL A Last Glance at the Program—Big Parade at Two O’Clock. The graudest spectacular performance that was ever held to Decatur L scheduled to take place Wednesday evening, when the local order of Elks put on their minstrel show. Everything Is now practically ready for this event, the stage settings having been compleed and the program filled to the letter, and if the citizens of Decatur are not pleased and entertained it is not the fault of th e Elks. The last rehearsal will be held this evening at the opera house, where the entire company will assemble and carry out the program complete from A to Z and then everything will b? in readiness for the big event. Owing to the | fact that Miss Mylott is suffering with a severe cold and unable to sing the 1 duet of Misses Mylott and Terveer has been cut out and Miss M?..*ie Allison will sing her popular cooi' songs in the opening and Dr. E. G. Coverdale, who has been enticed to remain over for a day before returning to Chicago, will sing several popular Dago songs in the second part that are bound to make a hit. These songs are right up to the minute. TLe prig-cim as it has been revised will bn as follows: PART ONE: Opening chorus Entire company Brother Noah gave out checks for Comic Coon Songs Miss Allison Rato ~.W. P. Scbrock Caroline Bart France Ballad Hugh Hite Gratitude M. J. Mylott Ballad Mis* Sprunger A Little Bit More C. O. France Ballad...L. A. Henhouse The Ice Man Fred Bell Ballad Mls» Beery Noah Was a Wise Old Man...... H. L. Conter Closing chorus..... .Entire Company PART TWO: Thanatopsis .i D. E. Smith This famous poem will be shown by moving pictures. Dago songs Dr. E. G. Coverdale Trombone Duet Fred Bell, Jesse Sellemeyer Selection Elks Quartette Impersonation C. O. France German Stunt ... .H. L. Conter and W. P. Schrock Fiji Islanders L. A. Holthouse and his six little monkeys. Sketch The parade that will take place Wednesday afternoon at two o'clock will be one of the many Interesting fatures as something new is promised the local people in this respect. The parade is under the supervision cf L. A. Holthouse and Torn Hacfling and will start from the opera house. W’atch for this interesting number. Tbe seats for the opening performance are practically all gone and the sale for Thursday night's performance evened very brisk this morning and from all present indications the bouse will b« packed at each performance. NINETY DAYS’ IN JAPAN. , *. la the Subject of the Lecture to ba Given at Baptiet Church. Shinzo Ohkl. a famous Japanese lecturer, who has arranged to deliver a lecture on "Ninety Days Journey over Japan" at the First Baptist church. Friday evening. January 3. is heralded as a speaker of ability. Aside from the lecture he will show one hundred and fifty magnificent j steoroptican views which promises to he interesting indeed. A fee of fifteen and twenty-five cents will be charged for admission, a remarkably low price to hear a noted lecturer, and the church should be taxed to Its capacity. The lecture will begin promptly at eight o'clock on the above stated night so don't forget the date and miss the treat of your life. Rev. Bergman and congregation are to he congratulated ; upon securing the Japan lecturer and j they deserv e the hearty support of I the people. 1