Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 6, Number 20, Decatur, Adams County, 23 January 1908 — Page 1

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT.

"~ F " Volume VI. Number 20

GETS A NEW TRIAL Jack Graves Will be Given Another Opportunity to Prove Innocence LACK OF EVIDENCE Is Reasons Given by Judge Royse for His Reversal of Verdict Attorney John C. Graves, who was two weeks ago found guilty of a charge of embezzling less than $25 of the funds of the Arbuckle-Ryan company, of Toledo. Ohio, was granted a new trial in the Kisciusko circuit court on Tuesday morning and will have another opportunity of proving to a jury that he is not guilty of the charge of using the funds of the corporation for his personal requirements. The motion for a new trial, ■which was argued on Friday last, was sustained by Judge L. W. Royse on Tuesday morning, when he gave a lengthy resume of the case and ordered a new trial. Judge Royse, in making his decision, went over practically every detail in the complicated case and at the close stated that the defendant was guilty and for that reason he was entitled to a second hearing of the case by a jury. He read over the letters which passed between Graves and the company and stated that in all the letters Graves had betin frank with the corporation and told them in each that he was handling the business for them; that he did not at any time claim that any of the certificates of sale, which he had taken in his- own name, belonged to him and also than the president of the company did not in any communication dispute Graves' authority to do as he was doing in the matter of purchasing the certificates of sale and settling claims against the estate. He stated, however, that while Graves was not necessarily guilty of fraud when he took the certificates in his own name, yet he was guilty of carelessness, as he should have had a written contract authorizing him to do so. The judge's opinion and decision was unusually lengthy and occupied one hour and twenty minutes and it was listened to with interest by a well filled court room. The new trial will doubtless be held during the February term of court. — Warsaw Northern Indiana. — o — AN APPROPRIATION Has Been Made by the Clover Leaf for a New Depot in Decatur WILL BE MODERN Promised That the Improvement Will be Made During Coming Summer Although Decatur people have been promised time and again that the Clover Leaf would erect, a new depot in our city, and although they have even gone so far as to make the statement that the plans and specifications, for same were completed, it was too good news to believe and many of our citizens regarded the announcement as a mere joke. However, an official of the road was in the city, a few days ago and stated that in their appropriations for this year a sufficient amount of money was allowed for the construction of a new depot which is to have all the modern cnoveniences. The old depot is to be moved a short distance westward and converted into a freight office, and the new one erected where the old one now stands. The work is to be commenced some time during the summer and will no doubt be completed before the leaves begin to fall. This is indeed gratifying news and will without doubt be welcomed by every one in our city and vicinity, especially if the promise is really and truly fulfilled. fenJ K. i

IS LOSING HIS MIND. W. H. Ernst is Reported in a Deplorable Condition. S. E. Hitchcock received a letter this morning from Al Oppenheim, of Marietta, Ohio, telling of the deplorable condition of William H. Ernst, the former Bluffton man, who Is now near death from cancer of the face. He states that the unfortunate man has almost entirely lost his mind and though he knows his callers he speaks of events and occurrences of several years past and realizes nothing of the present. He is able to be up and around the house, but is very weak physically. The cancer is steadily eating its way over his face and the lips and forehead are now being slowly consumed. Mr. Oppenheim says that the physicians say the man may live for mamy months and may die at anytime. Happily he is not aware of his awful affliction and in his demented mind he is living in the past when he enjoyed bis health. —Bluffton Banner. ENTRIES ARE IN Eight Candidates for the Republican Presidential Nomination TROOPS TO REMAIN

Cuba Still Has Use for the U. S. Soldiers—Railroad Merger Suit Washington, January 23. —It is assumed by the politicians that the entries for the Republican nomination for the presidency are now all in. With the formal entramce of Governor Hughes, of New York, the list now Includes William H. Taft, Charles W. Fairbanks, Charles E. Hughes, Philander C. Knox, Joseph B. Foraker, Robert M. LaFollette. Joseph G. Cannon and George B. Conelyou. It is barely possible that Leslie M. Shaw may yet decide to be a candidate. Governor Hughes’ announcement was expected. His friends had become impatient at what they called his delinquency in not speaking out, but he was determined to make his announcement in his own way and in his own time. His entrance into the contest is. of course, the overshadowing political event of the week. It is to be expected that for the next few weeks public attention will be directed to his movements. The politicians will be anxious to see how his> campaign progresses, not only in the state of New York, but throughout the country. Washington, January 23. —Persons who are just back from Cuba say there is an optimistic note in the official announcement that the United States will withdraw from the island early next year that is not warranted by the facts'. Some inquiry here indicatesi that the advices from the island are correct. The war department for instance, says very frankly that there is no intention of withdrawing United States troops from the island immediately after the Cubans have set up an independent government. The present plan is to maintain a: force of at least 2,000 United States soldiers for six months, or possibly a year, after the provisional govern ment has been dissolved. In explanation of this program, it Is said that if the United States should wihdraw its soldiers immediately on the new Cuban president taking office the islands would be in a revolution within sixty days.

Washington, January 23.—AttorneyGeneral Bonaparte, who was at the white house, said he would give out on Friday a statement relating to the proposed attack of the government on the Harriman railroad merger. It is pretty well understood that the department of justice is now ready to proceed with the suit. o The “My Wife’s Family" company arrived at noon today from Bluffton, and will show this evening at the Bosse opera house, the company is a good one and should be greeted by a large and enthusiastic audience. , -o '■—— ‘ Charles N’blick was a business caller at Fort Wayne today.

Decatur, Indiana, Thursday Evening January* 23 1908.

WON 1 HEIR SHARE Adams County Poultry Raisers Secure Prizes at Fort Wayne Show MR. FONNER’S SUCCESS Took Everything in Sight With His Bronze Turkey C. E. Magley’s Chickens That the Adams county fancy poultry raisers have the right kind of goods and are gathering in their share of the prize money at outside poultry shows, is evidenced by the showing made by W. A. Fenner and C. E. Magley, who had their birds on exhibit at the Fort Wayne show this week. Mr. Fonner showed his celebrated Mammoth Bronze turkeys, and the bhds were scored in the following manner: first cock, second cock, first hen, second hen, first cockerel. first pullet and first hen and as a result came home with two silver cups, one worth twenty-five dollars and the other fifteen dollars, which is a remarkable showing when taking into consideration that he showed against several hundred birds. Charles E. Magley, who exhibited his Rose Comb Brown Leghorns, had his birds scored as follows: first cockerel, second cockerel and a tie on third cockerel and as a result he received some very pretty ribbons. Mr. Magley only showed a very few of his birds, and would have undoubtedly have secured many more prizes had he entered all that were eligible. These boys have quite a reputation as poultry raisers and are to be congratulated upon their success. This feature alone should show to all poultry men that it pays to raise nothing but the best. — p THE MISSING WORD CONTEST. The missing word contest will begin in the Daily Democrat early next week. Get ready to hunt for the error. A dollar each day to the person who first presents the correc answer. Every advertisement in this bunch will be read every day. You should get in while you can. COURT HOUSE NEWS Suits Filed to Collect Electric Light Bills from Railroads

DEMANDS ARE $425 Administrator Appointed— Another Arrest on Grand Jury Indictment City Attorney Lewis C. DeVoss filed three new cases late Wednesday evening, the plaintiff in each case being the City of Decatur and the defendants the Toledo, St. Louis & Western, Chicago & Erie and Grand Rapids Sr. Indiana railways respectively. The suits are filed to collect payment for the electric lights furnished at the various crossings. The sum of SIOO is demanded from the C. & E„ S2OO from the Clover Leaf and $125 from the G. R. & I. Robert A. Perkins asked for and was granted letters as administrator of the Viola M. Gilbert estate and filed bond for $2,700. Joseph Tonnellier was arrested today on a grand jury indictment, charging him with selling liquor to a minor. Five claim cases, have been filed in circuit court as follows: John D. Steele vs. Joseph W. Smith, executor, claim $1,958.14; Rosa A. Baker vs. Rosa A. Baker ad'mx., claim $55.50; Gus Rosenthal vs. Nancy A. Miller, extfix., claim $14.00; Sarah E. Ritlef, vs. James ‘W. Watkins, adm>., ; clhim $1,170. Alice L. Ray vs. Alice L. Ray, . admx., claim $447.66.

MAY FORCE BLUFFTON OUT. That Town Not Yet Certain of a Place in the I. O. Richmond. Ind., Jan. 22.—But one club in the Indiana Ohio base ball league is opposed to seeking the protection of the national commission and that is Bluffton, Ind. If Bluffton persists in this course it is probable she will be asked to surrender her franchise. Seven of the eight clubs in this league have had ail the “outlaw" experience they care for. The past season there was so much jumping among the players that it was difficult to keep a well balanced team. Either Charley Wills, the big Dunkirk, Ind., first baseman of last season, or Tom Thomas, a former Richmond pitcher, will manage the Piqua, 0., team this season. The Marion and Kokomo clubs will be backed by the M., K. & W. traction company. Phil “Peaches" O’Neill, formerly one of the state’s best known ball players, will manage the Anderson team. He is now engaged in the practice of law at Anderson. WERE FIFTY GUESTS Enjoyed a Trip Today as Guests of Ed Koeneman of Hoagland OVER INTERURBAN Visit Bash Fertilizer Plant and Fort Wayne Poultry Show Fifty farmers between here and Fort Wayne enjoyed an unusual excursion today as guests of Ed F. Koeneman, of Hoagland, who as agent for The Bash Fertilizer company, of Fort Wayne, has had their patronage for some time. The party was picked up along the traction line by the 8:30 car this morning and went to the Bash plant, seven miles west of Fort Wayne on the Huntington line, where they ware shown just' how fertilizer is manufactured. Afterward they attended the poultry and pet stock show at Fort Wayne. Mr. Koeneman stood the expense and the trip was a very delightful one no doubt. Those who composed' the party were: Messrs. Herman Reiter, Herman Reese, Henry Bulmann, George Schookman, John Silking. Frank Beckman,Louis Silking, Marshall Round, Charley Baltemeyer. Charley Mailand, Henry Reiter, Emitt Witte, Louis Koeneman, F C. Hubler, Wm. Hockemeyer, August Ballineyer, Henry Hickman, Henry Scheimato. Henry Birning, Henry Schroeder. Fred Bultemeier, Henry Dirkson, Charley Schroeder. Charles Getting, Ernst Schroeder, Henry Getting, D. F. Scheiman, Fred W. Droege, Ferdinand Mailand, Martin Scheiman, Wm. Aumann, Charley D. W, Scheiman, Martin Reinking, John Fuhrman, Conrad Bobrin ann. o — OFFICIAL NOTICE TOMORROW. Local Manager Will Know When Gas Will Be Turned on. Godfrey Christen, local manager of the gas company, received word from headquarters today informing him that he would be notified Friday morning positively, as to just what time the gas would be turned Into the mains and would be ready for use. Mr. Christen has been besieged upon all sides concerning when the gas would be turned on and to give the public a satisfactory answer he demanded a statement from the promoters of this concern with the above result. Mr. Christen states that the work of connecting their main line with the wclis has taken up more time than was thought at first and he is confident that this is what is causing the delay. However, the public are anxious that the service be installed and will welcome the gas at any time it makes its appearance. WIND BLOWS FROM NORTH. The chiily wind doth blow from the north all right today and the ice man sloth smije. while the rest of us poor dovMsrat for the early arrival #f increased gas pressure. Any way it feels like it is going to get cold.

THE GREGORY WILL Filed at the Office of County Clerk Haefling this Morning HAS SEVEN ITEMS Gives Property to Mrs. Gregory—Provides for its Disposal at Her Death The last will and testament of the late Augustus C. Gregory was filed at the clerk's office his morning. It was written April 8. 1902, witnessed by Charles S. Niblick and French Quinn and includes seven items. The first provides for the payment of debts and funeral expenses. Second bequeaths his souvenir gold cane, a miniature of his father and a number of souvenir spoons, napkin ring, and a valuable oil painting "The Boy with the Dove” heirlooms of the family, to his son. Robert B. Gregory. Third gives to his daughter Cordelia Gregory Townsend a souvenir set of china ware and the oil painting "Fishing Scene.” Fourth bequeaths SSOO to his granddaughter Jirene Gregory, to be paid as soon as convenient. Fifth devises all personal and real property, except that mentioned. and those Items not to be fulfilled until after her death to Mrs. Gregory. Sixth provides that after the death of Mrs. Gregory the property be divided between Robert and Cordelia, share and share alike. Seventh names his wife, Lucy J. Gregory, as executrix, not to give bond or inventory. Agreeable to the terms of the will Mrs, Gregory asks that no claims be filed in court, but be presented to her for settlement. o .. - MOTOR STOOD THE TEST. The five horse power motor recently installed at the H. L. Center ice cream plant was given a thorough testing today by Superintendent M. J. Mylott, and found to be in excellent condition. Mr. Center will use electricity this coming summer for his power and has arranged the plant accordingly. The new motor will be used in a very short time to assist in putting up ice thus doing away with the old system of a steam engine, Mr. Comer is otherwise improving the plant and when the same is completed will be one of the finest equipped in the state. o— TOTRY VAUDEVILLE Opera House Managers Met at Huntington Yesterday TO FORM CIRCUIT New Line of Entertainment to be Offered Decatur People Soon

J. W. Bosse, manager of the local opera house, came home last evening from Huntington. where he attended a meeting of opera house managers from this part of the state, preparatory toward! the Organization of a vaudeville circuit. Representatives were present from Wabash, Peril, Huntington. Decatur, Logansport and Bluffton. When the meeting was called at the Hotel Huntington. It was pracically decided to agree with a plan proposed by Mr. T. S. Schmid, of Fort Wayne, whereby these towns become a pant of the Interstate Vaudeville association. The show business has been very poor this season and it is proposed to try vaudeville for awhile at least. The acts will all | be high class and it is believed will I please. Another meeting of the mani agers will be held soon and if successful, the new circuit will open early in February. Two nights each week will , be devoted to vaudeville and it is believed Decatur people will appreciate Mr. Bosse’s effort to ple-'ee them and will patronize lhese performances. A number of Decatur p°onl« went to Fort Wayne today *o "rttend the shp-v at tbe M Mai“ tic th'-i T h ’s evening. The new 1 Is>h corned* n an pears in that citv orivh r ~ ’■ ’ time.

ADVANTAGE OF THE LAW Road Superintendents in Wells County Protecting the Roads. Two gravel road superintendents this morning exercised their authority and forbid the drivers of the pipe wagons of the Ohio, or Standard Oil company, from driving across two recently constructed highways with heavy loads. Yesterday many loads of the heavy pipe passed over the Studabaker road northeast of this city, and seeing the damage that was being done by the steel tires cutting deep ruts in the pike, Abe Studabaker warned' the foreman of the hauling gang that they must either widen the tires of the wagons or else greatly lighten the loads the wagons were carrying. This morning W. N. Huss, superintendent of the Bluffton and Reiffsburg pike, came to this city and had cards printed bearing the warning that prosecution would follow any and all violations of the heavy hauling law. —Bluffton Banner. leapy/ardance Given by Columbia Club Boys at K .of C. Hall Last Evening THE CLUB MEETINGS Surprise on Mr. and Mrs. Parks at Magley—Other Social Events Mr. and Mrs. Fred Bell will be host and hostess at a masquerade party given at their home on Bellview farm, situated east of the city, on Friday evening, to a company of friends. Miss Marie Boknecht pleasantly entertained a few boys and girls at a small gathering last evening Music and games occupied the evening. The West End Needle club spent a delightful afternoon with Mrs. Fred Sellemeyer yesterday afternoon at her home on Tenth street. The ladies took thir fancy work and enjoyed a social afternoon. At the close Mrs. Sellemeyer served an elegant luncheon to the ladies.

Mrs. P. J. Hyland is entertaining the Afternoon club today at her home. The Ladies’ Thimble club were the guests of the Mrs. Eairl Adams this afternoon at her home the corner of Mercer and Winchester. Sewing or needle work was the chief occupation for the afternoon. At 4:30 o'clock delicious refreshments were served the guests by Mrs. Adams. Mrs. Henry Knapp delightfully entertained the Helping Hand society of the German Reformed church this afternoon at. her home on north Third street. The afternoon was pleasantly spent in making bonnets for sale and planning for a future sale of home made articles. Dainty refreshments were served by the hostess. Yes, this is leap year. 1908, for the young ladies of the St. Marys church had the privilege of taking the advantage of this eventful year last evening at the leap year dance which was given by the Columbian boys, at the K. of C. hall. No young man was permitted to attend without a personal invitation from a young lady. Verymerry did the scene appear as the guests arrived and were welcomed by their hosts. The music was furnished by John Wemhoff and Med Miller, which proved delightful and fascinating to each dancer. Many out of town guests were present and the couples numbered sixty. The ladies of the Shakespeare club continued the interesting study of Canada -at their meeting Wednesday afternon at the home of Mrs. R. K. Allison, of north Second street. The leading paper was on the British rule of confederation 1763-1864. which subtopics treated with Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario and the fur trade Each meeting seems to exceed the pr ■’dons one and grows more interesti- g o each member, and is looked for- - *■ rd to with great pleasure. " and Mrs. Parks, of Magley, were (Continued on page 2 )

Price Two Ceats

ABOUT THE SAME Condition of Mrs. Hale is Practically Unchanged this Afternoon HOPE IS SLIGHT Though She May Improve for a Time—No Operation to be Performed Geneva, Ind., January 23.—(Special to Daily Democrat, 3 o'clock)—Mrs. Hale’s condition at this hour remains practically unchanged. While some hope for her partial recovery is extended, it is very slight. A letter from relatives at Geneva written this morning to John D. Hale of tnis city, concerning the condition of Mrs. W. B. Hale, said it had been decided not to remove her to a hospital at this time, or to remove the bullet. If successful jn preventing further hemorrhages and keeping down the infection, she may recover. To probe for the ball would tear down more tissue and cause s renewal of the hemorrhages. The only hope is that the ball is lodged in a place where it may remain without hindering the complete and perfect healing of the wound. Mrs. Hale is conscious, but cannot speak to any one, and no one Is admitted to the room but the nurse, two lady attendants and Mr. Hale. She rested well last evening and the relatives are hopeful today. — o~ — — WILL MAKE EXTENSIVE TRIP. Harvey Harruff has completed plans to leave this city on the eighteenth day of next month for a trip through Texas and Oklahoma. He will make a continuous trip to Victoria, Texas, after which he will go to Oklahoma, stopping at Dallas and Fort Worth on his way. His first stop In the latter si ate will be at Lawton, and from there he will go on an extensive trip over the state. The object of the trip is to find locations for prospective homeseekers who desire to locate in those localities, a e many visitors Accept Invitation to Visit the Decatur Public Schools WITH THE TRUSTEES Went to Central Building Yesterday and South Ward Today The step taken by the school beard in setting apart this week for the visitation of the various schools in the city is deserving of the hearty commendation of the public in general and it has brought the desired result. Yesterday afternoon nineteen men. accompanied by Messrs. D. B. Erwin. F. V. Mills and A. 11. Sellctneyer.members of the school board, visited every room in the central building and as a result they are all heaping congratulations upon the teachers, school board and Professor Beechler for the excellent manner in which the classes are conducted. A visit to any of our public schools is sufficient to convince that our educational advantages are advancing rapidly and our advancement is due to the consistent work of those in whose charge the school career of the pupils is entrusted. This afternoon a number of men visited the south ward building and the different rooms were visited. Here, as well as all orhers a marked advancement could be noticed in the various grades. The west ward will be vis* ited tomorrow and this will close a most important week in the history of our public schools in that the interest of the pupils, teachers and parents is greatly increased.