Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 6, Number 28, Decatur, Adams County, 1 February 1908 — Page 1

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT.

Volume VI Number 2b

HIS SECOND SPEECH Congressman Adair Hit the Newspaper Trust IT WAS A GOOD ONE His Second Speech in Congress Was Well Received Washington, February 1. —The second speech of Congressman Adair was ! delivered yesterday jn which the newspaper trust got his. As a matter of course the speech was a good one, and as upon the occasion of the maiden effort of Congressman Adair, the members of the house paid the speaker the great respect of close attention. In part he said: Mr. Speaker:—l desire with indul gence of the committee, to submit to the house, and incidentally to the country, my views upon a subject that is of much importance, not only to Jhe printers, publishers and newspaper men of the country, but is of great interest to every citizen no matter what his occupation or profession. I have iutrcduced a bill In this house known as House Bill 9188, which provides that the duty on printing paper, wood pulp ajid all material used in the manufacture of printing paper, be repealed, and that paper, wod pulp and all material used in the manufacture of printing paper be admitted into the United States free of any duty whatever. My purpose in introducing this bill was twofold. In the first place I wanted if possible to procure relief for the newspaper men of this country, who now have invested in their business nearly two hundred and fifty million dollars and who employ one hundred and sixty thousand people paying wages amounting to more than one hundred million dollars annually, and who are now at the mercy of one of the largest and most heartless trusts the world has ever known. In the second place my purpose in introducing this bill was to strike a death blow at this unlawful trust, now capitalized at ,40,000,000, a large portion of which is water, yet on this I have no doubt but what at least fifty per cent of this large capital is water, and that the annual profits of twenty million dollars is really one hundred per cent on the investment. There are no men who contribute more to society and the general welfare of the nation than our country editors, and none who receive so little compensation for their contribution. According to the census of manufacturers for 1905, the printing and publishing business ranked seventh among the industries of the country. It would seem that such an Industry might get a hearing before congress on a question of vital importance to everybody engaged in the business. The printing and publishing interests represent an annual product of onehalf billion dollars. The newspapers and periodicals alone have a capital of 1239,000,000 invested, of which nearly >100.000,000 represents machinery, tools and instruments. They paid in 1905 salaries and wages amounting to >106.000,000 to 160,000 workers. The newspapers insist that the paper manufacturers who induced congress to protect them against competition from abroad are under obligations to provide for the present and prospective demands of consumers in Shis country. To repress manufacturers, or to starve the market so that the paper maker is in position to create a famine and to stop the supply to any publisher should rank* as a crime. Many newspaper proprietors are unable to obtain any quotations for paper next year, and do not know where to obtain a supply. In all the history of crimes charged against combinations and trusts, such a situation is unprecedented. It demands immediate remedy. Now, Mr. Speaker, there is without doubt no question, but what the publishers have a grievance. They are entitled to some consideration at our hands, and this house should be quick in passing a bill that will free them from the extortions of a greedy trust. The cost of paper as fixed by the trust is next to robbery. It not only affects the publishers, but it bears down heavily on the manufacturer, whose raw material consists entirely of papfer, and also exacts from eighty million consumers a tribute, for the benefit of a vicious trust

— ■———iMa now making a net profit of nearly one hundr ed per cent annually. I am not surprised that the newspaper men are asking congress for relief, I know it is argued by the gentlemen on the other side of the house, that to pass this bill, and do this simple act of justice, would open up a discussion of the whole tariff question, and that is what they seem to fear. Hence the publisher is to suffer indefinitely btcause of the fear, that if we attempt to give him relief, others will also insist on being recognized and. this will ultimately result in a discussion of the whole tariff question. I believe Mr. Speaker, that is exactly what the country wants to hear. I am confident I state the truth when I say, that ninety per cent of all the people, regardless of party affiliation, favor a revision of the schedules at the earliest possible moment. Personally. I believe the tariff question is not a political but a business prop(Continued on page 2.) WLL REDUCE DEBT City Finance Committee Discussed Various Plans Last Night IT CAN BE DONE Committee Desire to Do this and Also Keep Down Taxation Rate The members of the finance committee of the common council met last evening at the M. Burns & Son harness shop and had a lengthly confab concerning the financial condition of the city and at the same time endeavored to perfect some plans whereby they might bring about some relief to the tax paying public. Provisions for every outstanding debt against the city has been made with the exception of the floating orders which now amount to something like eighteen thousand dollars, and this seems to be the very thing that is bothering the committee. The remainder of the city debt, which is probably ninety thousand dollars, is represented by bonds, which do not become due for some time and which a nominal tax will readily wipe out of existence as they become due. The committee expect to reduce this floating order debt in the very near future, several thousand dollars, and it was for this purpose that they met last evening and in the end came to a definite conclusion as to how they would proceed. How much of this debt they will wipe out they were unable to state at this time or at least they did not care to bind themselves to any particular amount, but they do guarantee that a fair size portion of the amount, eighteen thousand dollars, will be taken up and paid off. Since assuming control of the city’s welfare the present committee have kept all of the running expenses of the city paid up slick and clean and in connection with this have succeeded in reducing the indebtedness something like twelve thousand dollars. If the present conditions keep up it would now seem that when the present administration gave up control they would turn things over to their successors in the best shape the city's finances were ever in, which would certainly be a worthy record for those who have had this end of the city’s business in their hands. — o COULDN’T STAND WELLS COUNTY A Negro Boy Died First in History of That Community. In Bluffton and Wells county there has been numerous negroes worked temporarily but in the history of the county there has been but one of the black breed who ever done the proper thing; that is, there has been but one negro to die and be buried here. The fellow was a jockey, imported from the south to ride and care for the string of running horses owned by Harve Williams, of Zanesville. He worked for Williams one entire summer and then, came with him to Zanesville for the winter. Accustomed, all his life, to the mildest climate, the colored boy was unable to withstand the cold and quickly contracted a case of pneumonia and died. He was buried near Zanesville.—Bluffton Banner. As a consequence of the severe storm several of the trains on the 1 various road's were delayed.

ITS MONDAY NIGHT Big Home Talent Production Under Auspices of the Pocahontas “A TRUE AMERICAN” A Bright, Clever Show, With New and Lively Specialties • Attend the performance of "A True American" at the Bosse opera bouse Monday, Feb. 3rd and you will be astonished by the gorgeous costuming and sumptuous scenic embellishments enthused by the endless array of novel Innovations, amused by the story, entertained by the comedy, infatuated by the singing, entranced with the music in fact, delighted by the entire show. The proceeds are for the benefit of the Pocahontas lodge, and it will be the best local talent show ever witnessed in our city. The cast and musical program follow: CAST OF CHARACTERS Teddy O'Malley—“A True American’’ Mr. Frank Wemhoff Cictor Belmont, a soldier and a poet Mr. Ferd Litterer Benjamin Lovell, an English aristocrat Mr. Walter Johnson Joseph Spracklisg a precious Old Rogue Mr. O. P. Mills Blessed Brother Tommy, James the Butler . = Mr. Sam Shamp Elsie Lovell, an only daughter.... Miss Edna Huffman Kate Tyson, Lovell's ward Miss Frances Bryson Lucinda Dobbins, Lovell's Housekeeper Miss Minnie Orvis Musical NumbersMaster John Wemhoff, Pianist. 1. ''Won’t You Take a Little Walk With Me” Miss Bryson and Mr. Wemhoff 2. "An Indian Travesty” . .Mr. Clayson Carroll and Indians 3. “They All Look Alike to Mary.. Mr. Wemhoff (Continued on page 2.) FINEST IN STATE Krick, Tyndall & Co. Making Some Great Improvements NEW CORLISS ENGINE It Will Soon Be Placed in Position and Ready for Use The Krick Tyndall company, large tile and brick mill In the west part of the city, is at this time one of the busiest places in Decatur, as they are in the midst of much improvement, preparing themselves for the heavy run they always experience in the spring, summer and fall. For the past year the old engine at this plant has been causing them considerable trouble, and in order to avoid this feature in the future, they recently ordered a new Corliss engine that was delivered this week and which is now under way of being set up ready for use. The new engine is of the latest style and pattern and resembles very much the new engine recntly installed by the city at the water works plant. Besides this they are making vast improvements upon the interior of their mam moth buildings, that will give them more room in the progress of their manufacture of tile. This firm is one of the most progressive in Indiana and when the present improvements are completed will have one of the finest equipped plants in the state. o — From all reports the new band is making excellent progress under the tutorship of N. A. Loch and by spring Decatur will again be blessed with a real live, musical organization. The band is composed of sixteend pieces, which is nicely arranged for harmony and bids fair to make a band without any peer for one of their age. The organization is composed of merely boys and Mr. Loch has without question taken a large task upon his hands and is deserving of success.

Decatur, Indiana. Saturday Evening February, I NoB.

BY FANNIE M LOTHROP

■ a’- . ''W * ■' ■ •7 ' 7 ■' ,a. » ' ft' : ‘' ■<s« .. x-/’,, -■ g,. x • Photo by Bell, Washington, D. C. THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE.

JOSEPH G. CANNON, the popular, influential and fearless Speaker of Congress, belongs to the rugged type of American that Lincoln suggests; men of sterling character but with little, humanizing peculiarities showing where their individuality has not been sand-papered and veneered by the conventions of society. He would never be considered a Beau Brummell as regards dress; he is a man of strong likes and dislikes and speaks out without reserve; he uses the italics of mild profanity to emphasize his points in ways that the blue-book of etiquette does not warrant: but he is regarded with affection and esteem by all who know him. His unassailable integrity, his fearlessness, his frankness, his loyalty, his firmness in the right and his gentle, generous kindness of heart, mark the man and the gentleman. He was born at Gullford, N. C„ in 1836 of sturdy, plain Quaker stock. His family, finding the race question in the South inimical to the spirit of the “Friends,’’ moved to Indiana, where young Joe led the usual life of a pioneer, his education terminating at fourteen when his father died. He then guided the destinies of a country store till at nineteen with >SOO of savings be determined to be a lawyer. After being admitted to the bar he became one of the lawyers who In the unformed state of law in Illinois at that time made precedents rather than followed them. His keenness, rough wit, tireless energy and honesty in word and deed when he rode the circuit on horseback, again suggest Lincoln. In 1873, his ambition for a broader field of honor and usefulness was gratified by his election to Congress, and his record has been so satisfactory that he has been re-elected for every term since, except the brief interim of two years in 1892 and '93. But for this, Mr. Cauuuii would bo the oldest member in continuous service. Mr. Cannon is one of the most conspicuous men in Congress and his keen wit and clever illustrations often force a point more effectively than a long and elaborate argument. As Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations. he held a position second only to that of the Speaker, and the manner in which he exerted his Influence reflects the highest honor upon himself and his colleagues. He is acknowledged to be one of the wisest and most prudent legislators in Congress, as well as one of the most popular men. Copyright transferred to Wm. C. Mack, 1906.

WILL HAVE GAS SOON. A Well Must Be Repacked Before Turned On. Godfrey Christen was in receipt of a telephone message from Geneva today stating that the gas would be turned on today should he say so, but it would have to be turned off Monday so that one of the wells could be repacked. Mr. Christen told him not to turn same on until Monday, as Decatur would rather wait a few days than to have it turned off again Monday, so we are promised the long looked for fuel either Monday or Tuesday. SELECT DELEGATES Republicans Held Primary Elections Over County Last Night RESULT IN DECATUR The Delegates Meet at Muncie Next Tuesday to Choose National Delegates Elections were held by the republicans in each of the thirty-three precincts of the county last evening between the hours of six and seven o’clock to select delegates to attend a distict convention at Muncie on Tuesday, Febuary 4th for the purpose of selecting two delegates and two alternates for the Eighth district to attend the national convention at Chicago on June 16th. Each precinct in the county selected a delegate, each representing seven-thirty-thirds of a vote. Owing to the fact that was impossible to reach many by phone, County Chairman Frisinger was unable to secure a complete list of delegates as selected. In this city the result was as follows: A, first ward J. S. Peterson; B, first, James Smith; A. second, Charles Colter; B, second, Sam Butler. A, third. L. E. Watson; B, third, Charles Dunn. In North St. Marys, R. O. Ellston was the successful aspirant.

GAVE A MUSICALE Pupils of St. Marys Music Academy Showed Good Progress PARENTS ATTENDED Together With Few Friends —Will Give a Public Musicale Soon Each room of the St. Marys academy was filled to the utmost capacity last evening, when the musical program started promptly at six-thirty o'clock. There were piano selections of two hands, six hands, eight hands and twelve hands, the number of selections being twenty-one. Each member of the academy responded nicely, and as they did so, the parents were Invited to step into the music room for thus they had a better advantage to see the progress the pupils have made in the past five months. A large vase of pink and white carnations, with sprays of ren mingled, were placed on, the piano, which scented the entire 1 hall. The national colors were artistically draped in the various rooms from each corner to the center. The guests of the evening were only the parents and a few friends. Decatur ought to feci very proud of the rising young musicians, and as It was not a public affair, last evening, it is the hope of the Sisters of St. Agnes to give a public musicale at the opera house in the near future, so every one will have the privilege of hearing. The program of last evening was as announced in a recent Issue. Electrician Mylott experienced much trouble today in connecting electric wires that were blown down by the severe wind storm and he will no doubt be busy until late tonight on same. The street line on Grant street was blown down this morning and several mow were reported.

A MODERN WOODMAN EVENT. Special Representative of Head Camp to Be Here. What promises to be a prominent event in next week’s social doings is the entertainment to be given at the Modern Woodman hall next Wednesday night. Horace Huron, a specl-il representative of the head camp of M. W. of A. will be presenc and interest the audience with an entertainment executed by himself only. The program will consist of impersonations, banjo playing, followed by a lecture on Woodcraft. Mr. Huron has gained much prominence by his entertaining qualities and the Decatur camp can be well pleased that they have been able to secure him for the occasion. Admission will be free if you have been given a ticket. The local Modern Woodmen lodge is growing rapidly and a great future is predicted for same. POLICY IS CLEAR President is Still After the Law Violators Both Large and Small ANOTHER SCANDAL Rotten Audit System in the Government Printing Office Washington, February’ I.—ln a special message sent to congress the president makes it clear that his policy of enforcing the law against all violators, large and small, is to be continued. He deals with the critics of the administration in his usual bold manner, calls a spade a spade, and declares that the guilty will be punished if it is within the power of the administration so to do. He says that the attacks on the administration and its supporters are not justified, but are to be expected, and are made with a purpose. The federal government does scourge sin and it does bid sinners fear, says the president. Washington, February 1. —Representative Landis, chairman of the house committee on printing, has unearthed what appears to him to be a scandal of large proportions in the government printing office. He has discovered an "audit" system in the office which is costing the government >400.000 a year. This “audit system" it developes. is also acting as purchasing agent" for rhe printing office. Mr. Landis last evening called his committee together to consider the case, and said today that a thorough investigation would be made. Washington, February 1. —A poll of the members of the Indiana delegation in congress shows that every one of them is in favor of taking the duty off of white paper and off wood pulp, but each one expresses the opinion that nothing will be done on the subject at this session of congress. They ail believe that if the tariff is revised immediately after the presidential election print paper will go on the free list. ERIE LAYS OFF THIRTY-TWO. A Big Slash is Looked for on the Road Soon, The Huntington News-Democrat of last owning said: Today the Erie railroad laid off thirty-two men in the round house, while the balance of the shops wiii be closed until Monday, if orders to the contrary are not received in the meantime. In the back yards but eight men are at. work in that department, -where formerly there were hundreds. The eight men at work are putting in their time on rip track. A big slash can be looked for on the road, as it is understood that the company is going to pull off a number of the regular trains. o As a result of the minstrel show given by the Elks at Fort Wayne Thursday and Friday evenings the charity fund of that organization was swelled to the extent of several thousands of dollars. The show was a decided success throughout and the Fort Wayne lodge shoul feel justly proud of their achievement.

Price Two Cents

IS NOT GUILTY Harry K. Thaw Acquitted on the Grounds of Insanity A VERDICT TODAY Jury Was Out Twenty-Three Hours and Took Fourteen Ballots HARRY THAW SATISFIED The Jury Also Commits Thaw to the Mattewan Asylum for Insane New York, N. Y., February I.— (Special to Daily Democrat) —The jury in the famous Harry K. Thaw murder case returned a verdict at 10:25 this morning, finding him “not guilty on the grounds of insanity and recommending his commitment to the Maitewan asylum for the insane.” Judgment on the asylum commitment has not been rendered and will not be until Thaw's attorneys have been heard. The concensus of opinion is that the murderer of Stanford White will soon be free. The verdict was reached on the fourteenth ballot and after the jury had been out twentythree hours. Thaw expressed himself as well pleased with the result and hopes to soon be a free man. Attorney Littleton is being congratulated on every band and the scene tn the court rom when the verdict was returned was very dramatic. The verdict gives general satisfaction. ——- » TO INSPECT UNIFORM RANK. Order Issued for Ninth District Including this City. Kendallville, Ind., Jan. 31. —The net biennial encampment of the Pythian army will be held in the city of Boston in August of this year, and the different companies of the Ninth regiment of this state have been preparing to attend the big camp. The Fort Wayne company under the command of Capt. J. V. Wilson has given several entertainments and balls, while the Kendalville, Garrett and Butler companies have followed suit. The several staff officers of the regiment will soon pay these companies a visit, looking after their interests, and the regimental commander, J. Austin Jones, with headquarters at Kendalville, has issued the following orders In regard io the annual inspection: Headquarters Ninth Regiment Indiana Brigade, U. R. K P„ Kendallville, Ind.. Jan. 23. General Order No. 8. 1. In compliance with general order No. 2 from brigade headquarters the companies of the Ninth Indiana brigade, Uniform Rank K. P, will be inspected and the officers installed by the following officers: Col. J. Austin Jones, Noble company No, 20. Kendallville; Grant company No. 64, Waterloo. Lieut. Col. O. E. Russel, Summit company No. 12, Fort Wayne. Huntington company No. 16 and Decatur company No. 70. Lieut. Col. L. C. Hunt, DeKalk company No. 8, Ashley. Maj. L. C. Harding. Herr company No. 63, Butler. Capt. J. S. Patterson. Sheridan company No. 58, Garrett and Auburn company No. 108. Capt. W. P. Hart, Warren company No. 43. Bluffton company No. 78 and Portland company No. 92. 2. The officers detailed as above will at once, or as soon as practical, arrange a date with the companies assigned to them, and within thirty (Continued on page 4.)