Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 6, Number 37, Decatur, Adams County, 12 February 1908 — Page 1

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT.

Volume VI. Number 3y

MURDERESS FREE Mrs. Dora McDonald, Who Shot Her Clandestine Lover Acquitted STORY OF CRIME Shock Killed Woman’s Husband—Suit Over His Will Pending Chicago, Feb. 11—Mrs. Dora McDonald, who has been on trial here since January 20 on the charge of murdering Webster Guerin, was acquitted by a jury in the criminal court tonight. The verdict was reached after six and a half hours’ deliberation, the , jury having retired at 1 o’clock this afternoon. The defendant, who is the widow of Michael C. McDonald, fitmerly a political leader in Chicago, received the news without apparent emotion. Webster S. Guerin was shot and killed In his studio, in the Omaha building. La Salle and Van Buren streets, February 21, 1907. Mrs. McDonald was alone with him when the tragedy occurred and was immediately arrested and charged with the crime. Her husband and Leopold Freeman, president of the Champion chemical works, signed bail bonds for $50,000 after her indictment March 30, 1907. The shock of the tragedy proved disastrous to McDonald and he died August 9, 1907. after an illness of several weeks. His fortune was left to the accused woman and his two sons, one the child of a former marriage. Special provision was made in his will for Mrs. McDonald's defense, and the instrument was attacked in court, by his former wife, Mrs. Mary McDonald, from whom he had obtained a divorce. The suit is still pending. - - is possible that no street improvements will be made in Decatur at all this summer, this being due to the fact that following every improvement the city is required to issue bonds and the condition of the money market is in makes it practically impossible for the contractor to dispose of the same.' The members of the council are thinking very seriously over the proposition and may order all improvement in this line cut out for one year. TO THE HOSPITAL Otto Wemhoff, Popular Young Man Will Go this Evening FOR AN OPERATION Has Suffered Several Years from Tubercular Growth of the Spine Otto Wemhoff of this city expects to leave this evening for Fort Wayne where he will Immediately enter the St. Joseph hospital and prepare himself for an operation which is scheduled" to take place Thursday afternoon. For several years Mr. Wemhoff has had trouble with his back, and according to the local physicians the disease more or less bothered them and they could afford him no relief. Monday morning, in company with his mother, Mrs. Mary Wemhoff and Dr. H. F. Costello, he went to Fort Wayne and a consultation was held with Dr. Maurice Rosenthal, who diagnosed the case as a tubercular growth | of the spine and at once recommended that an operation bo performed to which Mr. Wemhoff readily consented and Thursday afternoon was the time set for the same. The growth which I has resembled a small ball, broke on last Friday, and since that time the same has been a running sore. Dr. | Rosenthal is confident that an operaI tion will cure the disease and stated that although a delicate operation, he was of the opinion that there was ! nothing to fear. Mr. Wemhoff's many friends hope that the operation will b% success and" that a speedy recovery will be the result.

THEIR ACTION IS FINAL. A Great Responsibility Rests on Township Advisory Boards. Judge Dodge, of the Elkhart circuit court, holds that when the advisory board of a township passes on the report of a township trustee, their action is final, and that the courts bannot go back of the approval of the work of the trustees by said board. Judge Dodge so held in the case against G. S. Cobb, in Elkhart county, in which the township sought to recover a large sum of money which, it was alleged. Cobb had stolen or misappropriated. For the past year, however, the advisory board had not met and passed upon Cobb’s records and papers, and judgment in favor of the township in the sum of $1,150 was secured against Cobb and his bondsmen. REGULaIT SESSION Seventh Street Bonds Ordered Issued to Julius Haugk NOT MUCH BUSINESS City Paid Her Assessment of the Elm Street Sewer The council met last evening at the council room in regular session. Mayor Coffee presiding, and every councilman being present. Th e object of the meeting was to adopt a resolution ordering the city clerk to issue bonds to Julius Haugk for the construction of Seventh street. The resolution was read for the benefit of the council and before adopting the same it was decided to leave the names of Levi and Rachel Baker, Decatur Filler Co. and J. W. Vail from the list of those who had signed waivers, it having been clearly shown that these parties signed the same two days late and on account of their own negligence, will be compelled to pay their respective assessments in cash. The law grants any property owner thirty days’ time to sign a waiver after the assessment roll has been certified to the treasurer for collection, and the above named property owners slept on their rights. The resolution provides that ten equal bonds be issued to the contractor covering the amount of $2 946 38 and that the property owners who signed the waiver may thus pay their asssessments on the ten year plan. The resolution was adopted and was duly signed by the mayor and the clerk. The total cost of the construction of Seventh street amounted to $9,231.52 and out of this amount $6,185.14 wag paid in cash, therefore leaving the amount of $2,946.38 to ><■ issued in bonds. These bonds will be filled out today and delivered to Mr. Haugk upon his immediate arrival home from Germany, which will be Friday. The bill of John S. Bowers, amounting to $621.18 this representing the final amount the city is to pay for the construction of the Elm street sewer according to a compromise effected by a former council was allowed and the clerk was instructed to issue his voucher for the same. In so far as the city is now concerned her liability in the Elm street sewer now ceases and the matter is closed. There being no further business the council adjourned. 0 — GAS CASE WAS POSTPONED. No Decision Will Be Given Before the March Term. There will be no gas here for several weeks, from the outlook at present as the gas injunction suit at Portland will not be decided until the March term of court, which will not convene for three weeks. It begins to look as though the Portland citizens would continue to enjoy the gas, at least during the cold weather and in the meantime we must do without it. The Logansport and Wabash Valley company are doing all in their power to secure an early settlement of the cause and will turn on the gas just as soon as possible. .— o —l—- — local bowlers are practicing daily for their trip to Cincinnati Friday, and fully expect to come home with a piece of the money. Here’s wishing the boys all manner of success.

COURT HOUSE NEWS Remonstrators to Miller Ditch Had Hearing Before C. J. Lutz AS SPECIAL JUDGE A Claim Case and Suit on Note Set for Trial—A Marriage License Anna Volmer vs. Henry Volmer, person of unsound mind, suit to sell real estate, default of defendant; Shaffer Peterson appointed guardian ad litum for defendant and filed answer. John D. Steele vs. Joseph W. Smith extr, claim $1,958.14, set for trial Friday, Feb. 21. Henry C. Davis vs. Fred W. Fuelling, note SIOO, reply filed to answer, cause set for trial Friday April 3rd. E e Springer vs. John M. Springer. suit to compel defendant to show why he has not paid monthly allowance as ordered by court; answer filed to petition, the defendant claiming that Mrs. Springer is out of the jurisdiction of the court. Eleven property owners filed remonstrances to the petition of Mathias Miller et al. petition for drain and they were heard today before Special Judge C. J. Lutz, Judge Merryman being disqualified because one of the remonstrators is a relative. James M. Rose, guardian for Lilly ,P. Boze et al, filed his inventory which .was approved by the court. Peter J. Bryan, guardian for Ola D. Bryan et al filed his final report and was discharged. A marriage license was issued t<) August Lengerich, aged twenty-seven, and Ellen Rumschlag, aged twentyone. o — ■ Owing to the recent thaw the river has raised several feet higher and as a consequence has put the ice on the bum and those relying upon their summer's supply from this source, will be compelled to await another freeze. A PRETTY WEDDING Miss Ellen Rumschlag becomes Bride of Mr. August Lengerich A DINNER SERVED After the Ceremony—Reception and Dance Planned for this Evening With the beautiful strains of the wedding march played by Sister Alosia, a happy couple and their many friends entered the St. Marys church this morning at nine o’clock, and soon afterward Miss Ellen, the Channing daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Rumschlag. of south of the city, became the bride of Mr. August Lengerich, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Lengerich. The ring ceremony was used, and the ceremony was performed by Rev. Theo. Wilkens. The bride wore an elegant gown of cream, and white roses with maiden hair fern, were the flowers she carried. Her only attendant was her sister. Miss Anna Rumschlag. who was daintilygowned in white, she carrying carnations. Joe Lengerich, the brother of the groom was his attendant during the services. Immediately following the ceremony a mass was read and then with the many congratulations which were tendered them, they departed for the bride’s home, where a sumptuous dinner was served to a company of relatives of the contracting parties. This evening a reception, dance and supper will be given for them at the Knights of Columbus hall, to three hundred guests. The Democrat extend congratulations to this happy couple.

Decatur, Indiana, Wednesday Evening February. 12 1908.

ISAAC MAY IS VERY SICK. Suffering from Appendicitis—May Be Operated On. Isaac May, aged fifty-eight years, who for some time past has been in the employ of Attorney Clark J. Lutz at Brookside farm, is confined to his bed in a very serious condition suffering from Appendicitis. Mr. May had been ailing for some time, but would not give up until last evening. Dr. D. D. Clark was summoned immediately and relieved his patient as far as possible, and today he was resting a little easier. Dr. Clark advised an stating that this was the quickest cure and Mr. May will no doubt be taken to the county farm this evening, where he will be operated upon. Mr. May is a hearty man for his age and this is much in his favor. THECURRENCYBILL It is Having Rough Sledding Among the Legislators BACK FROM SOUTH The Florida Incident is a Warning to the Meek and Lowly Washington. February 12. —Not the most ardent lover of chaos could desire a more ideal situation than exists at the capital over the currency question. “It is a case of the Aldrich bill or nothing,” is heard among the Republican leaders on every side, and there has been more talk this week than ever before that it will be nothing. It will not do, however, to be too sure that the Republican party will permit the session to close without action, notwithstanding the impression that if a vote on the Aldrich bill were taken in the house today it would be defeated. The action of the Democrats in the house who drafted a currency bill of their own, not altogether on the lines of the Democratic senators’ amendments to the Aldrich bill, adds another element of confusion to the currency situation, although it may work out in the long run in making easier the task of the Republican whips in getting their party together in support of the Aldrich bill. Washington, February 12.—Representative Butler Ames, of Massachusetts, is back from the south and makes no denial of the current stories that he planned and executed in Florida the coup which resulted in splitting the Republican state convention there and in the naming of two delegations, instead of one, to the Republican national convention. Whether or not Senator Crane is the “field marshal” of the anti-Taft forces, it can be stated on the authority of the congressman himself, that Mr. Crane had nothing to do with the Florida mixup. For this Ames alone was responsible; and from all the evidence at hand it would appear that he performed the task partly as an object lesson to prove what might be done in other southern states should any one with like energy and nerve go Into them. Washington, February 12--If the senate gives its consent, France and the United States will join hands across the sea in an alliance of peace and good will to all nations of the earth. The treaty binding the nations to settle all disputes through arbitration was signed by Ambassador Jusserand and Secretary Root. o— NORTHERN INDIANA LEAGUE. New Base Ball Association Totters and May Fall. 9 Frank Runyan went to Marion this afternoon to confer with Harry Hall on the sudden disastrous turn of of a airs in the fortunes of the Northern Indiana base ball league. With Huntington ready and willing to enter and the coming in of Bluffton, Kokomo, Muncie and Frankfort seemingly assured. the decision of the Marion authorities that there will be no Sunday base ball in that city this season, came as a killer to all the carefully laid plans of the promoters of the organization. —Bluffton Banner.

CLUB MEETINGS Shakespeare and Historical Societies in Regular Sessions ANOTHER WEDDING Medical Society Will Meet Friday Evening—Other Society Events “Labor, Plus Printer’s Ink, is the Producing Power,” was the motto of the Shakespeare club meeting held at the home of Mrs. J. C. Patterson, this afternon, at her home on Second street. The study of Canada was concluded at the meeting. Mrs. Patterson having the chief paper on “Modern Canada,” which was diveded into four divisions, which were: Government; Religion; Education and Industries. Considering the weather the attendance was excellent. The next meeting will be with Mrs. John Tyndall. “Hyrcanus” was the subject of the chief paper which was read by Mrs. Marie Holloway last evening at the meeting of the Historical club, at the home of Mrs. W. A. Lower of Third street. The divisions of the topic were: a, The Siege of Jerusalem by Antiochus; b, Treaty with the Besiegers: c. Renews the Treaty with the Romans; d. The Taking of Samaria; e. Joins the Pharisees. Last evening's meeting was very interesting, and they are gaining more at each meeting. Mrs.. Peterson entertained the members after the lesson. The next meeting will be with Mrs. O. L. Vance. x The Adams County Medical society will meet at the office of Dr. W. E. Smith of Second street, on Friday evening at 7:30 o’clock, and Dr. Smith will have the paper on Physiology. All doctors take notice. The C. W. B. M. society and Ladies' Aid society of the Christian church will meet with Mrs. Artman on Thursday afternoon. All ladies come. Another wedding which took place occurred this morning when Miss Laura Sorg was united in marriage with George Harber at Hessacastle at nine-thirty o'clock, Rev. Max Benzin(Continued on page 3.) STAR HASFLOWN Affidavit Against Dent Spencer the Actor, Causes His Departure FOR THE FAR WEST Mrs. Dan Straub Filed Papers Which Caused Flight —Other Claims Dent W. Spencer, the much heralded dramatist, under whose leadership the “Bank Cashier” show was staged in this city before a crowded house Monday night, has gathered his duds and left for, well we actually do not know where, as he was owing a few board bills in this city and consequently did not divulge what seaport he was /bound for. The young man for some time boarded with Mrs. Dan Straub. He contended that he would pay his indebtedness to her after the first show was pulled off. Notwithstanding the fact that the performance was greeted by a packed house from whi«h the various members of the cast made a neat sum. Spencer failed to recompense his landlady, hence an affidavit was filed for his arrest. Spencer got wise to the action of Mrs. Straub and after the performance at Ohio City last night he boarded a west bound Clover Leaf freight train for the jungles. Whether he contemplated pursuing theaterical life In the western regions or not we are unable to state. Dan Bailey, proprietor of the People’s restaurant, would be pleased to cast his lamps on the young man also, for Mr. Bailey is also holding the sack for a board bill.

DR. E. COVERDALE TO RETURN Will Resume Practice Here With His Father March Ist. Dr. Eajl Coverdale, who has been serving as an assistant physician in one of the largest hospitals of Chicago, will return here March Ist and resume the practice of medicine with his f ather. During the past several years Dr. Coverdale has given especial attention to ear, eye, throat and nose diseases and is acknowledged as one of the best young specialists in the country. The fact that he will return to Decatur will be good news to many who realize his ability. The firm name will be J. S. Coverdale & Son. Soon after the first of the month Dr. J. S. Coverdale will leave on an extended trip through the south to attend to business interests and recuperate in health. THEGRIM REAPER Calls Abraham Barkley, of Monroeville, to His Final Reward HAS RELATIVES HERE Father of Mrs. U. S. Cress and Brother of Levi Barkley—Died Yesterday After years of intense suffering from a complication of kidney and other ailments peculiar to old age, Abraham Barkley, of Monroeville, brother of Levi Barkley and father of Mrs. U. S. Cress, of this city, died yesterday afternoon at 4:20 o'clock. The aged man has been struggling between life and death for some time and the news of his demise, while not a surprise, has caused much sorrow among his many friends and relatives. Mr. Barkley, until about twelve years ago, was a resident of Union township. He was beloved by all who knew him, and his many acts of kindness will ong be remembered by his large acquaintance. Leaving Union township he moved to Monroeville, where the closing chapter of his long life was spent. Since living in Monroeville, however, he has been unable to live an active life, but has peacefully awaited" the coming of the death angel. He had lived to reach the ripe old age of seventy-five and senility played an importance part in the cause of his death. Three daughters, Mesdames U. S. Cress, of this city, Joseph Miller, of Union township, and Mrs. Peckham, of Michigan and his son. Joseph Barkley, beside a multitude of other relatives and friends survive to mourn the departure of this most estimable man. The funeral services will be held Friday morning at ten o’clock. o BALL PLAYERS MADE A HIT. Girls Write After Many Months of Silence. On the way to Decatur with the ball team one day last summer, Gus Vogle and Pirl Laßue, of the Bluffton team, proved themselves “lady killers” and scraped up an acquaintance with two handsome young ladies from Boyertown. Pa., who appeared to be of unlimited means and said they were touring the west for pleasure. Anyone who knows either of the two ball tossers, will not be surprised to have it stated that before the few miles to Decatur had passed they had the girls’ names and the four were considering themselves old friends. Not. until today were the girls heard from. Vogel received a card this morning from one of the girls, Miss Amry Cauler, of Boyerstown, stating that she and her friends had been in the theater horror at that place two weeks ago, and both had escaped without a scratch. She says the little town is now draped in black and that the greatest sorrow prevails. —Bluffton 'Banner. • o COMMITTEE MEETING. Notice is hereby given that the Democratic County Central Committee will meet in Decatur on Thursday March 5, 1908, for the transaction of such business as may come before them. On this same day delegates to the state and perhaps other conven- ! tions will be selected. T. M. GALLOGY, Chairman.

Price Two Cents

BY HIS COMRADES L. W Lewton’s Remains Were Tenderly Laid to Final Rest FUNERAL SERVICES Rev. Ralph Jones, an Old Time Friend of Deceased Delivered Sermon The funeral services of the late L. W. Lewton, who died last Saturday night was held from the M. E. church jat 2:30 o'clock. The spacious auditorium and lecture room of the church were taxed to their capacity with friends and neighbors of the deceased, who were present to pay their tribute to the departed brother. Dr. C. B. Wilcox opened the service by a prayer, after which the life story of Mr. Lewton was told, revealing his many good deeds and his unquestionable character. The choir rendered an appropriate hymn, which was followed by an excellent discourse by Rev. Ralph Jones, who when in the infancy of his ministry, served as pastor of the Alpha church in the Hoagland circuit. Rev. Jones, while in this capacity, became a most intimate friend of the deceased and although it has been about eight years since Rev. Jones resided in this vicinity, Mr. Lewton had never forgotten him. but had repeatedly spoken of the young minister with whom he had been so closely affiliated. Rev. Jones pursued a line of thought in his talk that touched every heart and the appeal to his hearers for them to live a righteous life so that they may meet the deceased in the great beyond seemed to absorb the mind of every person. A prayer, an appeal to Almighty God for his richest blessings to be bestowed upon the bereaved ones and thq people in general closed the most impressive ceremony. The deceased was a member of Company K. 89th regiment and was acomrade to the Messrs. A. J. Teeple, George Teepie, Fred Reppert Sr., Henry Wafel, Dan Huffman, Charles Ehrman, Chas. Conrad. Henry France, W. A. Wetter, Christian Baker and Joseph Shackley. The members of the G. A. R attended the funeral in a body. The pall bearers were Messrs. Jonas Cline, Andrew Teple, Titus Ernst, S. B. For(Continued oh page 2.) o SAW REAL SERVICE William Bucher Home from Three Years of Army Life A MOUNTAIN BATTLE American Soldiers Had Unique Scrap With Philippine Fighters William Bucher, son of Mr. and Mrs. Christ Bucher, of near this city, who about three years ago enlisted in the U. S. army, and went to the Philippines for three years' service, returned to this city yesterday afternoo. While in the islands, Mr. Bucher was a member of the artillery and he saw much of the different islands. He was there when the Mount Dao fight, the last, outbreak of the natives was experienced and he states that, the Philippines were easily wiped out of existence by the American soldiers. A large number of the natives went upon an inactive volcano and defied the Americans to capture them. This was easily done after the Amer icans mounted surrounding mountains and opened fire on them. Mr. Bucher states that he thoroughly enjoyed his stay in the islands. He left Manila December 14. 1907, and arrived at San Francisco January 17, this year. He came on the transport Buford. •— • Last Friday evening during the literary exercises at Monmouth at the school house, several of our Decatur boys attended and gave an exhibition of how not to act, and if this is continued" next Friday, there will be some arrests made immediately.