Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 6, Number 41, Decatur, Adams County, 17 February 1908 — Page 1

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT.

Volume VI. Number 4I

SUNDAY TRAGEDY Ernst Gallmeyer, of Near Freidheim, Hung Himself in Buggy Shed MIND WAS DERANGED Condition of Brain Disclosed by a Post Mortem Examination Ernst Gallmeyer, one of the best known citizens of Adams county, committed suicide Sunday morning about nine o’clock at tils country home near Freidheim on the county line by hanging. For some time past Mr. Gallmeyer had been brooding over some matters which he would not disclose to his family, and six months ago informed his wife that he was suffering from an awful burning sensation in his head and that if it did not cease soon he would take nis own life. His wife argued with him as to what the result would be if he did. and in reply he stated that this was the only thing that he feared. Nothing more was thought about the affair by his wife until three days ago. when he again fell into a fit of brodlng and his wife watered him very closely. Sunday morning he arose from bed in unusually good spirits and went to the stables where he performed his usual morning's work and about eight-thirty o'clock came to the home and asked his wife if she was going to church. She said she was and that she expected to take their two daughters. He then stated “well, I will hitch up the single buggy and you and the girls can ride over and I will walk, owing to the rough condition of the roads.” To this his wife objected and he said "al Iright” and left the house for the stables. He opened the buggy shed doors ran out the buggy and was then seen to go into the stable. His wife, in the meantime had carried out his Sunday clothes and brushed the same and prepared herself and children for church. They then waited a few moments for Mr. Gallmeyer to appear, and as he did not appear his wife sent her little daughter Amanda to the bam to see what was causing the delay. The little girl stepped into the stable and saw the horse harnessed, but could not find her father, and returned to the house and so informed her mother. Mrs. Gallmeyer then said “Did you look in the buggy shed?” and she stated that she did not and Mrs. Gallmeyer sent her out again, this time the little daughter went direct to the buggy shed, and upon entering the doors was horrified to see her father’s body swinging gently two and fro at the end of a small rope. She ran screaming into the house and informed her mother and elder sister and together they proceeded to the barn and endeavored to take the body dow-n. !The news spread quickly over the neighborhood, and in a short time assistance arrived and Coroner Grandstaff was summoned from Preble and the body was taken down and removed to the house. Dr. Mercer, of Poe, was also summoned and the two doctors Sunday afternoon, held a post mortem, finding that the deceased was suffering from blood clots on the brain and that the same was otherwise diseased and they rendered a verdict that he was unquestionably demented when he committed the freed. Mr. Gallmeyer had undoubtedly studied out the entire proceedings be'ore committing the deed, as he had aken a ladder and climbed up to a team, where he douoled a small rope ised to tie up corn shocks with and ied it firmly to the beam, then came lown the ladder to the fourth round, ied the rope around his neck so that he knot rested just under his chin nd jumped off. breaking his neck, nd death resulting instantly. From 11 apearances the body must have ung’from the beam for twenty mintes and when discovered life was ktinct, although some portions of the Body were still warm. The deceased' Hfras one of the prosperous farmers Bk that section of the county, owing B large farm and was always conBdered a tireless worker. He was Bosely associated with the Freidheim ■lurch and on this particular day was ■ have been installed as treasurer of Be church, to which office he had elected a short time ago. This B>doubtedly was preying upon his ■fed, as he had time and again inBftned his family that he was not able hB CH this position. The deceased was

fifty years of age and wag beloved by ail who knew him, he being of a kind disposition and always ready to assist those in need and his many kind acts and deeds of charity will b e sadlymissed by those who came in closest touch with him. The funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at one o'clock at the Freidheim church Rev. Preuss officiating, and interment will be made in the family plot at the Freidheim cemetery. He leaves a wife and two daughters to mourn their loss. o—- — Vaughn and Dyke Frisinger according to the newspaper reports, bowled a pretty fair two men team score, but at that were too low to get inside the money. The boys rolled 983 pins, and had this consolation that there were hundreds of others below them. From what we can learn from several members of the team, it was a clear case of stage fright that the boys suffered and as a consequence were unable to bowl up to their standard. They will no doubt do better next time. oHAD A BUSY DAY Bryan at Indianapolis Sunday and Today SPOKE TO Y. M. C. A. A Great Reception Tendered the Great Commoner Indianapolis, Ind., Feb. 17—William Jennings Bryan spoke to more than 4,000 men here Sunday afternoon. His subject was “The Prince of Peace,” and the occasion of his presence was the annual extra large meeting of the series of “big meet ings” held each Sunday afternoon through the winter months by the Indianapolis Young Men’s Christian association. For more than an hour and one-half Mr. Bryan held the attention of his hearers —4,529 by actual count—as he delivered a masterly address, one wholly apart from his usual theme, politics, and one wholly along religious lines.. Early last evening Mr. Bryan made a short talk before the members of the Boys’ club, and later in the evening addressed a union meeting of the members of the congregations of the Meridian Street and Central Avenue Methodist churches. Never since the Indianapolis Y. M. C. A. has been holding “big meetings” has a speaker upon any of the occasions received such an ovation as did Mr. Bryan yesterday, and seldom has been Mr. Bryan, according to Mr. Bryan’s own statements, in his tours as a presidential candidate, met with more enthusiastic receptions. Mr. Bryan will remain here over Monday and will have a busy day. He intends to talk to high school students at 11:30 a. m„ will be the guest of honor at a democratic reception at 3 p. m., will address a mass meeting at 7 p. m. and will attend a banquet at 9 p. m. given by the Indiana Democratic club.

FORMED PARTNERSHIP. R. C. Drummond is Partner in Insurance Firm. R. C. Drummond, formerly of this city, who for several months has been ,engaged in the insurance business at .Hammond, is in the city the guest of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Drummond. Mr. Drummond with Mr. Harvey, of Hammond', recently formed a partnership and have taken charge of the work of The People’s Life Insurance company, of Frankfort, in northern Indiana, and they are progressing nicely. The company they represent is recommended to be a very good and substantial one o ' Charles Adlesperber left Saturday for Texas and' Oklahoma, where he goes in the interest of a big paint house of Cleveland, Ohio. This is new territory for this company and they have considered that Mr. Adlesperger is just the man to work up the business for them. He will be compelled to remain in that country until next June and from all appearances it would seem that Charles had a big task before him. He goes with the best of wishes from his Decatur friends.

IMPORTANT MEET Fourth Meeting of M. E. Quarterly Conference to be Held Tonight JUDGE MERRYMAN Will Deliver Paper on “Personal Evangelism”—-Other Notes of Interest Tonight in the lecture room of the M. E. church the fourth and most important meeting of the quarterly conference will be heid. Th e session will be most interesting, especially to the members of the church, as is indicated by program that will be observed'. What is considered to be a very important part of the meeting will be the paper on “Personal Evangelism” that has been prepared and will be read by Judge J. T Merryman. The usual routine of closing up all the business for the conference year, including the reading of reports from all departments of the church will be done. Not only members of the •). done. All who are interested in the welfare of the church are invited to attend.

Dr. C. U. Wade, presiding elder of this district, delivered a powerful sermon last night to a large audience. Dr. C. B. Wilcox will delivere the third and last of his series of lectures on the “Chosen People” next Sunday night, his subject being the Golden Age. One week from next Sunday night the M. E. choir will give a sacred concert during the evening. No preaching services will be had on this evening, but all the time will be devoted to music. The choir has a large number of new sacred' anthems that promise to be pleasing. The first step was takeh yesterday morning to arrange for the meeting of the district conference to be held here during the days and evenings of the second, third and fourth of next March. o — AT COUNTY JAIL The Presbyterian Christian Endeavor Society Held Services ON SUNDAY EVENING Songs. Prayers and Short Talks Were Enjoyed by Prisoners The most useful Christians are those who feel responsibility for the Christianity of other people. This was the thought of the members of the Christian Endeavor society of the Presbyterian church when they held a short service at the county jail in this city Sunday evening. The meeting of the C E. society commenced promptly at six o’clock, with an opening song and prayer, after which Will Shelton favored the society with an instrumental piano solo, followed with several messages on the lesson. The subject of the evening was “For Prisoners and the Poor.” Matth. 25:31-46, which was read by the leader, Mrs. Ed Lyons. One of the main numbers of the evening was when the Sabbath school class of boys taught by Mrs. Lyons repeated from memory John 3:11, which pleased all present. During the meeting the president, Hugh Perkins, held a short business session, in which the society decided to give a reception at the church parlors for the new pastor and family. The first evening of their arrival. The date has not been decided definitely. The society will hold a business and social meeting at the home of Miss Perle Burdg, on the last Saturday of this month. All members are invited to attend. The entire society then went to the county jail and held a fifteen minute service for the prisoners, numbering five. Rev. J. C. (Continued on pa<e I )

Decatur, Indiana, Monday Evening February, ly Iboß.

ELKS’ BIG STATE MEETING. Will Be Held at Indianapolis Early in June. The Indiana State Association of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will meet in Indianapolis June 2 and 3. The association proposes to hold one of the most elaborate reunions ever attempted by a state association. Indianapolis Lodge No. 13, will keep open house and several of the other clubs in the city will follow its example. A special railroad rate will be obtained from all steam and traction roads leading to Indianapolis. Prizes will be offered for the lodge having the greatest number in line in the parade, which is set for the afternoon of June 3. The executive committee consists of Mayor Bookwatler as chairman, William A. Holt, Harry Wallace, George W. June, Charles C. Kuhn, Gutave Keyes, Harry Marburger, Charles P. Balz, William Holtz, Samuel C. Rosenberg, George R. Colter, R. E. Darnaby and Arthur Leopold.

THEY ARE HOPEFUL Democrats Think They Are Four Time Winners this Year A REAL FIGHT Bryan Assures Indiana Congressmen that Outlook is Bright Washington, Feb. 17—The eyes of Democratic politicians are now on Denver. With the national convention of the Democrats less than five months off arrangements for this important event are beginning to take definite shape. It is very noticeable in Washington, where the political heart of the nation is supposed to be located, that the Democratic party is more animated, more hopeful and in finer fettle than it has been for a good many years past. The Democratic leaders are showing more spirit, more aggressiveess and a greater determination to wage a real fight, as contrasted with the perfunctory, opera bouffe campaigns conducted by the Democrats in 1904 and 1900. There seems to be a general opinion among the prominent men of the party that Democracy at last has a look in, if it can succeed in taking advantage of its opportunities. That William J. Bryan is sincerely of the belief that he stands a good show of election is not doubted in the least by members of the house and senate with whom he has been in frequent conference during the winter. He is the very incarnation of hopefulness. In private conversation with his friends he points to a beautiful, rosy picture of the outlook. He tells of the optimistic letters he has been receiving from every state anu of the cheer they have brought to him. He assures the Indiana Democratic congressmen that he is very sanguine of results in November.

THE GAS QUESTION Judge LaFollette Grants a Temporary Injunction and Gains Time CAUSE WAS APPEALED The Judge Was Here Today and Even Had the Nerve to “josh” Us Judge J. F. LaFollette, of Portland, was here today and a representative of the Daily Democrat accepted the opportunity for an interview regarding the exact condition of affairs regarding the injunction suit, which prevents the Logansport and Wabash Valley Gas company from turning on the gas in this city and several facts were learned. The case in question was filed by the Fulton Gas company against the Warren company, of Pennsylvania, asking for an injunction (Continued on page 2 )

CROMER CONTROLS Delaware County Solid for Him for Congress NO OPPOSITION His Friends Believe if Nominated He Can be Elected The eyes of the Eighth district will be on Delaware county tomorrow, for the reason that Muncie and her environs will select their delegates to the Republican convention at Anderson on March 26, when a nominee for represetative to congress will be named. Men known to be warm ad mirers of former Congressman George W. Cromer will be chosen, unless the unforseen happens, in each and every one of the thirty precincts. There is now no opposition anywhere along the line; hence it is practically assured that the Muncie man will have a solid delegation behind him at home in the event he decides to enter the race. The big question among politicians in the district is whether or not Cromer will be a candidate. As yet he has given out no expression from which the slightest intimation of his intentions may be ascertained. The only intimation of his plans must be construed from the fact that he has taken an aggressive part in all moves made thus far in the district and has been in control in every district gathering held, even swaying all the various county organizations, except possibly in Randolph county, where no attempt at factional supremacy was made. It is becoming more obvious, as the convention date approaches, that the former congressman will be in a position to be nominated if he says the word. There are wellfounded reports that he is strongly moved to take the nomination, his friends declaring that he has overcome severe prejudice against him that existed in the past, and that h& believes, once on the ticket, he would be returned to his old seat in the national legislative halls by a big margin.

MARVELOUSESCAPE Frank Peltier, Clover Leaf Conductor, Fell Into Wabash River BUT WAS RESCUED Taken from Perilous Position Half Dead—in Water Half an Hour Bluffton. Ind., Feb. 17.—A marvelous escape from drowning was the experience Saturday of Clover Leaf Conductor Frank Peltier, of Delphos, in charge of a westbound through freight. As th e train crossed the bridge across the Wabash river at the north edge of this city, Peltier hurriedly left the caboose and started to descend the steps. Just at that moment the engineer suddenly applied the air brakes to bring the train to a stop for the junction of the Clover Leaf and L. E. & W., and the shock caused Peltier to slip and lose his footing, and' he plunged headlong into the raging w-aters of the river, now at flood height, on account of the recent rains. The water is at least 25 feet deep at that point, and the river is spread out for a quarter of a mile, completely Inundating the Studabaker grove. One element of luck in Peltier s accident is all that, saved his life. Luckily he fell directly in line with one of the large stone abutments of the bridge, and as the waler swept him against this he w r as able to cling to the rocks until rescuers reached him. Adolph Witzeman, living two blocks south of the bridge was watching the train as it pulled across the bridge, and he saw Peltier’s lighted lantern disappear into the river, and guessed the truth. He hurried to the scene and arrived' to find that the rear

brakeman had also discovered the conductor’s plight and had already shoved a long board secured from the caboose down to a point where Peltier could get hold of it and climb partially onto the top of the rock while ropes were secured. A clothes line from a nearby residence was first secured and lowered to Peltier, and this helped support him until heavy ropes were secured from a well-drilling outfit. With the aid of these heavy ropes, Peltier was pulled upon the bridge and hurried into the caboose, and thence to the Clover Leaf depot a mile away. Ke had been in the water about half an hour and was almost frozen, and several times cried out to the rescuers that he would have to let go, but their words of encouragement until the •opes were secured, along with tin- assistance from the rope, enabled him to hold out. After he was thoroughly dried at the depot and secured dry clo’hing. Peltier declared that he felt none the werse for his experience, and he completed his run to Frankfort. WAS EIGHTY-FOUR The Birthday Annivesary of Grandpa Jesse Butler Celebrated A HAPPY EVENT Relatives Gathered Sunday to Make Merry the Gala Occasion Grandfather Jesse Butler. Sr., eighty fourth birthday anniversary was celebrated at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Mary Elzey, on Eighth street Sunday with a twelve o’clock dinner. Mr. Butler was born February 16, 1824 in Wayne county, Richmond, Ind. In 1836 he hauled stone and helped build bridges on the old national road; 1838-’46 he drove a six horse wagon on the old freight road from Richmond to Cincinnati. He married a young lady from Butler county in 1847, and moved to Whitley county, where he lived for eight years. In 1850 Mr Butler took up a government claim in Page county, lowa, and from there he moved in 1861 to Adams county. Indiana, on a farm in Root township, where he has lived until a few years ago, when he came to Decatur, and made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Elzey. Mr. Butler has 41 grandchildren and 15 greatgrandchildren, and hopes to live many years longer. The guests who were present at the celebration of his birthday anniversary Sunday were: Mr. and Mrs. Albert Butler and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Butler and family, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Butler and family, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Butler and family, Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Butler and family, Mr. and Mrs. M. J. Butler and family, Mrs. John Butler and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Krick, Mr. and Mrs. Dallas Butler, Mr. and Mrs. Harve Butler, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Heller, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Stanley, of Richmond, Ind.; Mr. and Mrs. Perry Elzey and family, Mrs. Mary Elzey and family. -.......— “THE YANKEE DOODLE BOY.” The day has passed when theater patrons will pay to have their intelligence insulted by productions of melodramas with impossible sensational scenes and they are as equally tired of the frivolous so-called “musical comedies,” which are nothing but burlesque entertainments under another name. Bud Hicks, “The Yankee Doodle Boy,” tells a pure, consistent story of American life, sweetly pathetic in spots—in others, strongly dramatic, but the main element is comedy—and good honest comedy it is —the kind that you are not ashamed to laugh at. The play is one of the big successes of the season, and Messrs. Powell & Cohan, its sponsors, have been obliged to promise return dates in several cities to satisfy the popular demand. The company has received glowing press notices for clever work —both vocal and dramatic. The book and lyrics are by Halton Powell and the music for the ten big song hits by Carlo Portellc. “The Yankee Doodle Boy” will be the attraction at the Bosse opera house night of Wednesday, Feb. 19. Seats on sale Holthouse Drug Co. Prices 25c, 35c 50c.

Price Two Cents

WILL PROSECUTE The Government Going After Southern Pacific Railroad WANT TAX REMOVED Kentucky Members Want to Rid the State of Night Riders Washington, D. C., February 17.— Presecutions are to be instituted by the government against the Southern Pacific company and against certain officials of that railway organization on allegations that they paid rebates to shippers. Informtion which is to be a basis for these presecutions was obtained by Franklin K. Lane, of the interstate commerce commission, last autumn in the course of an extensive inquiry made by him into the affairs of the Southern Pacific. By direction of the commission Mr. Lane visited the Pacific coast, anu for several weeks comiucted his inquiries into the alleged charges of rebating which had reached the commission. Washington, Feb. 17. —On the plea that the public interest demands that night riding and attendant crimes shall cease the delegations from Kentucky and other tobacco-growing states are organizing a fiilibuster to force action on the bill to remove the internal revenue tax of 6 cents a pound on leaf tobacco. This tax. it is claimed, is the source of the immense power which enables the Tobacco Trust to trample under foot the independent tobacco growers. It is said to be the direct cause of the night riding in the Kentucky tobacco regions, which already has resulted in the burning of many barns and the perpetration of many outrages. Washington. Feb. 17. —President Roosevelt has decided to admit members of the organized militia to competition for appointments to the grade of second lieutenants in the army. Candidates for the examination must be unmarried, must not be less than twenty-two or more tjian twentyseven years of age and must have been a member of the militia of the state from which he was designated continuously for not less than two years prior to being named for examination. Q HE WAS ON A SPREE. Tom Cloud Sought Admission to the Cou n ty Jail. Tom Cloud, fireman at the Murray hotel, and a familiarly known man about the city, made a desperate attempt to break into the county jail yesterday afternoon. The story is a sad one. Cloud had succeeded In getting on the outside of a large amount of whiskey during the morning and loitered about the streets in a drunken condition. An idea presented itself that he could manage his package better behind locked doors than on the streets and he proceeded to the hotel Myer, where he demanded admittance to the county institution. Sheriff Meyer instructed him that he had better return to his work, but this had no effect upon the man as Cloud said “I will get in jail if I am compelled to shoot some one.” In response to this Mr. Meyer assisted the drunken man to acell, where he remained over night. Cloud s mind had been decidedly changed ere this mornJng came and he was as anxious to be releasd as he was to enter and after he was fined the usual dose, he was taken back to jail. —o Late yesterday afternoon, Special Judge Aaron M. Waltz announced the continuance of the trial of Ella LaPonte, for the murder of Mrs. Florence Besonacon, until the April term of the circuit court. Prosecutor Emshwiller fought the continuance, and it was made without his consent. In Javor of it being tried as it has been set, he pointed out the fact that Mrs. Myrtle Holmes and Howard Johnson, two witnesses being held by the state, are kept in confinement, although they ere Innocent of any crime, at least Mrs. Holmes is. —Bluffton Banner. Saturday at the Erie railway an eight inch gun was tranferred from the Erie to the Grand Rapids. It weighed 8.000 pounds and came from the navy yard at Ne wYork, and went to Lagrange, Ind.