Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 6, Number 61, Decatur, Adams County, 11 March 1908 — Page 1

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT.

Volume VI. Number 61

COFFEE ON STAND Th? Mayor Testified this Afternoon in His Own Behalf—Good Witness DENIES THE CHARGES Arguments Will Be Made this Evening and Case Go to Jury at Ten O’Clock Portland. Ind.. March 11.—(Special 3 o’clock.) —Mayor Coffee just concluded his direct evidence and the cross examination has begun. Mr. Coffee denied nearly every charge made against him and said he had not been intoxicated between September 4. 1906 and December 5. 1907, the dates to which Judge LaFollette has confined the testimony. He said that on November 3. 1907, he took drinks in several saloons but was not intox icated, that he plead guilty to the charge of intoxication on the advice of Marshal Green, who told him some one else would file an affidavit if he didn’t. Regarding the evidence of the three women, he denied all but that of Mrs. Gallogly, said there was a large crowd, that some one pushed him and he accidentally threw (>::•; arm about Mrs. '.ii' ogy to pr°v< nt himself from falling. He explained all the incidents mentioned in the council room and his testimony seemed to make a favorable impression. The evidence will conclude by four o’clock. Portland, Ind., March 11. —(Special) —The Coffee impeachment cas e will go tcfthe pury some time tonight probably about ten o’clock. Judge 'LaFollette has insisted on this as he has another important case set for trial tomorrow morning. Mayor Coffee testified in his own behalf, denying all the principal charges against him and will conclude about four o’clock, when the arguments will begin, the court having signified that each side will be allowed three hours for speech making. Isaac Chitmiter was the first witness this morning. He told the trouble between the mayor and council which led up to the charges alleged that he abused the members, told the tax levy episode and others. He also stated that he was at the fair on Thursday with the mayor who was sober all day. He has known the mayor for many years and never saw him intoxicated. Fred Bohnke explained his appointment as marshal and said he had known Mayor Coffee eighteen years and had never seen him drunk. He said he and Mayor Coffee went buggy riding one day but that the mayor was sober. Several witnesses including Dyonis Schmitt, James K. Niblick, B. J. Terveer, Charles Spencer, J. H. Yager, Jacob Martin and Teeter Holthouse testified that they had never seen Mayor Coffee (intoxicated and that his general character is good. Mayor Coffee took the stand at 1 o’clock this afternoon, being the last witness in the case. TUESDAY AFTERNOON. The first witness called at the afternoon session was Mrs. Willis McQueen who testified that she had resided in Decatur for several years past and that on th e evening of November 9. 1907, she went down street to hear the Salvation Army and while she was standing on the walk in front of True’s store she saw Coffae come from Murray's saloon and start across the street toward the army and that the next thing she realized was that the mayor came up behind her and embraced her. She jerked away and went in search of her husband, whom she found later and he started out to find Coffee and settle with him. Mrs. McQueen testified that she then started home and saw Coffee go into the Nickel Plate saloon. When asked the question as to whether the defendant was drunk or sober at the time of the transaction she said that he was drunk as she smelled liquor on his breath. On cross examination Mrs. McQueen’s testimony could not be shaken. | THE DEFENSE BEGINS. ». At about throe o’clock Tuesday asS ternoon the evidence for Mr. Coffee | hegan - H Daniel Haley was called and testified ■ (Continued oa p*®e •■)

| (OVERSTREET TO BE CHAIRMAN. Republican State Committee Had a Meeting Yesterday. ■ Indianapolis, March 11. —The repub lican state committee met yesterday afternoon to perfect plans for the coming state convention April Ist and 2nd. Practically the entire session was devoted to routine matters pertaining to organization and to the convention program. It was announced that ! Congressman Jesse Overstreet, of Indianapolis, had agreed to act as temporary chairman and to deliver the party keynote. It was also announced that Senator Beveridge and Hemenway and all the republican congressmen w'ould be in attendance. The presence of Vice-President Fairbanks was reported as a matter of doubt. WAS KNOWN HERE Mrs. Brown, of Van Wert, Supposed to Have Been Murdered by Husband GAVE STRYCHNINE Dead Woman Was Sister of Mrs. Lon Fisher—Special Grand Jury Called Mrs. Martin Brown, a sister of Mrs. Lon Fisher formerly of this city, and well known here, died at Van Wert last Wedesday night. She had been siok with grippe for a few days not serious. On the day mentioned her husband bought ten cents worth of strychnine and the children testified he gave her several white powders during the day. Brown is said*" to be infatuated with another woman and shortly after his wife’s death called the woman by phone and said “that recipe worked all right.” Brown was arrested and a special grand jury is now investigating and Van Wert people are showing great interest in the result which will not b e known for several days. A Fort Wayne j chemist examined the dead woman's stomach and is said to have found strychnine. A special from Van Wert I says: I The jury had scarcely gone into I session (yesterday moirnjng Until a large crowd gathered in the corridors of the court house and upon the sidewalks eager to see and hear. To an observer it was a reminder of a circus day. Everybody had his eye on the room containing the twelve men, who, with the prosecutor, was hearing the evidence in the most sensational case before the court of Van Wert in recent years. It has been announced through the papers that no verdict would be reached by the jury for several days, yet, notwithstanding the crowd was expectant and wanted to be on. hand when the verdict was announced. o— SOME BASE BALL DOPE. Jake Stahl, of the Highlanders, ard Mike Donlin, of the Giants, must be reinstated by the national cor..mission before they will be allowed to play in the championship season. This announcement was made yesterday by President Ban B. Johnson, of the, American league, when he returned 1 from a ten days’ sojourn in New York | and Washington. This decision was ( reached by the members of the com- i mission at meetings held in New York. I It is expected, however, that both players will be given a clean ticket when their cases are heard, as it has been intimated by members of the commission that both players should not be kept out of the game on mere technicalities. Stahl was sold to th i j Chicago club in 1907 after he had been on the market for some time. Stahl ; refused to play! (with Chicago and ! he was traded to Boston and then , sold to New York. The commission i will decide whether or not he had a right to refuse to play with Chicago. George Worden was arrested late last night by Marshal Bohnke and ! placed’ in jail on the charge of intox- | . ication. He was told to get off the j streets, but refused to do so, hence the arrest Worden plead guilty to 1 the charge before Squire Stone this , morning and was fined 53.80.

BREAKS OUT AGAIN Another Epidemic of Smallpox Causes Schools to Close in French Tp. STRICT QUARANTINE Physicians and Authorities Use Best Efforts to Stamp Out the Disease Smallpox has broken out afresh in French township, tfhree new cases being reported, just when it was believed the epidemic was under coni trol. School No. 4 has closed again ( and will remain closed until the disease is stamped out. The Bluffton Banner last evening said: There are three new cases of smallpox across the line in Admas county and many more families have been exposed to the dreaded disease. Joel Schwartz, who recently moved to Adams county from Vera Cruz and soon after taking up his residence was taken sick, but the cause of his illness was not known until after many of the new neighbors of the family had visited them and laid themselves open to 'contracting the disease'. Three children of Jesse Gerber are sick, but all the cases are mild. Dr. Warner, the health officer of Vera Cruz, is quarantining every family that, has in any way been exposed and the ban over the homes will not be lifted until it can be seen that no one has contracted the disease. The residents of Adams county a’-e not feeling kindly toward Schwar’z : who came into their midst with the , germs of the epidemic, and to prevent i another migration of the plague, the I doctors there are not allowing any one |to move from the community. Mrs. t - 1 Jake Dettinger, who was to have i joined her husband to make her home ■ in Bluffton, yesterday, had visited at ! the Schwartz home before Joel was taken sick and Sunday Dr. McCain, of Linn Grove, quarantined her. fearing that, she might come to Bluffton and be taken ill here, where the opi portunity for the spread of the mali ady would be more probable. o COURT HOUSE NEWS Charles Rinehart Appointed Administrator for His Father’s Estate A PARTITION SUIT Fritz Case Disposed of— The Woods Ditch Petition Was Dismissed I A marriage license was issued to R. B. Allison, aged twenty and Mabelle Erwin, aged twenty-one, both of Decatur. ' » Letters of administration were issued today in the William D. Rinehart estate, his son Charles Rinehart / . being appointed. He filed the bond I as required. | Robert M. Durbin vs. Katie R. Dur- ; bin, possession of child, appearance by ' Henry B. Heller, as attorney for the ' defendant, rule to answer. ] Tazwell Fritz vs. George A. Fritz et al, petition for partition, default of i all defendants, Jacob Butcher appoint- i ed guardian ad litem for minor defen- i dants. Finding for plaintiff, that he ' is the owner of the undivided one-half in value of the real estate. The land 1 was ordered sold after four weeks’ < : notice. William Drew was appointed i commissioner and his bond fixed at J SIO,OOO. Elizabeth S. Kern vs. J. W. Hakes et al, note $113.47, appearance by D. E. Smith for defendant, W. H. Beam, i The ditch petition filed some time i ago by Jane Woods et al was dis- ] missed at cost of the petitioners. Os : the fifty-three property owners affect- 1 ed, fifty signed the remonstrance. < j (Continued on page 3.) 1 / •

Decatur. Indiana. Wednesday Evening March, 11 IVOB.

ST. MARYS TOWNSHIP INSTITUTE The sixth teachers' institute of St. Marys township was held at Jones school, District No. 3. March 7, 1908. all teachers being present but two. Several patrons were present, besides many pupils from the various schools. The day was spent in discussing problems of interest to teachers. As usual the pleasant social intermingling of teachers, patrons and pupils added much to the interest of the meeting, and was beneficial to all concerned. Query, Why did W. F. Berry not attend institute at District No. 3? —- ' .. o—WATSON GOT BEST OF IT. Indianapolis, Ind.. March 11. —Delegates to the republican state convention were elected in Blackford and Jay counties. In Blackford six are for James E. Watson, three for William L. Taylor. In Jay fourteen are for Watson, one for Taylor. o POLITICAL COLUMN Billy Blodgett Again Shines as a Falsifier of Facts LIVELY AT FT. WAYNE Eleventh Congressional Convention—Other Political Items At present writing W. H. Blodgett the fastidious and evidently fashionable political blackmailer of the Indianapolis News, is spoiling space in convincing dear people that local option as favored by the Indiana Democrats, is nothing but an excuse to abrogate the present remonstrance law. It is not new for Billy Blodgett to deliberately lie about the motives of any individual —if he be a Democrat — so it is easy for him now to lie about those who may have in charge the framing of the Democratic state platform. In every conference upon this particular point, the ooject of local option is to strengthen the present temperance laws. The present remonstrance law is not to be repealed, but is to be strengthened by the privileges of local option. There will be blood on the moon Friday in Fort Wayne, the date of selecting delegates to the Republican slate convention. Congressman Watson has been on th e ground for two days and his opponents in the race were close on his heels. From the samples of bushwhacking being indulged in by these great and glorious candidates, it would appear that there is but little dignity and no honor, in being governor of Indiana. The Republicans Eleventh congressional convention is Friday. The scrap seems to be between Dr. Good, of Huntington, and Editor Lockwood, of Peru and Marion. There is some talk of Fred Landis trying to break into the running, but the chances are against him. There is a movement on foot in Madison county to get two thousand signatures to cards which pledge the signers to vote for clean men, irreyspective ( of their party affiliations. The movement is said to have excited leaders in both parties. Hon. Walter J. Lotz, of Muncie, was accorded the privilege of naming his delegates to *ho state convention, and in compliance with that request he has named nineteen good and faithful Democrats. He is making a splendid showing in his race for attorney-gen-eral and now looks like an easy winner. Many compliments are being printed by the press in all sections of Indiana favoring the Hon. Abram Simmons, of Bluffton, as one of the "Big Four” to the Denver convention. There is nothing too good for Abe. and we hope he will win. At a recent committee meeting of the Jay county Democrats, they endorsed about every one in sight. Congressman Adair for governor, W. H. Harkins for presidential elector, and Mr. Hart, of Dunkirk, for delegate to the national convention. There are certainly no flies on the Jay county Democrats.

CALLED TO REWARD G. W. Lincoln, Formerly of Union Township, is Ushered into Eternity ILL BUT A FEW DAYS From a Stroke of Paralysis and Succumbed to Ravages Thereof George W. Lincoln, of Foit Wayne, formerly a resident of Union township and familiarly known by many people of Adams county, succumbed to the effects of a severe stroke of paralysis last night at 8:15 o’clock after being afflicted for but a few days. The deceased was born and raised in Union township on what is known as the Gladden farm, moving from there to Fort Wayne about twenty years ago, where he accepted a position as night watch at the Combs & Co. factory. He served in this capacity for more than eight years, retiring from activity responsive to the feebleness attendant to his old age. About two years ago he became totally blind in a mysterious manner, no one being able to state reasons for same. He has, however, enjoyed good health since until late Friday,when he was the victim of the stroke of paralysis, which ushered his spirit into eternity. The deceased has lived a life of usefulness and was beloved by all who knew him. His surviving wife is a sister of J. A. Smith, of this city, while the deceased was an uncle of Wash, Dick and Allie Burrell. Beside these, three daughters, Daisy, Nora, Etta and a multitude of friends survive to mourn the departure of this most estimable man. who had passed his sixty-second milestone. The arrangements for the funeral have not as yet been made, but it thought that he will be buried in Adams county. It is indeed unfortunate that he and his brother William, late of Washington, should be called by the Grim Reaper within the period of three weeks, as is the case. The deceased was the so,) of Rastus Lincoln instead of Ira. as was stated in yesterday’s issue. ANOTHER LECTURE Hon. George E. Clark, the Second Under Knights of Columbus Course HERE APRIL FIRST Will Deliver His Famous Lecture “An Untitled Adventurer”—Comments The next number of the Knights of Columbus lecture course will be the Hon. Geo. E. Clarke. His subject “An Untitled Adventurer” is one of the finest subjects ever presented in this city. The Boston Globe says: “The subject was aptly chosen and his treatment of it most able and masterly evincing very careful and extensive study of the wonderful genius and unparalleled career of the great character.' The following from the Terre Honte Daily Tribune shows how his lecture was taken there: Hon. George E. Clarke, who under the suggestive caption, “An Untitled Adventurer,” charmed his audience with a vigorous and delightful character study of the world's greatest general, Napoleon Bonaparte. Step by step, he reviewed each phase of that remarkable evolution of genius which placed an obscure man upon the throne of France, an emperor, nay more, a man for whom no title can be found within the range of human enterprise and human reward, and whose domains ceased not within the limited confines of Laßelle, France, but strove with a success which only God could thwart to encircle the mighty world. With clear, well chosen words, Mr. Clartte drew a lucid and’ forcible contrast between Napoleon’s poverty and obscurity on the one hand and his astounding greatness on the other. — Terre Haute Daily Tribune.

CANDIDATES FOR DELEGATES. The Baltimore General Conference Creating an Interest. When the North Indiana conference of the M. E. church meets in Anderson in April, delegates will be chosen to the general conference which convenes in Baltimore during the summer. The names of several prominent laymen have been mentioned as prospective delegates. Among these are Carey C. Overs, of Redkey; J. T. Elliott, of Elwood, and D. O. Skilien, of Yorktown. These three men are said to he particularly fitted for delegates to the general conference on account of their positive stand for the issues at stake, the abolishment of which would menace the principles of Methodism. Other candidates for the places may enter the race before the Anderson conference is held.—Bluffton News. FRIENDS PLEASED Fairbanks Occupies a Good Position in the Contest PUBLICITY BUREAU Taft’s Literature Not Pleasing to Some of His Friends Washington, March 11—The friends of Vice-President Fairbanks are distinctly pleased with the position he occupies in the contest for the nomination for the presidency. Some of the keenest men in public life say they look upon his position as the most advantageous of any man in the race today. These men do not pretend to say he will be nominated; j they realize that speculation at this time as to what the convention will do is a waste of time. They do feel that the situation is so shaping up as to point to him as the man the convention will finally accept as the party’s candidate. In the first place, it is pointed out. the vice-president has conducted a dignified campaign. From the start his friends have proceeded on the theory that as a. United States senator for nearly two terms, as the running mate of President Roosevelt four years ago, and as the second highest officer of the nation, his qualifications for the high office of president are understood by the people of the country. Hence there has been no attempt at “booming.” No headquarters have been established, no manager or managers have been employed; no publicity bureaus organized from which “puffs” and “claims” were issued and peddled to the newspapers of the country. One hears on every hand that he has conducted a campaign that must appeal to the good sense of the public. Washington. March 11. —In order to keep peace in the family Secretary Taft may have to close down some of his publicity bureaus. The Columbus bureau may be the first put out of business. The secretary is "mad all over” because his Columbus headquarters put out the “literature” declaring that he is “independent” of President Roosevelt. Mr. Vorys. the manager cf the Columbus headquarters, disclaims all responsibility for the objectionable “literature,” but the men at Mr. Taft's headquarters here are saying, “If Mr. Vorys had been attending to business no such break would have been made by his subordinates." Some of Mr. Taft’s friends were saying today that the fact is that his managers and press agents have become so numerous that he cannot keep them under observation. o THE NEW FAIR OFFICIALS. Thomas Baltzell is President and A. A. Butler Secretary. The board of directors of the Great Northern Fair association as elected yesterday, met at the library and selected the following new officials to serve during the ensuing year: President, Thos. H. Baltzell; vice president, C. S. Niblick; treasurer. R. Schug; secretary, Albert A. Butler. The officers are competent and the fair of 1908 will be a banner one. I Work will begin at once on preliminary arrangements.

Price Two Cents

SOCIETY IS QUIET Several Church Societies Will Hold Sessions this Week THE MENU - ATES Will Be Entertained at Home of Lucile Hale Friday Night—Other Notes The Ladies’ Aid society of the Christia church will meet Friday afternoon at the home of Miss Merle Burdg. All ladies and friends are invited to attend. Miss Lucile Hale will entertain the Menu-Ates on Friday evening at her home on Fifth street. The ladies of the Aid society of the Baptist church and their husbands will be guests at a six o’clock dinner given by Mrs. Sam Hite, on Thursday evening at her home on Winchester street. The Young Matrons’ club was royally entertained yesterday afternoon by Mrs. D. E. Studabaker at her suburban home. The ladies were invited to bring their fancy work and spend the afternoon in a social manner. At five o'clock the husbands of the members arrived and an elegant luncheon was served by the hostess. The guests who were present beside the members of the club, were Mrs. S. J. Miller, Mrs. C. A. Dugan, Miss Hattie Studabaker. “The Progress of the Panama Canal" was the interesting subject of the Shakespeare club this afternoon at the home of Mrs. L. G. Ellingham. There were no business questions brought up to discuss, only the regular social meeting. Mrs. R. S. Peterson pleasantly entertained the members of the Historical club last evening at her home on north Second street. Mrs. Gillig furnished a splendid paper on the main subject which was “The Wars of Aristobulus and Hyrcanus, sons of Alexandra.’’ while each member pres ent had a subtopic on the following topics: (a) Appealing to Pompey; (h) Romans Besiege Jerusalem; (c) Consequence to the Jews; (d) Innovations of Gominus, a Roman general; (e) Pillage of the Temple by Crassus. It was impossible for Mrs. Orpha Erwin to furnish the entertainment after the study, so Mrs. F. G. Alwein served dainty refreshments which pleased the guests. There will be third rank work in the K. of P. lodge on Thursday evening. All members are earnestly urged to be present, especially the third degree team. M. W. A. Camp 6840 of Monroe, rendered a very fine program to a crowded house on last Friday and Saturday night. On next Saturday night they expect to render the same program to the Bryant people. Any one missing the evening’s entertainment will miss a great deal of fun as the play is full of good natured fun and at the same time gives a good lesson. ■ -o— —- LEAVES ON TRIP TO MISSOURI. Dr. J. S. Coverdale Will Be Absent Several Weeks. Dr. .1 S. Coyordale left lasi evening for Cardwell, Mo., where h e expects to remain for a month or six weeks, also visiting Memphis and other cities of the southwest, before returning home. His health has not been the best this winter and this trip is made for a rest and to recuperate, During Iris absence his son. Dr. E. G. Coverdale, will take care of the practice. i —■ <— o Os all the great American plays, the old historical play of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin" has the strongest hold on people. It is beyond question one of the best plays ever written, hence the, warm place it retains In the hearts of people of every clime. The great production that this American classic has ever had will be given at the opera house Decatur, on Thursday. March 12. under the management of Wm. Kibble. Watch for the band concert in front of reserve sale at noon.