Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 6, Number 62, Decatur, Adams County, 12 March 1908 — Page 1

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT.

Volume VI. Number 62

VERDICT RETURNED Mayor Coffee Declared Guilty by the Jay County Jury —Out Two Hours , • 1 READ THIS MORNING ' I /City Clerk France Becomes ’ • Acting Mayor—Future 1 Plans Indefinite 1 < Portland. Ind., March 12.—(Special) i I —The jury in the Coffee impeachment i | case returned a sealed verdict at 11:30 i I o’clock last evening and it was read j | in open court at a few minutes before 1 nine o’clock this morning. It read' , “We, the jury, find the defendant j guilty.” No further action was taken i at this time. , The verdict was received here with more or less surprise, opinion being divided as to what the result would be. It is probable that a new trial . will be asked and jf refused «ui appeal may be prayed, though attorneys for Mr. Coffee refused at this time to make any statement as to what their future action will be. Under the law according to the opinion of lawyers, C. O. France, present city clerk, will become acting mayor for the present at least, assuming office as soon as Judge LaFollette renders judgment on the verdict, in case he refuses to grant a new trial. Whether he will continue to serve and a new clerk be appointed or will resign as mayor and continue as clerk, allowing the appointment or election of a new mayor are events that only the future can decide. The fact is that the law is new and just what course of procedure is necessary does net seem to be clear. Should Mr. Coffee appeal the case, the general opinion among the lawyers seems to be that he would surrender his office, but in case he should win out in the higher cout. he would draw the salary. In case Judge LaFollette refuses a new trial he will render judgment on the verdict and order Mayor Coffee’s removal from office. Portland, Ind., March 12. —(Special) —Mayor Coffee completed his evidence at about 3:45 yesterday afternoon. He made a good witness in his own behalf, and upon cross examination could not be shaken in the least. H. S. Porter and C. S. Niblick were then used in relation to the fact that they had never seen the defen- 1 dant intoxicated and that they saw ' him frequently. This closed th e case ' and the court then granted the attor- ' neys two hours on each side for argument. DeVoss led off for the state and made a forcible address, he being followed by Dick Hartford for the defense, who plead eloquently in behalf of his client. Whipple followed for the prosecution, he making a very strong argument and kept well within the scope of the evidence. D. D. Heller followed and for one hour he plead as only a human being could plead for afellow man and his argument was considered one of the best ever heard in Jay county. Shaf- 1 er Petersen then spoke for twenty minutes and his argument-was good. C. J. Lutz closed the case with a fifty minute talk and during that time re- ' viewed the evidence in an excellent manner and made a great argument for the state The court then gave his instructions, which were fair to both sides and at ten o’clock the jury retired to their room to deliberate up- ' on their verdict. - ■• WILL HOLD FOURTH SALE. Decatur Horse Sale Company Has Good Consignment. The Decatur Horse Sale company have the best consignment of horses for tomorrow's sale that they have had this year, and they will no doubt bring topnotch prices. Messrs. Berry, Boch and Ric e have been out scouring the country during the past two weeks and have bought nothing but the best of animals for this, their fourth sale. The one hundred and forty head' that they have quartered at their stables consist of draft, driving and general purpose horses and it will well pay any one who cares to own a good anmal to attend the sale. The Decatur Hors© Sale company has established a reputation as commissioned horse buyers that has gained much fame for I them. j

WAS A BANQUET ROYAL. John Baker Entertains His Customers Last Evening. John Baker, one of the proprietors of the north Second street restaurant was a charming host at a midnight banquet last night given for ten of his patrons. The boys gathered at this popular place of business at the midnight hour not knowing what a treat was in store for them, and they were agreeably surprised when Mr. Baker invited them to place their number tens under the table for a repast. The first course consisted of a cup of good Java, after which devil’s food cake was served. Cigars were j then passed after which the boys were treated to candy. Curley Ellis and Dale Spahr selected gum drops as their favorite kind. A delightful so- 1 cial session ensued in which the boys played an important part and thus closed the j first banquet of its kind ever given in Decatur. Those present were Messrs. Curley Ellis, Dale Spahr. Milo Elzey. Dick Erwin. Charles Good. Bob Fritzinger, Chalmer Hower, Lawrence and Otto Green and Hershel Reynolds. HAVmENATE Decatur Castle of Holy Grails Have Added a New Feature to Their Order A GOOD MOVEMENT Ben Beavers Will be Tried i as the Initial Subject for the Body The Decatur castle of the Knights ! of the Holy Grail is an organization ! that the people of Decatur can well be proud of. It is an order for the boys and we can safely say that its aim is a creditable one in inspiring the youths to live an honorable and busy life. The latest acquisition to the organization is that of a senate, the members of which are vested with the same p«wer within their order as the senate of the United States has. Willie Conrad has been chosen as its speaker while Sim Burke is secretary. Questions will be advanced and discussed before this body, that will be j of untold importance and the Decatur ! castle bids well for a busy and prosperous future. At the meeting Tues-! day night Knight Commander Ben Beavers made a speech in which he intimated that the United States should have a monarchy. Several of the members took up his statement, and he will be tried before a jury composed of members of the order in hopes of suspending him from one or two meetings. Two lawyers have been appointed for the state and one for the defense. This sort of work is educating and is a movement that is indeed creditable. It has been decided that the Decatur castle will go to Winona Lake August 20, for a ten days’ outing and at this time castles from the various parts of the United States will be present. o — WANTS TO RUN FOR CONGRESS Caleb Powers Wants to be Pardoned and Has Asked the Governor. Lexington. Ky., March 12.—-8. M. Wilson of this city and Judge J. C. Sims of Bowling Green, of Caleb Powers' counsel, decided at Powers’ request, to appeal to Governor Wilson at once to examine the petitions forwarded to him for Powers’ pardon and to pass on them. It is said fully 100,000 names have been signed to the petitions. Powers’ id)ea in wanting the petition passed on now is said to be that if he is to be pardoned' he wants to know it so that he can take steps toward prosecuting his candidacy for congress in the Eleventh district. where the convention has been called for June 6. Mrs. Florence Bucher is spending the day at Fort Wayne. C. J. Thompson, of Kansas, pissed through the city enroute home from Florida, where he has been for several weeks.

MAY LOSE TH tM The Negro Vote a Source of Worry to the Republican Leaders HAVE A HUNCH That the President Will Keep Congress in Session Late Washington, March 12.—The negro ■ voters of the north, as well as those of the south, are preparing to make themselves heard at the coming Republican national convention. Party men are much concerned about the attitude of these voters, who have increased in numbers in the north until they now hold the balance of poll tical power in several states whose electoral votes the Republican party , must have if it is to elect the next president. Recently the bishops of .the A. M. E. church at a conference ! here adopted resolutions warning the I party in power not to nominate William H. Taft for president. Like resolutions have been passed in many sections of the north by influential bodies of colored men. Only last week there was organized a “vigilance committee,” composed of representative negroes from various sections of the north, which proposes to do all it can to prevent the Republican party from nominating a man at Chicago who will be usatisfactory to the negro voters. Throughout the southern states the negroes are in open revolt against the ' attempt of the white officeholders- to force instructions for Mr. Taft. Washington, March 12. —Some of I the members of congress are disturbed over an intimation from the white house that the president intends to try to hold congress here until a few’ days before the Republican national convention unless it gets down to work j and passes some of the bills he wants ■ put through. The leaders in the senate and house have been planning to have the session come to an end not later than the first week in May. Now comes the intimation that the president has some reserve ammunition which he expects to use to good advantage at the proper time. He has already said to his friends in the legislative body that he certainly will insist on the enactment of an employers’ lialfility law, a reasonable currency law, an anti-injunction law’, and will stand firmly for four battle- | ships instead of two as provided for i in the naval bill. | O—. UNDER A NEW LAW Morris Boyd, of Pleasant Mills Was Arrested Yesterday SOLD HIS PRODUCE After Agreeing to Deliver it to Farmers’ Grain Co. and Receiving an Advance Morris M, Boyd, a well known farmer of near Pleasant Mills, was arrested yesterday on an affidavit filed in circuit court by Alpheus N. Acker, manager of the Farmers’ Grain company of Pleasant Mills. The arrest is made under a new law passed by the legislature of 1907 and this will be the first prosecution of the kind in the county. It is alleged that during last fall Boyd agreed with Acker to deliver to him five ton of hay and under this agreement was advanced 47 bushels of oats, a half ton of hay, 250 lbs. of corn and 720 lbs. of barley. However Boyd failed to deliver the hay, but instead on January 19th last sold it to Joel Roe. The arrest is made under a section of the statute, provided for such a case and which says that any one who unlawfully sells or disposes of any grain or other farm product to any person or firm after he has agreed to deliver same to some other person or firm and receives an advancement of money or thing of value, without first returning said ad(Continued *n page 1)

Decatur, Indiana, Thursday Evening March, I 2 IVOB.

THEY FAVOR INHERITAGE TAX Indiana Democratic Congressmen Have a Few Planks. Washington, March 12. —Th e Democratic congressmen from Indiana had a conference on the subject of the democratic state platform. Some time ago State Chairman “Stokes” Jackson invited them to submit their views as to what should go in the platform. Representative William E.Cox believes that the Democratic state convention should declare for an inheritance tax law and h e will insist that such a plank be incorporated. He says there is no reason why Indiana should be behind other states in taxing inheritances. The New York law yields that state $4,500,000 every year, he says, while the revenue that Massachusetts derives from its inheritance tax law is about $1,000,000 annually. -The Democratic congressmen are unanimous in agreeing that the state platform should contain strong tariff reform and antl-triist planks. The congressmen will hold further conferences before they forward a draft of ♦ their views to Chairman Jackson. thTbrown’case Thirty Witnesses Have Been Summoned to Appear and Testify A FORMER ATTEMPT Two Women Say That Brown Tried to Kill His Wife a Year Ago Van Wert, March 12. —The special grand jury in the Court of Common Pleas, is still busily engaged in the examination of witnesses in the Brown case. Only a few witnesses have been examined so far, but. about thirty others have been summoned to appear. Among those under orders to appear today are the chief of police of Lima and D. C. Sletcher, a detective of the same city. The latter was the officer who located Brown and a woman, whose home is in the west part of town, when they met there some weeks ago clandestinely. Brown's hearing on the charge of assaulting his wife, preferred in order to present legal grounds upon which he might be held, was set for yesterday afternoon, before Squire Manship, but was postponed indefinitely out of respect to the inquiry now being conducted in the higher court. With possibly one exception, the new developments in the case are of a minor nature. It has come to light, the story being vouched for by two women residents of the east part of town, that Mrs. Brown related some two years ago that Brown had attempted to take her life by forcing down her throat a dose of poison,,but that she fought him off. The fact that no record exists of similar attempts between that date and the time of the death robs the story of importance at this time, other than to disclose that the relations between the pair were badly srained at intervals at least. OSSIAN HIGH SCHOOL CERTIFIED Makes Its Graduates Eligible as Teachers Under New Law. County Superintendent A. R. Huyette this morning received a letter from State Superintendent of Public Instruction F. A. Cotton, informing him that upon his recommendation and the showing made by the school he had placed the Ossian high school on the list of certified non-commis sloned high schools. This certification of the Ossian school will make the graduates from that school this spring eligible as teachers as required under the new law which goes into effect next August. This law requires that new applicants for teachers’ licenses must have the required high school training and diploma school or from a certified non-commis-sioned school, as well as passing the required examination. —Bluffton News.

ABOUT POLITICS Several Democrats at the Jefferson Banquet Tonight HEADQUARTERS BUSY Hawkins Still Mailing Out I His Blue Book—Union I ‘ City Democrats J. W. Adair, of Columbia City, and Cyrus Cline, of Angola, are having a lot of fun with each other. They , both are after the Democratic nomination for congress from the Twelfth district and each one says the other will not land. The Democrats of the Twelfth feel this year that they have a good chance to win and that is the reason the contest for the nomination is so spirited.—Blodgett. Several Adams county Democrats left for Fort Wayne this afternoon, where tonight they will feast on Democratic oratory at the Jefferson club banquet. The list of speakers is quite lengthy, the principal address to be given by Hon. Henry Warrum. of Indianapolis. Secretary of State Sims will act as state chairman of the republican committee, while James P. Goodrich looks after his receiversrip appointment. This arrangement will hold good until after the state convention, and then it is currently reported that Mr. Goodrich will resign. Both the Democratic and Republican are busy with arrangements for their state conventions. the former on March 25 and 26, and the latter on April 1 and 2. The candidates before both conventions are also busy beating the bushes for convention votes. Uncle Nate Hawkins is still sendig out his blue covered booklets, and to friends he says that he already has the congressional nomination seriously winged. While the Hon. Theodore Shockney is a candidate, yet he evinces but little confidence that the si- . lent and mysterious George will per- , mit him to get serious. Union City Democrats are out early 1 in their demands for the congressional 1 convention, which they desire shall ■ be pulled off in their hustling little city. They have a good convention « city, and will produce the glad hand i should the convention be held there. i o__ CROWDS ATTEND Eleventh District Republicans Meet at Marion Today to Name Candidate FOR CONGRESSMAN Candidates are Numerous — Dr. Good and George Lockwood in Lead Marion, Ind., March 12. —(Special) — More than 10,000 'republicans from over the Eleventh district are here today to attend the congressional convention which convened at the Coliseum this afternoon. Each county delegation was accompanied by one or more bands. Huntington county sent 2,500 voters and three bands to “whoop 'er up” for Dr. Charles H. Good. The Wabash delegation was the first to arrive and Huntington was second. The Coliseum with seating capacity of 4,000 is packed and as many are outside as are in. District Chairman Harry Bendel called the meeting to order. The candidates are (Continued ow pace 3.)

ALL SHOULD HEAR MR. CLARK. A Famous Lecturer Here or, Evening of April Ist. The Knights of Columbus lodge deserve the support of every citizen in Decatur, in their efforts to furnish the people of this locality a meritorious lecture course. George E. Clark will appear at Bosse's opera house on the evening of April Ist and all should hear him. The Fort Wayne Sentinel said: The lecturer dealt with the life of Napoleon Bonaparte, and while giving the great French soldier due credit for his abilities and accomplishments, Mr. Clarke pointed out that his life has been devoted to the achievement of results calculated to satisfy a boundless ambition, and that he had done nothing to promote the good of his fellow men. Mr. Clarke treated the history of the life of the Corsican from his obscure birth to his death in the British prison on the island of St. Helena, relating many incidents of his military life as furnishing a rnbans by which to illustrate Napoleon's characteristics, personal courage, and indomitable will, and the ability to command men by hjs very presence. In concluding his lecture. Mr. Clarke deplored the fact that talents such as Napoleon posesses had been used for nothing but to accomplish selfish ends. —Fort Wayne Sentinel. COURT HOUSE NEWS The Owens vs. Helmrick Warranty Suit Began This Morning JURY IS EMPANELLED Ira Steele Asks for a Divorce from Wife Who Abandoned Him Th case of Grant G. Owens vs. Peter Helmrick. a suit on warranty, resulting from the purchase of the horse by the plaintiff from the defendant, began in court this morning. About an hour was required in the selection of a jury resulting In the following: Joseph Bears, Fred Hoffman. Andy Krunnemacher. Peter Heiman, Benjamin Pillars, Samuel Helm, J. P. Hilyard, Andrew Kelley, Frank Winans, Andrew Idlewine, Job Yaney and John A. Mumma. There are about thirty-five witnesses in the case and it will require about two days for trial. Dore B. Erwin is attorney for the plaintiff and D. E. Smith for the defendant. The hearing of evidence began at 10:15, Mr. Owens being the first witnssg called. Attorney D. E. Smith filed a new divorce case entitled Ira Steele vs. Emma Steefo. The complaint says that the parties were married October 12, 1904, and lived together until May 3, 1906, when the defendant abandoned the plaintiff and left his home. Steele also says that his wife cursed him and called him vile and indecent names, that she would abuse his children by a former wife, that since leaving him, he believes his wife has been guilty of adultery with various men. They have no children and a plain divorce is asked. Dora Hower vs. Charles J. Hower, divorce, motion supported by affidavit for stay of proceedings until costs in a former case are paid was filed by Prosecutor Heller. F, J. Bailey was removed from the jury today, this being the first case of the term in which he has not acted as foreman. ■ ■ ■ ■ —o AUNT RACHAELDICKERSON DEAD Mansfield Lady Well Known Here Where She Had Relatives. Word has been received here of the death of Aunt Radhael Diekerpon at Mansfield. Ohio, the sad event occurring Monday night and the funeral services occurred this afternoon. She was a relative of the Dorwins and Kunkies of this community and had frequently visited here. Though eightytwo years old she was very active until a short time before her death. Her last illness was due to her advanced age and a heart affection. She belonged to one of the oldest families of Ohio. 1

Price Two Cents

SOCIETY COLUMN A Delightful Event is Planned to be Given by M. E. Epworth League TOMORROW NIGHT Ladies' Missionary Society of M. E. Church Enjoy Interesting Session The Ladies’ Aid society will give their relic social at the home of Miss Merl e Burdg Friday afternoon. The hostess will be assisted by Mrs. John Fleming. All ladies are invited to attend. When you see the relic social advertised remember you are invited to put on your thinking can and bring your spectacles along with you. Mrs. J. C. Patterson will entertain the Euterpean society this evening at her home on Second street. A very delightful social event of this afternoon was given at the home of Mrs. C. D. Lewton on north Second street, by the hostess and Mrs. R. K. Allison, who were at home for the meeting of the Ladies’ Missionary society of the Methodist church. The president of the society, Mrs. John Niblick, presided during the meeting. Mrs. W. H. Nachtrieb read an excel lent paper on missionary work, after which dainty refreshments were served by the hostesses. , The member's of the Epworth league of the M. E. church and their friends will be royally entetained at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Vail tomorrow night, when an interesting program will be rendered and a social session enjoyed. The affair will be unique in that the boys will have charge of the entertainment, refreshments and program. Various games will also be indulged in. The program will be rendered as follows: Instrumental solo, song by the Sophomore quartette, instrumetnal duet, violin solo. Emerson Beavers was the victim of a surprise party given last evening by thirty members of the Ben Hur lodge in honor of his thirty-ninth birthday anniversary, at his home on west Monroe street. Games and music were the amusements of the evening, until a late hour, when a delicious oyster supper was served in the dining hall. Mrs. S. Dorwin and granddaughter. Miss Noamj Dugan, arrived home from Fort Wayne, where they attended a recital given by Mrs. Howard Plowe. of Peoria. 111., who is a singer of great note, and who was the guest of Dr. Porter and wife, at their home, west Wayne street, and also he is a cousin of Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Dugan, of this city. Several hundred guests were present last evening at the recital, which proved to be quite a social function. The Ladies’ Mite society of the Methodist church will meet with Mrs. • Joe McFarland at her home on Tenth street. Friday afternon. A large . crowd is expected. The Christian Endeavor society of the Presbyterian church will give a reception for the new pastor and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Spetnagle, who will arrive today, at the church parlors on Friday evening at 7:30 o’clock. The members of the church and all friends who wish to meet the complimentary guests are cordially invited to attend. The Indies' Mite society of t|ie Methodist church, will meet tomorrow Friday, afternoon at 2:30. with Mrs. Samuel McFarland, north Tenth street. i o IN SQUIRES' COURTS. In the case of Maria Smith vs. Ross Mallonee which was filed before Squire J. H. Ston e a few days ago. the same was dismissed today and the plaintiff paid the costs. Before Squire J. H. Stone this afternoon Mrs. Emilie Stalter conveyed twenty acres of land in Monroe township to George Wolfe and the same twenty acres was at once conveyed to Noah Stalter. - - r ■ — Mrs. Howard Davis and two boys, left this noon to visit relatives st various places.