Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 6, Number 115, Decatur, Adams County, 13 May 1908 — Page 1

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT.

Volume VI. Number 115

STATESMENGATHER Eminent Citizens Gathering in Washington for Conference I ~ 1 OUR RESOURCES One of the Greatest Gatherings of Eminent Citizens Washington, May 13.—For the first time since the Republic was founded the governors of the states are as sembling in Washington for a conference with the president of the United States. At this conference, which began this morning and will last three days, the paramount theme of discussion of ways and means of con- 1 serving the nation's vast resources, with a view to perpetuating the bounteous riches of nature for the enjoyment of the coming generations. In President Roosevelt’s opinion the greatest duty that rests upon those who make and execute the laws is the husbanding of the nation’s resources and results may come from this week’s conference that will be epoch making in importance. It is expected that out of this conference will develop a permanent organization of far-reaching influence in protecting and economizing the resources that make the United States one of the most wonderful countries on the globe. The latitude of 1 discussion will be wide and no one 1 can foretell all the subjects that will be treated. Not only will the conservation of all resources above and below the earth in the United states be ' threshed out, but in all liklihood when the time for discussion arrives, the ' question of a universal divorce law for all states will be taken up. It also is proposed to present to the governors a plan for the extradition of criminals from one state to another ; on telegraphic demand from state executives. Likewise, tuberculosis in man as well as in cattle, and repressive measures will be discussed. The national capital never before held as many eminent men as are gathered here to attend the conference. Ten presidential possibilities will participate in the deliberations. They are Roosevelt, Farbanks. Hughes, Bryan, ■Cannon, Gray, Johnson, Folk, Knox and Foraker. Four of the five men whom President Roosevelt in sending out the invitations characterized as “the (Continued on page 2.) I FINE ART EXHIBIT i Will be Given by the School Children Next Week PUBLIC IS INVITED - Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday—Special Program for Afternoon — i Every patron and friend of t|ie , Decatur public schools is requested j tc attend the art exhibit to be held < at room one, central building next 1 Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. • This is a new feature of school work and is given to show the progress made by the pupils in drawing and painting. Their work will be exhib- I ited and each afternoon a special program will be rendered. Miss McGregor, teacher in the art department j will be in charge of this three day , exhibit and desires tjiat this first effort of the kind be a success. She . and the pupils have worked hard and deserve the attendance of those who 5 care to show their appreciation at t this time. The pupils are each pre- ( paring Invitations, made by t for their parents. Every booster for s the (success of our public schools I should attend this art exhibit. Doors c open at any time from 9 a. m. to 5 f P- m. next Tuesday, Wednesday and t Thursday, room ctoe central build- < ing. f

w. P. BREEN IS HONORED. State Convention Knights of Columbus is Closed. Washington, Ind., May 13,-The state convention of the Knights of Columbus, held here yesterday, was largely attended, every council in Indiana being represented. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: Deputy grand knight, William P. Breen, of Fort Wayne; secretary, Charles P. Becker, of Logansport; treasurer, E. J, Riley, of Indianapolis; warden, Joseph H. Becker, of Peru; delegates to the national convention, Charles R. Duffin, of Terre Haute and Dr. Flynn, of Michigan City; alternates, John W. McCarty, of Washington; Dr. Berteling of Notre Dame; Charles Korbley, Jr., of Madison; W. T. Hanley, of Logansport. The next state convention is to be held at Terre Haute, A NEW COMPANY Geneva Supply Company Filed Incorporation Articles Today IN SUM OF SIO,OOO The Owners and Purpose— Will Do a General Supply Business Articles of incorporation were filed at the office of County Recorder Steele today, for the Geneva Supply company, which was organized April 29th. those E. Hamil and! Vernon Pontius, all of

Geneva, where the main offices will be located. The articles provide that after the first year the board of directors shall consist ,t>f five members. The company states their purpose to be to deal in new and second hand oil well supplies, own real estate and do a general merchandise business. The incorporators are all well known in the vicinity of Geneva and the concern will without doubt enjoy a thriving patronise. The articles do not state the list of officers. o PETE POFFENBERGER WILL DIE And Two Bluffton Young Men Will Be Held for Murder. Peter Poffenberger the man who was so terribly slashed across the throat a week ago Friday night by Orval Plum, is today reported in a very critical condition and his physician reports this afternoon that the (chances are against his recovery. Another operation was performed today by. three physicians as the last hope of saving Poffenberger’s life. The throat had to be laid open again and an entire new set of stitches had to be placed in the windpipe, which had been severed almost two-thirds in two, and the outer gash also had to be sewed again. The windpipe had not knit or held together from the first operation. Kangaroo thread was used for the operation today and it will hold, the doctors say, but it is a serious question whether the windpipe will knit. The operation required over three hours, from ten to 1:15 and Poffenberger came very near dying in the operation. A trained nurse, Mrs Wilkinson, came from Ft. Wayne last night to take charge of the case. If Poffenberger should die the two young men now in jail charged with the assault upon him will have to answer to a charge of murder. —Blufften News. . - 1 * — GAFFEY WAS NOT IN FIRE. Directory Man is Working in the East Adam A. Reinhart has received a letter from W. F. of St. Mary. Pa., a brother of the F. L. Gaffey whose grip and vest were found in the New Aveline hotel ruins, and says that Mr. Gaffey was not in Fort Wayne at the time of the fire. Mr. Gaffey was in Fort Wayne last winter and at that time left his grip and some of his belongings at the hotel. He was in Buffalo, N. Y., at the time of the fire. —Fort Wayne News. Gas fey is the man who published the St. Marys directory last Decmeber. Churches are warned to watch out for him.

BOARD & FACULTY Os Decatur Public Schools Met at Central School Last Night IMPORTANT QUESTION Os Dividing Eighth Grade Was Discussed—Project is Favored The members of the school board and the high school faculty held a meeting at the central school building last night for the purpose of discussing the all important question of the divsion of the eighth grade. Several ideas Lave been p csented in regard to the <livin n. At ate ..‘sentime the seventy-four pupils who constitute the eighth grade are divided into two rooms. The high school teachers have teaching and reciting periods in these rooms as follows: C. Hocker, arithmetic; Baumgartner, history and geography; Frazee, physiology; Jonas Tritch,writing and spelling and Miss Johnson, grammar. The idea of securing permanent teachers for each of the rooms has been advaned and met with favor while others suggest that the eighth grade be divided into two classes, A and B, the B class to have a permanent instructor and the A class be taugh' as heretofore. Either of these propositions are feasible and from appearances would bring desired results. The eighth grade is one of the most if not the most important grades in the schools and the fact that of seventyfour pupils, not more than thirty-five will pass the county diploma examination is a perplexing feature that demands some sort of revision. While the high school teachers are of the best and any one of them would make splendid eighth grade teachers, their time is divided in away that they cannot pay the attention to the eighth grade that it demands, hence the school board and faculty are in league in the effort to solve the eighth grade problem. It is conceded that pupils when doing eighth grade work are planning the foundation proper of their educational career, and too much attention cannot be devoted to them. The movement Is a creditable one and the school board are deserving of no little credit for the excellent standard upon which the Decatur public schools are maintained. Another meeting will be held in the near future and a decision will be reached In the matter at that time. WEDDED MONDAY Rasty Witham a WellKnown Ball Player Weds Miss Mattie Ball PATERNITY CHARGE The Contracting Parties Are Well Known in this City

Huntington, Ind., May 13.—(Special to the Daily Democrat)—“Rasty” Witham, one of the fastest players on the local I. O. league ball club was united in the holy bonds of matrimony Monday afternoon to Miss Mattie Bal), of Decatur. The ceremony was performed late in the afternoon. Witham played ball with Decatur last season during which time it was alleged that he kept company with Miss Ball. Charging paternity, the girl and her father approached Witham here Monday afternoon and offered him his choice, to the jail or marry the girl. The latter seemed more inviting to Witham and the words were said that made them man and wife. Witham was a favorite among the players hene last season, and certainly has a bright future in the base ball game and his many friends wish him a happy married life. Q ' — Mrs. Pettis passed through the city today enroute from Marion to Geneva to make a visit with her father and mother.

Decatur, Indiana, Wednesday Evening May 13, IVOB.

THE ELECTION IS TOMORROW. It Seems Certain That the Subsidy Will Carry. The subsidy election to be held tomorrow which will determine whether or not the Fort Wayne and Springfield interurban will be extended south as proposed, is indeed an important issue. When the voters of Washington and Monroe townships go to the polls they should carefully consider what is at stake and cast their ballot in favor of the subsidy which not only means that the road will be extended. but every citizen of the city and resident of the township will be benefitted thereby. But $5,000 is asked from the taxpayers of this township and when considered what a small amount each one will pay, it seems that every voter will give his stamp of approval for the subsidy. There are a few people who do not fully understand the proposition, but think that the amount is much greater than it really is. Everybody get in the game and vote for the small amount asked for. HASAGOODRECORD Congressman Adair Will Present His Own Record in This Campaign MISSED BUT ONE Voted More Often With Republicans Than With Democrats Washington, May 13. —Representative Adair has decided upon a novel plan of campaigning. When he returns to Indiana at the close of the present session he will take with him a complete detailed statement of everything he has done while in congress. This statement will be an exhaustive account of his stewardship

and in every speech that he makes during the campaign he will read it to his audience, so that they may know exactly what he has done since he came to Washington as the representative in congress from th'e Eighth district. Ordinarily the task of “digging up” a congressman’s record for campaign purposes is left to the congressman’s opponent, but Mr. Adair will save his opponent that trouble. Mr. Adair says that his statement which he will present to his constituents will contain everything concerning his record that could be revealed with a fine-tooth comb. “I want every man in the district to know exactly what I have done since I came here and everything that 1 have not done,” he said. “What will your statement of your stewardship show?” he was asked. “It will show,” said he. “that since I have been a member of congress I have voted on every roll call except one, and that I have acted with absolute independence, so far as partisanship is concerned. It will show that I have voted with the Rpublicans more often than with the Democrats. I have made my campaign on the theory that if elected I would represent all men of all parties and an examination of my record will prove that there has 'been no trace of partisanship in any vote or utterance of mine. My Democratic constituents weli remember the platform upon which I was elected and not one of them has criticized me for disregarding partisanship in fifte pdi’formance of my congressional duties. On the other hand I have had letters from over 100 Republicans over the district assuring me that they are pleased with my course and stating that I have kept every promise that I made to them.” Mr. Adair intends to make a hustling canvass of the Eighth district, going into every county and many of the townships. He will begin his tour about the middle of August. o W’ord was received from the home of R. E. Trible, the Texas man who was burned in the Aveline fire, and whose remains twere identified by friends of his in this city, that there is no doubt of the identity of the body. Friends in Texas were able to complete the identity of Trible by several scars on the chin and which showed on the body of the man identified here as Trible. —Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette.

A SURPRISE PARTY Miss Agnes Starost Was Victim of Surprise Party Last Evening OTHER SOCIAL NEWS Rebekahs Held a Delightful Session—Modern Woodmen to Meet The Rebekah lodge had a fine meeting at the I. O. O. F. hall last evening. There was drill practice and much praise is due the degree team .for their work. Several excellent talks on the lodge work were given by Miss Nellie Winnes, Mrs. J. C. Reiter and Mrs. Sam Shamp. Those who were not in attendance certainly missed a fine time and it is requested that a much larger crowd be present next Monday evening, when the same work will be held again. The Modern Woodmen will meet for drill practice this evening and a good atendance is desired, and also requested for the degree team to be present. The Knights of Pythias will confer the second degree this evening on C L. Walters, and a good time is in store for those who are in attendance. Miss Agnes Starost was pleasantly surprised last evening at her home on Marshal street, by a crowd of her old school chums, the occasion being her sixteenth birthday anniversary. After Miss Agnes recovered from the effects of her surprise, progressive pedro was played, the winners proving to be the Misses Frances Coffee for the first prize and Bertha Dodane for the second prize, the prizes being beautiful plates. Delicious refreshments were served. Those present included Irene Garard, Lena Meyer, Edith Miller, Tillie Snyder. Ada Snyder, Bertha and Lena Dodane, Verena Niblick, Agnes Coffee, Anna Prover and Esther Corbett.

An enjoyable social affair of Monday evening was a surprise by her neighbors on Mrs. Lase Baker, at her heme on north Second street. Every mqment W’as thoroughly enjoyed. The guests included U. S. Drummond and family, Charles Steele and family, John Peoples and family, Mrs. Ed Johnson, Mrs. J. O. Smith and daughr (Continued on page 3.) BOARD OF REVIEW J. H. Stone and P. J. Bryan Appointed as Members Thereof WILL MEET JUNE IST Session Continues Thirty Days—Assessor, Auditor and Treasurer on Board Judge Merryman has appointed James H. Stone of this city and Peter J, Bryan, of Jefferson township, as members of the board of tax review. They, with County Assessor George Gentis as president, Auditor C. D. Lewton as secretary and Treasurer J. F. Lachot, forms the board, which will meet Monday, June Ist. The law provides that the session shall not continue more-’than thirty days and for such services they are paid three dollars per day. Their duties are to equalize the valuations as made by the assessors subsequent to March Ist. They are to correct all errors, and when in doubt have the power to summon before them such persons as can in any manner aid them. The auditor keeps a' complete record of all their proceedings. If you have any objections to your assessment you will have a day on which to appear and tell all about it. Mistress Ann Sprunger returned to her home at Berne today after visiting at Bluffton for a short time.

KEEP CLOSE TO THE CURB. Objections Made Against Some Drivers of Heavy Wagons. Objections are being made by a number of people to draymen and drivers of other heavy rigs, who in driving along the interurban track on the brick- streets, use the entire side of the street, thus causing any rig they meet to cross the track. One man reports that he was forced to cross the track six times while driving four blocks. For this reason a man driving along Second street yesterday had a buggy w'heel completely torn off. Its a nuisance for those driving light rigs and we have been asked to request parties driving heavy rigs to keep as close to the curb as possible, thus making it more convenient for every one concerned. THEY ARE ALARMED Taft Managers Hustling for Band Wagon Votes MONEY IS SCARCE Not Much for Congressional Elections—Appropriations Washington, May 13. —The managers of the Taft campaign are displaying symptoms of alarm over the outlook for their candidate. Evidently they foresee that they will not have a majority of the delegates to the convention. Within the last few days they have been-busy with overtures to the “field" candidates, and at the same time have caused their press agents in various parts of the country to send out stories that some of the field candidates would retire from the race in the interest of the secretary of war. Nearly every one of the field candidates has been approachd, either directly or indirectly. As a rule the representatives of Wall street interests have taken the lead in the movement to persuade some of the “field” candidates to get out of the way and make Mr. Taft’s nomination possible. The argument being used is, “If you do not assist in making Taft's nomination certain Roosevelt will be renominated.” Washington, May 13. —The Republicans are concerned about where they

will get money with which to conduct their presidential campaigns next fall. The Democrats are not worrying because they have never passed through the experience of having an unlimited supply of money for election purposes. Behind 'the disinclination of the Republicans in congress to pass the bill providing for publicly in connection with contribution of campaign funds is a sort of intuitive feeling that contributions will be scarce next fall. “It looks as if we shall have trouble in getting enough money to meet the legitumate of a campaign," said a member of the Republican congressional campaign committee today, “and under the circumstances we are not disposed to make it more difficult to obtain money by enacting a publicity law.” Washington, May 13. —The senate passed the agricultural appropriation bill, carrying an appropriation aggregating $12,142,146. For building roads and making other permanent improvements in the national forests, $1,000,000, instead of $500,000. as provided by the house was appropriated. The bill provides that 25 per cent of the income front the national forests shall be paid to the states in which they are located, this money to be expended for road and school improvements in the counties in which the reserves are situated. ■ ■ . - - -o ■ — ■ Rev. Klausing left this morning for Fort Wayne, where he will attend the Lutheran synod which will be held in that city this week. The synod will open this morning and continue until next Wednesday. The opening sermon will be preached by the Rev. Dr. Piper, of St. Louis. Mo. Delegates from all over the world will be present at this synod. Rev. Klausing did not go as a delegate, but only as a guest

Price Two Cents

LADY PASSED AWAY Mrs. Elizabeth Fonner of Root Township is Claimed by Death DIED LAST NIGHT The Deceased Had Passed Her Seventy-Second Mile Stone—Funeral Tomorrow In the death of Mrs. Elizabeth Fonner, of Root township, which occurred last evening at six o'clock, another of Adams countys estimable residents has been called to the great beyond. This aged lady, who was the surviving widow of Jacob Fonner, was taken ill last fall from stomach trouble, which eventually developed into a cancerous growth, causing her much pain during the closing chapter of her life. However painful was the ailment, the aged lady withstood it gravely and not until forced to, responsive to the infirmities of old age in connection with the dread disease, did she take to her bed. The last few weeks of her life were strenuous ones. Intense pain was suffered constantly and death seemed a relief even in the demise of such a noble woman. The deceased lived a long and useful life. She was born in Carroll county, Ohio, moving with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Auten to this county, when but a mere girl. On May 21, 1861, she was united in marriage to Jacob Fonner, to which union were born three children, Martha J. and W. A. Fonner of Adams county, and J. 8., of Indianapolis. The deceased had lived tc be seventy-two years of age. The funeral services will be held from the Concord church tomorrow afternoon at two o’clock. Rev. Poot, of Hoagland, officiating. A multitude of sorrowing friends survive to mourn the loss of this most estimable woman. — o At the state convention of the Indiana Audobon society, which will be held in this city on May 21 and 22, it has been arranged for a scries of talks by Mrs. Gene Stratton-Porter, the wellknown authoress, to the students of the high school and at a public meeting. Both lectures will be on the 22nd and are expected to be a great success. Mrs. Stratton-Porter is the author of “The Song of the Cardinal," and “What I have Done With the Birds.”—Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette.

A BUSINESS DEAL Charles Myers Has Become Half Owner of Furiture and Undertaking Store THE DEAL IS CLOSED Eli Myers Retires from the Business and Mrs. Presdorf Sells Interest A business deal was consummated last night whereby Charles Myers, who recently returned to this city from Angola, became half owner of the Meyer, Presdorf and Moses furniture and undertaking firm. Mr. Myers, for some time conducted a racket store at A few weeks ago he disposed of same to Dallas Hunsicker of this city and B. E. Miller, of Lima, Indiana, who jmmee diately took possession. Mr. Myers returning to this city. Since his return Mr. Myers has been negotiating for the purchase of the intersts of Eli Myers and the deceased. Eli Presdorf. The transaction gives Mr. Myers one-half inerest in the establishment and the firm will hereafter be known as Myers and Moses. The Jiew partner in this enterprising place of business needs no introduction to the people of Decatur and vicinity. He is a son of John D. Myers, and is well and favorably known. For many years he has dealt with the public, having clerked in several stores of our city and it is safe to say that the new firm will enjoy a liberal patronage.