Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 6, Number 128, Decatur, Adams County, 28 May 1908 — Page 1

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT.

[Volume VI. Number 128.

■CAPTURED IN ACT i BHarold Crawford Was I I Caught in the Act of Steal- | ing this Morning I [at FULLENKAMP’S ■lie Entered Through Rear I Window—Homer Cross Was Watching ggjgjf By a scheme well planned and exeas well, F. E. Gass, manager | the M. Fullenkamp store, has t ■caused the arrest cf the young man I Hr. ho has supposedly been burglarizing stores in this city for some \ ■ime. 'The capture of Harold Craw- | ■lord, who is but a mere boy. solves the 1 During several weeks past I ■ome one has been entering the FulI ■tnkamp store through a r<-ar window, fasfln'he party on three occasions has ; ■taken money from the cash register m i amount of at least four dollars at ■each time. Mr. Gass had no idea I as to who the intruder was ■tut a few nights ago he engaged ■lomer Crons to remain in the store ■luring the night so as io ascertain f ■pho was forcing entrance to this of business. For three conse■tuliv.- nights Mr Cross has carefully ■watched and heard nor saw nothing ■lnlawful transpire. However, this at about ten minutes of five he heard some one attempt- \ ■pg to raise the window. He remained and left the boy enter. The boy went directly to the ca-it i where he touched a key and . same. He had scarcely ac- ' this until Mr. Cross ac- ■ him. Young Crawford begged i mercy and tried every means to Cross to let him go. but with avail. Cross telephoned to Mr. notifying him of the capture, "Ginger'’ accompanied by Fisher, arrested the young |Kian, and he Was placed in jail. It will remembered that the Steele and racket store was entered a ■w nights ago and a little money Last Friday night the Deinini millinery store was entered and dollars was taken and on the I Binie night the Fullenkamp store 5 broken into. It is presumed by I officials that they have the party ‘ who has committed these acts and as | now appear, the Crawboy will he given a severe sentence. j .1 Two affidavits were filed against the man in juvenile court, charging (Continued on page 2.)

WALK OF EXTENSION ■’arty of Business Men from Spencerville, Ohio, Here Today ■dn a traction deal Build a Line and Buy Power from Fort Wayne and Springfield I Senator Berry, of Spencerville, Ohio. sMed a crowd of about forty bankers, and farmers from that and Lima to Decatur this morn for the purpose of discusslug an ■extension of the Fort Wayne and interurban line through j country. The project as mentioni in yesterday’s issue is to build line Lima to Spencerville, thence to city and then to Bluffton. They • ■propose to build the line and buy power from the Fort Wayne & company. They were enby the local officers of tne I and talk as though they mean I They were taken to bort | ■fF'ayne on a special car leaving here I 10:30 and returned this afterno. n. | ■'key speak in highest terms of the I :B>ecatur line, and it is probable *h*t I the very near future the prop'- 'd I will be under way. The building would probably begin here, the branch extending to Rockford. P Wapakoneta and through a 1 and fertile country.

HERMIT DEWITTE FOUND DYING Old Recluse Who Lived in Hove! Near Vera Cruz. Decatur DeWitte, the aged recluse living on his farm near Vera Cruz, w’as found helpless in bed this week by David Kline, tenant on the farm. He had lain there wihout food or attention for two days. Mr. Kline resides in Vera Cruz, about a mile distant, and farms the fields. He had not noticed the old man about the. premises but paid little attention to his absence the first day. The next evening he went into the house and found the old gentleman lying helpless on his bed. Mr. Kline went to Vera Cruz secured his spring wagon and in company with Dr. McClain, they lifted Mr. De Witte into the improvised ambulance and took him to the Kline home, where he is being cared for, and where his last few declining days will be spent. The house inhabited by DeWitte on his farm is the roughest of hovels with a roof through which the rain and snow pour and how a man of his age could live in such shelter is a wonder to the community. The feather tick was so rotten that when the doctor and Kline tried to put it on the tv agon to make a bed for him. it fell to pieces.—Bluffton Banner.

COURT HOUSE NEWS Attorney Beatty Filed a Case this Morning— Suit on a Note PROBATE BUSINESS Two Final Reports Filed—- . Real Estate Transfers —Other Items Attorney A. P. Beatty as attorney for plaintiff filed a new case entitled William Fletewood vs, Julia A. and Benjamin Allen, suit on note and mortgage, demand $l5O. In the matter of William L. Raudenbush vs. Andrew W. Scales et al, suit to quiet title, a deed was reported and approved and the commissioner discharged. James T. Dailey, guardian for Rhoda A. Gilpen and five others, filed his final report as to Iva J. and account current as to the other wards. George Ohler, guardian or William Ohler filed his final report which was allowed and hq was discharged by the court. The hearing of complaints concerning the home and care furnished Andrew’ J. Robinson, a person of unsound mind, was taken up by Special Judge Peterson this morning. The Decatur cemetery association has given the heirs of Susan Helen a deed for lot 346 at the Decatur cemetery, consideration S3O. The deed of Dore B.' Erwin et al to Frederick Reppert Jr., for part of inlot 63, Decatur, consideration $2,500, was filed at the recorder’s office.

HIRAM SHEATS WANTED LICENSE But He Couldn't Answer the Necessary Questions. Hiram Sheats who grave his ago at thirty-nine and occupation a teamster, applied at the clerk’s office this morning for a license to marry Amanda Vorhees. He filled out his own application, but didn’t know a blessed thng about his sweetheart, whom he thought was about fifty years old and had been married two or three times before. He had also been married once, and was divorced in 1900. Os course he couldn’t get a license, but as he said he wanted to get married this afternoon, he took the blanks along promising o return as soon as possible but at three o’clock he had not arrived. True love never did run smooth. o — Here is a little dope for you to figure out. See if you can do it. Take a number in your mind, double it, add any number you wish, take away the hal sos it, again take away the first number and the answer will be the half of the number you first added. Try it and see for yourself.

A GREAT PARADE Automobiles Wanted to Join in the Decoration Day March ALL IN READINESS Three Bands Will Furnish Music—Line of March—the School Children S. B. Fordyce, chairman of the committee on arrangements for Decoration Day is busy completing arrangements for the annual observance of this sacred annual event, which means so much to the soldiers and their friends. He is making an effort to secure a sufficient number of automobiles to carry the veterans unable to march In the parade. If you own a machine and wish to do a patriotic act that will be appreciated, notify Mr. Fordyce, who will direct you when and where to report. The pared this year will be afeature, including the sob diers, citizens, school children, drum corps, Loch's city ban Jand the Reid Carnival band the latter having been very kindly offered by Mr. Reid free of charge. The following teachers have been selected to take charge of the public school children on Decoration Day: A. D. Suttles, J. R. Parrish, C. E. Hocker and J. C. Tritch. Thea bove named teachers will care for the grades as follows: Grades 1, 2 and 3; Mr. Suttles Grades 4 and 5; Mr. Parrish: Grades 6 and 7; Mr. Tritch: Grade 8 and high school. Mr. Hocker. The Catholic and Lutheran schools will meet at their respective buildings and be in readiness to join the parade which occurs at three o’clock. Parents are requested to send their children to the Central school building at 3:00 p. m. Saturday. Flags will be distributed to each pupil at the school house. The line of march will be formed on Third street near the school building from which plaqe the line will proceed to Adams street, thence west to Fourth street, thence north to Monroe street, thence east to the bridge thence back to Second street, thence south to the court house where disbandment will take place. C. T. RAINIER, J. R. PARRISH, DANIEL KITSON, Committee.

COLONISTS MEET Those Who Have Bought Land in German Lutheran Colony in Texas WILL MEET SATURDAY Directors Will Be Appointed to Receive Donation of SI,OOO A meeting of the German Lutheran colony who have purchased land in Texas will be held Saturday afternoon in this city at 1:30 p. m. Each member of the colony is requested to be present to organize and appoint trustees, who will receive the SI,OOO which is to be donated to them by the associated land company of whom they ‘purchased their h.nd. The land owners are requested to be prepared to have their photographs taken as Messrs. Vorpe and Steinhurst have arranged to have the picture of all of the colony taken at the time of the meeting. The Panhandle land of Texas for which the above mentioned gentlemen are agents, is becoming more popular each day and from all appearances' the most estimable farmers who make up the Lutheran colony have made wise investments. The families and friends of the colonists are invited to attend Saturday's meeting and be included in the picture. The agents have the promise of a large crowd of Adams county people to take next Tuesday’s excursion to the land.

Decatur, Indiana, Thursday Evening, May 28, 1908.

000000000000 o o O Saturday’s issue of O O the Daily Democrat O O will be issued at O O noon, as has been O O our custom on for- O O mer occasions. O O O 000000000000

FORT WAYNE BLUES SATURDAY A Fast Game of Ball on for Decoration Day. It is an assured fact that the Fort Wayne Blues ball team will play on the local diamond Saturday afternoon and they are the strongest independent club In Fort Wayne. An excellent game is assured as the locals are in great form. It will be no great surprise if Decatur will be represented by a semi-professional club in the near future. Negotiations are under way to secure big Oscar Way to pitch each Sunday. Everybody attend Saturday’s game and see a neat exhibition of the national game. o — A FILTHY ABODE Deplorable Condition at the Home of Ike Robison East of Town DEPICTED IN COURT Place Reeks With Vermin— Petition Heard to Remove Jack Robison A most deplorable condition at the home of Ike Robisow’ who lives at east of town,was brought out in a hearing before Special Judge R. S. Peterson this morning, when Eli W. Steele, guardian for Jack Robison, a person of unsound mind, asked for an order of court permitting him to take said ward away from the Robison home. Jack owns an eighty acre farm and has more than 31,500 in cold cash. In 1903 the court ordered the guardian to provide Jack a home with Ike Robison, and for a time everything went well. Then Mrs. Robison died, leaving her husband with three little children, the oldest a girl of twelve years. Ike neglected his home, failed to provide a housekeeper, the place became dirty and each member of the houshold became so infested with vermin that their condition was most pitiable. Williard Steele, the guardian, was apprised of the condition and filed the petition to remove the ward from his filthy quarters. However, Jack has become attached to Isaac's children and refuses to move. The court ordered that Williard Steele provide a suitable home on his farm east of here, as he offered to do and allowed sls per month to support Jack.who it is believed can be induced to live there with his brother Jasper, who has also been living with Isaac. The members of the board of children’s guardians were present at the hearing this morning and will take some action immediately to secure an improvement in the surroundings of the* helpless little children who are being reared amidst such filth and squallor.

BANKS WILL CLOSE SATURDAY On Account of Decoration Day—Also the Postoffice. Decoration Day next Saturday will be observed as usual by the banks and postoffice. Both the Old Adams county and the First National bank will be closed during the entire day. Farmers and business men who have business to transact on that day should arrange their affairs accordingly. The postoffice will be closed during the day except for one hour during the morning, from eight to nine o’clock and there will be no mail delivery in the-city. Govern yourself accordingly. _________ o About thirty business men arrived over the Chicago and Erie this morning from Spencerville, Ohio, and vicinity, to look after matters pertaining to the Fort Wayne and Springfield interurban railroad.

JAIL IS CROWDED Five More Victims Were Landed in the County Jail Last Night THERE ARE FIFTEEN Prisoners in the Care of Sheriff Meyer—the Largest Number Ever Held Without a doubt the Adams county jail is the most densely populated place in the city to the square foot at the present time. With already eleven prisoners peering through the iron bars. Officers Fisher, Reynolds and Bohnke incarcerated five more victims during the silent hours of last night and in each case heavy fines were imposed and left unpaid, assuring Sheriff and Mrs. Eli Meyer that for at least fifteen days they will be well supplied with visitors, although probably not of the congenial type. Never before since Sheriff Meyer has taken office has the bastile contained so many offenders of the law at one time, and in fact but one-half of the number can be conveniently accommodated. Early last night the officers rounded up four victims and landed them safely al. hough Marsha: Bohnke is carrying a badly mutilated mace as a consequence of beating a man by the name of William Price into submission. The mace was broken in the mixup. When the above mentioned w r ere taken to the jail, Sheriff Meyer was at a loss as to how’ to accommodate the bunch and he found it necessary to release Mr;. Dora Elkins, who in company with Frank Offner were jailed for living in adultery a few days ago. Mrs. Ckins took the shortest route to th? interurban station and boarded a car for her old home Fort Wayne. If the statement of Mrs. Offner are to be given creditability, the young married woman will be the subject of an egging bee after her arrival. However by F her release, sufficient room was made for the arrested men. This morning they were given a hearing before Mayor France and respectively as follows the cases were disposed of: I.Hollinger, of Kokomo, $5 and costs; William Price, of Kokomo, $5 and costs; Earl Underw’ood. snake eater, $5 and costs; John Jones, $5 and costs. All of these went to jail, they not being able to pay their fines.

PLACEONPROGRAM Don Burke of this City to Give Violin Solo at Ossian Convention IS OWN COMPOSITION Young Decatur Man, Only Fifteen Years Old, Has Bright Future A letter from the Rev. C. B. Dougherty, Dist. Pres, of the Epworth League, states that Don Burke of this city will be given a place on the program at the district convention, whi-At will be held at Ossian, June 23, 24 and 25. Mr. Burke will render a violin solo of his own composition entitled “La Serenade." Mr. Burke has won for himself quite a reputation as a violinist and has cotaposed a number of selections. This speaks well for his ability, and it is hoped by all his friends that he will be eminently successful in all his undertakings. Mr. Burke is a member of the local high school, is but fifteen years of age, carried five subjects last year In his sophomore year and made a grade of “E” in each of them. This is an excellent record and Mr. Burke is worthy of honorable mention. We are expecting to hear great things from this young man in the future years.

MASCOTS FOR BATTELSHIPS Twelve Bear Cubs Appear in Big Parade at Seattle. Seattle, Wash., May 27.—Pear Admiral Charles S. Sperry, commanding the Atlantic battleship fleet, landed Tuesday forenoon an armed force of 3,000 men, who made a Seattle holiday’ by parading through the streets of the city. The fighters on the sea were accompanied by a land force of coast artillery and infantry from the neighboring forts of Lawton, Worden, Casey, and Flagler, and local militia and civic societies. An amusing diversion was made in the middle of the procession by the appearance of 12 bear cubs, broiytht from the city of Aberdeen to bo presented as mascots to the battleships. Each bear was led by a prominent citizen of Aberdeen Immense baskets of rhododendrons, the flower of the state of Washington, had been provided for a floral greeting to the sailors and soldiers as they passed the reviewing stand. These went hurling through the air to the feet of the paraders. In fihe afternoon there were sports on sea and on land and band concerts. o THE SOCIAL LIFE Mr. and Mrs. Wash Gilpen Gave a Dinner Party Last Evening EAGLES GAVE DANCE At Their Hall—Ladies’ Aid Societies Will Meet this Week Miss Minnie Bogner and Flora Peters were the complimentary guests of an afternoon lawn party given in honor of Miss Mozelle Fisher, of Rome City, to (a crowd of fifteen girls. The afternoon was spent in games and music and a two course luncheon was served. All departed wishing Miss Mozelle many more such happy events. The Eagle lodge held one of their regular dances last night and a fine time was had by all present. On account of the inclement weather a small sized crowd was present, but nevertheless those who were present enjoyed themselves to the limit. Excellent music was rendered by the Eagle orchestra, consisting of Wm. Badders, Barney Wertzberger and Frank Lichte, and the dancers tripped the light fantastic until the small hours of the morning.

The members of the Euchre club will be entertained this evening by the Misses Eva and Armina Acker, at the Acker home on First street. A fine time is in store for the members who belong to this club. The last meeting of the year of the Euterpean club will be held at the home of Mrs. Fred Mills this evening at 7:30 o’clock. A very interesting program has been prepared and Mrs. D. E. Studabaker will have a study on the poet Algernon Swinburne. Mr. and Mrs. Wash Gilpen were host and hostess last evening at a six o’clock dinner given at their home in honor of Mrs. Rev. Hudson, of Anderson. The guests included Mr. and Mrs. Rev. Wilcox, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Vail and their son Forest, Miss Leota Bailey of this city and Mrs. Rev. Hudson, of Anderson. After the dinner. which contained all the dainties of the season, the evening was spent in games and music and at a late hour the guests departed voting Mr. and Mrs. Gilpen fine entertainers. The Ladies' Aid society of the Christian church will meet at rhe home of Mrs. Noah Mangold on First street on Friday afternoon. Business of importance is to be discussed and all the ladies are requested to be present. Mrs. Victoria Hill was hostess at a small tea party last night given by her in honor of Mrs. Winch, of Fort Wayne. The guests included only a few neighbors and friends, and all report an enjoyable time. (Continued on page 2.)

I’rice Two Cents

MAY DO THE WORK Bryan Keeps After Them— Urging a Publicity Campaign Fund Bill SENDS ANOTHER WIRE Republicans are Worried Over the Effort—Thought It a Dead Subject Washington, May 27. —William J. Bryan's telegram to William H. Taft suggesting a united effort to obtain the enactment of a campaign contribution publicity law before this session of congress ends, and Mr. Taft's answer, are inspiring many persons in various sections of the country to wire their representatives urging immediate action on this subject. The sudden revival of the demand that something be done is worrying the Republican leaders, who supposed they had successfully buried the whole subject. The house did its part by tying the campaign publicity issue up with that of southern representation. It is known that senators entered into a secret understanding not to report a publicity bill from committee. Many persons are still puzzled over the unwillingness of Secretary Taft to have his letter to Chairman Burrows made public at the time it was writ ten; they do not understand why the letter was held back until IBryan forced it out. Former Senator William E. Chandler, of New Hampshire, is still prodding the senators who have it within their power to open the way for a publicity bill. Lincoln, Neb., May 27. —When W. J. Bryan received, yesterday afternoon, Secretary Taft’s reply to his message concerning the publicity bill now before congress, he immediately sent the following telegram to Mr. Taft: “Hon. W. H. Taft. Secretary of War, Washington, D. C. —I am very mttch gratified to receive your telegram and trust the publication of your letter will add the weight necessary to turn the scale in favor of the measure. Elections are public affairs and publicity will help to purify politics. W. J. BRYAN." Mr. Bryan wired Senator Culberson and Representative Williams as follows: “Please secure copies of my telegrams to Secretary Taft and his reply concerning campaign contributions. His letter to Senator Burrows may enable you to secure action on the bill. W. J. BRYAN.” —o BITTEN BY A DOG Donald. Five-Year-Old Son of Thomas DeWitt, in Serious Condition DOG BIT HIM In the Leg-Physician Administered Medical Aid Donald, the little five-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas DeWitt, was bitten by the dog belonging to Al Williams tnts morning and as a result the little child is in a serious condition. The child was playing on the street when rhe dog pounced upon it without a moment’s warning, biting Its leg severely. Dr. McMillen was hastily sumomned, while the Injured chill was being carried home, and he administered medical aid. Unless something unforseen sets in the little chap will recover, although there is danger of hydrophobia. Permitting dogs to run lose is extremely dangerous and all canines should be muzzled, especially during hot weather. The DeWitt child is suffering intensely from the bite, and especial care is necessary to his recovery. It is probable that the dog will be killed. o Ethel Counterman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Counterman, is visiting numerous relatives in Dceatur. She has been there almost two weeks. —Willshire Herald.