Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 6, Number 172, Decatur, Adams County, 20 July 1908 — Page 1

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT.

Volume VI. Number 172.

COMPLETING WORK Dredging Twelve Miles of the Wabash River WADE, CONTRACTOR The Price for the Work is Thirty-Three Thousand Fire Hundred Dollars F. P. Wade, the gentleman who is dredging the Wabash river was a Decatur visitor today, coming here to see about a little extra work on his contract. Mr. Wade is a pleasant gentleman and judging from the work done on his present contract, he also knows his business. .This contract was made through the circuit court of Jay county, and contains about twelve miles, and is being done more with a view of straightening the bed of the river than in deepening it. He began th e work near Pollingtown in Jay county, and ends at the Price bridge in Hartford township this county. At present he is working near the Ceylon bridge, and has something over a mile yet to complete, and hopes to finish the work by November. The contract price for the entire work is $33,500, and he has now been working for two years. This dredging means th G reclamation of many acres in the loblolly, which up to this time has never received sufficient drainage to make it subject to being farmed or used in any way. Th e . land when sufficiently drained is also excellent for agricultural purposes and valuable as well. Much of the overflow in that region will also be stopped by the straightening of the river and it will prove a valuable adjunct to good Health as well as being a money maker for those whose lands are drained. Commissioner Laughlin accompanied Mr. Wade to this city. . —o INSTITUTE ORDER Grand Patriarch Charles Helm Will Institute Order at Wheeler, Indiana TOMORROW NIGHT High Officers Will Be Present from Indianapolis— A Banquet Royal Charles Helm, Grand Patriarch of the Grand Encampment I. O. O. F. lodge will leave tomorrow morning for Wheeler, Porter county, Indiana, where he will institute a new encampment. About fifty members will be initiated into the mysteries of the order and an elaborate banquet will feature the social part of the program. Grand Instructor, Joseph Hall and Grand High Priest. J. H. McSheely, of Indianapolis, will be present to assist in the work and an unusually interesting session is assured. Mr. Helm has since assuming the high position of Grand Patriarch, instituted eight orders in this state, a record which is unsurpassed in consideration of the length of time he has been in office. He is creating enthusiasm in favor of the lodge he represents in various parts of the state and hts work is highly appreciated. Mr. Helm informs ug that it is almost a certainty that a Deputy Grand Sire will be selected from Indiana this fall, which is an honor well worth striving for. o • butter and cheese statistics In Indiana last, year 37,331,538 pounds of butter were produced. These are figures gathered by Mary Stubbs Moore, chief of the Indiana Bureau of Statistics. Figures are gathered in this way annually by the bureau. In the previous year only 36,064,999 pounds were produced. In Indiana last year 349,764 pounds of cheese were This lack! several thousand pounds of being up to the cheese figures of the previous year—412,334 pounds.

BACK FROM CANADA. T. W. Shelton Has Returned from a Vacation. T. W. Shelton, superintendent of th e Fort Wayne and Springfield interurban returned last evening from a two weeks’ visit in Canada. He was accompanied by his son William to Canada and the latter will remain there for some time before returning. While gone, Mr. Shelton visited Woodstock, Ingersoll, Gault and otbr cities in Canada and he reports that the Crops are exceedingly good in that country. Will Shelton will return here before leaving for Purdue university, where he expects to take a course of training in electrical engineering. HUMAN SLAUGHTER Six Lives Lost in Automobile and Train Collision APPALLING ACCIDENT The Pennsylvania Limited Crushed Out Six Lives in a Hurry Columbia City, Ind., July 20. — Th e instant hurling into ternity of six people, who were struck by the Pennsylvania Manhattan Limited train at the poor farm crossing, a half mile west of this city at 2:20 o’clock Saturday afternoon, was the most horrifying tragedy that has ever occurred in this county. The victims, all residents of Fort Wayne, were in a seven-passen-ger Matheson automobile and were enroute to Lake Wawasee, and all were instantly killed, the fast Pennsylvania train striking the huge automobile squarely in the middle as it was crossing the track. The Dead: Charles S. King, of Fort 'Wayne, financial agent of the Prudential Life Insurance company. Mrs. Charles S. King. Josephine King, aged thirteen. Catherine King, aged sixteen. Fayma Bradshaw, aged fourteen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bradshaw, of 511 west Wayne street. Carl Timmis (chauffeur), aged twenty-two. 1408 Clinton street. The automobile was on its way to Lake Wawasee where Mr. King and family expected to spend Sunday with his brother, Harry S, King, of Wabash. When the party approached the poor farm crossing, which has four tracks crossing the highway at that point and has long been recognized as a most dangerous crossing, a freight train was passing rapidly and noisily westward. The chauffeur stopped the car until the freight was practically past and started to make the crossing immediately behind the freight's caboose, just as the limited, due here at 2:24 o’clock, coming down the heavy grade from the west at full speed, appeared from behind the freight caboose and struck the automobile sQuarely in the mlddl e on the right side and hurled It, with its six occupants, seventy-five feet eastward down the track. The scene as described by an eyewitness was human bodies, pieces of baggage and broken and twisted machinery flying for a moment In the air, then falling upon and beside the tracks In miscellaneous heaps. One body, that of Mrs. King, was carried on the pilot of the engine tor two hundred yards. The lifeless bodies of the father, th e King sisters. Miss Bradshaw and of young Carl Timmis, were scattered along the south side of the track and all' had practically ceased to breathe before they struck the ground. Miss Josephine was breathing slightly, as was her mother, when Dr. D. S. Linvill arrived a few moments later from this city in his automobile. Death was almost Instantaneous for all of them and in the opinion of the physicians neither Mrs. King nor her daughter, in the few moments of further life that was left to them, felt any pain or ever realized what had happened to them. The automobile was totally demolished and what was left of it bore little resemblance to a modern automobile, the remnants of the machine being scattered everywhere. The cowcatcher and front of the engine of the train was broken and twisted and bespattered with blood.

HE IS OUT ON BOND Ora Sells Furnishes Bond in the Sum of S3OO and is Released WILL FIGHT THE CASE The Defendant Made Application to Court for Child’s Custody Ora Sells, who was placed in the county jail last week upon the charge of neglect and non-support of his child, Vona, furnished bond in the sum of three hundred dollars last Saturday and was released from custody. As it now appears, there are serious complications in the case that the issues thervf will be fought to the bitter end by both parties is an assured fact. Th e divorce procedure of the plaintiff is well remembered by the people of Decatur, as is the fact that the child was committed to the custody of the wife, but it is also a fact that the defendant, Ora Sells, applied to the court to have the order changed and to give him the custody of the child. L. C. DeVoss, the plaintiff’s attorney, was notified by Judge Erwin to have his client appear in court. It was at this time, however, that Mrs. Sells took the child and left the state, remaining away until she was remarried, and she did not make her appearance before the judge. The question arises as to whether or rot the application to the court by Mr. Sells for the transfer of the child to his custody is still pending and that same remains to be acted upon. However, the results may be, before the entire procedings have reached a conclusion a bitter legal battle will have been rcorded in Adams county. o HE IS COMMITTED Ben Middleton Has Been Entered at East Haven Asylum—Taken Friday HAEFLING AND ERNST Accompanied Him—Case is Serious One—Fred Watkins Much Improved Benjamin Middleton, who a few weeks ago was imprisoned in the county jail subsequent to an official decision declaring him insane, was committed to East Haven asylum last Friday, where he will remain until ihis mental faculties are restored to a normal condition. For several months the patient has been demented. His actions at various times were of a natur e that aroused suspicion among those with whom he came in contact. However, during the last few weeks of his liberty ms antics were so curious that an examination was demanded and the man was adjudged insane by a board of physicians, who had been called upon for a decision. While his actions suggested violence and his case seems to be serious, it is predicted that his is a curabl e case. At any rate the officials of East Haven will do all in their power to effect a cure. Clerk James P. Ilaefling and Charles Ernst escorted Middleton to the institution. We are authoritativly informed that Fred L. Watkins, a patient at East Haven asylum, is slowly but surely recovering from the mental disorders which caused his committment to East Haven asylum. He has practically relegated the strange hallucinations which have incapacitated him to be at liberty and from present indications he will in th e near future be released from custody. o Th e visiting sisters who have been here for the past week attending the annual retreat of the sisters of St. Agnes, have returned to their respective places.

Decatur, Indiana, Monday Evening, July 20, 1908.

HE COMMITTED SUICIDE. John Platt, of Wells County, Hangs Himself. Worried to the point of temporary insanity over financial reverses and the health of his wife and children who are inCalifornia, John Platt, aged 50, committeed suicide between two o'clock and daylight this morning at the home of his brother, William Platt, on a farm in Union township, this county, about two miles north and a mile east of Uniondale. His body was found cold in death, suspended from the limb of a small tree along a lane in the rear of the barn, some distance from the house. Death was due to strangulation.—Bluffton News. ISTWO YEARS OLD Decatur Public Library Has Been Open to Public for Two Years A LARGE INCREASE In Interest is Noted—The Report Reflects Credit Upon Miss Moses Two years ago today the Decatur public library, an Institution which is a credit to Decatur and its promoters was opened to the pubic and the progress of same has been remarkable. By her businesslike, energetic work Miss Moses has created a widespread interest among the people of Decatur and the good emanating from sam e should not be underestimated. The following report will demonstrate the rapid growth of the institution. 21340 books read during year, compared to 13,922 last year, making an increase of 7,418 books. Circulation for months, beginning with August, 1907 to present month, July, 1908: August 1,241; September 1.302; October 1,293; November 1,338; December 1,431: January, ’OB, 1.983: February 1,863: March 2,441; April 2,663; May 2,690; June 1,773; July 1,522; total 21,340. Number borrowers, 1,356. 925 cards issued first year, showing increase of 431 borrowers. Books in library number 3,492. No. volumes added during year 1,014. Government books numbering 300 not yet catalogued—not included in list. No. of books given during year 66 and valuable files of magazines given, that will aid in reference work. Th reference work done by schools and club members, record not kept, but was very encouraging and growth much greater than previous year. The number of visitors and readers in reading rooms has grown with each month and the unusual line of periodicals found on tables has proven a great attraction. Periodicals is 61 and the metropolitan papers and both local papers are received daily. No. of books in classes: Adult: Biog. 186; Hist, and travel 326; literature 448; fine arts 44; useful arts 28; science 84; phililogy 14; sociology and law 164; religion 43; ethics 43; encyclopedias 31: fiction 1,043; juvenile books: Biog. 12; history 71; science 14; fiction 703. Juvenile books added during year 270. Juvenile circulation 8284, making a good record for the children. They are good patrons at reading tables where are found choice magazines suited to all ages. Official inspection of library was made by Miss Carrie E. Scott, Asst. State Organizer in April, 1908. Library hours —12:00 to 5; 6:30 to 9; Sundays 1:00 to 6; July and August hours: 12:30 to 5; 6:30 to 9; Sunday 1:00 to 5:30. Sunday afternoon finds many readers who are busy during the week and take advantage of keeping pace with th e late issues of the periodicals during these hours. Miss Jessie Blossom was in charge of the reading rooms during year, but her removal from city necessitated a change, and Miss Nellie Blackburn will welcom e all who come during the year just beginning. The public are urged to spend an hour or more at the library. The rooms are pleasant, easy chairs and an abundance of good things to read. Library board —Pres. Mrs. Elizabeth (Continued on Page Two)

SOME FAST RACES Mid-Summer Race Meeting at Fort Wayne this Week GREAT TURF EVENT Over One Hundred Harness Horses Have Been Entered Fort Wayne, July 20—The mid-sum-mer race meeting at Fort Wayne on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week will be the greatest turf event the days of grand circuit racing in that city. Over 100 harness horses, including som e of the best in the world, have been entered and a cloud of runners have arrived to make each running event of unusual interest. Citation, the greatest race mare, will on Thursday lower the track record of 2:03% held by Robert J. Citation has w r on seventeen straight races, something no other horse ever did. Every class at the meet is nowfilled and there will be four races daily. On Wednesday the greatest field of 2:10 pacers ever seen in this section of the country- will be started. On Thursday th 2:13 pace will be a big event and on Friday the 2:13 trot will be pulled off with the prospect of the fastest time ever made in the class. The 2:17 pac e on Friday will also prove one of the most hotly contested races of the meet and it will have the biggest field of starters of the entire meeting. Every day will be the “greatest” day at the races, because each day has a great feature, worth going miles to see. The admission has been reduced to 25 cents. The races will be called at 1:45 p. m. daily. NEW DECATUR LILY Marshal Bohnke Towed Two Drunks to Jail in a two Wheel Push Cart HE IS A GENIUS Pohotgraphers Failed to Secure Pictures of the Flying Official That Marshal Bohnke is of an inventive turn of mind is now assured, as many Decatur people will testify who; witnessed him conveying two drunks to jail yesterday morning in a push cart. The official was called to th e alley at the rear of the True and Runyon store to settle a disturbance between Julius Behrens, a local character and an umbrella mender, who gives his name as Joe Wilson. Upon arriving at the scene, the marshal ascertained that umbrella man was so thoroughly saturated with “booze” that he could not walk while Behrens was but little better. The people who ha dgathered to witness the affair were at a loss to know how he could land them in jail. The question was not so perplexing to the officer, however, as he secured the delivery cart belonging to Page Blackburn and towed them down th e street to the bastile in a hurry. A number of photographers made an effort to get a snapshot of the new lily and its occupants, but without avail as the officer was going at a too rapid rate for them to get a focus. The men plead guilty before J. H. Smith this morning and were assessed $5 and costs, in default of which they were remanded to jail. o The Holy Grail will give their ice cream social on the M. E. church lawn Tuesday evening. Everybody is invited. The boys will give a parade at 3:30 Tuesday afternoon. Watch for it. The boys have entire charge of everything and will serve in the costumes that are worn in the parade. The social is to b e held to pay car fare of the boys to Winona in August. Come.

RECEIVED A SAD MESSAGE Mrs. E. Roemer, of Nashville, Tenn., Died of Typhoid Fever. A telegram was received by Mrs. Mary Wetohoff today noon, stating th e death of the husband of her niece, formerly Miss Franke McLean, of Chicago, 111., but now Mrs. E. Roemer, of Nashville, Tenn. The message was very brief stating the time of his death which occurred this morning, resulting from typhoid fever. Mrs. Roemer is quite well known here, as she has visited here a number of times. Mr. Roemer was an officer in the U. S. A. serving in the rol e -of lieutenant with headquarters at Nashville, Tenn. It is not known whether any relatives from here will attend the funeral. —o AT THE ST. JOHN’S A Social and Musicale Was Held Sunday Afternoon A PLEASANT TIME -- * Amusements Galore But Best of All Was the Meeting of Old Friends It was a happy crowd that attended the St. Johns picnic yesterday. The grove wag packed, the ice cream and other stands did a landoffice business, the bowling alley and merry-go-round was enjoyed, the shooting gallery was well patronized, but the best of all was the meeting and glad handshake of old and young friends. Such occasions ar e highly prized for the social features alone. Daseler’s orchestra of forty pieces, of Fort Wayfie, furnisned delightful music and entertained in a royal manner th e vast number of picnicers. Decatur and Fort Wayne furnished their full number for the occasion and as a result the Fort Wayne and Springfield did a landoffice 'business. Every summer the Lutheran congregations give at least one of these occasions, and it will be a long time before the St. John church will have a more happy or better entertained number of their congregation and friends, than they had on Sunday afternoon. o AFTER THE COLORED BROTHER Democrats to Organize the Negroes Into Bryan Clubs. Fairview, Lincoln, Neb., July 20. — The organization of negro democratic Slubs in the states of Indiana. Illinois and Ohio formed the subject of a conversation between William J. Bryan and Don Farnsworth, of Chicago. who was the manager for Chas. A. Towne, in his candidacy for the vice presidency. A well directed effort is to be made hy the democrats to secure as large a negro Vote as possible in the middle west and Mr. Farnsworth’s visit was the result of suggestions which had been made to him in Denver by democratic leaders. The offer of his services for this purpose was accepted by Mr. Bryan and Mr. Farnsworth left for his home with the understanding that the matter would be further discussed in Chicago during Mr. Bryan's stay in that city next week, when he is to meet the subcommittee of the democratic national committee. o .—> ENJOYING A VACATION. O, Godfrey Bell Paying Visit to Many Friends. O, Godfrey Bell, a clothing salesman for Tom Murray, the most widely I advertised merchant in the United i States, is paying a visit to his many ■ friends in this vicinity. Godfrey is I a good whole souled fellow and his return is alw'ays welcomed by his many acquaintances. He is enjoying the distinction of possessing a responsible position in the famous Chicago mercantile establishment, for which he is drawing a lucrative salary. He has gone to Craigvllle tor a visit with his parents and he will return befor e leaving for Chicago to resume his duties. While here he distributed souvenirs wish unique advertising thereon. |

Price Two Cents

WILL NOT BE LAMB The Chairmanship of the National Committee Undecided WELCOMES TAFT Pleases Bryan that Republicans Will Not Accept Corporation Money Terre turning from a conference with William J. Bryan, the Hon. John E. Lamb said he could not consider the proposition to becom e chairman of the democratic national committee. He expressed th e opinion that the place should be filled by a business man rather than a lawyer. He said when he left Mr. Bryan the chairmanship matter was still undecided. “Mr. Bryan has not determined on his program for th e campaign,” said Mr. Lamb, “but if he , remains in his present frame of mind he probably will not make speeches front the rear end of trains. However, he doubtless will be head in the large centers of population between now and the election.” Fairview, Lincoln, Neb., July 20. — The statement of Judge Taft at Hot Springs, Va., that the republican national committee would not accept any contributions from corporations pi this campaign was viewed here with more than ordinary interest. Mr. Bryan gave it his especial attention. In fact, so impressed was he with the announcement that he broke his usual silence and dictated tsh e following statement: “We welcome him to this advanced ground and bid him to go further and announce that all individual contributions above reasonable minimum will be made known before the election.” ANARROW ESCAPE Charles Baxter Fell From Grandstand at Steele's Park WAS PAINTING ROOF Last Saturday—He Missed a Picket Fence But a Few Inches Charles Baxter, who with his father was engaged in painting the roof of the new grandstand at Steele’s park Saturday afternoon, narrowly averted serious injuries when falling to the ground from a scaffold sixteen feet high. The young man was busily engaged in painting the roof, when in som e manner which is a mystery to him, he became overbalanced and fell to the ground with great force, alighting on his feet after which he fell prostrate on his back. Many bruises and a terrible shaking up has caused th 0 young man to suffer much pain since, although he considers himself lucky in escaping w hat seemed to him to be inevitable death. Baxter missed a picket fence but a few inches, which, the bystanders (thought .certain he would alight upon and in that event he would have escaped with nothing less than extremely serious injuries and probable death. As it is he is rcovering. although he is unable to eat or rest. MAKE A GOOD STATEMENT Th e Old Adams County Bank, Has Lots of Cash. Now comes the Old Adams County Bank with a nice rich and juicy statement showing deposits of $767,079.83 and a total resources and liabilities of $933,761.23. The report speaks for itself and denotes the sort of prosperity that has long been their lot and the lot of Decatur and Adams county. The statement is the usual bank call at the close of business on July 15.