Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 6, Number 202, Decatur, Adams County, 24 August 1908 — Page 1

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT.

Volume VI.

Number 202.

MAY BE MURDER Sam Baumgartner Slashes Throat of His Brother-in-law, Will Swartz CONDITION SERIOUS Men Quarreled and Baumgartner Used His Pocket Knife A cutting affair that may result in a charge of murder or at least an attempt to murder occurred in French township about ten o'clock Saturday night when Sam Baumgartner slashed the throat of William Swartz with a penknife expising the jugular vein. Swartz’s condition is very serious and Dr. McLean, of Vera Cruz who was called, says today that while he may recover, it is doubtful and he will have to remain in Led for several days, as he is very weak from loss of blood and there is great danger of the artery bursting. Baumgartner has not called to see Swartz since the affair, but is still at home, though no arrest has been made. Both men are peaceable citizens who have never been in trouble and have been the best \pf friends. / Saturday evening they drove in separate rigs to Vera Cruz and while there are said to have over indulged in liquor. On the way home they engaged in a quarrel while driving along side by side. They kept it up until the Swartz residence was reached when Baumgartner got out of his rig and dared Swartz to follow suit. The latter accepted the banter and claims that just as he stepped from the buggy Baumgartner lunged ■sat’ him and struck him across the throat with his open penknife. With a groan of pain Swartz sank against his buggy, and the blood spurted forth in a stream. However, he managed to get into the house, holding the wound closed as best he could and telephoned Dr. McClean, of Vera Cruz, who w’as rived at midnight. He summoned another physician ‘from Bluffton and they labored three hours to save the man’s life. The wound was only about an inch wide, but reached the jugular and had to be enlarged as . one of the veins was severed. A sixteenth of an inch deeper cut dnd Swartz would never have got into the house. After Baumgartner had committed his terrible deed he calmly got into his buggy and drove away. What the result will be depends of course to a great .extent on whether Swartz recovers. Baumgartner Is the son of a Neumanese preacher,who gave his son a valuable farm in French towtship. Swartz lives on the old Reppert farm and two of his sisters are married to brothers of Baumgartner. o LEHMAN GAVE NEW BOND. His Relatives Surrendered Him—Oth- . * er Court House News. M L. Lehman, the young man who was arrested a week ago for forgery and released when his father and fath-er-in-iaw went on his bond for 1500 w-as again taken in charge Saturday by Sheriff Meyer, the young man’s relatives having surrendered the bond. He was taken to Geneva, where he furnished a new bond and was again released. A marriage license was granted Saturday evening to Tilman H. Gerber, aged 20, son of Ex-County Clerk David Gerber, and Lydia Heckman, aged nineteen, daughter of Charles Heck•naa. Dr. S. K. Christy has filed a claim for $54.25 against the estate of Caroline Duer, Benjamin Hobegger, administrator. Charles W. Merryman has deeded twenty acres in Washington township to George A. Barnett for SI,OOO. I

APPROVES MAUL RULING. Editorial Association Adopts Important Rule. St. Paul, Minn., Aug. 21—A brief meeting was held today by the National Editorial Association just prior to starting on the day's outing. The report of the committee on resolutions was adopted. The most important portion of this report was an indorsement of the position of the postal department in relation to the class of matter to be received and accepted for transmission through the mails as second-class matter 'phe report of the committee also contained the following on libel laws: ‘ That in all actions for damages for libel it is but a matter of simple justice that suits for recovery should be itA stituted in the place of publication; that the truth be pleaded in defense or miigation and that a judgment of recovery shall be a bar to further prosecution, and that laws, both national and state, should be so drafted as to cover these just contentions.” —- - . THE GREAT FAIR Opens Tomorrow and Will Be Best Ever—Political Speeches ARE SCHEDULED For Wednesday, Thursday and Friday — Noted Speakers Coming Preparations are now complete for the opening day of the biggest and best county fair ever held in old Adams and that every .department has undergone decided improvements during the course of the preparatory work is a fact calling for general praise. With fully three times as; many horses entered in the various races as last year and every’ other depatment iproportionately improved upon, Adams county folk can well expect the time of their life during the remainder of the week and with weather conditions favorable it is assured that many thousands of people will invade Steele’s park during the session of the Great Northern. The grounds took on a busy air yesterday, several hundred people having gone their to witness the preliminary work of the privilege men and show people. The park is literally dotted tents and stands and red lemonade will again furnish a prominent feature in the refreshments of the week. However, this will in no way compete with the attractions of the more material nature such as the big races, balloon ascensions and the big political speeches which are scheduled. As arranged for this morning, the Hon. George E. Clark, of South Bend, as a friend of N. B. Hawkins, candidate for congressman of the Eighth district will represent Mr. Hawking in an address Wednesday, Mr. Hawkins to be present to shake the voters' hand. On Thursday the Hon. J, A. M. Adair, of Portland will delivere an address upon the political issues of the day, and no doubt thousands of people will hear the noted politician. Rev. A. T. Cooper, of Berne, an eloquent speaker, is scheduled for an address about prohibition Friday. A 2:16 trot has been added to Friday’s race program to fill the card and in fact, the entry cards printed in this office today, and which will be distributed over the city, show the largest number of entries by far that has even been secured by a fair association in this vicinity. The art displays will be great, the agricultural displays elegant, the canned fruit, grain, vegetable displays, equally as good, and w,e are at a loss to know how to describe the greatness of this year's fair. We will, however, give the people a confidential tin that a visit to the grounds will cause them to be agreeably surprised. Don’t fail to attend. Remember, it begins tomorrow. o— P. A. Williamson, of Fort Wayne, was in the city yesterday getting the privilege at the county fair for his Do Na

ASSAULT OFFICER Edward Stapleton Found Himself in the Strong Arm of the Law SATURDAY EVENING Mrs. Case-Foughty Called the Officers—Fined $5 and Costs Edward Stapleton for many years employed as off bearer for the P. W. Smith saw mill company here was lodged in jail Saturday night, charged with making unpleasant overtures to Mrs. W. H. Foughty, known as Mrs. Case more commonly. For several months during the summer, Stapleton made his home with Mrs. Foughty, in the meantime purchasing a bed and placing it in the quarters of Mrs. Foughty. However, some time ago, he accepted a position with a saw mill company at Huntington, and only visited Decatur occasionally. According to the evidence introduced at this morning’s trial. Stapleton became intoxicated Saturday evening and proceeded to the home of Mrs. Foughty. He called the woman to the door and asked her about his furniture. Mrs. Foughty, after talking to the man for some time, called the officers by the aid of W. H. Foughty and Stapleton was arrested by Special Policeman Oscar Shaw, after the officer was badly beaten by the offender who used a clothes line prop. At the trial this morning Stapleton acted as his own lawyer and while bringing out the important points in his behalf, he could not exonerate himself from the charge and Mayor France assessed the fine of $5 and costs. The docket being stayed the defendant was released. THE BIG SHOW STARTS TONIGHT Monday night the Williams Stock company will open a week's engagement at the Bosse opera house and each night will change the play as well as the specialties. On Monday night the company will offer for the first time in this city at popular price the four act comedy drama “An American in Russia.” The play tells one of the prettiest stories ever staged and at the same time is full of good comedy from start to finish. On Monday night ladies will be admitted free with one paid ticket. Reserved seats are now on sale. o SIGNING PLAYERS C. O. France Will Scour the Country for Promising Ball Players FOR TEXAS LEAGUE He Has Signed Cal Robison and Will Sign Several Others C. O. France, northern scout for the Dallas and Waco. Texas, ball clubs is at present looking up promising players who will be sent to the minor league next March. Mr. France but a few weeks ago signed Edward Coffee of this city and Clifford Bales, of Montpelier and ere this time these clever players have reached the southern town and in all probability have already donned the uniforms. J. W. Gardner, owner of the above stated teams has- much confidence in Indiana ball players. He has also placed implicit confidence in C. O. France, who several years ago occupied the second base position on the Dallas team. Gardner has informed France that he will need a large number of new players next spring and asks him to make a scout over some of the country and pick up youngsters who look good. Big Cal Robison has been signed to pitch and he will leave in the spring to join the team. It is not improbable that several other Decaturites will try their hands on the southern club.

Decatur, Indiana, Monday Evening, August 24, 1908.

LABOR DAY PROCLAMATION. Has Bee n Issued by Governor Hanly fpr September 7th. Governor Hanly has issued a proclamation setting aside Monday September 7th, as Labor Day, declaring this day a legal holiday throughout the state. “Labor is the one source of wealth,” says the proclamation. “The genius both of production and of commerce is in. it. * * * It is more than the law of life. It is life itself. It is God-appointed. Let the public offices be closed and all private business wherever possible be suspended. Let us keep the day here set apart in appreciation of labor’s worth and in commemoration of its victories. The women and children of the commonwealth are of right entitled to share in the ceremonies and recreations of the day without disturbance by brawl or carousal. To that end and to the end that the peace may be maintained, the sale of intoxicating liquors is inhibited by law on this day. Civic duty demands respect for and ' obedience to this mandate of the law by every citizen —Its enforcement by every executive offifcer. Let none ffcrget. Let afll ret member.” o A BUSY SUNDAY Fort Wayne & Springfield Operated Six Passenger Cars FOR BIG PICNIC Carried Fifty Per Cent OverLoad—Special Cars for the Fair. The Fort Wayne and Springfield Railway company will operate cars on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week to accommodate people desiring to attend the Great Northern Indiana fair. The Fort Wayne & Springfield traction line had all of their four cars . and two extras rented on commission from the Fort Wayne and Wabash < Valley company, at work Sunday to take care of those from this city and Fort Wayne who desired to attend the picnic at the Weiss Grove and then could not handle all, although they gave splendid service, considering everything. The Jpicnic was a success in every way. The generator • at the power house here was working fifty per cent over load all day and wag in constant danger of burning out, but fortunately for the company nothing happened. o SIGN BIG HAVANA CONTRACTS Cuban Capital to Have Sewer System and Paved Streets. New York. Aug. 21. —Nearly $16,000,000, it is estimated, is involved in two contracts that hav e 3 ust been signed here, one providing Havana, the capital of Cuba, with a proper sewer system and the other for extensive paving of the city. Within two weeks a force of engineers will be in Havana to inaugurate the undertaking. o The Great Fori Wayne fair from September 15 to 19 will present the best race program in its history. Including four SI,OOO stakes and in all $9,000 will be given in stakes and purses. Eighty entries have been received and this insures as many stables with plenty of good horses in them. All of the steam and trolley lines will run special trains and make exceedingly low rates for the week. In the line of amusement the Igorotte village has been re-engaged and there will be a man-eating lion doing battle with a fearless woman a big balloon ascension and an elegant line of fair amusements. A band concert every day and a display of live stock and agricultural and horticultural products will combine to make the show a big one. M'r. and Mks. George Irvin land daughter Grace, of Harrison county. Oho, are guests of Judge Heller and family this woek.

QUIETLY WEDDED Tilman Gerber and Miss Lydia Heckman Plight Their Vows SATURDAY EVENING Rev .J. H. Klausing of Preble Said the Words That Made Them One The home of Rev. J. H. Klausing at Preble was the scene of a quiet but impressive wedding ceremony last Saturday evening at 8:30 o’clock when the lives of Miss Lydia, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Heckman and Tilman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Gerber, were joined in holy bonds of wedlock. It was planned to be a quiet affair and quiet it was, but a few of the immediate friends and relatives biping present. Promptly at 8:30 o’clock the bride, groom, bridesmaids, Clara Boknecht, Marie Heckman and Marie Boknecht and groomsman, Albert Mutchler took their places while Rev. Klausing in his usual clever manner performed the ceremony. The bridal party immediately came to the city repairing to home of the bride’s parents, where a jolly time was experienced. The contracting parties are highly respected people, held in the high esteem of their many friends. They have decided to reside in Decatur the location to be decided later. The well wishes of all are extended to the happy couple. o OLD GREENBACKS IDENTIFIED. Expert Makes Out Numbers on $lO,000 Worth Bills. Washington, Aug. 21.—0 f SIO,OOO in decayed greenbacks sent to the treasury department for redemption by O. D. Earl, of Morrilltown, Ark., all but $25 has been identified, and a check for $9,975 was mailed to Mr. Earl today. Fearing that the banks were unsafe, Mr. Earl burled his savings in an old pail in 1904. Recently he dug up his -treasure, only to find that ■the bills were so decayed that he could not discern their numbers. All that was left of the roll was a bunch of paper resembling a package of dried leaves, with ,here and there the tom end of a note displaying a figure. o — PURE FOOD LAW Is Being Rigidly Enforced at the Indiana County Fairs ARRESTS AT MUNCIE Ten Men Paid Big Fines— Watch Out for an Inspector One of the serious and difficult problems which is likely to be put up to the candy, popcorn and other confectionery men, as well as the proprieties rs the dini’ig halls where cakes, pies and other edibles are offered, is compliance with the pure food law. wl-ich requires all articles intended so.- food, to be eaten in the share they are offered for sale, to be kept under glass covers. In previous years, th ?se have been exposed on the counters, where all the dirt and dust of the fair grounds had free access. This will all have to be changed this year, however. An inspector visiting Muncie fair last week required every dealer in this class of edibles to cover his wares as the law provided, and there were arrests of those who disregarded his order. Judge Gray imposed a fine of S2O ami costs each upon ten privilege men of the Delaware county fair. The warning to the stand men was given through the county health office and it is likely that it will be passed along the same way here.

FITZGERALD HELD FOR ROBBERY Believed He Stole the $173,000 from Sub-Treasury. Chicago, Aug. 23. —The mystery of the theft cf $173,000 from the United States subtreasury a year and a half ago, one of the largest losses the government has ever suffered in manner, is believed to have been solved by the arrest today of George W. Fitzgerald. Others are believed to have been implicated in the crime which for months completely baffled the government secret service men. Fitzgerald was an assorting teller under Assistant United States Treasurer William Boldenweck. Suspicion at the time of the theft, Feb. 20, 1907, rested on him. but so plausible was his story and so intense his apparent interets in discovering the real culprit that interest ceased to center in him. Much work was done on the theory that the crime had been perpetrated by a colored man. o WAS 82 YEARS OLD Morgan Harrod, Father of Mrs. P. G. Hooper, Died Here this Morning OF BRIGHT’S DISEASE And Dysentary, Together With Senility, Hasten Death of Aged Man After an earthly abode of eightytwo long and eventful years, Morgan Harrod, late of Fort Wayne, father of Mrs, P. G. Hcoper, of this city and ten other living children, died at the home of Mrs. Hooper this morning at six o’clock and thus the initial death of this large and most estimable family has been recorded. The deceased for many years resided on a farm a short distance east ot Hoagland, and it was there that the major portion of his life was spent in vigorous activity. Not until he was forced to, responsive to the infirmities of old age did ho retire from active farming which was four years ago. At this time he removed to Fort Wayne, Indiana, making that city his home until about one week ago, when Mr. Harrod and wife came to this city for a visit with their daughter. They had scarcely reached here until the former realized that he was suddenly and rapidly failing in health. To add to the seriousness of the case, dysentery contributed its ravages and the old gentleman soon found it necessary to take to his bed, from which he has never risen. As a armer, Mr. Harrod had few peers in this section. In his undertakings success has attended him and his life has been one of usefulness. Fully thirty years ago be identified himself with the M. E. church and he has been found to be tried and true, always observing righteous principles with the deepest concern and for this he had attained the sincere friendship of all who knew him. His membership was transferred to Fort Wayne and the funeral will be preached by Rev. Rowand, well known to Decatur people. The remains will be conveyed to the summit city this afternoon via the four o’clock interurban car and will lie in state at the home of the deceased. The funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon unless changed in the meantime. Surviving beside the bereaved widow are eight boys, three of whom are doctors. M. and John Harrod, one resides in Seattle, Washington, one in Aberdeen, South Dakota, one a traveling salesman out of Chicago and Mesdames Robert Sipes, P. G. Hooper and Mis s Lelah Harrod. Bright’s disease caused the early sickness of the eceased. o The game of ball played at Steele’s Park yesterday afternoon between the two local teams, the Shamrocks and the South Sides, was a pretty .contest and one of the best played games of the season. The Shamrocks took the scalps off the South Sides to the tune of three to two, the game being for the purpose of deciding the championship. Although outclassed, the South Side team are a game bunch, and may endeavor to even up matters in the near future. A fair sized crowd saw the game.

Sub-Treasury.

Price Two Cents

WILL SOON KNOW John W. Kern to Be Informed of His Nomination Tomorrow STATE FAIR GROUNDS Will Be Biggest Day in Years for Indianapolis— Bryan to Speak Indianapolis, Ind., August 23. —The arrangements committee having in •charge the notification meeting s>f John W. Kern, democratic candidate for vice president, which will be held in the Coliseum at the state fair grounds Tuesday afternoon, at a final meeting today completed its preliminary work. The exercises will be simple. Wiliam Jennings Bryan, national chairman Norman E. Mack, James T. Lloyd, chairman of the democratic congressional committee. Theodore E. Bell, chairman of the notification committee, Charles Bryan and other members of the committee as well as a number of the national committee, are expected to arrive here tomorrow evening from Chicago. They will be quartered at the Denison hotel, where an informal reception will be held tomorrow night. Tuesday morning a band concert and reception will be held at the hotel and a luncheon will be served to the visitors preceding their departure at 1 o’clock for the state fair grounds in twenty-four automobiles which will be preceded by a platoon of mounted police. There will be no band and the parade will be short, as the drive to the fair grounds is four miles from the hotel. The Coliseum, in which the exercises will be held, is a brick structure recently completed which will seat 12,000 people, with standing room for 2,500 more. It j s built solidly with twenty-four exits. An immense platform has been erected at one end | of the eliptical building, which will seat 150 persons. Fronting this are accommodations for fifty newspaper men. On the platform will be seated the speakers, members of the national notification and state committees and other especially invited guests. The decorations of the interior have been confined to bunting in the national colors and but two pictures— Bryan and Kern. The principal decorative feature is a huge rosette of national colors surrounding a portrait cf the presidential candidate. This is directly above the platform. The exercises will begin at 1:30 when Thomas Taggart, national committeeman from Indiana, will call for attention and will turn the gavel over to National Chairman Mack. The,re will be music and Theodore Bell, of California, chairman of the notification committee, will deliver the address formally notifying Mr. Kern of his nomination at Denver for vice president by the democratic party. Mr. Kern will respond in a speech which will take him thirty minutes to deliver. After music Thomas R. Marshall, democratic candidate for governor of Indiana will address the crowd briefly and William Jennings Bryan will then, speak. It is expected that Mr. Bryan will begin speaking about 3 o’clock and according to the plans the meeting will have adjourned by 4:30 o'clock. Arrangements have been made for overflow meetings, if necessary, to be addressed from the grandstand of the fair grounds, near the Coliseum, by Mr. Bryan, Mr. Kern, Mr. Marshal! and others. Mr. and Mrs. Kern will entertain Mt| Bryan and the members of the notification and national committees at the. Country Club at dinner Tuesday evening. The party will be driven there in automobiles and will return to the hotel at 10 o’clock. o— BALL GAME AT CURRYVILLE Preble Tank Builders Lost an Exciting Contest. The Curryville team and the Preble tank builders played an exciting game of ball al Curryville Sunday, the former winning by a score of four to one. The score by innings: 123456789 RHE Curryville 02100000 0 4 1 4 Preble 0010 00000—1 4 4 Batteries for Craigville, Craig and Stiffey; for Preble, Shoates and Dubach. Umpire, Homer Andrew. Attendance 200.