Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 7, Number 16, Decatur, Adams County, 19 January 1909 — Page 1

■Volume VII. Number 15.

CRIMINAL CHARGE May Be Instituted Against Adams County Young Man PATERNITY SUIT Is Now Pending Against Elmer Davies—A Sensation In the case entitled State of Indiana ir. relation of Ida Riff vs. Elmer nßhVies, a bastardy charge, which was scheduled for a preliminary trial in the court of Justice Tancey of Fort Wayne, has been transferred *o the court of Squire J. H. Smith, and will be heard by him next Wednesday at nine o’clock at which time the defendant will, in all probability, be certified to the Adams circuit court for trial. Attorney Moran representing the relatrix, appeared at Tancey’s office yesterday afternoon and as was expected the defendant filed a plea in abatement, claiming his residency as being in Adams county. Moran had anticipated such an; action and a complaint had been prepared to file before Squire Smith, Which was done and the warrant placed in the hands of Sheriff Meyer, ■who at once notified the Allen county sheriff to take the young man into custody awaiting his arrival. Davies was arrested in Squire Tancey’s court and again furnished bond in the sum of SSOO this time for his appearance at? Decatur next Wednesday. Since the filing of the original complaint, the matter has taken on a new phase which will, unless conditions change, compel! Davies to face a criminal charge in addition to the suit already pending. Reports have emanated from reliable sources that the young woman will, at the time of the trial, furnish evidence which will implicate Davies in an attempted offense In which imprisonment only will satisfy the law-, in the event that the charge is proven. A sensation is picjnised that will fade Into insignificance all former similar cases filed in the county for years. Miss Riff is visiting her sister south of the city and‘will remain until the matter has been fully settled. WAS ’A GOOD SHOW "A Bachelor's Honeymoon” Pleased a Large Audience LAST EVENING The Choruses and Cast Did Well in Their Parts •A,Bachelor’s Honemoon’’ given at the Bosse opera house last night under the auspices of the fire department, land under the direction of Henry Thomas, was decidedly successful from every view point and the loyalty of Decatur people to a worthy cause was again vividly demonstrated by a large attendance. The play house was comfortably filled at 8:30 when the curtain arose revealing a bevy of ladies beautifully costumed H in the introductory musical number, which was enthusiastically received. The play proper followed and'' the old time stars acquitted themselves grandly in their respective roles. Every member of the cast and chorus was a star and every act was a feature. I The choruses were unusually good, and never failed to evoke ap- , plause from the audience. From the time the curtain arose until the close I Os the performance the audience was kept in continuous laughter and all. in all the show was a glowing success. The firemen will realize a neat sum from their effort, which will materially aid in the purchase of a fire

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT.

PAILLE CASE BEING HEARD. The Berne Amishman Sues for Five Thousand Dollars. Portland, Ind., Jan. 19. —The case of George Paille, the Berne Amishman, who was excluded from that church and whose wife and family deserted him because he accepted insurance money following the destruction of his barn, contrary to the teaching of the faith, against his father-in-law, Joseph Swartz, and a number of other elders and leaders of the church, demanding $5,000 for the alienation of his wife’s affections, was called for trial in the Jay circuit court this morning. The defendants have answered that the act of the wife was of her own free will, she believing in her church doctrine, and that they had no connection with the troubles of Paille, whom they brand as himself a deserter of the church and an estray from its sacred teachings. Much interest attaches co the case and it is certain to draw a large number of people from southern Adams county as witnesses and spectators. PANAMA SCANDAL Many Are Summoned to Washington to Testify CANNOT ATTEND The President Will Not Attend Tariff Conference in Indianapolis Washington, January 19. —A resolution was introduced yesterday by Senator Rayner, of Maryland, calling on the attorney-general for information concerning the bringing of a suit for libel against certain newspapers. Mr. Rayner asked for immediate consideration, saying the only purpose was to get information whether this suit had been ordered, whether it was brought at the instance of the president, under what statute, by whom ordered, and by what power and authority the courts are being used to forward this suit. The resolution went over until today, under senate rules, objection to immediate adopting having been led by Senator Lodge. (Washington, January 19.—C. P. Taft, of Cincinnati, brother of W. H. Taft, appeared before the grand jury in this city- today in connection with the Panama canal libel proceedings. Mr. Taft reached Washington yesterday from Augusta, where he has been visiting with his brother, and at once called on President Roosevelt for a short conference. He said that he did not discuss the details of the matter with the president, and did not know’ the inside of the case. Mr. Taft said that he had received a request fro mthe district attorney to appear here tomorrow afternoon, and that he had not been formally subpen aed. Washington, January 19. —President Roosevelt told Henry Riesenberg, of Indianapolis, that It would be Impossible for him to attend the national tariff commission convention in Indianapolis, February 16-18, for the reason that it would be so near the end of his term of office that he felt that they ought not take part In the discussion of 'a question with which his successor would deal. However, the president heartily indorsed the Idea of holding a convention and said he is in sympathy with the sentiment behind the movement. He expressed a desire to gttepd, but thought it would hardly be proper for him to start in on the tariff question at tnis time. o ■ r FRANCE HONORS CHICAGOAN Charles Henrotin Decorated as Chevalier of Legion of Honor. Paris, Jan. 18. —The decoration of chevalier of the Legion of Honor has been conferred by the French government upon Charles Henrotin, the Bel|g!an consul at Chicago.

Decatur, Indiana, Tuesday Evening, January 19, 1909.

FT. WAYNE MURDER Walter Thornton Shot and Killed in a Saloon Brawl RESULT OF QUARREL The Fatality Occurred at Eight O’Clock Last Evening With the words. “Drop that chair or I’ll blow your brains out,” J. B. Scott proprietor of the saloon at the northwest corner of Harrison and Main streets, shot and instantly killed C. Walter Thornton shortly before 8 o’clock last night. The shooting was the climax of a vicious saloon brawl which had its inception over the alleged 'refusal of Thornton to pay twenty cents for a round of drinks which Scott claimed he had ordered and drunk. When “Scotty,” as he is popularly (known, demanded his money, he claims that Thornton denied having ordered the drink, and Scotty's demands were met with a threat to kill him. A row ensued in which the murdered man is said to have struck the saloon man with an iron cuspidor and was in the act of striking him with a chair when the revolver spoke twice, and Thornton fell to the floor with two gaping wounds in his forehead. He expired almost immediately. The stories of the murder as told by Scott and his bartender, Kenneth Swift, jibe in the main and to the effect that the man Thornton started the row over the payment for the drinks. Swift’s story is as follows: "I was sitting at one of the tables in the saloon and Scotty was back of the bar. Thornton and another fellow I don't know” (and who has not been located by the police as yet) “were standing in front of the bar. The first I knew of any trouble was when I heard Thornton and Scotty arguing about paying for a round of drinks. I saw the quarrel was getting serious and started round back of the bar to quiet the men. I passed Scotty, who was standing at the west end of the bar, when I saw Thornton stoop and pick up one of the iron cuspidors from in front of the bar and drawing back hurl it at Scotty, He dodged and the missile hit him on the back, of the head, knocking him dow’U. He straightened up and Thornton threw’ another cuspidor at him, which hit Scotty on the arm. Then grabbing a chair Thornton was about to hurl it at Scotty, when he grabbed his gun from under the bar and yelled ‘Drop that chair or I’ll blow your brains out!’ He fired twice, and Thornton dropped. I helped Scotty into a chair and then the police came. o AFFIRMED IN SUPREME COURT The Fine of $1,623,000 Against Wa-ters-Pierce Oil Company Stands. Washington, Jan. 19. —The supreme court of the United States today affirmed the decree of the state courts of Texas imposing a fine of $1,623,000 on the Waters-Pierce Oil company, of St, Louis, and ousting it from the state on the charge of violation of the Texas anti-trust law. The action was begun in the state courts under the state anti-trust laws and resulted in a verdict directing the concellation of the company’s permit to do business in the state and fixing a penalty of $1,623,000 for the violation of the laws from the time that the permit was issued on May 31st, 1900 until April 24, 1907, when the action was begun. DEATH OF ANDREW FIELDS. He Was One of the Pioneers of the County and Well Known. Mr. Andrew Fields one of the pioneers of Adams county died at the home of his son, William Fields, in Geneva, on Sunday morning, after but a short illness with the infirmities of old age. The funeral was held at then o’clock today at Union Chapel, with interment in the Alberson cemetery. The deceased was ninety-three years old, and had lived in the county for more than fifty years. Many of the old timers hereabouts will remember him. as one of the prominent figures in the early days.

THE HAPPY YOUNGSTERS. A Good Play at the Bosse Opera House Tomorrow Night. “The Happy Youngsters,’’ is a musical play full of comedy situations. It is dignified high class fun which whets the apetite of the auditor for the feast of music that accompanies it. The music is of the whistling sort nad has been contributed by the eminent writer and composer, Wm. Frederick' Peters, while the book is from the pen of Harold Atteridge, a playwright, who is the author of several first class plays. Miss Ethelynn Noble, heading the cast, is an edition de luxe of comediennes and a welcome acquisition to stardom. Nature has bestowed upon her .good looks and a sweet voice and the leading critics say that she has a wonderful control of same.while her work is a happy blending of spirit and intelligence. Miss Noble is supported by an excellent company, who will appear at the Bosse opera house Wednesday, Jan. 20. Seats for this attraction at Holthouse Drug store. IT IS A GREAT BOOK Nothing is Better for Reference Than the Laws of Indiana LAND CONVEYANCE How It Treats About the Conveyance of Land The Laws of Indiana are increasing their popularity daily, inquiries coming in at all hours of the day and night. The more one studies the book and the many different subjects treated, the more one appreciates the real merit of the book. The conveyance of land for instance is indexed as follows: Who may Convey; Insane and Infants; Tittles of Aliens; Aliens Holding Real Estate; Tittle in Case of Lien, How Made; by Attorney; Wife's Land; Estate in Common; Exceptions; Release and quit Ciaim; Deed and Record Thereof; Time of Record; Leases of Land; Acknowledgment or Proof; Acknowledgement in Another County; Wife’s Acknowledgment; Infant Wife Over High teen; Jlnfatnt Wife Having no Parents Living; Consent of Circuit Judge; Witnesses; Infant Wife of Adult; Disaffirmance of Infant Wife; Restitution on Disaffirmance; Signing by Mark; Wife May Join in Power; When Wife is Insane; Insane Wife or Husband Estate by Entirety; Decree of Insanity; Insane Husband. That is saying a. good deal about the transfer or conveyance of iand. It takes no argument to convince any one that there is real merit in such a publication as the Laws of Indiana, ants we would be pleased to give you one. Pay your subscription one year in advance to the Daily Democrat, and get a copy of this valuable edition. o ROOT IS UNANIMOUS CHOICE New York Legislature Show Their Preference for Root. Albany, N. Y., Jan. 19. —Elihu Root, secretary of state in President Roosevelt’s cabinet was the unimous choice of the Republican legislative caucus which met last night to name a candidate to suceed United States Senator ' Thomas C. Platt, whose term of office will expire on March 4. The Democratic caucus nominated former Governor Lewis Stuyvesant Chanler, Dutchess county, who was Democratic candidate for governor at the November election. Mr. Root’s nomination is equivalent to an electino, as the legislature is overwhelmingly Republican. Tomorrow at noon the senate and assembly will meet and formally nominate the candidates named at tonight’s caucuses, and on Wednesday at noon both houses will meet jointly and declare Secretary Root elected for a term of six years. Regardless of the inclement weather work is going merrily along in the construction of the new building being erected by the Schafer Hardware Company, and from all indications the building will be completed in the near future.

COURT HOUSE NEWS The Robison Children Are Given to Charity Board FATHER OBJECTS They Will Be Taken to Mexico, a Good Children’s Home The Robison case in the circuit court yesterday afternoon did not last Hong, the court giving the aounty board of charities absolute control and authority to give them a better home. Mr. Robison himself appeared and set up a game fight for his children, the grounds of his defense being that this home was all that it should be for their comfort and protection. His ideas of a good home sot those of tender age, did not coincide with the court and the children were promptly turned over to the charity board. On Thursday they will take them to Mexico, a little town located nine miles from Peru, at which place there is a good home, and where too, the Adams county board has taken several charity children. There are three of the Robison children and a girl by the name of Hilyard, who will be taken Thursday to the home at Mexico. The place bears a good reputation, as it would have to, after an investigation by the local charity board, and the youngsters will have good care and good training. Margaret Hahn, the widow In the Hahn estate, shows that the value of real and personal property is lees than five hundred dollars, and asks to have the same inventoried anl given her under the law. o ■ —. ■LIONJS EAT GIRiL’S NEW MUFF Beasts in Gotham Zoo Develop Peculiar Taste. New York, Jap. 19.—“ Help, help! They’re eating my beautiful muff!” This announcement in a girl’s agonized voice, borne on the breezes of the Bronz Zoo started Keepers Thunian and Richards doing a Dorondo to th elionhouse. When they arrived there they found Mr. and Mrs. Lion and ali their children, as well as the other jungle tenants, making an uproar that would warm the cockles of a certain mighty hunter. In the center cf the apartment they found Mrs. Anna Remmel and Miss Margaret Zcrener of 2175 Third avenue doing their best to drown the animal chorus. “Whatchu yelling about?” asked Richards of the two women. “They-ve got my beautiful fox muff,’’ shouted Miss Zerener. “The one I got for Christmas, and it has my handkerchief, pocketbook and gloves in it. See, this is all I have left of it!” ANTI-SALOON LEAGUE PROGRAM Elections Called in Eleven Counties and Petitions in Twelve More. Indianapolis, Jan. 19. —The following program of county option elections has been announced by the Anti-Saloon League. January 26, Hamilton, Putnam, Decatur and Tipton counties; January 29, Randolph and Noble counties; February 2, Switzerland, Huntington and Parke counties; February 5, Wayne county; February 9, Clinton county. Total 11. The following counties have filed petitions with the boards of county commissioners, although no date has been set for election: Daviess, Fountain and Howard. The following counties report organizations In the field collecting names for petitions for filing: Ohio, Bartholomew, Fayette, Gibson, Hendricks, White. Adams, Cass, Rush, Shelby and Martin. Total 12. • o HAVE FOUND ANOTHER MOSES Representative Miles J. Furnas, of this city, is being boomed at Indianapolis as a candidate for congress from the Eighth district. Many of his friend#have urged him to make the race, and although he does not say he will or will not, it is thought he would not refuse, should he be convinced that there Is a possibility of him securing the nomination. Mr. Furnas la a hustler and has good at the state legislature. At this session he is one of the Republican leaders of the house and his advice is often sought.—Winchester Herald.

AN OPTION ON A MINE. J. B. White, of Fort Wayne, Has Option on Good Mine. Greatly enthused over the prospects of a mine situated in eastern California, James B. White returned to his home in this city Saturday evening after making a three weeks’ visit at that point. The property is known as the “Southern Belle” mine and is said to be a very' rich one. an expert at present on the ground estimating the first earnings at $145,000. Mr. White holds an option on 4C0,0(f0 shares in the mine, but says that he will do nothing with the option until the full report of the engineer is heard. The mine was first discovered by the Spaniards and then purchased by a San Francisco man who was ruined by the earthquake and who has no funds with which to work it. The mine is fully equipped with machinery, electrical apparatus and assay instruments and it is the opinion of Mr. White that there are indications that the mine will prove a strike such as the Butte sulphide mine was shown to be. —Fort Wayne Sentinel. o NOT A SOLID FRONT Republicans in the House Not Solid Against Repeal of County Option MUCH INTEREST Some of the Democrats Feel the Democrats Should Not Repeal It Indianapolis, January 19. —That the Republicans of the house will not be able to present a solid front against the repeal of the county local option law was indicated yesterday at a conference of the minority members held in room 12, state house, immediately following the adjournment of the house. The meeting was called by Representative Miles Furnas of Randolph county, caucus chairman, but adjournment was taken before an attempt was made to bind the minority members to a solid vote against the repeal of the law. Two of the minority members, it developed, will not be bound by a caucus on the question. These men are Representative C. C. Schreeder and Chris Hewife of Vanderburg county. Col Schreeder made an ad dress at the conference in which he declared that he would not be bound by caucus. He said he had opposed the passage of the county local option law at the special session of the legislature in conformity with Ihe wishes of his constituents and 'had been re-elected on such a platform. The meeting of the Republicans lasted about half an hour. It was called for the purpose of completing the minority organization by the adaption of rules to govern the caucus. Among other things, it was decided that a caucus could be called only on petition of fifteen members.

There are some Democrats who believe that with the county local option law as it now stands upon the statute books the responsibiliy for temperance legislation rests entirely upon the shoulders of the Republicans. For conditions to remain that way would mean increased strength, they believe, for the Democrats in future elections. They feel that should the Democrats enact a ward and township |law and repeal the law they would take the responsibility from the shoulders of the Republicans. The local option elections to be held in twelve Indiana counties between Jan. 26 and Feb. 5 are expected to have an important bearing on the situation. The temperance people will wage a fight to keep the issue from coming up before these elections and the liquor interests are already fighting to bring the fight to the front before the elections are held. By repealing the l*w these elections could be given a knockout blow. The counties in which elections are to be held are Hamilton, Tipton, Huntington, Noble, Clinton, Putnam, Parke, Randolph, Wayne, Decatur and Switzerland. — Willis Johnson and family will move to Michigan the first of next month, and settle on the farm purchased recently by Harvey Harruff.

Price Two Cents

ANNUAL MEETING Ward Fence Company Hold Their Annual Meeting A GOOD SHOWING A Board of Five Directors Were Elected at the Meeting The annual meeting of the Ward Fence company was held at the offices of the company beginning at two o’clock this afternoon. The reports made all gave a glowing account of the business of the company, as well as a bright future. A real substantial growth is shown. Their plant erected in this city during last year is one of the best factories of its kind in the country. It is complete in every -way, and was built with the idea in view’ of economy in production. Their gas producing power plants enables them to secure their power and light for the nominal price of $35.56 a month, which figured down means $1.36 a day. Other features of their /mechanical equipment shows equally well in a vast amount of production and the economy of that production. The company is now’ in the midst of mailing out fifty thousand catalogues, and these are being sent only to actual inquirers. Their mail is heavy and is growing to immense proportions as their selling season opens. During the early spring they expect to greatly increase the output and general business of the company. At the meeting this afternoon the stockholders are nearly all present, and there was an air of satisfaction prevailing among them. Five members of the board of directors were elected, they being Harry R. Ward, M. E. Brackett, E. L. Carroll, Edw’ard Bleeke and Dr. D. D. Clark. The new’ board had not organized but the present officers will likely be retained and they are Harry R. Ward, president; E. ,L. Carroll vice president, and M. E. Brackett secretary and treasurer.

SHE WAS ACQUITTED Jury Acquits New Corydon School Marm WAS ARRESTED Upon the Charge of Assault and Battery Miss Effie Stone, teacher in the New Corydon public school, was arraigned before a jury of twelve men last Saturday to face the charge of assault and battery upon a scholar, a son of Leon Houser, who it was claimed, she punished unmercifully, striking him on the head with the edge of a ruler. The case was tried before Squire Bryan, the state being represented by D. B. Ford and the defendant by James Moran of Portland. It was brought out in the trial that the teacher had cruelly punished a number of Adams county children, and it is said that the charges were substantiated by good evidence but the jury retired and after deliberating for some little time, rendered a verdict of acquittal. Miss Stone has had considerable trouble since th eschool term began. According to reports she punishes severely and often for violations of the rules, and some of the patrons of the school have become indignant. In several cases children have been withdrawn from the school she teaches and removed to other districts.