Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 7, Number 18, Decatur, Adams County, 21 January 1909 — Page 1

\olume VII. Number 18.

ARE A SUCCESS Motor Cars Making Good on the Alton Road OUR NEW DEPOT We Get One When the S Spirit Moves the Officers Harry Webber, the Clover Leaf freight agent, while in the city said that the experiment being made over the Alton road with the motor cars, the same as the one that made a trial trip through this citv a few "weeks ago, and that they were proving more than satisfactory. It is among the possibilities that the Clover Leaf may adopt them along certain portions of their line. This will not be done at this time, principally for the reason that the business of the company is not at this time of a nature to suggest too many changes and improvements. Decatur would welcome the appearance of the Clover Leaf motor and a service that would take people out and into this city more / frequently than every five or six hours. Another thing that Harry Webber Av ore to, with face uplifted, and that was that the plans for Decatur's new depot which were made to order about two years ago, were still intact ana had not been confiscated or destroyed , In the excitement. These plans are said to be safely laid away for future reference, and if there is any depot improvement made during this year, this city and this Clover Leaf depot will be the one. The plans call for a modern building costing from eight to ten thousand dollars, and if they ever build it, great will be the rejoicing among the high and the low, in this city. o STRUCK OFFICER - • .., Marcus Oure Struck Bohnke While Enroute to Jail WAS FOUND DRUNK The Man Was Lying in Snow on the North Side An elderly man giving his name ns Marcus Oure. who claim- his residence to be east of the city, was found lying in the snow in the north part of the city yesterday afternoon by Marshal Bohnke. and w s placed in jail on the charge of public intoxication. Mr. Oure had imbibed freely of the bowl and became very drunk, so much so that he was unable to navigate and after being notified Bohnke took the man into custody. As the officer and prisoner were walking down First street, jailward. Oure struck at the officer, displacing his hat from its resting place. After striking, the prisoner made a quick move tn ;an effort to escape and ■slipped and fell striking his head against the sidewalk with great force, inflicting an ugly wound in his forehead. Blood streamed from the gash and it was at first thought that the man was seriously injured, although an examination disclosed the fact that the injury was not dangerous in the least. The officer thought that Oure had been an inmate at the infirmary and he at once communicated with Mr. Graber, who notified him that no one had escaped from the institution. ■' ■ ■■ o LOOKS LIKE A HOODOO. Friday Plays an Important Part in this Year. There are a number of interesting facts about the new year, that most people probably have not yet had time tn Mannvnr by glancing through the calendar. The year 1909 started on Friday and ends on Friday, but fortunately through its entire course i “ ere is but one instance where there

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT.

is a combination of the double hoodoo, Friday and the 13th. This occurs in August. The first legal holiday is February 12th, Lincoln’s birthday. Washington’s birthday is Monday, February 22. Valentine day also comes on Monday, February 14. Easter Sunday falls on April 11, which is considerably earlier than last year, when the date was unusually late. It will probably be a source of much regret to the small boy to learn that the Fourth of July falls on Sunday during the new year. However, in such a case, the day following will be observed. Labor day is the first Monday in September. The date is September 6th. Thanksgiving day is the last Thursday in November and is the 25th day. Christmas, December 25th ,falls on Saturday. Hallowe-en October 31, comes on Sunday, and April Fool’s day on Thursday. o— THE PAILLE CASE It is Making Progress in the Jay Circuit Court PROSECUTION FINISH The Defense Are Now Giving Their Evidence • The Paille damage suit at Portland is making considerable progress, the prosecution completing their evidence at an early hour yesterday, and the defendants began their testimony soon after. The Amish are attracting considerable comment at Portland, where but few appear and they are not accustomed to this particular human character. Mrs. Paille, the wife of the plaintiff, testified that since the elders warned her that she was doomed to the infernal regions if she continued to live as man and wife, after transgressing ths laws as they understood them. Since then she cooked his meals but did not eat with him or have any other association with him, such as are necessary in most all well regulated households. The first witness for the defense was Jacob Swartz, the bright and shining star among the Amish sect. The case is being pushed and it is likely that the evidence will be completed today and a verdict ought to be forthcoming tomorrow. Adams county is familiar with the belief and customs of these people and a rehash of them is hardly even good news. Jacob Swartz the first witness of the defense, gave a detailed account of their religious teachings. He is a bishop in the church and the one really great man among them. o DIED AT DANVILLE, ILLINOIS. Mrs. Kathryn Krill Unexpectedly Died There. Closely following a long distance telephone announcing her mother’s illness, and requesting her to come at once, Miss Nellie Krill received another message telling her of her mother’s, Mrs. Kathryn Krill, death at Dlnville, 111., where she had gone four weeks ago to visit with her daughter, Mrs. J. M. Park. The message was a severe shock to the members of her family here. Mrs. Krill, during the early part of the winter, had been ill with pneumonia, but she had recovered from the attack and had been able to make the trip to Danville a few weeks ago. During her visit there she seemed apparently as well as usual. Until yesterday afternoon it was not known here that she was ill. At a few minutes before 4 o’clock her daughter, Miss Nellie Krill, received word of her serious Illness, and at once prepared to go to Danville. However, before her train left this morning word came of the death at 2 o’clock this morning. Mrs. Krill was very well known In Bluffton. She was born in Wells county May 19, 1849, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Hunter of West Bluffton. Mr. Hunter is now 87 years old and Mrs. Hunter is 82. The news of their daughter’s death was a shock to them, and for a time the results of the announcement, it was feared, might be serious.—Bluffton Banner. 0 Harry Webber, traveling freight agent for the Clover Leaf with headquarters at Marion, was looking after business in the city this afternoon.

TWO DAYS SESSION Farmers’ Institute at the Court House January 27 and 28 ABLE SPEAKERS A Corn Show is Among the Advertised Attractions The Farmers’ Institute will convene at the court house in Decatur Wednesday morning, January 27 and continue two days. The woman’s auxiliary will have charge of the Thursday afternoon session. Some of the ablest speakers in the state will be present and furnish the principal addresses. Interesting papers will also be presented by local talent. Good music will be furnished and it is earnestly requested that everybody turn out and help to make the institute a success. On account of a change in the institute law governing appropriations for expenses, it was necessary one year ago to effect an organization with a paid membership. The membetship fee was fixed at 25 cents a year. Certainly everybody ought to be sufficiently interested to become a member, and thus contribute 25 cents toward maintaining Adams county’s past reputation for progressiveness. In connection with the Institute there will be held a corn show. Persons desiring to exhbiit corn will observe the following rules: Premiums are offered in two classes, viz., white and yellow. The exhibit must consist of ten ears and must be in the hands of the superintendent by ten o’clock January 27. Exhibitors must become members of the institute association. The score card will be used and premiums awarded accordingly. Exhibitors must notify the secretary by Jan. 26. For programs, etc., call by phone or address the secretary, Chas. S. Mumma, R. R. 12, Phone 10G. oBADLY MUTILATED John Fleming, Erie Agent Suffered Amputation of Fingers BADLY MANGLED He Displayed Remarkable Nerve During the Transaction John Fleming, agent at the Chicago and Erie station displayed remarkable nerve Tuesday, when after one of his fingers was severed at the second joint and another badly mutilated, he walked to the office of a physician and suffered the amputation of same without the administering of an anaesthetic. Mr. Fleming was assisting in unloading a big water pump when in some manner it rolled over, catching his hand, and before the pump could be removed the painful Injuries had been inflicted. He was offered assistance by those standing by but refused it, and cooly walked to the physician’s office and had the middle finger amputated. After this was done he returned to the station and resumed duties as if nothing had happened. Those who witnessed the affair state that Mr. Fleming had wonderful composure during the entire transaction. —o TAFT IS NOTHING BUT A FLIRT Augusta, Ga., January 21. —What might be considered an entirely new point, of attack on the “solid south” was made yesterday by the presidentelect when he put in a good word for the warmth and ardor of northern men who knew a good thing when they see it’’ in the charm and beauty of southern young women. This lighter vein of Mr. Taft’s humor was given vent before what he termed “a bouquet of bright and charming faces,” the students of Tubman high school for girls. The songs of the class to which he listened preceding his brief talk he declared had carried him in an enjoyable fancy, and his introduction to speak was “a rude awakening.”

Decatur, Indiana, Thursday Evening, January 21, 1909.

MANY KILLED AND INJURED. Fire in a Powder Vault Causes Much Loss of Life. Chicago, Jan. 21. —With a mile and a half of treacheous drifting ice cutting them off from ready communication with the shore, at least fifty-three workmen are Included among the list of missing and a majority of these already are known to be dead, as the result of a fire which had its origin today in a powder vault attached to the intermediate crib used in the construction of a new water tunnel connecting with the south side of the city at Seventy-third street. It is known that ninety-five workmen were employed in the crib and the connecting tunnel at the time of the fire, but the work of the destroying element was begun so unexpectedly and reaped its harvest of dead and injured with such swiftness that the contracting firm of George W. Jackson and the rescuers have been unable to arrive at anything like an accurate list of those who perished and others who escaped the fury of the flames or the icy waters of the lake. o HAS NO INTEREST The Vice President Not an Owner in the Indianapolis News NEW STATES Senator Beveridge Against Admission of Arizona and New Mexico Washington, January 21. —Before starting to Indianapolis this evening Hilton U. Brown of the Indianapolis News gave an interview in reference to the rumors that Vice President Fairbanks has a proprietary interest in the News. “The statement that Vice President Charles W. Fairbanks is one of the owners of the Indianapolis News is absolutely without foundation in fact,” said Mr. Brown. Mr. Brown is general manager of the News, and in this capacity has full knowledge of the internal affairs of that publication. The story that Vice President Fairbanks is financially interested in the News has been persistently circulated. Friends of the vice president say that the story had its origin with political enemies anxious to fix responsibility for the attitude of the News during* the last campaign. The News, they point out,was antagonistic to the candidacy of Mr. Taft, while Vice President Fairbanks stumped the country for the Republican nominee. Washington, January 21. —The fight over the admission of the territories of Arizona and New Mexico has reached a stage of development which 'indicates that an admission bill can- | not be passed through the senate without a long, hard fight. Senator Beveridge and his committee on territories have taken a stand against admitting the territories at this session. The house plans to put through a bill making each of the territories a state. The president is anxious to have both houses pass such a bill at this session. Wahington, January 21.—The new federal court bill which provides for another federal judge and for all of the other court officials necessary for a new district, was Introduced today by Representative Chaney. The bill creates a northern and a southern Indiana district, and makes Judge Anderson the judge of the northern district. Washington, January 21. —Representatives Cox and Dixon of Indiana brought about an amendment to the naval bill today which will be applauded by parents who have runaway boys in the navy. It provides that before a boy can be enlisted in the navy he must furnish a sworn affidavit I from parent or guardian to the effect that he is 18 years old. — — -o — Word was received that Miss Alma Schumm, who was operated on at the ' German Lutheran hospital at Fort (Wayne, Monday of last week, was not improving as she should. While her condition is not serious, she is suffering much pain, but an improvement ,1s looked for soon. —Willshire Herald.

IS ON COMMITTEE Indiana Retail Merchants Confer Honor Upon F. V. Mills A GOOD TIME Is Being Enjoyed by the Decatur Gentlemen The Democrat is in receipt of a letter from the Decatur gentlemen who are attending the Retail Merchants, meeting at Indianapolis, and they state that they are having the time of their life. F. V. Mills of this city was selected as a member of the legislation committee as the following dispatch will indicate: In his annual address to the Indiana Retail Merchants’ Association today, President Ralph B. Clark, of Anderson, referred to the prosperous conditions that are returning, spoke of the advantages of the mutual fire insurance organization that has been formed in the membership, touched on methods for opposing the mail order houses, and transient merchants, opposed the Mann bill aimed at drug shipments, opposed a postal savings bank and parcels post and called the association's attention to the death of Samuel C. Budd, former vice-pres-ident. In his address Mr. Clark said: “This convention is a business meeting for business ment and experience has taught us that much good has resulted from our past meetings. Our organizations and our conventions are responsible for overcoming petty jealousies, prejudices and ruinous competition. They broaden one’s ideas of men and things, open up new avenues of thought, inspire us with a higher regard for ourselves, our business, our competitors and make us more broad-minded and congenial when we return to our homes. When (Continued on page 2.) o— GENEVA WANTS IT They Are Boosting for a Traction Line Through Their Town GETTING ANXIOUS They Fear the Berne Route May Knock Them Out A pretty fight between the promoters of the Bluffton, Berne & Celina Traction company and those promoting the Bluffton, Geneva and Celina company Is anticipated. It was thought that the idea of building an interurban from this city to Celina through Geneva had been abandoned, but a number of business men from Geneva were here today und they state that the project is far from being a dead one. The Genvea business men are anxious that the line should go through that city and claim that they will not see the Berne people take the apple out of their mouth just before they get ready to chew it. There always has been considerable rivalry between the two companies, the only question being which line would be built. It was generally supposed, however, that the Geneva people had given up the proposition, while the Berne people have been going ahead and claim that within a short time they will have the line financed ready to do business. Whether the Geneva line will also ask for a subsidy from this township or not is not known now. A subsidy has been granted from some of the townships in Adams county.—Bluffton Banned o S. H. Place, of Willshire, has sued the Erie Stone company for $8,260 for injuries sustained by falling from a ladder while erecting an addition to the Willshire crusher building. Mr. Place suffered a fracture of the right knee and an injury to his shoulder. The case will be heard in the common pleas court at Van Wert.

FELT LIKE EARTHQUAKE. Dynamite Explosion Caused Alarm Over Wide Area. Norristown, Pa., Jan. 21. —Several tons of dynamite belonging to the Keystone Quarry company exploded near here, doing much damage to buildings in Plymouth township. The dynamite was stored in a building along the Plymouth railroad near Coldpoint. 1 The workmen had all departed for home. The cause of the explosion is not known. The explosion caused considerable excitement over a wide area in New Jersey, It was distinctly felt as far south as Berlin and as far north as Lambertville and east of Mt. Holly, showing an area with a radius of nearly fifty miles. > o INDIANA SOLONS They Are Having Trouble to Agree on Three Mile Law THE COX BILL Makes Voting Compulsory —Other News of the Session Indianapolis, January 21.—The roads committee of the house will find apparently that It is no easy task to change the three-mile road, law to meet the wishes of the various organizations and individuals seeking its repeal or amendment. The farmers’ congress of Indiana would like to have the law’ repealed so that incorporated cities apd towns may not hereafter build streets or improve streets at the expense of the township. On the other hand there are those who do not wish the law repealed, but who seek to have it amended. The law is unsatisfactory to the farmers —that much is certain, and the indications are that it will be changed early in this session. Representative Joseph H. Pierson, of Marion county, chairman of the roads committee, received a letter yesterday In which some suggestions are made that will be considered when the committee meets to consider the bills now in its possession. It is urged in this letter that a straight repeal of the law would work irreparable injury to the good roads movement as there are a number of cases throughout the state where some townships have availed themselves of the opportunity under the law to build roads, while townships in other ceuntics have not yet completed roads that are under contemplation or under construction. The establishment or alteration of rural mail routes is involved in some of these instances. The Cox compulsory voting bill was reported favorably by the senate committee on elections. The committee met yesterday afternoon, after which announcement was made that recommendation for its passage will be made. The committee discussed other measures ,but took no action on any except the voting bill. Among the measures discussed was the primary election bills introduced by Senators Moore and Cox. The committee will probably not meet until next week to take action on any of the other, measures before it. The senate committee on education will meet tomorrow afternoon with members of the state board of health to take up the discussion of several bills that are now before It. Among these are Senator McCarty’s bill prescribing rules for the sanitary construction of school housse. Fifteen bills were presented in the senate yesterday, while the house fails to record even one. There is being a multiplicity of bills offered, the most of which will find their way to the scrap heap. Three of the four Republican members of the state senate who it has been believed would support a measure for the repeal of the county unit local option law made clear their positions in the matter yesterday. The four men referred to are Senators Edgar Durre of Evansville, Will R. i Wood of Lafayette, John W. Onsdorf! of Churubusco and William Gonner(Continued on page 2.) j

Price Two Cents

HAD A BIG TIME Democrats Enjoyed Yesterday at Indianapolis HAS A BILL Representative Gottschalk Introduces His First Bill Indianapolis, Ind., Jaunary 20. — This was one of the biggest days for Democrats of Indiana within a quarter of a century, and they enjoyed it thoroughly, completely and enthusiastically. The occasion was the election of Benjamin F. Shively, of South Bend, as United States senator. The real event occurred at twelve o’clock and was followed by an appropriate and sound address by the senator-elect, and a few well chosen remarks by Governor Marshall, who as usual said the right things at the right time. Among those who witnessed the election of Hon. B. F. Shively to the senatorship were Dan M. Niblick, A. C. Sellemeyer, Fred Mills, C. M. Hower and Sam Shamp, of Decatur. These gentlemen are here attending the ninth annual convention of the Indiana Retail Merchants’ association, which is being held at the Claypool hotel. The boys say the convention Is a hummer and they are learning many facts that will benefit them in a business way. They were addressed by Governor Marshall this afternoon. Hon. Thurman Gottschalk, of Adams county will present his first bill tomorrow, a bill for an act concerning the qualification of school teachers. He is also busy preparing a bill concerning the repair of macadam roads. HELLER. o COURT HOUSE NEWS Sarah C. Studabaker Wants Her Name Changed FEW TRANSFERS Things Are Mighty Quiet Around the Temple of Justice Through her attorney, David E. Smith, Saraha C. Studabaker has filed a petition in the Adams circuit court asking that court tribunal to change her name to Sarah C. Mundhenk. She was married and assumed her present name some seven or eight years ago, but she and her then husband failed to agree and lived together but two weeks. Some time later her husband applied and was granted a divorce, and now she appears and wants to shed the last appearance of that fatal marriage. At that time she lived in Hartford township, but now her place of residence is in Geneva. Real estate transfers show that Emil Franz has deeded to Peter Meyer lots in Berne, the consideration being $3,006. Frederick Ehlerding deeds to C. A. Fuhrman, ground in Preble township sixteen rods by sixty feet for S2OO. Frederick Ehlerding also deeds the same amount of Preble township soil to Orie D. Newhard for the same consideration. o PROBES SALOON KILLING. Coroner at Fort Wayne Investigates Death of Walter Thornton. Fort Wayne, In(J.. Jan. 21. —Coroner A. J. Kesler began this afternoon taking the testimony of John Welsh, a saloon keeper, who was the third man in the party that took supper in the rooms above the Scott saloon just prior to the killing of Walter Thornton Monday night. Prosecutor Thomas would not make Welsh's testimony public and it is believed that a new link in the evidence has been secured.