Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 7, Number 21, Decatur, Adams County, 25 January 1909 — Page 1

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT.

Volume VII. Number 21.

DEMANDS DAMAGES Family of the Late Anthony Bubb Sue Interurban for SIO,OOO FOR DAMGES For the Killing of Mr. Bubb —Case Begun in Auburn Auburn. Indiana, Jan. 25.—(Special to the Daily Democrat) —A case entitled Mrs. T. Bubb vs. Fort Wayne & Springfield Railway company is occupying the time of the DeKalb county court at present in which the plaintiff demands damages in the sum ot SIO,OOO for the killing of her husband by a car on the interurban line. The work of impaneling the jury was completed this morning at about eleven-thirty o'clock after which an intermission for the dinner hour was taken. The introduction of testimony began promptly at the beginning of court this afternoon and from the number of witnesses subpoenaed several days’ time will be consumed before the case goes to the jury. Attorneys Guy Colerick of Fort Wayne, and D. M. Link of Auburn, are representing the plaintiff, while Judge Zollars of Fort Wayne and Rose of Auburn are looking after th» interests of the defendant. The casf will be bitterly fought by both sides. Several Decatur men, including employes of the Interurban, have arrived to give their testimony. D. H. Hunsicker, who was conductor on the car which struck Bubb is here, and will probably be used by the plaintiff in establishing the fact that Bubb was killed as a consequence of being struck by the car. Dr. C. S. ■Clark, of Decatur, who was called to the scene shortly after the accident, will be among the witnesses. There is much speculation as to what the outcome of the case will be. Direct testimony as to the killing is being introduced this afternoon and sev■eral eye witnesses were examined. The damage suit now on trial at Auburn came as a result of Anthony ■ ■■ Bubb, late proprietor of the nine mile house, being killed some time ago by an interurban car. He was carrying a beer case across the track when the car struck him. hurling his body a distance of about sixty feet .death resulting almost instantaneously. fe. o — ANOTHER SALOON SHOOTING. Ollie Bright of Portland, Has a Bullet in His Thigh. l&Mrtland. Ind., Jan. 25. —As the result of a shooting affair that occurred at the Ed Jones saloon in Depot stteet Saturday night. Ollie Bright, of McNeil street, is at his home with a bullet in his right thigh, and Clarence Glassford, who did the shooting, is at liberty under a bond of SSOO, to answer to a charge of intent to commit g murder. James Lanning and John Farris, also concerned in the trouble, are charged with assault and battery, and gave bonds in the sum of SSO. The trials of Farris and Lanning and the preliminary hearing of Glassford twill be held Tuesday morning at 9 o’clock, if Bright is able to be In court hat that time. | _ —o — BLUFFTON ELECTRIC RATES. Electricity was the subject up for discussion at the meeting of the city council last night. The new ordinance, changing the schedule for current for motors was passed. According to reports which come to the council a large number of business industries In this city will put in motors within the near future, which will mean S the using of considerable more fuel. The new- ordinance as passed provides for a rate as follows: 1,000 kilowatt or less. 5 cents; 1,000 to 1,500 kilowats, .05%; 1,500 to 2,000 kilowats, .04%; 2,000 to 2,500 kilowats, .04%; 2,500 to 3,000 kilowats .04; 3.000 to 4,000 kilowats, .03%; 4,000 to 5,500 kilowats, .03%; 5,500 to 7.000 kilowats, .03%; over 7,000, .03 —Bluffon Banner.

LOOK FOR AN INDICTMENT The Public Look for a Bill to Be Returned Against Delavan Smith. ■Washington, Jan. 25. —A luotabje extradition battle will begin this week if the District of Columbia grand jury indicts Delavan Smith, publisher of the Indianapolis News, for alleged criminal libel in connection with the publication in the Indianapols newspaper of articles tending to create a suspicion in the public mind that there was corruption in which the title to the rights of the old Panama. Canal company was acquired. In Washington it is regarded as a foregone conclusion that the grand jury will indict Mr. Smith, and a report from the jury is expected early in the week. All of the alleged libelous articles and cartoons in the News have been presented to the grand jury and the evidence is practically all in, so that whatever case has been made against Mr. Smith is practically complete. THE SPARK OF LIFE Has Gone from the Being of Mrs. Watts, Monmouth ILL FOR MONTHS Pneumonia and Diabetes Plucks Estimable Woman

Months of suffering from diabetes and pneumonia as a contributory ailment culminated In the demise of Mrs. Annice, wife of the late Rev. W. Watts yesterday morning at 7:15, ■when after heroically fighting against the coming of the death angel, her spirit returned to whence it came, causing as a thereof most poignant bereavement to the many in whom she had always found loyal friendship. Sorrow has doubly fallen to the many friends of the Watts family, who but eight months ago suffered the severance of all earthly ties to the Rev. Watts.who held a place in the people’s esteem which was in keeping with his purity of character and grand personality. Now' that the grim reaper has torn asunder the ties of friendship and love of the noble woman, untold grief has been occasioned and those with whom the decedent was affiliated are inconsolable. The health of the deceased has gradually declined since the death of her husband although nothing of an alarming nature developed until a few weeks ago, her case then assuming a seriousness which foretokened inevitable and early death. She was born near Covington, Ohio, May 12, 1536. She was married when young to W. W’. Watts, at Wapakoneta and for years resided in Auglaize county. Twenty-seven years ago they removed to Monmouth, this county, where, with the exception of a few years, they have since resided. A devout Christian, the departed woman has been an inspiration ot many. Her life has been lived nobly, she has done a good work and although the tottering form is withered by the outgoing of the spark of life, her memory will live on as long as those who knew her shall survive. She was a member of the W. C. T. U. Surviving ’ besides sorrowing friends innumerable, are four children, Thomas, Wilda of this city, James, Mrs. C. C. Wilder and Mr. Rhoda Mahon, of Monmouth; eleven grandchildren and one great grandchild. The funeral services will be held from the late home at Monmouth Tuesday afternoon at 1 o'clock In charge of Rev. Ira Johnson, pastor Friends’ churcfi, Lynn, a lifelong friend of the family. o VOTED FOR TWO BATTLESHIPS A Washington dispatch says: One of the surprises of the day was Reprensentative Adair’s vote. By voting for two battleships he proved that he was sincere when he promised his constituents that he “would stand by the president.” Representatives on the democratic side who did not know that Mr. Adair was elected in a considerable measure by the votes of Roosevelt republicans had expected him to line up with the other democrats to knock the props from under the president’s naval program.” The bill passed.

A NEW ILLUSION Fred LaDelle Scores a Great Hit in Chicago Theaters ARE IN DECATUR They Just Closed a Successful Six Weeks’ Engagement Frederick LaDelle, wife and three children returned last night from Chicago, where they have for six weeks captivated audiences in the best theaters by the clever execution of clever tricks and illusions. They have been decidedly successful in the windy city and will return to Chicago in the near future and remain indefinitely. The latest and most mystifying illusion shown on the- American stage today, as declared by press and public is that of the mystery of Dr. Gray Beard. Mr. LaDelle’s latest creation. It is otherwise known as the cross illusion. In this the LaDelle boy is shown to be securely tied to a cross and 'is examined Wy a committee from the audience. His hands, feet and neck are bound. The curtains are drawn for a second and opened showing the oldest girl tied on the cross while the young man has disappeared. At this Mr. LaDelle dons a robe and gray beard and again draws the curtains. When they are reopened Mr. LaDelle is shown to be securely tied on the cross, the girl who but a few moments before had been tied securely, walks calmly up the aisle of the opera house and the boy takes off the heard and robe the one his father wore at first, disclosing his identity and the audience goes wild. The LaDelles have other illusions equally as mystifying. They have a flattering offer to go to the coast for a several months’ engagement but as yet have not decided whether they will accept or not. Mr. LaDelle states that he does not know how soon they will return to Chicago as they are taking a rest while the roof of the opera house is undergoing repair.

MUCH SICKNESS Mrs. J. E. Moser is Gradually Growing Weaker CANNOT LIVE LONG I A New Development in the Case of Carl Smith Mrs. J. E. Moser is growing weaker each day and the physicians say she can last but a short time. The cancerous affections have assumed a serious stage. There is not the slightest thread of hope for her recovery and the many friends of the estimable woman will be grief stricken to hear of the sad news. Mrs. Moser has fought nobly agalii&t death, never losing hops, but her efforts have been of no avail. Human effort cannot relieve the complications which have developed and she has but to wait until the spark of life becomes extinct. The sympathies of the people of the community are extended to the family in the hour of profound sorrow.

Carl Smith, who some time ago shot himself In the hand while la a dream, is reported as having trouble with the injury. During the past few days it has caused him much pain, and it became necessary to call a physician. The doctor made a close investigation, finding that a poisonous formation existed in the rent made by the bullet, and he states that nothing short of the very closest attention and best care will prevent serious complications. The boy’s hand has swolelen considerably and is causing him no end of pain. It is thought, however, thajt the injury will heal in a course of time. (Continued on page 2.)

Decatur, Indiana, Monday Evening, January 25, 1909.

HOW IT WORKS AT BLUFFTON Whiskey to Be Sold Under Government License. Bluffton already has six pool rooms and Lew Scott's which he will open in the old Shenley meat market building, will make seven and now it is stated on very good authority that Alex Boivin will open the eighth in the Centliver building on west Mar- ' ket that he occupied w’ith a saloon until put lout of business by the remonstrance a few weeks ago. In addition to the pool room, it is said Boivine will deal in liquors of all kinds. A government license allows the selling of liquors in five gallon lots and no state law can prohibit this. Boivine, it is said, will secure a license and sell under this law. The location is good and the venture will no doubt be a success in drought stricken Bluffton. —Bluffton News. o FORTY THOUSAND That is the Amount the City Indebtedness Has Been Reduced A GOOD SHOWING Treasurer Archbold Writes Interesting Letter About City Finances By provision of an act amending the national bank laws, approved May 30, 1908, the treasurer of the United States, with the approval of the secretary of the treasury, is authorized and directed to accept under specified conditions, the bonds or other inter-est-bearing obligations issued by any city, town, county or other legally constituted muncipality or district ot the United States as security for additional circulating notes to be issued by the national banks. The act further directs the secretary of the treasury to obtain specified information with reference to the obligations to be accented and to furnish that information to the national bank association in pursuance of this national law your city treasurer has been directed to furnish the financial standing of Decatur. Since the figures have been compiled and our taxpayers are interested, will you be kind enpugh to allow me to use the columns of your paper to acquaint our citizens with the financial condition of our city up to Jan. 15, 1909. The bonded indebtedness, time orders and floating orders is as follows: Water works bonds $14,000 South Ward .school bonds. .12,000 North Ward school bonds.... 5,500 City bonds 9,000 City bonds 20,000 Refunding bonds 20,000 Electric light warrants 2,349 Water works warrants 2,333 General fund warrants 3,729 Time ( orders 4,239 Total $93,150 Deduct cash in treasury which is a little more than. 3,150

Total indebtedness $90,000 The above amount does not in- 1 elude the interest on the floating orders, but there is enough due the city from accounts that will more than pay the amount. On January 1. 1906 the debt approximated one hundred and thirty thousand dollars. We have a falling off of forty thousand dollars. I do not say this to praise or to censure any one. But if this council can pay the interest on one hundred and thirty thousand dollars, and reduce the indebtedness forty thousand dollars, then the next council can start at $90,000 and reduce to fifty thousand dollars with even a lighter tax levy as the water works and electric light plants will, if properly managed, pay running expenses and cover depreciation. I am not trying to dictate who shall be out next city officials or am I trying to tell them how to manage city affairs, but would like to say that Decatur has the material for any kind of a council or set of officials she wants. She can get a set of men who knowenough to draw their breath and salary, or a set of men who believe in special privileges and represent their (Continued on page 2.)

REPUBLIC SANK Republic, of the White Star Line, Sank and is Lost A SEA TRAGEDY But Six Persons Lost Their Lives in the Sea Fatality New York, Jan. 25.—The palatial ocean .steamship Republic of the White Star line, which was in collision with the Italian liner Florida early Saturday morning off Nantucket, Mass., went down at 8:30 o'clock last night. No one was lost.

Her passengers, taken off many hours before are on the Baltic, which was off Sandy Hook at a late hour making for this port. The Republic was in tow of the United States revenue cutter Gresham and the derelict destroyer Seneca, proceeding to New York, when she sank. On board her was Captain Sealby with a volunteer detail of fifty of her crew. She had been towed but a short distance when she began to settle rapidly. Seeing no hope of saving the ship, the captain gave the order to abandon it and the crew was taken off by the Gresham, which cast loose from the crippled liner and stood by uhtil she sank. The Gresham and the Seneca then headed for the Massachusetts coast and will land Captain Sealby and his crew at Newport, R. I. The point where the Republic went down is described in brief wireless messages received here tonight as off No Man’s Land, a small Island south of Martha’s Vineyard island, off the Massachusetts coast The Italian liner Florida, which crashed into the Republic in the dense fog off Nantucket early Saturday morning and gave her her death blow, is steaming slowly toward New York conveyed by the American liner New York. Her passengers are also on the Baltic, having been transferred in the early hours of the morning along with those of the Republic.

COURT HOUSE NEWS The Petit Jury for the February Term is Selected INSANITY INQUEST Doings in Which the Circuit Court is Interested H. A. Fristoe and S. B. Fordyce the jury commissioners drew the petit jury for the February term, they being Joseph Eckrote, of Wabash township, Miller Smith of Jefferson township, George Calkins of Geneva, Henry Gunsett of Washington township, Albert Buhler of Decatur, Forest Runyon of French township, Frank Farout of Washington town-

ship, Louis Andrews of Monroe township, William Dettinger of Kirkland township, T. R. Moore of Decatur, Fred Koldewey of Union township and William Laughrey of Blue Creek township. They will report on Monday, February 15, and will likely have something to do during the next term. Drs. C. S. Clark and P. B. Thomas and Esq. J. H. Smith held an insanity inquest Saturday evening and declared James Beal, a farmer of Kirkland township, aged twenty-five years, as insane. Application for his admission to the Eastern Insane hospital at Richmond has been made. A marriage license has been issued to Charles Egbert Barnhart and Lillie Belle Steele. David E. Smith as attorney for Catherine Troutner has tiled a partition suit, making Frank and Greely (Continued on page 2.)

REFUSED THE APPROPRIATION Wells County Council Refused to Help Pay in Murder TrialAlthough the county council refused to appropriate money for the employment of A. G. Emshwiller as assistant prosecuting attorney in the Orville Clum murder case it is probable that he will be in the case after all. He will probably be hired by George and John Poffenbarger, brothers of Peter Poffenbarger, who was killed by Clum. After the failure of the county council to pass the appropriation today. Mr. Emshwiller had a conference with the brothers of the murdered man and it is probable that this will result in his employment by the brothers to assist Prosecutor Secrest and Deputy Charles Dailey. Considerable interest is being attached to the case, which will come up at the beginning of the next term of the circuit court. F. C. Dailey has already been appointed to defend the man. —Bluffton Banner;.

CAN NOT LOSE HIM Senator Hemenway May Stay in the Government Service T STAR WITNESS William Nelson Cromwell on the Witness Stand Washington, Jan. 25.—1 tis altogether impossible that Senator Hemenway may remain in thS* government service in Washington for one year after his term of senator expires. He admitted that several senators who belong to the appropriations committee, of which he is a member, have been making overtures to him which he may conclude to accept, but about which he has not yet definitely made up his mind. It is within the scope of jurisdiction of the appropriations committe to tender him the employment that has been proposed, and, judging from all the facts that can be ascertained at this time, it seems to be a matter for the senator himself to decide. Washington, Jan. 24. —The star witness against the Indianapolis News in the Panama libel cases was heard by the grand jury Saturday. The entire session was taken up with the testimony of William Nelson Cromwell, who proved an admirable witness for the government. He is the New York attorney who put through the Panama Canal deal and he laid bare to the grand jury the minute details of the whole transaction, He takes a great deal of pride in his part of the canal negotiations and not even the president has resented more keenly than he the intimation that there was corruption and wrongdoing connected with the negotiations. Washington, Jan. 24. —That the Du Pont Powder company (the trust) is worried over the amendment of Rep-

resentative Cox, which was adopted by the house, prohibiting the purchase of any powder for government use from the trust, was made evident when the trust sent a lobby to Washington to try to block the amendment iu the senate. At the head of the lobby is a retired army officer. o A LECTURE ON IMMIGRATION. Mr. McGarrah, of New York, to Be at the Presbterian Church Tonight. Mr. McGarrah, of New York, a noted lecturer and who is doing special work in behalf of immigration and other national problems as relate to the church, will be a speaker at the Presbyterian church this evening. It so happened that this very noted public man was free for this evening and Rev. Spetnagle knowing his worth as a speaker, took advantage of occasion to have him here that the people of Decatur might hear him. There will be no charge, and the members of other congregations and others . are invited to hear him. The church J should be crowded as the immigration problem is getting to be an interesting one to the American people everywhere. The hour is seven-thirty.

Price Two Cents

TWO IN THE HOPPER Representative Gottschalk Introduced Two Bills Today WORK OF SESSION Members Settling Down and Making Progress With the Work Indianapolis, January 25. —(Special to the Daily Democrat) —Representative Gottschalk today introduced two bills in the lower branch of the general assembly, and they have been referred to committee. One of the bills refers to the practice before justice of the peace, and if enacted into law would dispense with the filing of a replevin bond in such a suit. The filing of a complaint would be all that is necessary, and would simplify the practice in these courts. The other bill relates to the improvement and repair of highway. Under the law now these road improvements are in the hands of the board ot commissioners, and they appoint superintendents who look after the expense of repair, every ten or fifteen milts having and being under such a superintendent. Under the bill as offered by the Adams county representative these repairs would revert to the road supervisors, and they would have charge of it in their road district. Under direction of the commissioners each road supervisor would have control of his district and would buy all materials, employ all labor and certify the same to the commissioners for allowance and payment. The bill also embraces the cutting of all weeds along the highway, and entitles such supervisors to a salary while in actual employment, of twenty-two and one-half cents an hour.

At the end of the third week finds the work of the legislature fairly well advanced in committee, and during this and next week many bills will be reported and some action taken. The congressional apportionment bills will excite some interest, and both the Democrats and Republicans will endeavor to have such legislation passed, but it will all likely end in a draw and the congressional lines remain the same as they now are. The situation on the county local option remains without change. Those wanting the law repealed are afraid to start the ball rolling, for fear they will fail in having the law repealed. Already many members of the legislature are receiving petitions from their constituents, these petitions all being against the repeal of the law. The Sunday base ball bill is seemingly in favor, and there is a greater chance for its passage, although opponents of the bill are becoming active. o_ — BLOUNT GOES TO PRISON. . Judge LaFollette Sentenced Him on Saturday. Asa Blount, convicted in the circuit court last week on a grand jury indictment charging him with criminal assault on Fay Layman, a four-teen-years-old girl, was arraigned before Judge LaFollette, Saturday afternoon and sentenced to serve from two to twenty-one years in the Jeffersonville prison. Before sentence was pronounced the prisoner was given an opportunity to speak and declare his innocence of the crime for which he was convicted. He was remanded back to jail and will be transferred to the prison some time next week by Sheriff King. —Portland Sun. o— GOOD SHOW TOMORROW NIGHT I The “Cowpuncher” Will Make the Hit of the Season. The touch of nature that makes the whole world kin is seen in new 1 play “The Cowpuncher.” by Hal Reid which will be seen at the Bosse opera house, on Tuesday, Jan. 26, for an engagement of one night only. This play is intensely interesting and has a wholesome amount of comedy that ; makes it thoroughly enjoyable to the ! discriminating theater-goers. W. F. 1 Mann, the producer, has given It a i magnificent production, and several new’ vaudeville features have been introduced. Watch for the man with the rope.