Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 7, Number 27, Decatur, Adams County, 1 February 1909 — Page 1

Volume VII. Number 27.

ELECTION GRANTED ■- Local Option Petition Up in Commissioners’ Court SOME DISCUSSION Petition Granted but Date of Election Not Yet Known At three o'clock this afternoon no ’ <ate hid been set for the local option ; election. There was some discussion I a> to the first or second of March, E and it was the opinion of soma of | those who attended the session that I March 1, would be the date. The first matter that was called in I the commissioners’ court this morn- £ ing was the petition for the local op- | tion election. The petition was preB sented by Judge Heller and Jesse C. f Sutton, who represented the petition- | ers, presenting the validity of the pe- | tition together with the law covering |, the duties of the board. Mr. Shaffer | Peterson followed with the explanation that the law contemplated giv- | ing ninety days for those engaged in the business to clean up their stock and to go out of it as respectable as possible. The licenses of five of those in the business expire with the first day of March, and by holding the erection previous to that time it would not give the mthis time, and it would also defeat the purpose of the law. He simply asked that the day ■of election be fixed on the second day , of March, and on the first day these men can secure new licenses and then if the election goes dry they can pro- | ceed to close out in accordance with the provisions of the law. Several witnesses were examined as to the velidity of the petition among them being E. M. Ray and Martin Shadv. Clerk Haefling was called to certify to the vot ecast at the last general election for secretary of state. This finished the evidence and the board announced that they would set the date at a later conference. The room o’ the board of commissioners would not begin to hold the vast throng of people who were there to see and take a hand if necessary in the discussions. Thfere was not a jar in any way. No objections were made to the vote cast at the last general ia the way of holding an election. Under the law the board has the duty of appointing judges and clerks of election, and they are supposed to be one dry and one wet. County Attorney Luts suggested an easy way out Ol this mixture, as well as a most satisfactory one. by permitting both sides to the controversy to select names and present them to the board, and if these names are satisfactory to the board they will be appointed? There seems to be much to do in the holding of this election and from this time to the date of election there will many busy ones in Adams county. o ASKS SIOO SOLDIER BOUNTY Western Lawyer Makes Unusual Claim Against Tipton County. Tipton, Ind., Jan. 31.—County Treasurer L.~Compton has received a letter that is a curiosity. It is from an attorney at Los Angeles, making a de rnand on Tipton county for the sum of SIOO, with interest from 1864, in favor of his client, a soldier, who savs that he enlisted in the war at Sharpsville, this county. The letter says the soldier was promsied SIOO bounty when he re-enlisted and that this sum was never paid him. He demands the SIOO and accrued interest, adding that he hopes that “Tipton county will not repudiate her honest debts.” The treasurer is unable to find any record showing that bounties were paid or that the man in the west has a claim against the county.

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT.

REPORT OF JAY CIRCUIT COURT Annual Report to the Bureau of Statistics. County Cierk Gillespie has completed his annual report of the number and nature of the civil and criminal cases filed and disposed of together with the other matters transacted in the circuit court during the year 1908. The report is made to the state bureau of statistics and was mailed to Indianapolis Friday, It shows that during the period covered by the report 334 civil cases were filed and 351 civil cases were disposed of. Cut two children’s cases were filed in the juvenile court in 1908; 46 letters of administration were issued; 23 guardians were appointed; 23 decrees of foreclosure were entered; 9 shrift's sales were conducted; 9 people were declared insane and 215 marriage licenses were issued.—Portland Sun. THE FOURTH WEEK The Standing of Much Legislation at This Time IT TAKES TIME Getting a Legislature into a forking Force is a Slow Process It takes time to get a legislature started. With over a third of Its time gone (twenty-three out of sixty days) the session of 1909 has accomplished little beyond the election of a United States senator. It has begun committee work on a mass of bills, has done a fair amount of the rapid killing necessary to most bills, and has passed two bills that have been signed by the governor. One is the bill appropriating $115,000 for the expenses of the session, and the other is a bill relating to the method of payment for some ditches in White county. ■ That fewer bills have been introduced than in the same length of time two years ago—sl3 as against 729—is not regard as a bad sign. However, the session of 1907 was abnormal in the number of its bills. The present session, like its predecessor, shows indications of dawdling along for the first part and then having to work furiously toward the close of the session to finish its work. A big part of the members’ time is being utilized in endeavoring to undo the doings of the 1907 legislature. Three-mile road law repeal bills have abounded, as have fish and game lawrepealers, to say nothing of fish and game commission abolishers. In an educational way the effort has been directed at the high school qualification for teachers, and the education committee has industriously killed bills to this effect. An effort to cut tue salaries of circuit and superior court judges to $2,500 was voted down lost week. The various court fights of the state have not reached the floor of the house, further than through the swarm of lobbyists on the subject, but the committe on organization of courts has been busy listening to the woes of Hammond, Gary, Linton, Sullivan and all the rest. The house has given no thought to legislative apportion ment, and the merchants’ public accounting bill has not reached the house from the senate. Attention has been attracted to the fact that a large number of bills have been introduced in the two houses of the legislature bearin gon public improvement bonds, the evident purpose being to make such securities more saleaable. Perhaps the most important of these “That all bonds, notes, and other evidences. of indebtedness hereafter issued by any county, township, city or incorporated town In the state of Indiana, in payment for any public work or improvement, whether refunding, cr otherwise, and whether for Improvements to be paid for by taxation or by assessment on any land or lots, shall when sold to ( bear pess than the legal rate of interest, be exempt from taxation by any county, township, city, town or public corporation in said state.’’ Many Decatur vets are pleased over (Continued on page 2.)

THE OPTION FIGHT The Democratic State Committee Are Mixing In HELD A MEETING They Will Try and Boost a New Local Option Law • Indianapolis, February 1. —The Democratic state committee has decided to enter the local option fight now on in the general assembly. It p.vposes to see to it that the platform pledges of the party in the recent campaign are carried out, as far as it is within the pow’er of the Democrats in the legislature to do so. The committee held a meeting yesterday at state headquarters, at which a committee was appointed to look to the interests of the party at this session. One of the first things to be taken up will be the enactment of the Democratic pledge of a ward and township unit for local option into law. It will be the state committee’s purpose to bring the Democratic recalcitrants on the question of repealing the county local option law into line, and a determined campaign with that end in view will be begun today. All of the other legislation pledged In the Democratic state platform will be taken up also, including that providing a weekly pay day for employes in mines and factories; providing for a reduction in state expenditures; safeguarding bank deposits; the abolishment of needless offices; employers’ liability; a general primary election; the repeal of the metropolitan police law\ and the appointment of the state mine inspector by the governor, instead of by the state geologist. While admitting there is little hope of the repeal of the county local option law at this session of the legislature, the men who are leading the fight for the liquor interest are leaving no stone unturned that will give them relief from the county unit system. They w’ill hold another conference at three o’clock this afternoon. THE DEATH CALL Perry Sells Answers the Call of the Grim Reaper WAS ILL LONG Funeral Services Tomorrow —Butler Child is Dead A complication of disease in which kidney trouble was the important factor has caused the death of Hiram P. Sells one of Decatur’s oldest residents. Mr. Sells has been ailing for several years, but not until a few weeks ago did his case assume a seriousness which caused alarm among his friends and relatives. The deceased was born In Richland county, Ohio, moving to this county when in the prime of life. He settled on a farm near the west border of the city, where he has since resided. His death will cause profound sorrow among his many friends*. The funeral services will be held from the home tomorrow afternoon at 1:30 o’clock and interment will be made at the Maplewood cemetery. The deceased was 62 years, 8 months and 15 days old. The twelve-months-old babe of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Butler has died after an illness of several weeks. The funeral services were held from the home of Mr. and Mrs. Gorge Winters this afternoon. o The offices of the Graham Insurance agency will be removed to the Morrison building within a few weeks, the firm having leased the rooms which were vacated by the firm of Hooper & Lenhart. The new’ quarters are being completely overhauled and will be beautiful when completed.

Decatur, Indiana, Monday Evening, February 1, 1909.

PETITION FILED IN GRANT. The Temperance Forces There Want a County Local Option Election. Marion, Ind., Feb. I.—A petition bearing 4,313 names was filed with the county auditor late Saturday asking for the holding of a special election in Grant county under the provisions of the county option law. There arc 1,471 signatures in excess of the number required. The names were obtained within three days. When the county commissioners meet today they will be asked to set February 23 as the day for the election. The calling of the election will mark the beginning of what is expected will be the hardest fought battle in the state between the tempi ance forces and the liquor men. A brewery and fiftyseven saloons, are in operation in Grant county at this time, and it Is expected that the liquor men will ’ make a determined fight to save them. The temperance forces realize that a lively campaign is ahead and they have completed a strong organization to conduct the campaign. o HE HUNG HIMSELF Former Berne Man Employs Unique Scheme for Self Destruction IS A SUICIDE Chrisley Gehrig, of Leo, Ind., Uses Suspenders to Hang Himself Chrisley Gehrig, who until three years ago, residing at Berne with his sister, Mrs. Barbara Stuckey, committed suicide at his late home near Leo, Indiana., last Friday. The decedent lived at Berne for about twenty years, and w-as well known in that vicinity. He has always acted peculiarly, according to statements prom Berne people. An exchange has the following to say in regard to the tragedy: Using a noose made from his suspenders and a handerchief, Chrisley Gehrig, 78 years of age, committed suicide Friday afternoon by hanging himself to the door knob of his room in Leo. The aged man had long oeen ill. and it is believed this had weakened his mentality and led him to take his own life. Gehrig came to Leo from Berne about three years ago, and has been making his home with a brother, Andrew Gehrig, at whose home the suicide occurred. The lifeless body of the aged man was found at 1 o'clock Friday afternoon. Scarcely ten minutes before Mrs. Andrew Gehrig had entered the aged man’s room and saw him sitting by the window. There was nothing unusual in his manner or his speech. When Mrs. Gehrig attempted to enter the room a few minutes later the door refused to yield readily, and pushing it open she found the body of the aged man. He bad tied the suspenders and the handerchief about his neck, then to the door knob, and dropped to the flwin such a manner as to cause death by strangulation. Physicians who were quickly summoned were unable to resuscitate the aged man. His enfeebled condition undoubtedly led to death by strangulation much quicker than would have ordinarily been the case. Gehrig had never married. He is survived by a large number of relatives near Leo. Coroner Kesler was called in the case, but the snowdrifts made it impossible for him to reach Leo, and he deputized Dr. Smith, of Leo, to act in the case. o NEW SCHOOLS FOR CHICAGO. Forty-Six Buildings and Additions Will Cost $8,873,000. Chicago, Feb. 1. —The Chicago school board has just made public its plans to erect forty-six new school buildings and additions at a total cost of $8,873,000. Thirteen elementary schools are to be provided ’with gymnasiums and baths. Manual training and domestic science departments, libraries and other features are to be provided.

LIVED HERE LONG Nicholas Meibers Dead After Years of Suffering WAS 84 YEARS OLD Was Engaged in Mercantile Business in Decatur Senility with its attendant ravages, has ushered into eternity another of Decatur's well known men, in the death of Nicholas Meibers, which occurred at the home of his daughter, Mrs. John Voglewede yesterday morning at eleven-thirty o'clock. The deceased was born at Hanover, Germany, June 20, 1824, coming when in young manhood to this country. In the early history of Adams county he settled In Decatur, engaging in the mercantile business in which he did well. He retired from business some time after the death of his wife, which occurred in 1875, and has since lived a retired life in this city. For the past two years he has suffered from a complication of ailments peculiar to old age, and last summer suffeted a sunstroke which caused alarm among his friends, it being thought then that he could survive but a short time. He partially recovered from this, however, but owing to his ripe old age, he has gradually declined, death coming as sweet release from the intense pain. The deceased was probably one of the best known men in the county. He has enjoyed the fellowship of a large circle of friends who join the family members in their hour of profound sorrow. Surviving to mourn the loss of the companionship of the departed estimable man are besides a multitude of friends, a brother, Barney Meibers of west Monroe street, and the following children: Mrs. Ben Knapke, Mrs. John Voglewede and Messrs. Joseph and J. H. Bremertamp and J. B. Meibers. The funeral services will be held from the St. Marys church Wednesday morning at 8:30 o’clock, interment to be made at the St. Joseph cemetery. - —o NEW CITY MARSHAL Fred Bohnke Tenders to Mayor France His Resignation APPOINTMENT MADE Albert Butler Appointed to the Place Made Vacant On Wednesday morning Decatur will have a new city official, in the person of Albert Butler, who will don the blue and act in the capacity of marshal. The appointment was necessary owing to the resignation of the present marshal, Fred Bohnke, who tendered his resignation after a service of two years during which time he satisfactorily filled the place, and did it with the approval of most of the people of our city. His future Intentions are not known to us, but we presume he has other and better fish to fry. Mr. Butler, the new appointee, is not new' in official lines, he having served as sheriff of the county for four years, and he did it to the entire satisfaction of all. His experience thus attained will be a valuable asset in the duties of marshal, and it was this fact that caused Mayor France to make the appointment. He enters upon the duties of city marshal on Wednesday morning, his appointment will be made officially at the meeting of the council, which will be held tomorrow "evening. In the meantime the affairs of the office will be cared for in the best way imaginable. Another big horse sale is on foi next Friday at the barn of the Decatur Horse company. They are in the business better than ever this year, and will pull off some of the best ones ever recorded in the history of the horse business in this city.

TO BE PLACED ON POPULAR COIN head of Lincoln to Be on Our New Coin. Washington, Feb. 1. —President Roosevelt has given his consent to the placing of the head of Lincoln on one of the popular coins. He conferred Saturday with Director Leech of the mint about the matter and the details are no wonder advisement. Victor D. Brenner, the New York sculptor, has submitted to the director some fine models of Lincoln busts, and these have been shown to the president. The head of Lincoln, splendidly drawn, will adorn one side of the coin and the customary coat of arms on the other side. It is probable that the half-dollar piece will be selected as the principal coin to bear the Lincoln head, but some legislation may be necessary to make the change. STICKING BY WILEY State Health Boards Taking a Hand for the Indianian AN APPOINTMENT u . ' ’' _>:.*■ ■i Joseph A. Arnold an Editor in the Agriculture Department Washington, Feb. I.—State health authorities all over the country are opening a warfare on the referee board, or “supreme court of chemistry,” which recently overthrew the benzoate of soda decision of Dr. Harvery W. Wiley and incidentally administered a stinging rebuke to the distinguished Indiana man at the head of the government Bureau of Chemistry. The state health officers are working together in an effort to induce the president to sustain Dr. Wjiley. In letters which the state health authorities are sending to the president the decision of the referee board is deplored and it is asserted that unless it is overthrown the campaigns to enforce the pure food law in the states might as well be abandoned. There is almost, if not entirely, unanimous agreement among the state health officials that Dr. Wiley is right in his characterization of benzoate of soda as a dangerous prest rvative which should be prohibited. Washington, Feb. 1. —The position of editor for the department of agriculture, regarded as one of the most desirable positions in the department, has just been given to Joseph A. Arnold. of Indiana. Mr. Arnold has been an assistant editor for a number of years. He succeeds George William Hill, of Minnesota," who, on account of illness, has been made an assistant editor under Mr. Arnbld. Washington, Feb. 1. —The new secretary of the navy will be George von L. Meyer, of Massachusetts, now postmaster-general. While as much has been conjectured ever since Senator Lodge went to Augusta to plead with Mr. Taft to that end, the decision became known here today from two seperate sources. o A VAST SUM FOR CHARITY Indiana Spent Over Two Million Dollars In 1908. Indiana spent $2,169,883.32 on its charitable and correctional institutions in 1908, almost one-half of this amount being necessary for the salaries and subsistence of the 1,700 persons employed by the state in caring for these institutions and for the needs of the inmates. New’ buildings and permanent Improvements cost the state $591,751.49. The gross expenditure amounted to $2,392,221.45, there being receipts and earnings aggregating $222,338.13. The most notable items included in the expenditures for new buildings, were $9,900 for electrical equipment at the Central Hospital for the Insane, $60,000 for two cottages at the Eastern Hospital for the Insane, $39,923 for two congregate dining rooms at the Southern Hospital for the Insane, $25,085.95 for the extension of walls at the state prison and $37,520 for a power plant and for remodeling the west wing of the woman’s prison. I

Price Two Cents

IN CIRCUIT COURT The February Term Opened This Morning PLEADED GUILTY Francis Good Fined Ten Dollars for Cruelty to Animals The February term of the Adams circuit court opened this morning, a call of the names of the bar found the lawyers on hand with a diversified amount of business, which the court was asked to adjudicate. The quiet title suit of Louisa and Henry Magley vs. Jockson Barlow et al. was submitted in which a finding was found for the plaintiff, in which a mortgage was ordered cancelled, and Paul G. Hooper appointed to made deed of conveyance. The costs were charged to the plaintiff. The case of State vs. Francis Good of Jefferson township, was heard before Judge Merryman, the defendant pleading guilty and the court assessing a fine of $lO against him. The charge was cruelty to animals. J. F. Lehman as administrator of the Daniel Sprunger estate, filed his final report, which was made returnable February 12. S. A. Armantrout filed a final report as executor of W. H. Wodruff, deceased. A final report was filed by Henry Luttman Jr., as executor of Henry Luttman, deceased. A current report was filed and allowed by Martin Kirschner as administrator of the estate of William R. Kirschner. John Weaver as administrator in the Eldridge Weaver estate, reported a sale of personal property. Albert Butler as administrator of the Jesse Butler estate, has filed a petition for a reappraisement of property. J. B. Stoneburner filed a petition for clerk to pay over S2OO in trust, in the Jesse Stoneburner estate. The estate of George Hahn was set off to the widow, Margaret J. Hahn, the value of the personal property being less than SSOO. The probation of the Maria Louisa Shaffer will approved, as was also the letters of administration granted in vacation to Catharine Lewis. A marriage license was issued to Frank Hurst, of this city, and Grace Tyndall of Pleasant Mills. Real estate transfers include Davy C. Chatham to John R. Wheeler, eighty acres In Washington township for $875; Joseph Fenstermaker to James Fenstermaker, fifty acres in Wabash township, for $3,000. Jacob R. Miller was discharged and relieved from any liability of trying to evade the order of the court. He is a witness in the case of State vs. Johnloz, and when the case was called during the last term, he was in Michigan. He showed to the satisfaction of the court that he had no knowledge of the date when she former trial was set for hearing. H. M. Zook, through his attorney, Jesse C. Sutton, petitioned to have the name of the Zook company changed to Swiss Milk company. The petition was granted. o The board of commissioners go to Bluffton Wednesday, where they hold a joint session, and will probably sell a county line macadam road that has been hanging fire for some time. The I road is a good one for a contractor, providing that he can get it at the right price.