Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 7, Number 33, Decatur, Adams County, 8 February 1909 — Page 1

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT.

Volume VII. Number 33.

ELECTION TODAY Both Sides Working Hard in Monroe, Jefferson and French THE VOTE IS LIGHT Bluffton Not Taking Much Interest—Geneva Talking Some Berne, Indiana, February B.—(Special t othe Daily Democrat)—The subsidy election is on in earnest today, both those favorable and opposed are making the best fight possible. Late this afternoon the opinion was expressed that Monroe township would vote the subsidy, although the vote would be close and nothing to crow over, further than the oft expressed fact that one was as good as a thousand. It is thought that a full vote wculd be polled. The word received here from both French and Jefferson townships was to the effect that the result was uncertain, although those favoring the project hoped to carry Jefferson. Bluffton, Indiana. February 8. — (Special to the Daily Democrat)—A light vote is being polled here, and while it is expected that the subsidy will carry, yet it would be no surprise should the vote be close. There is apparently no interest in the outcome. « Geneva. Ind., Feb. 8. —Great enthusiasm prevails among the local promoters of the proposed Bluffton, Geneva & Celina traction line, occasioned by the prompt compliance of the citizens of the towns along the line and the farmers that will be benefitted. The demand for the stock subscription has been far beyond the most sanguine expectations. There seems to be no question that the line will be in operation by the first of August this year. The line will pass through the most populous and richest farming section in northern Indiana. Grading will begin as soon as the winter permits, which will be, under present arrangements, not later than March 15 to April 1. (, RATLIFF FOR THE REPEAL. Representative from Wayne County Comes Out of His HoleRichmond, Ind.. Feb. 8. —Walter S. Ratliff, representative from Wayne

county, said in an interview: “I now ■believe that the legislature will take some action in regard to the local opton bill. The Democrats will get together and effect a compromise. The misunderstanding all along has been in regard to the nullification of previous elections if the bill is repealed or amended. I understand that it has been agreed that previous elections shall not be nullified. Yes, I will stand by my previous declaration that since Wayne county voted wet I shall favor the repeal or amendment of the county local option law. I know of three or four other Republicans in the house whose names have not been made public who will vote for the repeal of the bill. There is no doubt in my mind that the bill will S° through the senate if it is successful in the house. In fact I have reliable information that the upper house will pass the measure. As soon a-j the matter is settled the repeal bill will be given precedence over all other measures and will be pushed to a final vote.” Petitions are in circulation throughout the county which will be presented to Ratliff asking him to vote against the repeal of the local option law. The petitions are being circulated by the temperance element and have been signed freely in the western part of the county. —o — HE WANTS TO LET GO. Washnigton, Feb. 8. —Congressman Rauch is in receipt of the most pecu liar letter that ever came to his office. It is from a constituent who wants the congressman to let go of an of flee. ‘‘l have received many letters of the other kind,” said Mr. Rauch. [ “that is, from constituents who desired my assistance in helping them to get offices.” The man who wants to *et go and can’t is Drummond S. Terrell, pastmaster at Magenica. Huntington county.

TO BE TRIED FOR FORGERY. The Agar Forgery Case to be Held at Princeton. Princeton, Ind., Feb. B—Henry E. Agar has arrived here from San Benito, Tex., to face a forgery charge in connection with the wrecking of the Princeton Elevator company two years ago. The grand jury is venired for next Tuesday and it is likely it will go to work at once on the Agar case, as it is the biggest thing that body probably will have before it. The forgery charge is preferred by Hugh D. McGary and there is every reason to believe the grand jury will find a bill against the defendant, who is under SI,OOO bond for his appearance. Mr. Agar refuses to discuss the coming trial, but is ready at all times and under all circumstances to boost southern Texas, which he thinks is the best country this side of the eternal kingdom. IT WAS NOT A BABY South Side Boys Caused a Sensation Last Night FOUND A PACKAGE Which Was Supposed to Contain Remains of Child For a time last evening the residents of the south part of the city were in a state of wild excitement when two young lads, a Deam boy and another whose name we have not ascertained, found a package lying on the sidewalk near the Schafer saloon which, when opened, revealed a bulky substance which very much resembled the remains of an infant babe. The youths lost no time in spreading the news over the ctity, thinking that they had unearthed an evidence of a scandal and excitement was at a high tension for several hours. The package was taken charge of and was examined later in the evening with the result that no one was able to state just what the contents was. In fact many people were of the opinion yet this morning that a murder had been committeed until John Schafer cleared the mystery by explaining that the package contained several pounds of liver which had laid in his coo’er for some time, and which had turned white with age. The excitement is now over, but there are a number of people who are a trifle sore over the poor judgment they exercised.

ON HIS WAY TO NEW ORLEANS President-Elect Taft and Party Have Left Panama. Colon. Feb. B.—President-elect Taft and party left last evening at 6 o’clock on board the United States cruiser North Carolina for New Orleans, accompanied by the cruiser Montana. Just previous to embarking. Mr. Taft grve out the following: “I am not prepared now to make a statement as to the results of the trip to the isthmus, except to say that we have found the work progressing in a most satisfactory way; the organization better than ever before; the esprit de corps excellent and the determination of all even the humblest laborer, directed to the building of the canal. I am sure this has impressed itself upon every one of the board of visiting engineers as it has upon me. With reference to the type of canal and the continuance of the present plans, the engineers promise they will be able to hand me their report by the time we land at New Orleans.” —o — IN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT. W. J- Bryan Suffered a Badly Bruised Leg. Tampa, Fla., Feb. 8.-While returning from Sutherland College, where he delivered his lecture “The Prince of Peace,” Saturday evening, William J. Bfan came near losing his life. A big automobile in which he was riding threw a tire on a bridge near Tarpon Springs and plunged into the trestle work, throwing the occupants out. Mr. Bryafi was on the side next to that which struck against a rail and suffered considerable injury. At first it was thought his leg had been broken, but when he arrived at Tampa an examination revealed the fact that the leg was only badly bruised.

NO TAXSALE TODAY All Delinquency Was Paid into Treasury Saturday A NEW RECORD This is a New Record for Indiana Counties The delinquent tax sale failed to take place at the east door of the court house at ten o’clock this morning as advertised. The reason is simple. At the hours named and in fact several hours previous thereto, every delinquent has “come across’’ and there was nothing to offer for sale. The credit for this extraordinary condition is due solely to the enterprise and the untiring efforts of the treasurer. J. F. Lachot. He just simply would not let the delinquents be delinquent. He was after them early and late and all the time, and as a Sesult the slate was cleaned, and the sale had to be called off. The last one to chalk up occurred at about four o'clock Saturday afternoon and the happiest man in the lot was the count}- treasurer, and he was entitled to feel hilarious. We do not suppose that a like condition ever before occurred in any county in the state of Indiana. While we never had any great number, yet to not have any is a new sensation, and sets a record that will never be equalled. The credit for it all belongs to the county treasurer who has worked unceasingly to bring this new condition into a realization. As a result too, the Democrat goes to three Adams county taxpayers for a year free of charge. We are indeed glad to help in this way, but the glory of it all belongs to County Treasurer Lachot. o SELECT OFFICERS Stewards and Trustees Elected to Serve M. E. Church ARE ABLE MEN A Good Report Was Made —Fourth Quarterly Conference

At the fourth quarterly conference held at the M. E. church recently the trustees and stewards for the coming year were elected and an able corps of men chosen to guide the interests of the church. The trustees as elected are as follows: John W. Vail, John I) Hale, Mary Niblick, A. J. Smith, Sylvester Spangler, A. R. Bell, Henry Krick. The stewards:: John Niblick, Daniel Sprang, Fred Schafer, L. D. Adams, Jeff Bryson, J. T. Merryman, W. H. Qilpen, D. N. Erwin, C. D. Lewtun, F. V. Mills, C. (L. Walters, J. N. Parrish, Chas. Coulter, W. H. Fledderjohann. ■ -o THEY ARE UP IN ARMS. Patent Medicine Venders Would Be Hard Hit. Indianapolis, Feb. B.—Patent medicine venders throughout the state are up in arms over the legislation proposed in a bill introduced by Senator Ranke last week, which practically puts them out of business. Letters urging the defeat of the bill have been received by nearly all of the senators and a lobby is expected to be on hand this week. “Class legislation,” seems to be the favorite term that has been applied to the bill thus far. Those who have sent communications to the membtrs say that the legislature might as well force the drug'stores to comply with the terms of the bill, thereby placing all on an equal basis. The Ranke bill requires all persons who sell medicine on the street or by house to house canvass to take out a license with the state board of pharmacy, paying for the privilege of selling it a fee of SIOO per month.

Decatur, Indiana, Monday Evening, February 8, 1909.

HATCHET VICTIM WILL DIE. Vincennes Man, Attacked by Wife, Cannot Recover. Vincennes, Ind., Feb. B.—Mrs. Andrew Brashears, who surrendered herself to the police last night, saying she had tried to kill her husband, is still being held. The husband, who has a hatchet wound on the head, is in a critical condition and is expected to die. She admits she hit him when his back was turned and says she hit “good and plenty.”Brashears does not contradict her story and only adds that she provoked him. Last night after being placed in jail Mrs. Brashears became hysterical, but today is rational and says that her husband has often accused her of infidelity and at the same time has insisted that she turn over her earnings to him. She avers he has not made $1 a week since coming here from Cato, Ind., some time ago. o MANY COMPROMISE Tomlinson Repeal Bill Seems to be Looked Upon With Favor NEW PROVISIONS The Unit Would Either be the Ward or Corporate City

Indianapolis, February 8. —It seems probable that the Tomlinson bill for the repeal of the county local option law will reach the floor of the house not later than Tuesday. As the time draws nearer, the effort to make the measure a compromise is more than ever apparent. This is due to the change of the lineup, due to the county of Wayne going “wet” and the promise of Representative Ratliff (Rep.) to vote the sentiment of his constituency as shown in the election Ratliff promised the Republican leaders in the house to vote “dry” unless the election in Wayne pointed him another direction. The hope for repeal lies in some compromise being offered which strikes a medium be ■ tween the ward and township unit, to which it is sought to return, and the county unit. The amendment, which, it is believed will work, is one to make all cities and towns of 10,000 or less, according to the last preceding census a unit. In cities of more than 10,000 the ward unit shall prevail. This, jt is believed, will come nearer to swinging votes standing rigidly for the county unit than any of the other compromises offered by the Tomlinson bill, which, but for elimination of the county unit, would be considered temperance legislation of a more decided complexion than anything heretofore offered. It is argued for the city of 10,000 unit that it will give all the advantages of the county unit, which, it is held, as a result of the Wayne county elections, has been shown to be ineffective in counties where there ic a large working population centered in one large city. The city, it is declared, has been found always swinging the rest of the county exc°nt where the population is less than 10,000. In view of this fact all the advantages of the county unit are retained. It. is known that this amendment will be offered. There is also to be offered an amendment to make the licenses $1 000. Neither of these compromises is expected by the Republican leaders to win any votes to the repeal side of the question. They hold that there is no disposition to compromise, or to meet the problem in any way that will take away the right of the people to express, their sentiments upon the question by a county election. o INSPECTED THE REFORMATORY Legislative Committee Visit the Jeffersonville institution. Jeffersonville, Ind., Feb. 8. —The members of the house committee on affairs of the Indiana Reformatory, who spent Saturday and Sunday here, informally inspected the institution and returned to Indianapolis tonight. The members today attended chapel exercises and witnessed the drills of the inmates. The different management of the institution was highly praised for the efficient manner in which it is conducted. Representative Gottschalk of Adams county, was with the committee.

ON HIS WAY HOME Fred Martin Coming from Fairbanks, Alaska A GREAT COUNTRY He Has Lived There for Two or Three Years and Likes It Word has come from Fred Martin that he is on his way home from Fairbanks, Alaska, and will reach here some time in the near future for a visit to his family and other relatives. The last letter came a few days ago, and was dated at San Francisco, California, and this tells the tale that he is sure enough on the way. Fred is located at Fairbanks and has been there for several years, where he is engaged in the restaurant business, and by the way, is more than making good. The prices there are about eleven times higher than they are in the states, and this helps some when it comes to figuring out the profit and loss. He is nicely located, well established and is known and liked by all the people in that cold country. Fairbanks is the most enterprising and hustling city in that country, and to reach it people are compelled to travel in dog sleds, it taking about two weeks to get there from San Francisco. Outside of these inconveniences the country is about the best that ever happened, and from advices received from time to time from Fred, he likes it real well. His many Decatur friends are anxiously awaiting his return, when they expect a full account of the life and habits of the inhabitants there. He will likeIv reach here inside of two or three weeks. HE SAW THE RUINS E. W. Baumgartner Writes of the Messina Horror WAS ON SHIP And Helped Unearth the Bodies of Prominent Americans Emil Baumgartner is in receipt of a postcard from his brother, Earl, who is a member of the crew on board the Illinois battleship in the fleet which tells briefly of the Messina horror. Earl has been in the navy for some time, having been assigned to a position on the Illinois. When the great earthquake occurred in Italy the Illinois was dispatched to the scene and Mr. Baumgartner assisted in recovering the bodies of the United States consul and his wife from the ruins. Thu Illinois was the only American ship on the scene.| Mr. Baumgartner is enjoying the voyage very much and states that the country is beautiful, The postcard he sent to this city bears a picture of the Messina ruins which shows buildings completely devastated. He will write a letter in the near future, which will be descriptive of his long journey. o EULOGIES FOR A. L. BRICK. Washington, Feb. 8. —Eulogies for the late Representative Abraham Lincoln Brick will be delivered in the house of representatives next Sunday. Representative Overstreet, the dean of the Indiana delegation, will preside over the house while the eulogies are pronounced The Speakers will be Representative Barnhart of Mr. Brick's district; Representatives Holliday, Chaney and Crumpacker of Indiana, Representative Alexander of New York and Representative Hamilton of Michigan. o Word from the Denver city hospital brought the sad news to Mr. and Mrs. J S. Bowers that Dr. Roscoe Nicholson. a friend, was lying at the point of death suffering from pneumonia.

THE COST OF ELECTION. Three Thousand or More In Wayne County. Richmond. Ind., Feb. 8. —It developed that, instead of the recent county local option election being made less expensive as a result of many of the officials who were in sympathy with the movement serving without pay, it probably will be necessary to increase the appropriation. The “dry" officials are asking for pay along with the others, and not only for one day, but for two, so that if the claims are allowed it will be necessary to make an additional appropriation of SBOO. This would push the expense up to $3,000, at the least, and probably $3,300. Much surprise has been occasioned by the action of the “dry” officials, as it was originally understood that many of them would serve without pay. TO USEHIS HAMMER Governor Marshall May Cut Short Some Official Lives VISIT THEIR HOME Attend the Funeral of AssoI ciate and Lifelong Friend Indianapolis, Ind., Feb. 8. —It was hinted by one of Governor Marshall’s intimate friends that he will attempt to undo some of the acts of Governor Hanly during the last few weeks of his administration. He said that several Republicans holding good jobs under Hanly’s appointment may find that their terms will not be as long as expected. For instance, Governor Marshall has discovered that Governor Hanly permitted John Wingate to serve on the state board of tax commissioners eighteen months beyond the end of his term. Then he named Fred Gemmer, his private secretary, to serve for four years from the time ■Wingate abdicated. Gemmer began work as tax commissioner in December, and the commission made out by Governor Hanly is for four years. It is said that Governor Marshall feels that Gemmer’s term will include the eighteen months extra time Wingate was allowed to serve. After the legislature is adjourned, it was said today, Governor Marshall will go through the records containing the list of appointees and will pick out those who were named for full terms after they took the places of some official who had served beyond the expiration of his time. Governor Marshall has no intention of recognizing any of Governor Hanly’s appointees beyond the period of service fixed for them by the statutes.

Columbia City, Ind., Feb. 8. —Governor Marshall and Mrs. Marshall returned to Indianapolis last evening, leaving here at 8:55 o'clock. They were called here to attend the funeral services of the lat P. H. Clugston, Govrnor Marshall's former law partner and warm personal friend. This was the first visit home of the governor or of Mrs. Marshall since his inauguration, and both were deeply pained by Mr. Clugson’s death. MURDER CASE CALLED TODAY. Wells Circuit Court Hearing a Murder Case. The case of Orville Clum charged with murder in the first degree for the killing of Peter Poffenberger, who had hia throat slashed almost from ear to ear last May in the alley near the Dick Humphrey transfer barn, will be called for trial in circuit court Monday morning at nine o’clock and it is expected that the proceedings will make a crowded court room for several days. The first day of the trial probably will be largely occupied in the preliminaries before evidence is actually introduced. Forty special veniremen have been summoned to appear. from which, in addition to the regular panel, will be selected a jury of twelve men to hear the case. It is not thought that a great deal of difficulty will be experienced in gettinga jury, for while most of the veniremen probably have read of the ca.se probably few have formed a fixed opinion as to the responsibility of the tragedy. —Bluffton News.

Price Two Cents

A NEW WATCHDOG Congressman Cox of Indiana Has Been so Named FOR A PENSION Bill to Provide Ex-Presi-dents With Twelve Thousand a Year Washington, Feb. B—A new“ Watchdog of the Treasury” has made his appearance in Washington. This watchdog, like the one which originally bore that title, hails from Indiana. In other words, the mantle of William S. Holman has fallen upon William Elijah Cox. “Watchdog” Holman was w r ont to bark long and loud whenever he detected any schemer in the act of breaking into the federal treasury. “Watchdog” Cox not only barks, but bites, and the schemer is fortunate if he gets away minus a considerable section of his trousers but with all his flesh intact. Washington, Feb. B.—A bill was introduced by Representative Volstead (Minn.) which provides a pension of $12,000 annually for every president after he leaves the white house. No duties will be required of the retired chief executive, but if he should again b? elected to the highest office in the gift of the people his pension would cease during his term of office. The bill does not provide, however, that the pension will cease if the former president should accept the office of United States senator or any other federal office. Washington, February 8. —The national capital is counting on at least 100,000 visitors three weeks' from next Thursday, when William Howard Taft will succeed Theodore Roosevelt as president and James Schoolcraft Sherman w’ill succeed Charles 'Warren Fairbanks as vice president. The arrangements for the event are practically complete. o A FRACTURE OF THE LEG. F G. Herbst, of Bluffton, Injured on G. R. & I. Freight. His body striking a fence at the first road crossing north of Collett as he was standing on a car stirrup of a swiftly moving .Grand Rapids and Indiana freight train Saturday morning, F. G. Herbst, of Bluffton, a brakeman on the road, \vas hurled from the step to the side of the rails, falling, fortunately, just out of reach of the wheel boxing. The force of the impact of the right leg with the fence, fractured the larger bone of the limb three inches above the ankle, rendering his powerless to rise. As he fell he threw his body away from the track as far as possible and for a moment after striking the ground thought that he had been unhurt. Attenmpting to arise, however, he felt a pain in his right leg. and sank back helpless. The train was brought to a halt as soon as possible and the injured man was placed on an improvised bed of cushions in the caboose. When this city was reached, Dr. 0. W. Mackey, the road physician, was summoned and Herbst was removed to the county hospital where the fracture w'as reduced. He was later taken to Fort Wayne.—Portland Sun. o - ADVENTISTS HOLD RALLYAt Close of Conference Speeches Against Saloons Are Heard. Marion. Ind., Feb. 8. —The state conference of the Seventh Day Adventists of Indiana came to a close at Jonesboro today with a temperance rally. Several speeches were made urging the people to go to the polls on Feb. 23 and vote against the saloons of Grant county. Before adjournment the conference selected Elder Morris Lukens of Washington, D. C., as the state president. Other officers named were as follows. Secretary A. N. Anderson. Indianapolis; educational superinendent. Prof. C. 1,. Taylor, of Bechwood Academy. Lafayette; educational secretary, Mrs. K. W. McMahan. Anderson; medical secretary, Dr W. W. Worster, Lafayette; missionary secretary, R. C. Spohr, Indianapolis; religious liberties secretary, Elder A. L. Miller, Seymour.