Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 7, Number 65, Decatur, Adams County, 17 March 1909 — Page 1

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT.

Volume VII. Number 65.

HAVE NO VERDICT Jury in Baker Case Out for Twenty-Four Hours A DISAGRE EMENT Looks Like a Victory for the Defense this Time Huntington, Indiana, March 17.— (Special to the Daily Democrat) —It looks likQ a jury disagreement in the Baker murder trial. The arguments were concluded, the jury instructed and they were sent out at 3:45 yesterday afternoon, and at three o'clock this afternoon there was nothing indicating an agreement. At nine o’clock this morning they requested that rhe instructions be again read by the court, which was done, and at that time thef gave no indication of the particular point (about which they might have disagreed upon. The fact that the jury has now been out for twenty-four hours, leads those around the court house tp beleve that there is nothing doing but a disagrement. In the face of two previous convictions in this same case, is is a big card for Judge R- K. Erwin, who had the defense in charge. His argument to the jury was one of the leading features of the big case, which has dragged along for the last three weeks, and which was delayed twice owing to illness of two jurors. INSPECTED HIS OUTFIT. Oyster Bay, N. Y., March 16. —With a member of the firm which supplied a greater part of his outfit for the African trip, ex-President Roosecelt made a careful inspection of the articles. Four men from New York came to Oyster Bay by automobile, in which they brought a portion of Mr. Rosevelt’s outfit which had been ordered last August. Mr. Roosevelt saw his small tent pitched on the lawn and everything put in order for occupancy. Every detail of the outfit was gone over and in a number of instances deficiencies were pointed out by Mr. Roosevelt. These missing parts will be packed in New York. One part of the outfit was taken back to New York today and it will be placed on board the steamer Hamburg at Hoboken during the week. The remainder is being packed by Mr. Roosevelt. Before finally packing his guns Mr. Roosevelt took them out to his target range today and discharged each half a dozen times. It is said ho succeeded in hitting the bull's eye in a majority of the shots during the practice.

A SUCCESSOR TO W. D. CRUM Washington, March 17. —The long ■contest over the appointment of a collector of customs at Charleston, S. C., which was waged over the selection of Dr. William D. Crum, was terminated by the appointment by President Taft of Edw’ard W. Durant, Jr., for the position. The selection of Mr. Durant is generally accepted as the Introduction of President Taft's announced policy of appointing white men to federal position of responsibility in the south.

MORE STRINGENT RULES. Washington, March 17. —After a stormy debate last night over the alleged failure nf twenty-two democrats of the house to abide by the party caucus on the rales fight the house democratic caucus decided to have a select committee drfift more stringent rules to govern future caucuses of the party. This committee will be selected tomorrow by Chairman Clayton.

O. G. BRIGGS HAS A CARBUNCLE Nevertheless the New Traction Line Looks Good. The Bluffton men interested in the Bluffton, Geneva & Celina Traction line, who made the trip to Geneva Monday afternoon, express themselves as highly pleased with the Conditions at? they found them there. As stated ir. the News yesterday they found that the full amount of $75,000 worth of stock has been arranged for and that the two towns on the east are ready to do their share. One of the local parties says that the prospect looks bright at present for the line, and work i 3 expected to begin early in the summer, btA no definite "time has yet been set for commncing work and exact details yet remain to be worked out. The party that went from here to Geneva was composed of R. F. Cummins, L. C. Justus, Samuel Bender, D. W. Brown and F. C. Dailey. They found A. G. Briggs of the Geneva bank, deeply interested in the new traction line, sick in bed with a carbuncle. — Bluffton News. TO VISIT EUROPE Mr. and Mrs. Otto Haubold Planning a Delightful Journey SAIL NEXT MONTH Will Visit Many Points of Interest and Be Absent Several Months Mrs. Otto Haubold of Evanston, Illinois. is the guest of her parents. Dr. and Mrs. P. B. Thomas here for a few days. She is planning a most delightful trip, which will begin on the twenty-ninth of next month,when she and Mr. Haubold will sail from New York on board the Findland for Europe. They will arrive at Gibraltar on the south coast of Spain, May 11th, where they will meet their friends, Mr. and Mrs. William Whitney of Springfield, Mass., and the party will then continue a journey to various points of interest in the old country. They will spend considerable time in Italy and Switzerland, then travel through Austria-Hungary, visit the principle cities of Germany and France and conclude with a fortnight in the British Isles. Their travels will very likely continue from three to four months and they are not expecting to return home before the early part of August. Mr. Whitney is the president of the company for whom Mr. Haubold has worked for a number of years, and that the trip will be one of many delightful days goes without saying.

IT’S NEW CHICAGO Decatur Is Entertaining Genuine Texas Boomers SELLING REAL ESTATE Eastern Texas Has Many Things to It’s Credit B. F. Bowman and four other boomers of New Chicago, Texas, are in the city, having their own special ear, and will spend the rest of the week booming the special feat’jres and the prospects of investment in this new town and surrounding country located in eastern Texas. Their advertising matter is highly Illustrated and shows that Anderson county in which New Chicago is located, is adapted to the cultivation of the truck and fruit industry as well as general farming'. It is the intention of those who are spreading the salve to make the New Chicago one of the great cities in that commonwealth, and soma tme a strong rival of the real city of its name. The five gentlemen who are spending the week in this city are representing the Giant. Construction Company., of ! Chicago, and they are selling town lots (Continued cn page 2.)

Decatur, Indiana, Wednesday Evening, March 17, 1909.

DRUG STORE SOLD J. S. Falk and Curtis Brown Buy the Nachtrieb Store < ARE INVOICING The New Proprietors Will Soon Assume Control By the terms of a business transaction of last night the ownership of the Nachtrieb drug store has been transferred to John S. Falk and Curtis Brown, the former retiring as a partner In the Smith, Yager & Falk drug store. For several days negotiations have been on for the change, but an agreement was not reached by the interested parties until last evening. The store was closed today to allow an inventory of the stock to be made by M. T. Atw-ood of Geneva. 1 and Martin Schafer of Huntington,who were selected to do this work. The new proprietors need no introduction to the people of this city and vicinity. Mr. Falk has been identified with the Smith, Yager & Falk drug store for about ten years, during which time he has established a wide acquaintanceship in the county. Prior to that time he taught school in the ccunty for several years. He is well and favorably known by many. Mr. Brown is also well known, he having acted as pharmacist for about four years, during which time he has taken tw oterms in a pharmaceutical college. The friends of these men predict a prosperous future for them. Mr. Nachtrieb, the retiring proprietor, has conducted the place of business for more than twenty-two years, he having purchased the stock in the beginning of Sholty and Auten. He, with his wife and son expect to leave in the near future for Virginia, where they have an option on a plantation of 843 acres. This tract of land may be purchased by Mr. Nachtrieb before his return. The many friends of both the incoming and outgoing proprietors wish for them much success in their business ventures. o - ■ MIAMI COUNTY GOES DRY The Majority is Estimated at Eight Hundred in the County. Peru, Ind.. March 17. —Voters of Miami county yesterday cast their ballots largely against the licensed saloon and it is estimated on the face of incompete returns that the majority in favor of no license will be about 800. As had been anticipated, the city of Peru went “wet’’ and the majority in favor of saloons in the city was 666. This was not as large a majority as the “wets’’ had expected. Peru and Peru township gave a "wet” majority of 112, which was greatly overcome by the out townships. In thirty-two precincts out of thirt-five totals have been received, showing a “dry” majority of 698. DEATH FINDS WORSHIPER. Fatal Stroke Comes to Man on Knees at Prayer. Newark, N. J., March 17. —While kneeling in St. Patrick's cathedral, waiting for mission services to begin, Jacob Heffel was stricken by apoplexy. He was carried to the vestibule by several other worshipers and died after the last rites of the church had been administered by one of the curates. Only a few minutes before, while on his way to church, Heffel had been laughing and joking and was apparently in the best of health. He talked with a neighbor about the mission and remarked that he had attended every one. that had been held in the cathedral since he had been a member of the parish. o ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH. The fourth of the series of Lenten sermons will be preached at our church tomorrow Thursday evening, at 7:15 o’clock. All German speaking friends are cordially invited to attend. J H. Klausing, Pastor. o Judge Merryman is at Winchester holding court for Judge Engle in an important case there, which will require two or three days’ time.

STORM UNCOVERS STORES. Hair Tonic and Butter Washed Up on Ocean Grove Beach. Ocean Grove, N. J., March 17. —The beach here was strewn with a miscellaneous supply of stores —biMter, flour, hair tonic, etc.—as the result of a recent gale. Part of the salvage consisted of five cases of butter, twenty cans to the case, and one man sold three cases of the buter for $36. Hundreds of sacks of flour were gathered and after the salt water coating was removed, the flour wag found to be in good condition. It is supposed these stores formed ipart of the cargo of the Reliance, sunk near Sandy Hook last Thanksgiving day while on the way to Panama with stores for the canal workers and the heavy storm opened the wreck. ' 1 o AT NEXT MEETING Amended Gas Franchise to Be Taken Up at the Next Meeting WILL RUSH WORK Will Build a Large Storage Tank in this City

The amendment to the franchise fcr natural and illuminating gas which is now the property of the Indiana Lighting company, was presented to the council at its meeting last evening. The amendment was referred to the judiciary committee, who held a short session and decided that they would withhold their report until the next meeting, which will be in two weeks. No particular objection to the amendments were made, but is is thought best to thoroughly familiarize themselves with tne terms of the present franchise, before putting in force and effect the amendments asked for by the company. It is likely that an agreement that will be satisfactory both to the city officers and the Indiana Lighting company will be reached at the next meeting of the council. The company expect to rush the work of installing the system they have In mind, and that work embraces the erection of a large storage tank in this city, into which the illuminating gas will be stored for the use of the Decatur patrons. The work of laying their lines to Kingsland and from there to this city will embrace the turning loose of a job lot of the coin of the realm. The most of this will be spent in labor, and from current newspaper reports they will have no trouble to find plenty people out of employment, and who will be glad to see the color of Jtheir coin. HELPED CANNON * Fitzgerald of New York Great Stuff With the Standpatters IT COMES TODAY The Tariff Bill to Be Introduced in the House Washington, March 17. —It was charged openly here that the brewers of the country won a great national victory when Representative Fitzgerald of Brooklyn turned against his Democratic colleagues and carried out his carefully planned coup, which changed an insurgent triumph into a rout and left Speaker Cannon still in the saddle. Everybody believes there was a deal betwen Fitzgerald and the “stand-pat” leaders of the house. In fact, the Cannon managers frankly admit that there was and say that it w#s consummated more than a week ago. They do not go into any details but are quite jubilant over the fact that Mr. Fitzgerald “delivered the goods” and succeeded in splitting the Democratic minority wide open, while at the same tme he helped the "regulars’’ out a hole and saved "Uncle” (Continued on Page Two) >

BROUGHT BIG PRICE Sonntag and Co. Pay $450 Premium for City Bonds TWELVE BIDDERS Much Important Business Was Transacted Last Night Probably the most interesting business session held by the city council in many months was occasioned last night when many matters pertaining to the welfare of the city taxpayers were thoroughly discussed and acted upon, the most Important of which was the selling of the twelve bonds of one thousand dollars each, the proceeds to be utilized in the construction of the new city building. The absence of Mayor France prompted a motion by Councilman Burns, which had a ready second, that Councilman Christen preside over the meeting, which he did with much grace. The roll call evidenced the presence of each member of the body and the reading of the minutes of the previous meeting -was deferred that the matter of opening the bids for the bonds and subsequent consideration of same could be finally disposed of. Clerk Wemhoff was instructed to read the bids, twelve in all, which were filed as follows: John Nuveen & Co., Chicago, $12,126; Rudolph Kleybolte Co., Chicago, $12,850; Breed, Harris & Co., Cincinnati, $12,3?1; Charles C. Wedding Co., Chicago, $12,365.50; McCoy & Co., Chicago, $12,362 with crude interest; Harris Trust & Savings Bank, Chicago, $12,303.60; S. A. Kean Co., Chicago, $12,300; J. H. Sontag & Co., $12,450; J. Jf. Wild Co., Indianapolis, $12,240; Old Adams County Bank, $12,340.80; E. :M. Campbell, Indianapolis, $12,325.60. (After the reading of the bids the matter was referred to the finance com:mittee, the members of which reportled subsequently that the bonds would be sold to Sonntag & Co., Chicago, they being by far th» highest bidders. The clerk was authorized to advertise for bids for the construction of the city building and the contract for same will be let April 20. A large number of citizens were in attendance at the meeting and they were especially pleased when the fact was proven that many buyers were anxious to secure the bonds which were offered for sale by the city. There were twelve bidders and good premiums were offered by each of them, this being indicative of the good financial condition of our city. Attorney D. E. Smith, representing the Indiana Heat and Lighting company, presented a proposition to the body in which the council was petitioned to repeal sections ten and eleven of the original ordinance on account of these sections having to do with natural gas alone. The lighting .company desired to have the maximum rate reduced from $2 to $1.15. The matter was referred to the judiciary committee, the members of which reported before adjournment that they would make their report at the next meeting. J. H. Koenig representing the Fort Wayne & Springfield railway company, submitted the bond required by the council before high tension wires could be strung through the city. It was in the amount of $lO.000 and was duly signed by Messrs. J. H. Koenig, B. A. Fledderjohann, Edwin Fledderjohann, Charles Dirkson. A motion with a prompt second was to the effect that the bond be approv-

ed and spread of record the unanimous vote of the council being cast in support of the motion. It was also decided that the city engineer and the traction company engineer conjunctively establish a grade on the streets over which the lines will pass. Attorney A. P. Beatty representing the Standard Oil company petitioned I the body that the amount of $26.58 be paid to his client and former orders which had been drawn, Ibut lost, be ordered cancelled. This was referred to the finance commitee. Willard Steele offered objections to a brace wire which is placed near the curb in front of his building one east Monroe street, but nasmuch as he I had given the right to the telephone | company to place it there the council did not take any action. A motion v, as made that the city engineer make I

an estimate of the damages and benefits of the John Merica sewer and report back at the next meeting. The clerk and treasurer's reports were submitted and referred to the finance commitete, who approved same. A discussion was occasioned relative to the repairing of the boilers at the municipal plant, and it was stated by councilmen that a new four hundred horse power boiler was badly needed. The following bills were allowed: Henry Peters $ 27.30 J. D. Bollinger 1.25 D. F. Teeple 14.89 D. F. Teeple 46.44 Chicago & Erie railroad 163.65 Julius Haugk 16.90 J. S. Peterson 90.00 J. C. Patterson 2.68 J. Daugherty 4.65 O B. Wemhoff 1.07 Abe Boegley . 5.00 Standard Oil company 112.81 George Keiser company 468.61 National Carbon Co 54.00 Middle West Coal Co 20.88 Sunday Creek Coal Co ... 136.30 Fort Wayne Electric Works.. .77 MAYBE PARDONED Petition Circulated for Release of Chauncey Steele MANY SIGNATURES Have Already Been Secured —Board Will Act Soon A petition is being circulated and at this time contains the signatures of a large number of Decatur people, this to be presented to the Indiana boar dos pardons in an effort to effect the release of Chauncey Steele, who three years ago was tried and convicted of forgery. Steele has been a model prisoner and has been before the board of pardons one time, the body deferring action until a later date. Governor Marshall has been petitioned by the friends of the young man to lend his assistance in securing the release of Steele, and it has new been arranged to give him a hearing about April 20. Meantime a transcript will be seethed from the Adams circuit court and that, together with the petition, will be forwarded to the board of pardons. It is thought, that no difficulty will be encountered in effecting the release of Steele, as many of the best people of the city including those who caused his conviction, are heartily in favor of the project as evidenced by their signature to the petition. RECEPTION ROYAL Harold Wilcox Guest of Holy Grail Last Night A GRAND TIME Was Had—Discourses Were Delivered by Senators The Holy Grail banquet at the Methodist church last night was a very delightful one. The banquet was served in two courses. Don Burke, dressed in conventional black,was toastmaster, and introduced gracefully Senators Beavers, Wisehaupt, Mills, Studabake, Archbold, Chairman Conrad, Earl Colter and Harold Wilcox, a former member. Their discourses were on the following subjects in order: “Will Conrad;” “Harold Wilcox;” “Past and Future;” “Love;” “Flag and the Grail;” “Resignation Address;” “The Boys of the Holy Grail;" and “The Grail.” The outgoing member and guest of honor,Vice I Knight Commander Will Conrad, and chairman of the senate, spoke at length. His address was modeled after Mark Anthony’s oration at the funeral of Ceasar. 'The stirring clas- 1 sic lines of Julius Ceasar were but 1 (Continued on Page Two)

Price Two Cents

WAS SICK ONE WEEK William Zerkle Succumbs to Ravages of Pneumonia HAS LIVED LONG Leaves Widow, Daughter and Multitude of Friends The hand of the grim reaper has again been thrust into our community and has taken from the midst of loving friends, a devout wife and bereaved relatives the life of William Zerkle, the major part of which has been spent within the boundaries of Adams county. The death of the estimable man occurred at his late home southwest of Decatur a few minutes before twelve o’clock last night after a week’s endurance of a severe case of pneumonia. The aged man suffered for several weeks from lagrippe, pneumonia developing subsequently and he was forced to take to his bed one week ago last night. His decline physically has been gradual since, the pain becoming so intense that he became unconscious Monday and did not regain rationality thereafter. The decedent came to Adams county from Auglaize county, Ohio, when he was seventeen years of age, and thirtysix years ago he was united in marriage to Miss Emma Merica. He has been a progressive farmer and by honest dealing and upright principles he commanded a recognition from his every acquaintance. He was a member of Co. G 156 Ohio Infantry and served in General Sherman's army during the years 1864 and 1865 and while in the service he fought nobly and unerringly for his countrymen. The sorrow of the community has been enlisted by the sad death and the poignancy of the grief is not alone shared by the relatives, but they are joined by innumerable friends in the bereavement. Surviving are the widow and daughter Elva beside a multitude of friends. The funeral services will be held from the Decatur Evangelical church Friday afternoon, Rev. Wise to officiate, assisted by Rev. Payne. Interment will be made at the Decatur cemetery. Deceased was 63 years and 24 days old. —o THOSE OLD SENATE RULES The May Interfere in Placing Senator Shively on Committe. Washington. March 17.—A political issue of national consequence is involved in the assignment of B. F. Shively, the new senator from Indiana, on the senate committees. Some of the strongest members on the Democratic side of the senate have insisted that Senator Shively should be assigned to a place on the important committee on finance, created by the retirement of Senator Henry M. Teller of Colorado. The reasons prompting this movement have their origin in what the promoters believe is sound political judgment, the purpose being to take a step toward breaking up sectionalism in the Democratic party and rehabilitatng the party as a national organiztion. The proponents of this idea, while they have a good Impression of Mr. Shively and believe he is equipped both by natural talent and research for a place on the finance committee, are concerned chiefly in taking advantage of what appears to be an opportunity to do something worth while in the way of strengthening the Democratic party in the north and banishing sectionalism from the ranks of the Democracy. o DIES IN HOSPITAL PRISON. Young Man Held for Extradition Succumbs to Typhoid. New York. March 17. —Charles Kleb, a 19-year-old native of Scranton, Pa., a prisoner awaiting extradition to that place on a charge of grand larceny, died in the prison ward of Bellevue hospital from typhoid fever. Several days ago he was operated upon for a lesion of the intestines. He rallied after the operation, but collapsed a few hours later. The body was renoved from the hospital to the morpie and will be kept there pending he receipt of instructions from the nother, Rose Kleb, who lives at 1533 lew York avenue, Scranton.