Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 7, Number 91, Decatur, Adams County, 16 April 1909 — Page 1

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT.

Volume VII. Number 91.

POST OFFICE SHOWS GAINS I Records There Show Decatur Has Made Big Advancement ■ IN BUSINESS WA.Y ■ The Last Quarters Receipts Exceeded $5,000, Breaking All Records I There is no better known key to |Bthe prosperity of a city than its postißoffice receipts. These cannot be |Mpadded for Uncle Sam wants only the ■true facts and when these show a ■gain in a year like the past one has the country over, it is an abfact that the town has adin a most substantial manThis is true in Decatur, the in the sale of stamps, stampenvelopes, postals, etc., for the ending March 31st. 1909, reachthe total of $16,229.92, exceedthe year 1908 which was a record up to that time by $2,892.04. we are only well started, that showing is not abnormal and that probabilities are that the next MLa- will far excel even this record ■ shown by the last quarter of the ending March 31st. when the amounted to $.'>.333.05, easily the quarter in the history of the office. Some idea of the amount business done here is shown in HT” following statement which shows number of stamps sold, the dealso the other Items Hsrhich go to make up the receipts of Mke office: stamps 237,442 stamps 456,653 stamps 2,531 stamps 15,001 stamps 1,028 ■■cent stamps 743 stamps 832 ■■-cent stamps 846 : ■-cent stamps 364 A-o nt stamps, special del... 856 »cent stamps, postage due.... 312 (Oontinu°J on Page Two)

TO VISIT GENEVA Igwecatiir Masons Will Make a Trip There Next Wednesday >O CONFER WORK Bn Sam Acker, a Former I Active Resident of this Place ■The local members of the Masonic Kg>? are looking forward to next ■ednesday with keen delight, in auof a trip to Geneva. Yessßßday evening D. K. Smith, master «£ the lodge here, received a teleyaSone message from the southern town him that at a meeting Mfed on Wednesday evening it had ■Bn decided to entertain the Decatar boys as guests of the Geneva ■g> On this occasion. Mr. Samuel ■EAcker, a former resident here, will tKgiven the third degree and he has lifted that the work be conferred by Decatur boys, many of whom are Mb old friends. The local team are their tools or warfare and proceed to Geneva in due form. Ttat it will be a delightful event is ®B r ed and Kis likely that the delegHEon from here will be a large one. I NO DRINKS ON TRAINS. City. Mo.. April 16. —The Igtse this afternoon passed a resoSnbn making it unlawful to drink intoxicating liquors on pasIHker trains in this state, or to ride Ifbt.a passenger train in an intoxicatMBondition. The penalty is a fine of ■■ |5 to $25.

IS SICK IN A HOSPITAL W. H. Skeltcn Found in a Cincinnati I Hospital. A telephone message from Dr. L. A. Spaulding was received by Mrs. Spaulding late last evening stating that Mr. Skelton who left Fort Wayne on April 2, and had not been ' heard from, has been found in one of the hospitals of Cincinnati seriously ill, but it was thought possible that he would be able to be brought home tomorrow. Dr. Spaulding left yester- i day for Cincinnati in search of the brother-in-law, Mr. Skelton and his search was successful. When Mr.! Skelton left Fort Wayne he complain-' ed of being ill but his condition was not at that time serious. He stated ! that he was compelled to go to Cincinnati to look after business matters. When no word was received the rela- ; fives became alarmed that his condition had grown more serious or he had met with foul play on the visit, . It is now supposed by the relatives that the clerks in the hotel, where Mr. Skelton stopped failed to mail the letters that w r ere written and this was the cause of their worry.—Bluffton Banner. TO PUSH THE WORK Meeting of Stockholders for the Bluffton, Berne and Celina Railroad DETAILS ARRANGED Work of Construction Placed in the Hands of M L. C. Justus A meeting of the stockholders and backers of the new Bluffton, Geneva & Celina Traction company was held in the office of Kunkel & Brown this afternoon for the purpose of arranging the details pertaining to the commencing of the construction of the road. The company will be ready within the next two weeks to ask the city council for a franchise, but the direct route has not as yet been decided upon. The construction and equipping of the road has been put in the hands of L. C. Justus and he will act as a general manager of the complete line. Fred Davenport, the ■ well known civil engineer will have complete charge of that part of the , work an dwill commence work within a short time. Mr. Davenport has had considerable experience in this line and is at the present time employed with county surveyor H. B. Sark. The work on the construction cannot be commenced with the ground in the condition it is at present and will probably not be started before May 1. The Bluffton men interested in the new line are: L. C. Justus, D. W. Brown, R. F. Cummins, H. C. Arnold, W. A. Kunkel, S. E. Bender, R. S. Todd, L. A. Williamson, E. B. Williamson and Eugene Morrow. A. G. Briggs, the vice president of the company residing at Geneva, was present for the meeting. Mr. Briggs is the well known banker and hardware man of Geneva. —Bluffton Banner. o THE BULLS AND BEARS AT IT Chicago, April 16. —It was a day of tumult and sharply shifting fortunes in the wheat pit of the board of trade yesterday. July wheat, following a docile advance to a new high level, suddenly dropped an extreme 4%c. The “pyramided’ l fortunes of small speculators vanished in a trice and the day was saved from rout only by the vigorous exertions of the bull leader, James A. Patten. Within the last few minutes of trading Mr. Patten bought three million bushels of wheat for July delivery, while he chewed the stub of a cigar and ran his fingers reflectively through the unshaven gray stubble for which there had been no time to remove from his face. A carnation adorned his coat lapel, but there was a layer of Chicago dust on his coat and hat. "Nothing but a flurry,” he said, but that was after the turbulent pit had been deserted for the day. During that final quarter of an hour he was a very busy man. Into the corridor of the Western Union building in which the Bartlett-Patten offices are to be found, floated the sound of high-pitched, nervous voices as clerks at the telephone shot in buying orders to other clerks in the pit.

Decatur, Indiana, Friday Evening, April 16, 1909.

OIL DEVELOPMENTS ARE NOT WHOLLY RESPONSIBLE FOR GENEVA’S SUCCESS

While it is admittedly true that the position assumed by Geneva since 1890, in a business way is attributed to the development of oil territory in the immediate vicinity, this is not wholly responsible for her success, nor can it be said that she today survives on the boom which at one time won fame for the little town. It is true that the discovery of oil near Geneva has made fortunes for many people, who still and always will reside in and about Geneva, but the actual production of the many wells at the present time would not warrant pumping were it not for the fact that the connections are all made and that several pumps are operated by one power. Many of the wells produce little more, if not less than one barrel per day, this fact evidencing the depletion of the valuable liquid and in view of this, Geneva continues to prosper. She continues to grow in wealth and population and as a conclusive evidence of her advancement, the business men, but a few weeks ago, created the major portion of $75,000 which will be used in financing an electric road which will be extended through Geneva eastward. Oil has created big bank accounts for some Geneva people, but industrious endeavors and unceasing toil has established a business there which will continue as long as shall thh town exist. There are a class of business men in Geneva who recognize the essentiality of vigilance.who not only recognize this, but who exercise the quality which has long since been established as one of the requisites of success. The Wabash township farmers are equally as successful as the merchants. They are loyal in supporting all movements which advance the interests of Geneva. They have well cultivated and improvde farms and to them is due much credit for Geneva’s progress. The first houses were built upon the site upon which Geneva is located in the year 1871 and during each succeeding year dwellings were erected until a population of 1,000 was reached. The construction of store buildings began, and but few years’ time elapsed until several stores were opened to the public. It was during Geneva's earliest history that the G. R. & I. railroad was built and this afforded an advantage to

DEATH DRAWS NEAR Mrs. George Dutcher Approaches the Portals of Death AN ABCESS FORMED On Liver—Other Complications Add to Seriousness Mrs. George Dutcher, a lifelong resident of the courfty, and known by hundreds of people In whom she has found loyal friendship, is lying at her home in death’s shadow, awaiting the inevitable approach of the end. As days have passed her condition has grown more serious until her demise is now momentarily expected even by the members of the sorrowing family. The afflicted woman has for more than a year suffered from a complication of ailments. She has borne the pain without murmur, but with hopes for restoration of health until developments denoted the formation of an 'abcess of the liver, recovery from which would be nothing short of miraculous. The abcess formation was discovered but a short time ago and not until then was her case considered incurable. Mrs. Dutcher was taken suddenly and seriously ill a few days ago at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Amos Fisher. She remained there for some time and sufficiently recuperated to be removed to her home, where she has since suffered a relapse the nature of which foretokens early death. The news will be received by the many friends of the woman with regret, for she has enjoyed the staunch friendship of her every acquaintance.

By R. Earl Peters those who settled in the town. In about 1890 it was discovered that hidden treasurers in the f<Vm of oil laid beneath Wabash township soil and many of the farms were immediately leased by companies who were willing to speculate as to the quantity. The field was soon developed and many big producing wells were drilled. The discovery of oil injected enthusiasm into business, and, of course, the town boomed. Meantime new brick buildings were erected on the south side of the main street to be occupied by- merchants and now the corporation has the distinction of having the longest stretch of brick buildings without the intersection of a sreet or alley in the state of Indiana. This stretch consists ~nf twenty-six business rooms. The oil business has gradually declined and were it not for the blasts of a few pump engines and the manifestations of great wealth on every hand, one not conversant with the conditions would not anticipate that developments in such a line were ev-l er accomplished. With the possibility of getting two interurbans, one east and west and the other north and south, the business men of Geneva are greatly inspired. In fact they see visions of ' more business and more rapid pro- ' gress than was experienced when oil producing was at its best. With an interurban operating east and west through Geneva, the business men could expect support of the people who reside in these directions from the town, and many miles away, but without means of transportation it is impossible to draw this patronage even though it is deserved. Interviews with -the business men of the southern Adams county town Was sufficient to convince the writer that unless they will be sadly disappointed Geneva will thrive beyond precedent in years to come. Located within the boundaries of Geneva are three groceries, two meat markets, one clothing store, two dry goods stores, two jewelry stores, three drug stores, one machine shop, two livery barns, two bladksmith shops, one harness shop, two coal offices, two millinery stores, one hotel

“BEN HUR” IS COMING A Delightful Entertainment to Be Given at Presbyterian Church. The Ladies’ Aid Society of the First Presbyterian church has been most fortunate in securing the “Ben Hur” entertainment for their church on Tuesday evening, April 27, 1909, This entertainment is announced to be one of the finest and most complete of its kind ever offered, and cannot fail to give the people of this city sincere pleasure. It will be a triple bill illustrated with over 200 stereopticou slides, the main feature being a lecture on “Ben Hur” by a well known lecturer from Chicago. The first part of the program will be scenes in colors from the life of the Prodigal Son, as told in Scripture. The second part will be the “Ben Hur” lecture and colored illustrations, covering the entire story and, especially. many exciting scenes of the chariot race, made immortal by Gen. Lew Wallace. The Intermission between these two parts is occupied by a lecture and colored slides on 75 of the most famous “Ram’s Horn” cartoons, the entire entertainment exerting a most refined and elevating influence whose educational value will be of great benefit to the community. There will also be illustrated songs, stories, anecdotes and other pleasing features for both young and old, all for only 25 cents. Everybody is invited to participate in the evening’s enjoyment and witness one of the most fascinating entertainments ever presented in the city for so small an admission price. Everyone is welcomed. Bring your family, bring your friends. Tickets may be purchased from any member of the Ladies' Aid Society. Q. _ . The horsemen were here today in large numbers and they are, by the way, a mighty good class of men to have among us. They are gentlemanly, liberal and what more could yon ask.

and several other institutions. The proprietors of these are doing a good business. Two churches with Ihrge membership, the M. E. and the U. 8.. are in evidence. The oldest man residing in Geneva and probably the oldest in the county, is Solomon Clay, who was born July 21, 1819. He moved to Geneva from Darke county, Ohio, in the fall of 1870. He has been married four times and is the father of thirteen children. All his companions have preceded him to eternity and he is now residing with his daughter, Mrs. Alonzo Fritts. Although past ninety years of age, Mr. Clay goes about the streets of Geneva as spry as would | one many years his junior. iThe automobile fever is invading I Gjeneva, and as a consequence about' ten new machines have been purchased during the past few weeks. Among those who have bought autos this spring are Messrs. A. Briggs, S. Egly, R. A. Irland. Ed Hammel, William French, W. D. Cross, Jack McCray and Mr. Arnold. It is now’ an assured fact that the M. B. E. Tractfion line will pass through Geneva, and the work of grading will begin as soon as the weather will [permit. The contract for the steel and tjes has been let, and the work of completing the line will be dispatched with all possible haste. Samuel Acker has one of the largest department stores in the county, and carries a big stock of clothing, Men’s furnishings and shoes. The rooms occupied by Mr. Acker have undergone decided improvement during the past few months and they present a really magnificent appearance. The Shamrock hotel in charge of R. A. Irland is doing a good business. The hostelry is gaining an enviable reputation among the traveling public. Mr. Aspy. manager of the Geneva telephone exchange, is one of the busiest and most progressive men in Geneva. He is also one of the first settlers in the town. Mr. Aspy is managing the telephone exchange in an efficient manner, and the patrons of the company are being given the best of service. W. B. Shepherd, owner of the elevator, is engaged extensively in the (Continue- ’ on Page Two)

ARE OUT OF RAILS Steel Mills Cannot Meet Demand of Fort Wayne and Springfield AT PRESENT TIME The Laying of Rails Will Be Delayed for Several Weeks A large force of workmen are busy excavating preparatory to grading for the extension of the Fort Wayne and Springfield railway to Monroe and Berne and if the present pace is maintained they will soon have the grading to Monroe completed. The company has but little steel on hand, but have placed an order for enough seventy foot rails to construct the line to Monroe. The steel mills were unable to meet the demand at present for the reason that they have not been rolling for some time. The mills are well stocked with thirty foot rails but the Fort Wayne and Springfield company do not want this kind. It will be several weeks before the rails will be received in the city and meantime the workmen will be busy preparing the grade southward. The interurban will unquestionably be extended to Monroe within a few months and if possible will be extended to Berne before snow’ flies, hence the people of those towns can have the assurance of the convenient means of travel before long. ■ o — Mrs. John [Niblick and daughter Helen will go to Fort Wayne this evening to see the show, “When Knighthood was in Flower” at the Majestic.

TEN MILLION BOND ISSUE Pittsburg Iron and Steel Company to Improve Their Plant. Pittsburg, April 16. —It is stated here that the $10,000,009 bond issue recently authorized by the Republic Iron and Steel company would be utilized in the construction of a new plant to cost anywhere from $10,000,000 to $15,000,000 at Youngstown, 0.. where the company already has a large plant. The new- plant, it is said, will be for the manufacture of tubes, which have not hitethto been made by the Republic company. Heretofore the Republic has had a contract for the sale of some 50,000 tons of billets and skelp annually to the Youngstown Sheet and Tube company. The latter has erected its own plant and the former finds itself without a market for this class of product. John W. Gates, who is said to be largely interested in the Republic company, also has large oil interests in the south and the report is that the new plant will turn out pipes and tubes largely for use in these southern oil fields.

TARIFFCOMMISSION; 1 Senator Beveridge Intro- ' I duces Bill and Also Wants I t 1 Inheritance Tax I I • ] FOR PHILIPPINES' They Also Need a Tariff Bill —Other l News from Washington Washington, April 16.—Senator Beveridge introduced his tariff commission bill, which he had intended to introduce last Monday, and also an amendment to the Aldrich bill restoring the inheritance tax provision which was in the bill when it passed the house, but which the senate committee on finance left out of the measure. The senior Indiana senator, as previously stated, is a firm believer in inheritance tax. The provision which he would restore to the bill has the warm support of President Taft, who would like to see it passed as a part of the'tariff legislation of the present session. Washington, April 16. —Declaring that it is of great importance to the welfare of the Philippines that a tariff bill for the islands be passed at the same time as the pending Payne bill. President Taft sent a message to congress, transmitting the proposed measure as prepared under direction of the bureau of insular affairs. Washington, April 16. —Representative William A. Cullop of Vincennes, Ind., introduced a bill, which would do away with the most expensive part of the machinery by which, pensions are paid and would place every old soldier whose services exceeded ninety days on the pension rolls at $1 a day. Washington, April 16. —John G. Ewing of Fort Wayne, Ind., is being urged for appointment as a federal judge in Arizona. For more than twenty years he was professor of law and political economy at Notre Dame university and his indorsements are of the highest order. "Washington, April 16. —Representative Adair started to Lima, Ind,, today in response to a message stating that his son Herbert is ill at Howe Military School. o McNAVIN-CASH CO. Last Night in “A Southern Romance” Pleased Many. Mc-Navin-Cash company in “A Southern Romance,” was one' of the best bills of the week, in fact this company, being an evenly balanced one, produces all their plays in an excellent manner. Tonight lone of their feature bills will be presented, a dramatization of Guida's famous “Under Two Flags,” said to be the ’ best of their repertoire. Ladies will be admitted free with each 30-cent ticket, the other prices remaining the same. 10-20-30 cents. Saturday after-1 noon at 2:30 a grand faimly matineel will be given, 10 cents will be charged I “At His Country's Call” being pre-1 seated. P

Price Two Cents

SERIOUS CHARGE Is Filed Against Adolph Hart, a Former Resident Here BY YOUNG GIRL Causes Surprise at Montpelier Where Hart is Quite Prominent Harry Adolph Hart, who conducted a barber shop here for many years, but has recently lived at Montpelier, Indiana, is said to be in very serious trouble in the latter place. The Hartford City News gives the following account of the affair: Harry Hart, married and a prominent Montpelier barber, will probably be arrested for encouraging the delinquency of a young miss of 14 years. The affidavit has been prepared and the same bears the signature of the girl. The case was filed by Attorney John P. Boyd, representing the girl, who signed the affidavit. Sheriff Clamme went to Montpelier Wednesday with the expectation of serving the warrant. Pauline Kean has been employed at the restaurant of Jennie Oswalt on south Main street. Montplier. About the first day of March, she charges Hart with following her and proposing that she accompany him into a room above his barber shop, and that he attempted to encourage her to do so by offering her money. The young girl rejecting Hart's proposals. She immediately informed her mother and friends, who brought the matter before the authorities. Hart has been a resident of Montpelier for several years, and is known by many Hartford City people. He lives with his wife and family. He has taken a prominent part in church work and was a leading knight in the recent fight against the licensed saloon Under the present charge, if found guilty, Hart is liable to a fine and imprisonment or both. » — ■o~ The show given last night at the Bosse opera house was well attended and gave complete satisfaction. The company is a good one, and the cast is a strong one.

MAY LEAVE HERE Hon. Thurman Gottschalk Has Made a Deal at Lima, Ohio FOR BIG TILE MILL Adams County’s Representative May Become Resident of Ohio Hon Thurman Gottschalk, orßerne, was here this morning enroute home, from a business trip of importance to Lima, Ohio. Mr. Gottschalk Is the present representative of this county in the legislature, and is in line for a second term, it being the rule here to give such an officer two terms. However, if present plans materialize. It is probable that Thurman will become a resident of Ohio and will, therefore not be eligible to attend the general assembly as a member. He with one or two others are considering the purchase of a large tile mill ’ at Lima, Ohio, and the deal may be concluded within a day or two. At ■ a conference held with the present - owners last evening. Mr. Gottschalk i made a straight out proposition for 1 the purchase of the plant and the i matter will be decided by the board of directors within a very few days. , Thurman has been in the tile business s at Berne for some time, and if suc- ■ cessful in securing the management I of this big mill will make good. He is most capable and the residents of this community will regret his departure if the same occurs. I oI Mrs. Joseph Lower left today for Frankfort where she will remain for a short time as the guest of friends.