Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 7, Number 110, Decatur, Adams County, 8 May 1909 — Page 1

Volume VII.

DEATH ON THE RAILS Jesse Wagner Instantly Killed in Pennsylvania Yards Last Night AT FORT WAYNE Was on Duty, Fell from Running Board of Engine and Terribly Crushed

Jesse O. Wagner, son of James Wagner of south of this city, was instantly killed last night at about eleven o’clock while at work in the Pennsylvania yards at Fort Wayne. His father and other relatives went to that place on the eleven o’clock car this morning, and it is likely the remains will be brought here for burial. The young man had lived at Fort Wayne about three years, and was very popular among the railroad employes, where he has w-orked for some time as a switchman in the yards. While on duty last night the engine passed over some obstruction on the track. Jesse was riding on the running board and quite naturally leaned over to see what the trouble was. As he did so he slipped and fell, just as the engine approached the freight house. He was caught between the engine and the freight house and terribly crushed. The engine ran about fifteen feet before it was stopped, and the body of the unfortunate man was so mutilated that it required about ten minutes to extricate the remains from the wheels. The body was conveyed to an undertaking establishment. Mr. Wagner leaves a wife and one child who reside on Hayden street in Fort Wayne. The news of the young man's death will cause sadness here, where he has many relatives and friends.

TO ELECT OFFICERS Commercial Club Will Hold Meeting Monday Night A GREAT WORK Has Been Accomplished by This Club—Let's Boost At a meeting which has been called by Secretary E. B. Adams for next Monday night, the election of officers who will guide the interest of the Decatur Commercial club for the ensuing year will be chosen, and the presence of every member is urgently requested. The Commercial Club is a healthy institution, aged six years, which has, by the energy, untiring efforts of its members, been instrumental in booming Decatur as it has never before been boomed and to this organization is indebted the heartfelt appreciation of the people. It will be remembered tbat it was as a consequence of the endeavors of the Commercial Club members that the Ward Fence factory, Furnace factory and Coppock Automobile factory were secured for this city and these have proven valuable assets to the business interests. The present officers of the club are W. P. Schrock, president; E. B. Adams, secretary; and Dr. Roy Archbold, treasurer, and it is not improbable that they will be selected to succeed themselves. Let every citizen lend his assistance to the Commercial Club in the great work it is doing.

Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Murphy went to Fort Wayne, where an operation will be performed upon the left eye of the latter, who was in danger of losing her eyesight on account of a cataract. It is believed that the surgeon’s knife will cure this ailment, and that the eye will be as well as ever. Mr. and Mrs. Murphy will visit their daughter, Mrs. J. S. Nelson, and her son, M. V. B. Archbold at that place.

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT.

Number 110.

left a note and eloped Popular Young People of Fort Wayne Marry. Leaving nothing but a note to tell that she had gone, Miss Leona Cullen, a well-respected girl of eighteen or nineteen years of age, eloped Thursday morning with Charles Albright, a young man of twenty years of age, who has been employed in the office of the Perfection Biscuit company. Miss Cullen for several years has ben a stenographer in the law’ offices of Charles Niezer. Since the elopment, nothihg has been heard from the couple. The-note which Miss Cullen left and which was found Thursday is as follows: “Dear Folks —By the time you get this note you will know I have eloped and am married.” The girl is the daughter of Thomas Cullen, the prominent Pennsylvania railroad man who was killed four years ago by being struck by an engine. Since that time she was living with her uncle, James J. Hayes, a Grand Rapids and Indiana railroad engineer, whose home is at 2112 Clinton street. —Fort Wayne Sentinel.

TO GREAT BEYOND Frank X. Miller Passed Peacefully Into Eternity LAST EVENING Suffered for a Year from Cancer of the Liver After bearing the suffering attending a serious siege of cancer of the liver for more than one year, during which time the pain has been excruciating in the extreme, Frank X. Miller, a native of Germany, and for many years an Adams county resident, passed peacefully into eternity last night at eleven o'clock. Thus . the spirit of another of Decatur’s estimable aged men has been ushered before Almighty. While to the family members and those with whom the decedent has been affiliated most poignant grief has been signaled, death came as sweet release to the aged man whose patience only exceeded the suffering he w r as subjected to. The deceased was born in Switzerland, Germany, October 18, 1846, and June 10, 1876 he was united in marriage to Verena Mary Kellar, who was also a resident of Switzerland. In 1881 Mr. and Mrs. Miller, with their two children, Robert and Anna, came to America, and they settled in Adams county June 24th of the same year, where the family has since resided. Since residing in Adams county five more children came to bless the hap-

py union, all of whom with the exception of two, have grown to manhood and womanhood. Mr. Miller was a carpenter by trade. About a year ago he became ill and a diagnosis of his case revealed a cancerous affection of the liver. The engagement of medical aid and treatments of every department of this science failed to relieve the complications, hence he has grown steadily worse from day to day, his pain increasing and strength decreasing until he was forced to take to his bed. In an effort to prolong the life of the estimable man, an operation was performed two weeks ago today, but without avail, and it was then known that death was inevitable. The late Mr. Miller was known and beloved by many. He has not only been loyal to his every obligation, but he has lived a busy useful life. The family who survive him are not alone in their hour of sad breaevement, but are joined by a multitude of friends who are loath to lose the companionship of the deceased. Surviving are seven children: Mrs. Alva Nichols. Misses Lena, Agnes and Maggie and Messrs. Leo, Robert and Henry, the latter being stationed at Cuba at the present time in the government service. A brother and sister of the deceased who reside in Switzerland also survive. The funeral services will be held from the St. Marys church Monday morning at 8:30 o’clock, the cortege leaving the house at eight o’clock.

HAVE TWO PICNICS Adams County Sunday Schools to Celebrate this Patriotic Day COMMITTEE MEETS They Had a Good Meeting in this City Yesterday It was a pleasant meeting of the executive committee of the Adams County Sunday School association, which met yesterday at the library in this city. Considerable business of importance was transacted. Considerable attention will be given and special effort will be made to push class organization at the convention this year, and especially will this be done among the adults under the new movement plan, and it is expected that great success will be achieved. Washington and St. Marys townships are to have township conventions on the first week in June, and arrangements are now being made for them. Two picnics wdll be held this year and they both will take place on the Fourth of July. One will be held for the south half of the county and the other one for the north half. It is the intention of the officers to make this day a red letter event in the history of Sunday school work hi the county. The reports received by the executive committee indicate an unusual interest in organized Sunday school work. Adams county stands right at the head of all the counties in this section of the state in forwarding the good work done by this organization.

FILED THE SUIT Democrats After the Place of State House Engineer NOW IN COURT It Will Likely Finish in the Supreme Court of • Indiana Indianapolis, May 8. —A suit entitled the state of Indiana on the relation of Michael H. Cain against Samuel C. Shutt, which has for its object the ousting of Shutt, Republican, from the position of state house engineer, was filed yesterday in the circuit court. The Suit, filed by John W. Kern and Charles E. Cox, attor-

neys, grows out of the dispute resulting from the appointment of Cain, a Democrat, by Governor Marshall to the position in question. Shutt was re-appointed to the same position by Custodian Charles J. Wheeler. Mr. Wheeler's position, held under the appointment of Fred A. Sims, secretary of state, and John C. Billheimer, auditor of state, also is in question.. A similar suit to settle the controversy between Custodian Wheeler and Thomas F. Colbert, Governor Marshall’s appointee as custodian, is anticipated, but has not yet been filed. A charge of unlawful conspiracy against the Republicans is made by Cain in closing the complaint. In the language of the document, “to permit Shutt to hold the office of state house engineer, in view of the facts and circumstances set forth, would be placing a premium on unlawful conspiracy, dishonesty and riot, as the claim of Shutt to the position is without foundation or warrant.” The complaint which alleges the usurpation of the office, is a document of fifty closely typewriten pages, containing between 20,000 and 125,000 words. It reviews in lengthy paragraphs all the laws on the statute books by which the offices of custodian and engineer of the state house have been filled in the past. Cain demands the position and that he be given judgment for SI,OOO against Shutt because of damage already suffered. It is generally understood the suit filed yesterday will be carried to the supreme court. ,

Decatur, Indiana, Saturday Evening, May 8, 1909.

ANOTHER GOES TO SANFORD George W. Crim, of Portland, Makes Florida Purchase. Mr. and Mrs. George W. Crim and daughter, Erva, west Arch street, will leave Portland within the next couple of weeks, going to Florida, where they will locate. Mr. Crim and family were in, the south during the month of April and while there made arrangements for moving to that section of the country. He purchased a ten acre tract of land about four miles from Sanford, a place located in the southeastern part of Florida, not many miles from the eastern coast, and will engage in farming. For a time the family will reside in Sanford, until a residence can be built on the farm and other improvements made. —Portland Sun.

POSEY GOES WET Gives the Wets the Largest Majority of the Local Option Season EVANSVILLE HAPPY They Think Warrick Will Now Join Their Side of the Issue Mt. Vernon, Ind., May 8. —Posey county expressed its desire to have licensed saloons, giving the saloo’i side of the option issue a majority now placed at 1,449. This south westernmost county of Indiana, famed for its mythical “Hooppole” township, makes the sixth county to vote in favor of the licensed sale of liquor, and the margin for the liquor cause is the largest thus far given on that side of the issue. A heavy rain Thursday night stopped farm work, and as a result almost a total vote was polled. Farmers voted almost to a man, and the overwhelming majority shows many of them must have voted the “wet"ticket. Fiftytwo saloons are affected by the result. The thirty precincts complete in Posey county give a “wet” majority of 1,449. The “wet” victory had been forecasted for some time for the reason that a committee of skilled political workers of both parties was in charge of the “wet” campaign, while ministers managed the “dry” campaign. Only one newspaper published matter for the “drys” while the “wet” committee did not use a single line in any of the papers.

Evansville, Ind., May 8. —The saloon

element is in its glory here over the tremendous majority given to the “wets” in Posey county. This damp victory, following the unexpected “wet’’ result in Spencer county, almost warrants a loss for the “drys” in Warrick county soon. o—— . ■ FIRST NUMBER IS ISSUED National Monthly is a New Democratic Magazine. Buffalo. N. Y„ May 8— Chairman Norman E. Mack of the Democratic national committee issued the first number of his new magazine, the National Monthly. In the publisher's notes Chairman Mack says the first copies from the press were mailed with his compliments to Mrs. Grover Cleveland of Princeton, Mrs. W. J. Bryan of Lincoln, Neb., and Mrs. Alton B. Parker of Esopus. In discussing party affairs Mr. Mack says: “While I have very pronounced views on questions of party policy and propose from time to time to give expression to them, I do not purpose to enter upon a campaign of disagreement. What the party wants now is more issues on which we can agree, fewer on which we disagree. Because we have met many reverses in the last forty years, wc must not accept the impression that the Democracy is weak.” Among the notable contributors to the first number are Representative Champ Clark, Governor Thomas R. Marshall of Indiana, former Senator T. M. Paterson of Colorado, Alton B. Parker of New York, Representative James T. Lloyd, Judson Harmon Governor of Ohio; Sen-ator-elect John Sharp Williams of . Mississippi, Senator George E. Chamberlain of Oregon and Governor Hoke I Smith of Georgia.

GRANTS NEW TRIAL The Johnson vs. Amacher Suit for New Trial Was of Short Duration AT FORT WAYNE The Big Case Comes Back Here Again for Trial, Started Four Years Ago The Amacher vs. Johnson ditch case will be tried again, even if the supreme court of Indiana said otherwise. Few if any similar entanglement of legal questions are found on the records of this states law books. The case for a new trial was heard before Judge O'Rourke of the circuit court at Fort Wayne yesterday and that jurist quickly gave a decision in favor of the plaintiff, saying he believed a new trial should be there right. This cause began in 1905 before the board of county commissioners and has been fought through nearly every imaginable stage and the end is not yet, for now will come another trial and, of course, no one can forecast the results, but it is likely that each side will fight as long as there is a chance, for the costs are now several hundred of dollars, the Fort Wayne Sentinel last evening said the costs will aggregate $1,500. The original case now comes back on the docket here, and will not be tried until next fall some time. There is quite an array of legal talent in the case, and it is certain that every point will be taken advantage of.

GOES TO JACKSON Tom Railing Finally Released from the Three I • League by President GIVEN A DIRTY DEAL Manager at Springfield Wanted to Get Even so He Held Him There Tom Railing, the big pitcher who has been in the game for a number of years, left last evening for Jackson, Michigan, where he expects to land a job in the Southern Michigan league. Tom was fooled this year by an obstreperous manager, who does the hiring and firing on the Springfield, Illinois, team in the Three-I league. This manager got cross ways with Tom and last spring when the big twirler could not locate the plate, he insisted that he was purposely laying down on him, and this year he retained him until all the good leagues had filled up, in order that he could make it as hard as possible for him to land a place. It is said that they were offered good money for his release by several teams, but refused. Tom took the matter up with the president of the league, who gave ( him an unconditional release on the sixth. This reached Tom yesterday and he immediately started after a job. He has the goods this year, being in better condition than ever in his life, and he will easily find a good place. o LAWYERS HAVE A FEAST Judge Erwin Makes Happy Speech at Bar Banquet. Judge R. K. Erwin, who responded to the second toast, was in a particularly happy frame of mind and after reading a newspaper clipping illustrative of the manner in which the law was made to appear farcical by “cub’’ reporters, assumed a more serious vein and discussed for a few minutes the things the practice of law holds out to him who espouses the law as a profession. He spoke of the opportunity which the lawyer has for extending encouragement and charity to his fellow man and of the burden of human sympathy the really great lawyer is forced to bear. —Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette.

BLUFFTON LAWYERS IN A ROW Charley Dailey Slaps Brother Attorney in Mouth. Bluffton, Ind., May 7. —Two attorneys for the state got into a row on the street here this afternoon, resulting in Charles G. Dailey slapping William Lee. Mr. Dailey is deputy prosecutor for Wells county, while William Lee is an attorney in Nottingham township, and was appointed deputy prosecutor there by Prosecutor Secrest. A few days ago John Lee, brother of William Lee, was beaten up by Irvin Courtney. Courtney went to Poneto and had a warrant issued for himself on a charge of assault and battery. He then pleaded guilty to the charge and paid a small fine, the injured man being in bed from the bruises. Later an affidavit for surety of the peace, through Charles Dailey. There has been bad blood between the Lee brothers for several years, and William Lee said something insulting to Dailey about the second affidavit filed here, he not liking the fact that there was to be another charge. Mr. Dailey told him to shut up and when he refused to do so slapped him.

BOOMS MARSHALL Former Congressman Landis Now Advises the Democrats HOT WEATHER The Members of the Senate Growing Peevish Under the Strain Washington, May B.—ln an interview, former Representative Charles B. Landis said that the Democrats of Indiana will capture the next Democratic nomination for the presidency if they will exercise the proper degree of tact and common sense. “If the Democrats of Indiana wisely and judiciously look after Tom Marshall's career,” said he, “they will have the honor of presenting to the nation the next candidate of their party for the presidency. I have traveled a good deal and I think I know the strength of the Marshall sentiment and its possibilities of development. Governor Marshall is adroit and clever enough to do his part toward winning the nomination and if the members of his party in Indiana give the assistance that is necessary in a matter of that kind he can be nominated. Bryan” added Mr. Landis, “has made his last race. Harmon has been politics long enough to be regarded as a chestnut. Marshall comes to the front, an absolutely new quantity. He offers to the Democracy the spice and freshness absolutely essential to a Democratic candidate and can point to one of the most notable victories ever won in a state campaign.” Mr. Landis, who attended a dinner last night given by the Brazilian ambassador, left Washington.

Washington, May’ B.—Hot weather has swooped down on the United States senate and it has not added to the peace of mind of the statesmen who are trying to work out the tariff problem. Oldtimers cannot recall when there was so much snarling and growling in the body. Every attempt to consider items and schedules during the last two days has been marked with bad feeling. Even Senator Aldrich, who seldom permits his temper to become ruffled, is losing patience. The other members of his finance committee are putting in most of their time saying ugly things about those Republican senators who are insisting on knowing all about every item in the bill.

ADDRESS MEN’S CLUB AT BERNE Rev. Spetnagle Was on the Program at Regular Meeting Last Night. Rev. Richard Spetnagle of the First r Presbyterian church and Mr. T. S. | , Perkins of this city, drove to Berne > last evening, where the former ad-1 ’ dressed the Men’s Club of the Evan-1 I gelical church. His address was aI s ' pleasing one and the crowd w ere I: ‘greatly Interested in his remarks. The 1 1 I Berne club is a hummer, and the at-! i 'tendance last night was large. |i

Price Two Cents

FRIGHTENED BY STORM Miss Letha Shafer, of Near Bobo, Suffered Stroke of Paralysis UNABLE TO TALK Thought She Was Struck by Lightning—Her Condition is Improved A rather unusual incident is reported from near Bobo, occurring Thursday evening during the storm which caused so much havoc throughout this county. Miss Letha Shafer, fifteen years old, and who lives with Ed Arnold and family, w r as out in the yard looking after some chores, when the storm came up. A severe stroke of lightning came and soon after she apeared at the house unable to talk and apparent!}’ in a very serious condition. She signaled that she had been struck by lightning, and Dr. J. W. Vizard was summoned from Pleasant Mills. An examination proved that she had been stricken with paralysis, very badly affecting the left side. She is still quite ill, but is improving and will recover. No trace was found where the lightning had struck near where she was standing, and there are no marks on her body and consequently it is not believed that she received any shock. It is the opinion that the flash came close enough to give the young lady a scare, and this may have caused the stroke of paralysis. Her left side and the spine were affected. It was reported that she was struck by lightning, but the story, when straightened out, was as given above.

PARDON PUT OFF Chauncey Steele’s Release Postponed Until the June Session OF STATE BOARD His Friends Are Discouraged—Has Served Three Years for Forgery Attorney L. C. DeVoss who has been making an effort to secure the release of Chauncey Steele, from the Indiana Reformatory, where he has served three years for forging a small check, has received word from the board of pardons that the matter has been postponed until the June session. Mr. DeVoss and Mrs. John Lenhart, a sister of Steele's appeared before the board at the April session and presented a petition signed by over two hundred business men here, the court officials and others, asking for the young man’s release and stating that they believe he has been more than sufficiently punished for his act, and from the encouragement given them it was believed that he would be pardoned within a few days but this postponement is rather discouraging to the man’s relatives and friends. He served 180 days in jail here before he was sent up.

“IN THE VILLAGE BY THE SEA” Don’t fail to make arrangements 1 to attend the juvenile band’s home talent benefit at Bosse opera house . Monday, May 17th. A great evening’s entertainment is guaranteed as they I will present “In the Village by the I Sea,” one of the strongest romantic comedies ever staged here. Clever specialties between acts —things that are new and novel and the between act music will be furnished by the new orchestra. Admission twentyfive cents.