Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 7, Number 129, Decatur, Adams County, 29 May 1909 — Page 1

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT.

Volume VIT. Number 129.

SEVENTEEN GRADUATE Class of Young Ladies and Gentlemen Step Into the Busy World READY FOR DUTIES Lecture by Dr. Wikersham Was a Brilliant and Interesting One * CLASS ROLL. :|t * * * Marie Allison * sk Bessie Boyers * * Fannie Hammell * 9k Helen Niblick * * Benj. F. Beavers 9k 9k Otis Dibble $ 9k Catherine Jackson ?k * Tracy Nelson # * Inez Snellen 9k 9k Hugh Perkins 9k 9k Vernia Smith 9k 9k Leota Bailey 9k 9k Fanchlon Daugherty * 9k Esther Sellemeyer * Theresa Baltzell =k 9k Josephine Krick 9k 9k Beatrice Van Camp 9k 9k9k9k**9k9k**9k**9k9k fls At a few moments before eleven o'clock, Mr. Dore B. Erwin, president of the school board, presented to the seventeen members of the class of 1909, the diplomas for which they have labored for a dozen years past, each member ful|v appreciating the honor thus conferred. So far as the Decatur high schools are concerned, their education is complete, and they are ready for the harder lessons of life. The class was one good to look at, thirteen pretty young ladies dressed in white and four handsome young men appropriately and modestly attired for the occasion. The commencement exercises occurred at the Bosse opera house and that building was crow’ded to the doors when the curtain arose at 8:30. Seated on the stage were the graduates. Prof. Beachler, D. B. Erwin representing the school board, and Dr. Wikersham, the speaker of the evening. The entertainment provided for the occasion was a most delightful one, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. After a piano selection, the program began with a vocal solo, nicely rendered by Mr. Ned Steele, the accompaniment played by Miss Madge Ward. An appropriate prayer was given by the Rev. D. 0. Wise of the Evangelical church, who asked God’s blessing on the class of 1909, and who gave thanks for the privilege of the gathering. A pleasing violin solo was then given by Mr. Anthony Holthouse, who was accompanied on the piano by Mrs. J. Fred Fnichte, and this was followed by a sweet and delightful vocal solo by Miss Clara Terveer, with piano and violin accompaniment, which greatly delighted the audience. Superintendent William Beachler then introduced the speaker, the Rev. L, B. Wikersham, of Des Moines, lowa, saying that it gave him great pleasure to be able to present to the people of Decatur a man who w'as known in his own state as the return date lecturer, and a man who

had appeared on the lecture platform in every state in the Union. Dr. Wikersham held up his end of the string by more than making good and he will be greeted with a crowded house if he ever plays a return engagement in this city. He is a brilliant, witty, logical lecturer, who held his hearers every minute of the* nearly two hours that he spoke and it was actually with regret that the audience heard him close. His subject was “Day Dreams,’’ and he poured forth in an impressive never-to-be-forgotten manner, lessons that will impress the minds, not only of the graduates, but of each and every one who heard him. He is splendid and this opinion is not only that of the writer, but the concensus of expressions heard among the six hundred or more present. Di. Wikersham can soar higher than most any man we ever heard and light Quicker, that is to say that he changes from the sublime to the ridiculous in his line of thought with an almost lightning like rapidity. He kept his audience in a good humor, all evening.

other distasteful duty pictured in their day dreams such a future and who had the will power and force to carry it out. His closing words of advice to the class were so- good one could almost see them sink in and take ; root, and we don’t believe there was ja person who heard the lecture who is not better today for having done so. At the close of the address, Mr. | Steele favored the audience with an- , other solo, the quartet which was to have appeared being prevented from doing so because of one member being detained. Mr. Krwin then gave a short address, thanking the public for the interest shown in the schools and asked for a continuance. He asked .that as the names of the graduates were called that they step forward and receive their diploma. At the ’close of this important part of the I program, Rev. Sherman Powell appeared upon the stage and pronounced the benediction. The only decoration on the stage was a class 1909 banner, and as Rev. Powell stepped forward (Continued on page 2.) NOBLE LIFE ENDED Mrs. William Burdge Passes to the Eternal , World WAS GOOD WOMAN — Paralytic Stroke Proves Fatal to Aged Woman Unconscious of her surroundings and of the seriousness of the excruciating ailment which had enveloped her system, Mrs. William Burdge seventy-four years of age, and one of the most beloved women in this vicinity, passed into eternity last night at nine o'clock, thus signalling profound sorrow among her many friends. Mrs. Burdge after enjoying a long life of healthfulness ’ was taken seriously ill Thursday of (last week for the first time and sub- ‘ sequqpt developments (evidenced a severe paralytic stroke, the materialization of which was occasioned the \ following Sunday rendering the aged ’ woman practically helpless, and her condition beyond relief. Medical aid as pitted against the natural and in--1 evitable decline of the estimable ' woman was of no avail and as days passed her condition became more complicated until finally the angel of death ushered the spirit of Mrs. Burdge to the great beyond, relieving the pain of the afflicted woman and causing most poignant sorrow among ;a large following of- friends and relatives. The deceased became uncon- ' scious yesterday morning and did not regain rationality. The four children of the deceased, Mrs. Kvilliam-Bell of Elwood, Mrs. Stella Ellis Indianapolis, Mrs. Bertha Ellis and A. L. Burdge of this city were at the bedside of their 'mother when life became extinct. The ! funeral services will be held from the home tomorrow afternoon at two o’clock, the Rev. Spetnagel officiating, interment to be made at the Decatur cemetery.

The decedent was born in Erie county, New York, August 15, 1835, and when but four years of ago came with her parents to Adams county. November 29, 1857 she was united in marriage to William Burdge and to this union were born six children, two of whom died in infancy. She has resided in Decatur for about forty years, and her preponderance of natural friendliness has won for her the admiration and loyal fellowship of her every acquaintance. Mrs. Burdge was a good woman. She was kind and courteous, and her life has been one of usefulness. The deceased was devoted to home life and found the duties of domesticity a source of much pleasure. She was possessed of many valuable talents the most prominent of which being that of drawing and mounting, and as a result of her rare ability, a consignment of artificial animals representing almost every specie known to animaldom is handed down to her ancestors, which will be cherished as long as shall the children survive. Also a number of superb oil paintings are left as evidences of the, artistic capabilities of the departed estimable woman, but Mrs. Burdge will not be remembered as an artist. Her memory will live on in the minds of the people as that of a truly noble woman, whose ambition was to regard (Continued on page 2.)

MR. BURK HONORED At Indiana University Elected to Important Office IS A LAW STUDENT A Large Number of Adams County Youths at University Avon Burke, a well known and popular young man of this city, was greatly honored at Bloomington a few days ago by being elected head of the law students of the .Junior cla.ss. The law students are a strong part of the Junior class. Each class of Freshmen, Sopohomores, Junios and Seniors have the different departments of study—civil engineering, electrical engineering, law, medicine, architecture, art, and science. A comparatively new idea has been the election of presidents of each department of each class for it makes work done by the college much more progressive, as the best man in his profession or study is selected as president, he is usaully a man of ability. During Mr. Burk’s residence in the city he has made a large number of friends, who will be pleased to hear of his ability and this honor. A week or so ago Avon was one of the electors of the editor of the college paper. It has been but a short time since he was admitted to the bar here in this county. Indiana University is the alma mater of about twenty Adams county students and they are all getting along well. When school is out, about June 18, most of them have decided to spend their vacation in this city. The state university, having within the last several years greatly advanced, now ranks with the best in the country. With an education from this institution a graduate of its instruction arc broad er men and thus better able to advance in life. o A WAITING GAME Senator Aldrich is a Foxy Leader of the Standpatters PUSHING RILEY ’Secretary of the Railroad Commission May Get < a Boost Washington, May 29. —Senator Aldrich is now playing a waiting game with his tariff bill. The effort to force the senate to accept his bill, bad features and all, by building a back fire under senators having failed, the Rhode Island leader has adopted a new form of strategy and he now refuses to allow the senate to tire itself out and to exhaust the patience of the country. He consoles himself with the belief that time apd the sumulative impatience of the business interests will have a mollifying effect on progressives and for that reason he proposes to saw wood for a while an diet events take their course. It Is a part of his stategical campaign to hold back his cherished wool schedule, which he calls ‘ the keystone of the protective arch,” and the equally cherished cotton schedule just as long as possible in the hope that by the time they are considered the indignation of the country, because of inaction on the tariff, will have reached such a fever heat that the progressives will be forced to let these schedules slip through without holding them up for discussion and debate. Washington, May 29.—Charles B. Riley, of Rushville, secretary of the Indiana Railroad Commission, is strongly indorsed for a position as a special examiner under the interstate commerce commission. It is assumed by friends of Mr. Riley, who have taken the matter uujwith the interstate commerce commission, that a change in the political complexion of the Indiana railroad commission will be followed by the election of a Democrat to the office of secretary of that body.

Decatur, Indiana, Saturday Evening, May 29. 1909.

BRIDEGROOM IN JAIL. Young Man at Bay City is Charged With Murder of Grandmother. Bay City, Mich., May 29.—0 n a suit of clothes, a wedding ring and SIOO in bills hangs the solution of the murder of Mrs. Christine Coryeon, a wealthy and aged widow. The arraignment of her grandson, Roland Rich, yesterday, on the charge of murdering her on the hour of hfs wedding, and then proceeding with the ceremony, only to be torn from his bride at the wedding breakfast and thrown into jail, was merely formal. His counsel decided that he should stand mute. It is expected that an early trial will be asked for. The clothing, ring and monev, which Rich had placed in his grandmother's room in order to have them handy, jusf"before the ceremony and dodge the practical jokers, are missing. Police and detectives have been unable to find any trace of them in the room in which the aged woman was struck down. ADMITTEDTO BAIL John W. Terrell to Gain His Freedom Under Bond COMMITTED MURDER He Shot Melvin Wolfe on July 12, 1903—Insane Soon Afterward | Bluffton, Ind., May 29. —Special I Judge J. H. Paulus was here from Marion to make rulings in the celebrated John W. Terrell murder case, and after hearing arguments of attorneys for and against the dismsisal of the indictment against Terrell, overruled the motion tor dismissal made a week ago by Terrell's attorneys. Another motion was then made that Terrell be released from the county jail on bond and to this the 'state’s attorneys made only formal objection, stating that they did not want to be put in the attitude of assenting. Judge Paulus then announced that he would sustain the motion that Terrell be permitted to give bail, and he fixed the amount of bond that would be required at $15,000. Attorneys for Terrell and the later’s son, Jacob, aged 25, stated that no arrangements had yet been made to furnish bond, but that this will be attended to at once, and that it is possible that they can have the bond fixed up and arrangements completed for the release of Terrell from jail before Saturday night. Terrell was at one time a very wealthy man, owning rich oil farms, but the bulk of his wealth has disappeared, but it Is claimed that he has many friends or sympathizers who will raise the amount of the bonds many times. On account of the strong enmity against Terrell among some factions in his old neighborhood, near Petroleum, it is said he likely will not be returned to his old home, but his attorneys are rather of the opinion tonight that ho will be taken to the home of relatives outside of Wells county. He has many relatives in Randolph county and also a number in Delaware, east of Muncie, and he may be taken to one of those counties. John W. Terrell has been in custody ever since Sunday, July 12, 1903, on which date he shot and killed his son-in law, Melvin Wolfe, a young man who had married his daughter Lucy, deserted her and one child, a little daughter, and then drove past the Terrell home frequently and taunted the family. On the day in question Terrell lay in wait for Wolfe along the roadside, and fired at him with a shot-gun as he and companions drove past the house. Wolfe had one leg torn off, and was hurried to a doctor’s office at Petroleum, 6ut Terrell hurried after him in another buggy, forced his way into the office by brandishing his gun and bursting open the door of the operating room, blew out Wolfe’s brains as he law on the operating table. In December of the same year Terrell was found guilty by a jury of first degree murder and was sentenced to state’s prison for life, but before he could be taken away be became insane in the county jail, and at the orders of ex-Governor W. T. Durbin was taken to the asylum for the insane at Richmond. He remained there unj til October 14, 190#, when Superin(Continued on page 2.)

WANTSTOBEMAYOR Preacher McCarty, of Portland, Will 'Enter the Political Arena A VARIED CAREER Has Figured in Divorce Court and Otherwise Become Quite Famous Rev. W. E. McCarty, the aged Methodist minister, whose little flyer in matrimony with his bride's bank account as his goal gained him statewide notoriety, has decided to enter politics again and has confided to a number of influential republicans, with which party he has been affiliated since the Adair-Hawkins campaign

last summer, that he will be a candidate for the nomination for mayor. Just w’hen this particular bug lodged itself in the thinkery of the smiling parson is not known, but he is said to have it, all right, and he has even gone so far as to make arrangements with a young attorney to share hih office should enough voters be inveigled into making the mistake. Resigning as pastor of the Portland circuit of the M. E. chinch two years ago, Rev. McCarty w-ent to Frederick, Okla., this spring where he was placed in charge of a mission of twenty-two churches. He< returned to Portland several weeks ago, and has since been engaged in soliciting funds for his j mission. In an interview yesterday, I he stated about not wanting to return Ito Oklahoma until after the hot season has passed, but, from his own confidential assertions, he was only fooling jnd his visit here is for the purpose of ascending to the city's highest office. ‘Surely in vain the net is spread.”—Proverbs 1:17. — Portland Daily Sun. o ■ TO HAVE GALA TIME Pythian Sisters Have Arranged for Delightful Event THURSDAY NIGHT Fort Wayne and Berne Chapters Have Been Invited to Attend The local chapter, Pythian Sisters, have planned a great event for next Thursday night at which time thev will entertain delegations from Fort Wayne and Berne at a banquet and a general good time to be given at the I. O. O. F. hall. On that evening eight candidates will be initiated into the mysteries of the order and the work will be conferred by the Fort Wayne team. A five o’clock supper will be served at the Odd Fellow’s hall after which the work will be given, and following this the ladies will serve an elegant banquet. During the session talks will be delivered and the ladies promise their guests a most Interesting time. Other announcements will be made later. The Pythian Sisters will initiate two candidates at their regular meeting to be held nest Monday night and all members should be present at this meeting. A number of the log rolling committees met at the office of W. H Fledderjohann last night at which time business of vital importance was transacted. Great preparations are being made for the big event which is to be pulled off under the auspices of the local camp Modern Woodmen lodge. MUSICIAN ENDS HIS LIFE. Westpoint Bandmaster Commits Suicide After Long Service. Westpoint, N. Y., May 29. —George E. Essigko, for the last fifteen years bandmaster at Westpoint, committed suicide today by inhaling illuminating j gas. Recent trouble concerning en- , listments in the band is believed to I 1 have preyed upon Essigke's mind. I

NELSON AND HYLAND READY Lightweight Will Battle at Colma this Afternoon. San Francisco, May 29. —“Battling ” Nelson, of Illinois, aud Dick Hyland, of San Francisco, who will fight for the world’s lightweight championship in Coffroth’s arena this afternoorf have ended their training and both claim to be in splendid condition for their 45-round battle. The men will weigh in at the ringside and have agreed to make 133 pounds. The champion is favorite in the betting at odds of 10 to 4, at which price Hyland s followers are supporting Hyland freely. Nelson is reported to have placed several large bets that he will dispose of the Californian before the gong ends the twenty-fifth round. Hyland, on the other hand, has bet $1,250 at prevailing prices, that he will defeat the champion. Eddie Smith, of Oakland, will referee the contest, which will begin at 3 o’clock. o BOARD SECRETARY * Will Be Chosen by the City Council Tuesday Evening RESPONSIBLE PLACE F. V. Mills Has Been Secretary of School Board for Three Years X The city council will meet in regular semi-monthly session next Tuesday night and matters which deeply Interest every citizen will be disposed of. The routine will consist of decisions on sidewalk propositions, allowances of bills, etc., an dthe matter of choosing a successor to F. V. Mills as secretary of the school board will be taken up. Mr. Mills has served for three years as secretary of the board, and during that time has made an efficient officer. There have been several applications for the position, which the council will consider in making the appointment Tuesday night. Mr. Mills has not yet made a statement as to whether or not he aspires to succeed himself. Mr. D. B. Erwin, president of the board, has another year to serve, while A. H. Sellemeyer’s term does not expire for two years,, he having been chosen for his second term but last year. Much of the success of the public schools depends upon the board, and the unprecedented success we have just experienced reflects credit upon the present members and in any event the council will feel it a duty to choose some one who is equal to the important duties the position carries with it. The salary is meager and the responsibility is great, hence it is only those who have the interest of the schools at heart who volunteer to become a member of the board.

NO BIDS FOR LOB DITCH BONDS Auditor Michaud Had No Bids for Advertised Bonds Today. Auditor Michaud drew a blank today in the sale of four bonds, the balance due for the construction of Adams county's share of the lob ditch. It was all paid but eight hundred dollars and this amount was divided into faur bonds of two hundred dollars each, due in one, two, three and four years with interest at six per cent , the interest payable annually. The rate of interest was all right but the amount of the face of the bonds being so small, there were no buyers, and the same went by default. The contractor will have to take the bonds, and he will likely find a sale for theta later on. o ; THE THEODORE DITCH WAS SOLD John Mayer of this City Was the Successful Bidder. Surveyor C. C. Ernst this morning sold the Theodore Thieme ditch in Union township, John Mayer being the successful bidder, his bid being S3BB. The other bidders and their respective bids are as follows: Dallas E. lAitler, $389.75; Frank Schnepp, $400; land B. Boice $469. The ditch is to ; be 3,050 feet in length and when com- . pleted will be a great benefit to the [farmers in that vicinity.

*Price Two Cents

BUSINESS TO CEASE Decoration Day Will Be Appropriately Observed in Decatur Monday STORES WILL CLOSE Hours Fixed for the Various Business Places—No Papers Issued Decoration Day, when we pay respects to the hero who has answered the final bugle call and his comrade who remains with us to remind us of the days of sixty-one. The observation of the annual event begins tomorrow with the Memorial sermon, but the usual program will be given as heretofore announced on Monday. In honor of the occasion practically every business house in the city will be closed and the afternoon will be given over to the boys in blue. To begin with there will be no issues of the daily papers, and this office will be closed from noon-for the balance of the day. The banks, the postoffice, the Decatur Lumber company, Kirsch & Sellemyeer and others will be closed the entire day. The shoe stores will close from twelve o’clock for the rest of the day, as will also all the grocery and the dry goods stores, the clothing stores and the Racket and notion stores from one to four, the furniture stores from twelve to six, the millinery stores from twelve for the balance of the day, the barber shops at twelve for the day, the jewelry stores from twelve for the day and the drug stores from one to four. In fact there will be practically no business in Decatur from noon for the rest of the day, though a few’ of the places will open in the evening for the convenience of the public. Let's all do what we can to let the veteran know that we appreciate their heroism that we honor the dead and that we are glad that those who live are with us. It is one of the sacred holidays of the year, and should be so observed. Q. rev. McCarthy coming home Gave Up Ministerial Work in Oklahoma on Account of Health. Because of a slight hemorrhage of the brain, the Rev. W. E. McCarthy, one of the best known ministers of the Northern Indiana Methodist conference, and who recently accepted work in Oklahoma organizing churches, has on the advice of his physician given up the work, at least temporarily. He may return to it in the fall. He will devote his time to the management of his daughter's farm near Portland, and to light out-door work. A divorce was granted the wife of Rev. McCarthy a few months ago, and he made no fight to charges alleged. She is an aunt of Mrs. E. C. Vaughn. —Bluffton News. o SULTAN DECLARES HIS POWER Turkish Ruler Issues Edict as Supreme Commander. Constantinople, May 29. —A number of the ministers and other high func- | tionaries of the late regime who have I been confined on the island of Prln- , kipo have bfTcn deported to other islands in the Sea of Marmora. An imperial edict will be read tomorrow at the ministries of war and marine setting forth that the Sultan, in accordance with the terms of the conI stitution, is the supreme commander of the army and navy. The sultan . has offered personally to defray the cost of writing a national history of Turkey. o I LABOR FEDERATION IS DYING Paris Organization Crippled as Result of Postal Strike. Paris, May 29.—The prestige of tha General Federation of Labor has gone • to pieces since the collapse of the general strike. M. Neil, the secretary, has resigned and the more powerful unions have withdrawn with the intention of forming a new federation divested of the revolutionary characteristics of the old one. The General Association of Postmen has repudiated its connection with the workmen's organization.