Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 7, Number 159, Decatur, Adams County, 6 July 1909 — Page 1

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT.

Bfolume VII. Number 159.

NOT MUCH DOING The Commissioners Ended Business for July Session A ROAD VACATED But Little Record Made by the Board at this Time The viewers report for the vacation Df a highway was approved and the proper order given for complying with >aid report, and the highway vacated, the trustees in Hartford and French ownships will be notified by the auditor of Buch vacation. George H. Martz was appointed superintendent on the C. C. Sprunger macadam road, the construction of which will be made this summer. The original plans and specifications ■will be followed on the E. H. Faust macadam road, one of the new roads for Washington township. The board of review concluded the work of their session today. They iave had a busy time and during the thirty days they have been in session, have added many thousand of dollars to the valuation of the county. Other were equalized and in all the board have done good and efficient work. Frederick 0. Buuck and others petitioned the board to build a bridge over the St M(arys river on the county line. The auditor was instructed to notify the Allen county board that they were willing to proceed with such work. Surveyor Ernst was named to estimate the cost and to report at the August session. The Decatur Lumber Co. was the only bidder for coal, but the matter was left open until the board meets later In the month. ‘ Esq. J. H. Smith turned over to the county treasurer and which goes to the school fund, $lB7 of fines in his court, imposed during the past year. o NO ACCIDENTS ON FIFTH. The usual vociferous demonstration which usually characterizes the celebration of the Fourth of July was not in evidence in Decatur this year and this to the credit of the people. The patriotism of the American youth had found expression this year in a manner exceedingly creditable to them. The setting off of the prepared explosives is but in keeping with a long established custom, but when the extremes are resorted to and as a consequence serious injuries are inflicted the celebration of the great national holiday loses its Significance and goes down in history as a day of apathy. Decatur business houses were closed yesterday and the proprietors and clerks enjoyed a much needed rest Some made a trip to the lakes north, while many were Fort Wayne visitors. As we again begin our duties after a pnusc to do honor to the anniversary of the birth of independence, let us not forget the great price which our forefathers have paid to give to us this, the most hallowed of our earthly possessions.

n —-— JOSEPH JOHNSON HAS ACCIDENT Joseph Johnson, the well known Monroe man, was in town today. He has been laid up for several weeks suffering from a badly mashed leg. About three weeks ago he was loading logs for shipment, when one rolled over and caught him, pinning his left leg underneath. Luckily a knot on the log prevented its full weight from falling on Mr. Johnson, or he would have undoubtedly have lost a leg. Though no bones were broken the leg was badly mashed and he has been kept at home since and still limps considerably. o — " COUNTY INSTITUTE DATE SET County Superintendent Opliger has named the date for the county institute, the same being arranged for the week dr August 16th. While the matter of instructors has not been final!} determined, yet it is but safe to saj that able men will be secured for this week, which means so much to the many teachers of Adams count}.

NAMED VIGILANCE COUNCIL. Rev. Bishop Alerding Names a Strong Committee. Fort Wayne, Ind., July 6 —The Rt. Rev. Bishop Alerding has named as a vigilance council for the diocese of Fort Wayne the Rt. Rev. John H. Oechtering, dean of the Fort Wayne district; the Rev. John Bleckmann, dean of the South Bend district; the Rev. William Berg, dean of the Hammond district; the Rev. Bernard Kroeger, dean of the Logansport district; the Rev. John H. Dinnen, dean of the Lafayette district, and the Rev. W illiam Schmidt, dean of the Muncie district. By a papal bulletin issued some time ago by the Holy Father the Council of Vigilance has been revived in every diocese in the world. The duties of this council are to watch whether, and by what means, new errors creep in and find circulation, and to inform the bishop of them so that by united action remedies may be provided.

TO THE EXPOSITION Decatur People Leave Today for Extensive Tours in West BEATTY AND J. HELM Left at Noon—Mrs. James Bell, of Peterson, Has Also Gone Attorney Amos P' Beatty, recently chosen to represent the local order of Elks in the national meeting, left this noon for Los Angeles, Cal., where he will attend the various sessions of the convention, which will begin July eleventh, and continue until July sixteenth. He will leave Los Angeles July seventeenth for San Francisco, where he will make a month's visit with his sister, Mrs. Auiia Johnson. From there he will go to Portland, Oregon, where two days of his time will be appropriated to tne transaction of business matters. Mr. Beatty will Igo to Seattle, Wash., from Portland, where he will attend the big exposition which is on there. He will then proceed to Spokane for a few days’ visit, leaving there for Great Falls, Montana. From Great Falls he will go to Yellowstone National park, to view the many beautiful features of this histone place. He will then go to St. Paul, Minn., where he will make an extended visit with his son Siemon P. Beatty. Attorney Beatty will not return to Decatur until the first of September. His health has not been of the best during the past few months and the trip no doubt will prove very beneficial to him.

Jesse Helm left today for the Elks convention at Los Angeles, and after attending the sessions he will make practically the same trip that Mr. Beatty will make. These gentlemen will meet at Los Angeles and return together. They could not arrange to make the entire trip together on account of their inability to secure berths on the same train. Mrs. James Bell of near Peterson, left yesterday for Toledo, where she will join her sister, Mrs, William Adelsberger and the Misses Sadie and Kittie McElfatrick, whom will leave July tenth for Seattle. Wash., to be in attendance at the big exposition. The party will remain there for several weeks and will take in all the sights on the grounds. Before returning they will visit many of the large cities and the trip will be an exceedingly delightful one.

OLDEST SCHOOL TEACHER In Adams County—Seymore Worden Claims That Distinction. Uncle Seymore Worden, one of the pioneers of this county, was a caller in the city this morning. His health while not as good as a half century ago, is fair for one of his age. Mr. Worden claims the distinction of being the oldest person in this county who has been a school teacher. As far back as 1854 Mr. Worden helped to build the first school house in Wabash township of this county and taught there that year and the year following. Afterward he taught several terms in Colorado. He is nearly eighty-two years old and is well known all over the county.

COURT HOUSE NEWS One Marriage License Was Issued for the Fourth of July Day ITEMS OF INTEREST D. E. Smith Will Serve as City Attorney Temporarily—One Transfer D. E. (Smith will (serve as city attorney during the absence of the regular official, L. DeVoss, who has gone to Nebraska for a two or three weeks' visit with his brother. Mr. Smith will begin his official duties at the regular meeting this evening. * * * A marriage license was issued Saturday afternoon to Amos B. Zehr, 21, a Jefferson township farmer to Emma C. Berron, 18, also of Jefferson township. * * ♦ F. M. Schirmeyer, trustee, has transferred to Simeon J. Hain, lot 31 Decatur, for |l4O. ♦ * ♦ The board of review resumed their work this morning after a vacation since Saturday noon. Owing to the fact that the commissioners were in session, they had to take possession of Auditor Michaud’s private office, which they did, and proceeded to tear off business at a rate which proved their relaxation from business cares had done them great good.

HAS ACCEPTED A POSITION C. K. Foughty Will Not Leave for the West for Present. C. K. Foughty, who recently disposed of his interest in the City Trucking company, has accepted a position as day bus driver for L. A .Holthouse. Mr. Foughty has partly made up his mind to leave for the west, where ne had an offer of a very lucrative position with a traction company. He has had thirteen years' experience in the interurban business and his services have been sought for by many companies. He has, however, decided to remain in Decatur for the present at least. His many Decatur friends will be glad to learn that he will remain in their midst. o BUYS THE CRYSTAL Mr. Smuck Sells His Theater to Rural Carrier W. P. Biggs if ? . WILL ENLARGE STAGE And Will Use His Efforts to Make the Show More Popular Than Ever

By the terms of a deal closed Saturday evening at the Crystal theater, one of the most popular amusement places in the city became the property of Mr. W. P. Biggs. The latter has already taken possession and will give his best efforts to making the place more popular than ever and says he wiT do so If good service in the moving picture line is what the people want. He will do some remodeling, enlarge the stage and arranging so that he can show a much larger picture and will otherwise change the theatre to suit the convenience 'of the public. His son Lawrence, who has had considerable experience will operate the machine. Mr. Biggs is a rural route carrier and will continue to serve in that capacity, looking after his show in the evening. One of his new features will be a full orchestra each evening. Mr. C, B. Smuck, who has been conducting the theatre for some time will leave Decatur, but has not fully determined on where he will locate. He ,’and Mirs. 9muck have made many friends here during their stay and all wish them success whereever they may- go. o Dr. Sauers, Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Patterson spent yesterday at Robison Park.

Decatur, Indiana, Tuesday Evening, July 6. 1909.

DR. PEYTON IS APPOINTED Named as Superintendent of Indiana Reformatory. Jeffersonville, Ind., July 6.—Dr. David C. Peyton of this city accepted the position of general superintnedent of the Indiana reformatory. The appointment came to him by the unanimous vote of the board of trustees. He assumed charge at the prison immediately, but will not occupy the official residence until after Mr. Whit taker leaves, which is expected to be in about two weeks. His first official act was to make permanent the appointment of Capt. Leon Leaf as first assistant superintendent. Dr. Peyton is a close personal and professional friend of Dr. Henry C. Sharp, the new member of the board of trustees. Dr. Peyton is 49 years old and a native of this county. He has practiced medicine in Jeffersonville for twenty years, prior to that time having lived in Utica, this county. He is a graduate of the Ohio Medical College, at Cincinnati, and of the University of Louisville.

OUR OBSERVANCE Decatur Does Honor to Anniversary of Birth of Liberty IN FITTING MANNER Large Audiences Gather at Churches to Observe the Day The Fourth of July, a holiday revered by old and young the countryover as one of the most sacred of all occasions was appropriately observed in Decatur Sunday. In the churches of the city the great significance of the Fourth was vividly exemplified and the attendance was good, evidencing the patriotism of the people of our enterprising city. At the Methodist Episcopal church the Rev. Sherman Powell delivered a very powerful sermon in the morning, selecting as his , theme, “Bribery.” The minister dejpicted the awful results of the pracI tice and dwelt at length upon the inevitable culmination of continued indulgence in same. He stated that ministers are sometimes bribed but that as long as be shall remain in the ministry the inducement would not be high enough, regardless of its magnitude, to cause him to vary from the course he has chosen. Inasmuch as the minister was called upon to preach a funeral sermon at Redkey, he was compelled to omit a portion of the talk to allow him to make the trip In time to deliver the sermon. Jn the evening, Rev. J. H. Walters delivered a patriotic sermon making a comparison between the lives of Moses and George Washington. His discourse was replete with logical thoughts and his every auditor was deeply interested.

Rev. Richard Spetnagel of the Presbytreian church again pleased a large audience Sunday morning by a seriuini which aroused the patriotism of his hearers. The veterans of the civil war and the auxiliary were especially invited to attend the service, the birth of liberty in our grand country. In the evening the young people had charge of the service and a most enjoyable time was had. Excellent music was furnished by the male chorus. The Fourth of July was well observed over the city and the festivities of the occasion will long be remembered. o WILL ATTEND A STATE MEETING Mr. Graham Will Enjoy the Ohio. Farmers Day at Winona Lake. L. A. Graham, Adams county representative of the Ohio Farmers’ Fire Insurance company, is anticipating a delightful two or three days’ vacation, which he will spend at Winona Lake. He has received an invitation from his company to attend a meeting of all the agents in Indiana on the 27th and 28th of this month and as they have been giving these events for several years the boys know what to expect—a rattling good time. The invitation is in the form of a policy and guarantees two days of good time, being a very unique form. Mr. Graham is on the committe on reception.

AN ANNUAL AFFAIR Sunday School Association Will Have Picnic Annually ON THE FOURTH Convention of Yesterday at Berne Was a Grand Success Berne, Ind., Jiuly 6.—(Special to Daily Democrat)—The Sunday school picnic held at Berne yesterday has gone down in history as the most enjoyable event of that nature ever held in the county. Early in the day delegations from every part of Adams county presented themselves and at nine o’clock the procession formed preparatory to the march to Lehman’s grove. The procession was more than a half mile In length and represented more than one thousand of the ardent workers in the Sunday school mission. The morning program was cleverly rendered at the grove, George M. Burnie, state field worker, delivering a powerful address. Excellent music was also furnished. The heavy clouds perspired late in the morning and the promoters of the convention found it necessary to seek other quarters for the afternoon program. The beautiful and spacious Mennonite church was secured and the remainder of the program was carried out to the letter. In the afternoon Rev. Aaron Worth of Fountain City, discoursed patriotically to the vast assemblage and the exercises of the day were dispatched to the complete satisfaction of all who were in attendance. The,Geneva and Berne bands furnished music and other special music was furnished. At the close of the program a vote was taken to ascertain whether or not the annual Sunday school picnic w-ould hereafter he held on the Fourth of July resulting in an unanimous vote in the affirmative. Immediately after the Sunday school convention concluded the town of Berne gave vent to its patriotic inclinations by celebrating royally. The band furnished very inspiring music, a water battle was pulled off and fireworks were displayed. The ball game and parade of course were called off.

WAS FLYING TRIP W. H. Fledderjohann Took Rev. and Mrs. Powell to Portland , . •:■ - SUNDAY MORNING The Minister Was Engaged to Preach the Funeral of Friend Desirous of serving his congregation and complying with the request ►of a friend simultaneously, Rev. Sherman Powell planned a flying trip to Redkey Sunday morning, where he arrived in due time to preach the funeral of the late Mrs. Charles Ritter, who had died a few days previous. Rev. Powell had prepared a sermon upon the subject of “Bribery'’ to be delivered Sunday morning. Meantime he received word from Redkey to the effect that Mrs. Ritter had died and that she requested that he preach her funeral, the time having been set for Sunday afternoon. Rev. Powell, agfiresive as he is, began negotiations whereby he could serve his congregation and also get to Redkey. W. H. Fledderjouann gladly consented to convey the minister and his wife to Portland in his automobile and the party started immediately after the service here, arriving in Portland two minutes before time to board the interurban for the above named place. It was a flying trip and worked successfully. Rev. Powell and wife returned to the city last evening. o Mr. and Mrs. Tom Leonard spent tne Fourth with his folks at Avilla,, . Ind., and returned home this after-1 I noon.

A VICTIM OF PARALYSIS. F H. Harriman No Different Than the Rest of Humanity. New York, July 6. —A special dispatch to the New York World from Vienna says that Prof. Adolph Struempell, one of the most eminent physi cians of Europe, has pronounced E. H. Harriman, the American railway magnate to be a victim of paralysis. Mr. Harriman is spending the summer in the Austrian Alps and has been ill for some time. Mr. Harriman has difficulty in moving his legs and arms. At first it was said he was suffering from nervous prostration, but Prof. Truempell diagnosed the case as paralysis, and says he can be relieved but not cured. The nervous prostration will be cured entirely by the cold water treatment and the tonic air of Semmering, which is 3,000 feet above sea level. The partial paralysis will be relieved and Mr. Harriman will soon be able to resume work.

IN SUPREME COURT Ex-Govemor to Fight for Local Option Law in the Court FOR THE SENATE He is Also Spoken of for the United States Senate

Indianapolis, Duly 6.—The countv local option law will be defended in the supreme court by Attorney General Bingham and ex-Governor J. Frank Hanly. It was said that the latter, who is regarded as the father of the law, has been engaged by the AntiSaloon league to draw up a brief replying to tue one filed in the McPherson case from Noblesville. The part taken by Hanly and Bingham in the last campaign still causes the republican leaders to grit their teetn in anger. The general understanding that this notable pair of temperance agitators have aspirations for still higher honors at the hands of the republican party is also very galling to the men who made the fight for

“Jim” Watson and “Jim” Hemenway last year. Bingham is practically an avowed candidate for governor, while ' Hanly is regarded as the Anti-Saloon league candidate for the United States sepate (o succeed Albert Jeremiah ’ Beveridge. The official organ of the I Anti-Saloon league recently referred to Hanly as one of the greatest “constructive statesmen” of the age, and proved it by declaring that he had sacrificed his party for the cause of temperance. It is not known whether the Anti-Saloon league has entered into any definite arrangements with 1 Hanly to defend the local option law ' in the numerous cases that have been filed to determine whether or not it is valid, but if is reported that the league is urging him to write a brief in the McPherson case. Superintendent Shumaker and R. C. Minton, at- 1 torney for the league, pre confident that there is no chance for the law • being declared unconstitutional, but ■ it is believed that they are counting ' largely on public sentiment having weight with the supreme court. It is a fact, they admit, that the supreme courts of Pennsylvania and three other states have declared a similar county option law unconstitutional. Shumaker predicts that if the supreme court of Indiana overthrows the law the state will vote for state-wide prohibition by an overwhelming majority. If Hanly and Bingham succeed in having the law declared constitutional it is predicted that the league will whoop things -up for Hanly for the senate and Bingham for governor.

At the regular monthly meeting of the board of directors of the Studabaker bank last night Harry Studabaker, son of D. E. Studabaker, was elected to the position of assistant cashier, which place had been vacant! for some time, since switches were made in the working force of the bank I some time ago. Mr, Studabaker has | had an experience of several years ( in the bank and is thoroughly exper- 1 ienced and well qualified for the posi- 5 tion —Bluffton News. t

Price Two Cents

BUT ONE ACCIDENT Forrest Deitsch Had His Face Badly Burned Saturday Evening GREAT CELEBRATION The Geneva Business Men Are a Generous and Hustling Sort Geneva, Ind., July 6.—(Special to the Daily Democrat)—The only accident during the day of pleasure at Saturday's celebration of the Fourth, occurred at nine p'clock Saturday evening, right at the close of a long day of festivities. The victim of the accident was Forrest Deitsch, the nine years old son of Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Deitsch, who undertook to examine with a match one of the pieces of fireworks. It was thought that the powder had all been removed from the explosive, but enough remained to badly burn young Deitsch’s face, remove his eyelashes and for a time it was thought that he was in danger of losing his eyesight. Dr. Price the attending physician, has been constant in his attention, and the last bulletin is to the effect that the boy will see all right. This fact removed a large chunk of anxiety as everybody in Geneva sympathized with the boy and his father and mother.

The balloon ascension wai a little bit better than anything that ever happened in the county. The ascension has been measured out to be a mile high, the parachute landing a mile and a half southwest of Geneva, while the balloon proper found the earth one mile south of Briant and seven miles from Geneva. It was a dandy ascension and will be talked about in Geneva for years to come. Ralph Stout got the goose. Among the prizes given was a handsome rocker to the oldest married couple and it was won by Esq. George R. Dickerson and wife, who have stayed married for fifty-eight years. The second prize was another rocker and it went to Mr. and Mrs. E. J. W. Lindsey, who have been married for fifty-two years. Billy Gee won a hundred pounds of Geneva I flour for fostering the largest family, i which including himself and wife numbers eleven. This was the last I count, but no reports have been made ,for general days. The oldest offspring ta eighteen years, and the youngest is sixteen months. Billy has plenty of i use for the flour, all right,

The business men of Geneva are to be congratulated for their generosity and for their liberality in giving the people of Geneva and vicinity a royal good time on the Fourth, the best celebration ever given in Geneva. Everything moved oft like clock work, and as one of the live ones said, we are proud of our business men who live in and boost the best town of its size in this broad land of ours.

This is going some. Dr. O. M. Graham telegraphed at 3:30 last Thursjday for a two pound fixture for his i automobile, the telegram going to , the factory at Syracuse, New York. ,At 4:40 on the next day, just twentyi four hours and ten minutes later he ■ received it from the hands of Uncle , Sam’s postal service. We live in a fast age. , Homer and Vernon Pontius, M. E. Hutton and Rev. C. J. Graves made . a business trip to Montpelier today in an automobile. The U. B. Sunday school went to Berne Saturday to attend the union picnic there, but the weather spoiled ‘ | it, and it is now suggested that both ' j the U. B. and Methodist Sunday ■ schools here join hands and give their schools a picnic later in the summer. The suggestion seems good, and I should be given a try out.

Otto Clay, of Paulding, Ohio, ar- > rived this morning for a visit with : his aged father, Solomon Clay and :! other relatives. It was his first visit 'here in four years. I Mrs. J. H. Winans, of Bellefontaine, Ohio, is here visiting her daughters Mesdames Haughton and Kizer. She will leave in a few days for an extended visit at Winona Lake.