Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 7, Number 214, Decatur, Adams County, 8 September 1909 — Page 1

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT.

Volume VII. Number 214.

CITY TAX ALSO CUT Council Reduces Tax Levy for 1910 Thirty Cents Over Present Rate WHERE IT GOES Important Session of City Council—Stevens Gets Brown Sewer Job The tax levy for the city of Decatur, as fixed by Jhe council at last night’s meeting for the year 1910 will be $1.57 on the SIOO, a reduction over last year of thirty cents on the one hundred dollars. This fact beiijg possible after the reduction of the city debt and the splendid equipment installed at the city plant and the other expenses, is certaimy a wonderful showing. All members of the council were present last night excepting Van Camp. Mayor France presided, and after the reading of the minutes, the ordinance covering the appropriation of funds for various purposes was read and adopted, the specific funds as set out being as follows: Salaries for council $ 500.00 Salary for mayor 500.09 Salary for city clerk 450.00 Salary for city treasurer.. 500.00 Salary for city marshal .... 600.00 Salaries for extra police.... 200.00 Salary for night police .... 600.00 Salary for city attorney .... 400.00 Extra attorney fees 200.00 Salary for city electrician.. 1,200.00 Salary for city engineer .... 600.00 For street and alley crossings 900.00 Supplies for water works.. 8,000.00 Supplies for electric plant.. 16,000.00 General purpose 200.00 For stationery and supplies.. 50.00 Gen. repair streets and alleys 1,000.00 Interest 3,760.00 Board of health 200.00 Fire chief 75.00 Old orders and interest .... 5,400.00 The ordinance provides that these sums be set apart out of the tax levy and the income of the electric and water plant for the year 1910. It was then ordered by the city council that the tax levy for the year 1910 be as follows: General purposes, on each $100..$ .30 Water works and interest 19 Water works hydrants 20 Special street and sewer 15 To pay old orders 15 Sinking and light 33 Electric fund 33 Total * 157 It was also ordered that the tax in the city of Decatur on each inale dog be SI.OO and on each female dog $2.00. On the adoption of the ordinance, all members of the council voted yes but Chronister, who voted no. The resolution recently adopted by the public library board that the public library tax should be ten cents on the hundred dollars was read and on motion was spread of record. A resolution providing that the city pay the sum of $822.89 to Woods & Haugk, this being the amount of the reduction of the Fritzinger assessment on north Second street improvement as held in circuit court, failed to carry, Burns and Christen voting yes and Martin and Chronister “no.” Carrie Stults filed a petition for au alley in the south part of town, extending off Oak street, and the petition was referred to the street committee. Bids were opened for the construction of the Frank Brown sewer, being as follows: Jacob Magley $323: W. J. and D. W. Myers $247; Henry Stevens $224. The contract was awarded to Henry Stevens. H The agreement as entered into y Mavor France with L. L. Baumgartner to act as city engineer at a salary of ■four dollar s.per day, was approved as was also Baumgartner’s bond for $.-.00. Agent Harris of the Clover Leaf railway was present and reported that the work of installing a bell at the Thir teen th street crossing is now in pro gress A requisition for electric water works duplicate and daily balance ■book by Treasurer Archbold was alh The finance committee approved the July reports of the city clerk and Measurer and Mayor France filed his report, the latter being ” the finance committee. A delega i

of draymen were present asking for light on the ordinance which taxes them and quite a discussion followed. The following bills were allowed: O. B. Wemhoff $ .75 A - Cool 30.50 Henry Peters 13.50 Wm. Geary 10.00 Amos Fisher 50.00. C & E 129.41 D. F. Teeple 69 30 Larkin Mfg. Co. ... 15.00 Galogly & Lower 48.64 L. A. Graham 24.33 C - & E - 160.62 Sunday Creek Coal Co 135.62 John Meyer 3 25 John Sprague 82.50 C. Sprague 4 3. 80 I. A. Kalver 50 Jesse Niblick 2.00 B. F. Teeple 10.11 Sam Butler 13.50 S. L. Writwright 10.00 M. J. Mylott, pay roll 246.09 Water works pay roll 46.02 C. U. Dorwin pay roll 262.03 (Continue flon page 4.) o DIED LAST NIGHT Deitrich Scheiman of Preble Township, Died After Long Illness FUNERAL FRIDAY The Death of a Highly Respected Preble Township Citizen Deitrich Scheiman. whose illness has several times been mentioned in these columns, died at ten o’clock

last night, the end coming after an illness of some length. The deceased fell from the hay loft a year ago last February, and in the fall sustained a fracture of the left hip and a broken arm, and from these injuries he never wholly recovered. Since birth he has been blind and this fact added to his discomfort, and made his condition seem the more pathetic. For many years he has made his home with Mr. and Mrs. Fred Blomberg, and ever since he took up his home with them they have been as son and daughter, and sympathized and helped him in every way that they could. The cause of death came from a malignant bowel trouble which developed into dropsy. The funeral will occur Friday at half past one, sun (time, the same to be held from the 1 Friedheim Lutheran church, of which I congregation he has long been a constant and devoted member. Rev. Preuss, pastor of this church, will have charge of the services, which will be followed with interment in the cemetery there. The deceased is sixty years old and has lived in this county for a long time, and was respected by every one who knew him. He is an uncle of John and Fred Scheiman of this city, and has several other relatives in Fort Wayne. THREATEN PRESIDENT’S LIFE Chicago Getting Ready to Protect the Life of Chief Executive. Chicago, Sept.. B.—Two letters threatening the life of President Taft during his visit in Chicago, now in the hands of Capt. Porter of the secret service, have stirred up the latter and police officials of the city, with the result that efforts will be made to make the chief executive of the nation the most guarded president that ever came to Chicago. Capt. Porter was inclined today to belittle the threats, although he began making preparations immediately to prevent the possibility of an attack on President Taft. The letters, he declared, were from cranks. He refused to reveal the contents or signatures. o— UNCLE TOM IS COMING HERE The ever welcome “Uncle Tom s Cabin” will be given at Bosse opera house Tuesday, Sept. 14. This is the same magnificent production that was given at the Academy of Music, New York City, and ran for an entire season The following is a criticism of the New York Journal: “Thousands were turned away from the Academy last night, unable to gain admittance to Uncle Tom’s Cabin. The house was crowded early, every seat being Isold as early as 7:30 p. m. and people 'by hundreds were standing in the side I aisles and lobbies-The Journal.

LEAVE FOR NORTH Many People from this County Take in the Special Rates to Michigan FOR VARIOUS PLACES But Greater Number Will Have Headquarters in and About Petoskey Quite a number of Decatur and Adams county people are enjoying a vacation in and about Petoskey, the beautiful city of northern Michigan, the party having taken advantage of the special rates now on. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Burns went several days ago. Yesterday was the big day and quite a number made up the Adams county crowd. Many from Geneva and Berne made the trip. Last evening among those who left were Mr. and Mrs. L. L. Baumgartner, Mr. and Mrs. John F. Lachot, John Tisron and Thomas Niblick. Frank and William Gillig made the trip, but not altogether for pleasure as they will inspect the timber districts and if satisfactory will invest in this kind of land. Mrs. Robeft B. Allison left on the morning train and will enjoy a short outing at her summer home at Oden. Mrs. L. H. Purdy and Miss Mary Baxter took advantage of the rates and left for Mcßanes, Michigan, where they will visit friends. At no season of the year is the climate of Michigan more delightful or the scenery more beautiful along the lakes than during September and those who are now tasting the pleasures of vacation time should enjoy every moment. A HEARING TODAY Rev. Sprunger Faces Justice in Elyria Court for Misconduct RECALLS DEPARTURE Left Berne Eight Years Ago. Serious Charges Made Against Him The trial of Rev. J. A. Sprunger and the further investigation of his orphan home is continuing today at Elyria, Ohio. It develops that there are in the home a number of children from this 1 county, probably due to the fact that the home was located near Berne until eight years ago. The arrest of Mr. Sprunger now, recalls to mind the fact that he was practically driven from this county with his home, due to the slipshod manner in which he conducted the place. During the summer of 1901, quite a sensation was caused when it was announced that children were being hidden at the home, by kidnappers who held the children for various purposes. About the same time a man named Jacob Bartel, employed at the home was held for the imprisonment of a child for several days in a dark room, as a means of discipline.

Dorothy Dale, a special newspaper writer, recently visited the Light and Hope orphans' home of which Rev. Sprunger is manager and her story among other items contained the following notes of interest: The Light and Hope orphanage into which an investigation was started in the probate court of Elyria Friday by Humane Agent A. E. Lawrence, is a 500-acre farm institution in the hill country between Birmingham and Vermilion. It is run by non-sectarian religionists headed by J. A. Sprunger. The women call themselves “sisters'’ and the men “brothers.” There are 90 inmates between the ages-of 1 and 18 years. As to the institution’s support, its pamphlet “Kelp a Little,” says: "Our support comes mostly from individual persons who have a heart for the orphanage and gladly help a Christian home along where they know the children are brought up as good as their own parents would bring them

Decatur, Indiana. Wednesday Evening, September 8, 1909.

up.” I spent Saturday at the orphanage. As I drove up to the main building, a long much built on farm house, flanked at one end by a three story barn like structure a little girl came running out. “Come right in this way,” she said, leading to a sitting room where Mrs. Sprunger was. Mrs. Sprunger is a wiry woman of middle age with alertness in every look and move of her. Her snapping b’ack eyes had a kindly light in them. She sent for her husband, and neither showed hesitation in talking of the disclosures that resulted in their giving up the three children that they at first refused to give to the grandfather B. W. Glatz, of Lorain? The action against the institution was started three weeks ago when Lillian Millington, 12. and Lucile Williams, 13, inmates, ran all the six miles to Vermilion because, they charged, the Williams child had been beaten. They took off their shoes and stockings and waded the Vermilion river just as the | runaway boys do. They went to the (Continued on page 2.) ESKIMOS DENY IT Natives Who Were with Dr, Cook Say He Was Never Very Far North SO SAYS PEARY Greatest Scientific Row in World’s History on—Dr. Cook is Angry New York, N. Y., Sept. B.—(Special to Daily Democrat) —The United Press is in receipt of the following message dated at Indian Harbor: “United Press Company—Cooks' story should not be taken too seriously. The two Eskimos who accompanied him say he went no distance north and not out of sight of land. Other men of the tribe corroborate their statement. Peary.” Copenhagen, Sept. 8. —When Dr. Cook was shown Commander Pearys’ statement attacking his veracity today by a United Press correspondent, he replied after a moments studied reflection: “I won’t degrade myself by answering Peary's charges until the accusation is made upon scientific data.” When pressed for a more explicit statement he remained silent. He was clearly angered by Peary’s assault. Commander Peary’s message created the greatest sensation here since the initial news of Cook's discovery. Despite the inclination of the Danish people to accept Cook's statement as absolutely true, there is no denying the fact that Peary's denial of Cook’s claims has caused a wavering among the latter’s supporters. It has also tended to line, up the more ardent supporters of Cook stronger than ever. These admirers assert that Peary’s attack is unwarranted at least at this time. That the greatest scientific row in the world’s history has been launched is conceded here. - -■ o - • CALLS FOR BANK STATEMENT. Washington, D. C., Sept. 8. —(Special to Daily Democrat) —The comptroller of currency today issued a call for a statement showing the condition of all national banks at the close of .business on Wednesday, September 1.

FIELD EXAMINERS They Will Be Appointed by State Board of Accounts of Indiana ANNOUNCEMENTS They Will Hold Competitive Examinations for These Places Indianpolis, Sept. 7,—The members of the state board of accounts decided upon September 28th and 29th as the time for the holding of competitive I examinations for the subsequent appointment of field examiners, as provided under the public accounting law. The session of the first day’s examination will begin at nine o'clock the morning of the 28th, continuing until twelve noon, at which time adjournment will be taken until one-thirty, and the session will then close at five o'clock p. m. The hours of the second day’s session will be governed by the progress made on the first day. “As a general synopsis of the scope of the examination,” said Mr. Dehority today, “a general knowledge will be necessary of the laws of taxtion, fees and salaries, general duties of officers of the state, counties, townships, cities, school corporations and all penal and benevolent institutions of the state; a general knowledge of the government of the state in its different branches, including the different boards and comissions and their duties. A general knowledge of bookkeeping, accounts and the geography of Indiana will be essential.” The examination will be written and will be held in the house of representatives. The board is now sending notices to all applicants, of whom there are more than two hundred and fifty. WILL GIVE A SALE L. H. Boknecht and Family Will Soon Move to North Dakota HAS A FARM THERE People are Fast Settling in That Region and Land is Growing in Value L. H. Boknecht came home Sunday from an extended absence in Hettinger county, North Dakota, where he has purchased a fine farm, and where he will soon locate and live. He came home full of enthusiasm about the bright future of that now wonderful country, and is right in thinking that he struck it right in buying land there. As soon as he can arrange a date he will begin the advertising of a big stock sale on his farm in Root township, and after that will leave and take up a permanent residence in his new home. Tne sale will be held yet this month, and soon after the first of October he expects to be on his way west. His wife and family will not go before the first of the following month, but it will not be long until all of them will be domiciled in their North Dakota home. His sale to be held in a few weeks will be one of the big ones of the county, as he has considerable good stock, farming implements and other accumulations which must be disposed of before he goes away. The Boknechts are anxious to get settled on their North Dakota possessions where they hope to get much pleasure among the hospitable people of that part of the country. o WILL HAVE THE FAST ONES P. T. Strieder, who is the superintendent of speed for the great Fort Wayne fair, which will be held September 14-18, is securing some of the fastest horses in the country for entry in the various events and the races promise to be the greatest in the history of the fair. A superb speed program is arranged for every day, with the big events so evenly divided that one day is just as good as another. | Saturday will be Derby day, when run-. ning events will make up the program..

ONLY FOUR ARE LEFT The Saloons in Anderson Now Have a Snap. Anderson, Ind., Sept. 8. —The second jolt to be felt by Madison county as the result of the recent local option election will be felt tomorrow when twenty saloons will go out of business. Os these sixteen are in Anderson. With the passing of these there will be only four saloons left in this city. The saloon of John Gawien of Hazlewood wil run for thirty days yet.while Nobby Heinman, James Hilton and the Anderson Hotel bar will run i.ntil late in November. All four have more than doubled their bar capacity and have each hired a large force of bartenders. THE WEDDING DAY Three Young Couples Plighted Their Vows in Decatur this Morning ALL ARE POPULAR Elzey-Kruetzmann, EngleZeser, and Horn-Schaub Nuptials

Miss Margaret Zeser became the ; bride of Mr. Ed Engleking, a Fort , Wayne traveling salesman this morn- i ing, the wedding being performed at I the St. Marys Catholic church by the ' Rev. Theodore Wilken. During the ceremony the bride was attended by , her bridesmaids, the Misses Clara i Zeser, a sister, and Margaret Reiter < of Pittsburg, a cousin. The bride l wore a gown made princess style, of 1 lavender satin with yoke and sleeves i of net. Miss Zeser was gowned in ] lavender and Miss Reiter in a pretty i dress of salmon color trimmed in lace. At noon a big dinner was served a; 1 the bride’s home south of town. About twenty-five of the groom's friends 1 from Fort Wayne were present, adding, to the pleasure of the day. After j completing a western trip Mr. and Mrs. Engelking will reside in Fort ] Wayne. 1 A happy wedding occurred a little before noon today when Rev. L. C. J Hessert performed the ceremony of Miss Lucy Kruetzmann and Mr. Ben 1 Elzey at the home of the bride's sister. Mrs. H. T. Scherry in the '.vest part of the city. Only a few of the near friends and relatives being present. The living rooms were decorated with cut flowers and looked very attractive for the occasion. The bridal couple left the city for a short eastern trip after which they will make their home in the city. Miss Lulu Schaub and Mr. Harry Horn of Union City were united in marriage at the Catholic church this morning, the ceremony being very impressive. The bridesmaid was Miss Rose Voglewede and the best man Mr. Fred Schaub, a brother of the bride. As the strains of the wedding march was played the bridal party marched to the altar, the bride very attractive in a princess gown of white batiste with hat to match. Her bridesmaid looked beautiful in a gown of pale pink silk, made princess. After' the ; ceremony a wedding breakfast was served to the immediate relatives of both families at the bride’s home. The living rooms and dining room were decorated with cut flowers and golden rod. The bridal couple left the city over the G. R. & I. for a northern trip, after which they will be at home in Union City, where Mr. Horn is a contractor and a prominent young business man. HARRIMAN IS ABOUT THE SAME — I Turner, N. Y., Sept. 8.— (Special to’ Daily Democrat) —The condition of i< | < E. H. Harriman remains about the e 'same today, according to the state- 1 8 ment of his physician this morning, ]

Price Two Cents

THE LEVY REDUCED Adams County Stands at the Front in Low Levies LOWEST IN HISTORY Adams County Has the Money to Pay Every Cent She Owes At the regular meeting of the county council yesterday and today, tha most gratifying results were reached, the county levy was reduced to 28 cents, the lower- in the history of the county, this levy of 28 cents covers all of the expenses of the county government for the year 1910, and includes salaries of officers, expenses of all offices including supplies, bridge, repairs (except gravel road), also includes expense of courts, juries, county asylum, jail, orphans and state benevolent institutions, and in fact Ml expenses of the county. After a careful examination it has been found by the board of commissioners that there will be sufficient funds on hand in the sinking fund to pay all bonds due in 1910, and therfore the sinking fund levy of 7 cents was cut out, which makes a total reduction of 9 cents over the year 1909. There will also be sufficient funds (surplus) available on January 1, 1910, that the county council will be asked to transfer to the sinking fund at their January meeting to pay the balance of bonds in 1911. There is not an outstanding order or bond against Adams county today, that there is not the actual cash in the county treasury to pay, and which is immediately available. The levies for the past twenty-five years were as follows: 1884 — County purposes, 75c.: bridge 10c. •> 1885— County purposes 75c.; bridge 15c. 1886 — County purposes 60c.; bridge 10c.

1887 — County purposes 60c.: bridge 10c. 1888— County purposes 60c.; bridge 10c. 188S —County purposes 58c.: bridge 10c. 1890— County [purposes 55%c.; bridge 12c. , 1891— County purposes 42c. 1892 — County purposes 3814 c. 1893 — County purposes 43c. 1894 — County purposes 41c. 1895 — County purposes 46 l-3c. 1896 — County purposes 44c. 1897 — County purposes 42c. 1898 — County purposes 42c. 1899 — County purposes 52 l-3c. 1900 — County purposes 44 l-3c. 1901 — County purposes 44 1-3. 1902 — County purposes 32 1-3. 1903 — County purposes 2814 c. 1904 — County purposes 3914 c. 1905— County purposes 3814 c. 1906— County purposes 5014 c. 1907 — County fund 29 13-20 c. 1908 — County fund 2914 c. The gravel road repair levy remains at 10 cents, although more than twenty miles of roads have been added to system this year. Adams county now has 324 miles of stone and gravel roads, with about twenty-five miles in course of construction. The cost of i construction of these roads is a debt I against the several townships in which they are located, and are in no wise ; a debt or liability against the county. At the beginning of the year 1900, ( there was more than $20,000 of old I outstanding orders unpaid against the t county, and also a bonded indebted- ( ness of $45,000, within the last four 1 years all of these outstanding orders some of them fifteen years old, have been paid, the entire bonded indebtedness has been paid or there is money on hands with which to pay the same when the bonds become due the ilast maturing in 1911. In addition to this amount the county infirmary has ’been built and paid for. Certainly the i board of commissioners of Adams county, together with the county council should be congratulated on the excellent condition of county affairs, and in being able to make this substantial reduction in the tax levy for 1910.