Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 8, Number 293, Decatur, Adams County, 13 December 1910 — Page 2

HoiiME's STACY E. BAKER * (Copyright. IMO, by American Pre** Association. ] IT was Christmas eve. Holme, a stranger iu his own land, strolled lonesomely through the streeta of his own city nor knew one of the •hovlng, impatient shoppers who elbowed him from the points of vantage In front of the gift laden windows. It was seven years since he had ' been home His mind mused over his j many adventures in foreign lands as he almost affectionately gave shove for shove and forced his way up crowded Broadway, These people were his people—kin of him. fellow citizens. The spirit of the night per- | meated his whole being. He thought about Jessly and wondered what had become of him. Prob-

ably he had married pretty Beth Allen, and as this thought occurred to Holme a curious little tremor thrilled up from | his heart, saying as plainly as a heart can say. ' “We remember Beth, you and I, my master, and that is the reason why we are come back —to find out.” Once Holme had asked Beth Allen to marry him. and—- “ Dick!” Pale as a statue. the man turned. There at the curb, both hands

held out to him. was Beth. "You!" he gasped as he strode toward her. ‘‘Even so,” laughed the girl. "Me! And this is the best Christmas present of all!” Two hands closed convulsively tight over his, and her low voice whispered: "Don't be surprised at anything. 1 will explain later. And so." she said aloud, "you thought you would surprise me, you naughty boy, and come tonight. I didn't expect you until tomorrow." She turned quickly, and Holme now noticed that she stood just beside an automobile in which was seated a stranger. "Mr. Crenton.” she said, “this is Mr Richard Holme, my fiance.” Stone faced, without as much as a flicker of an eyelash. Holme acknowledged the introduction. Crenton was eying him grimly. Evidently this broad shouldered youth with the bronze of warm climes on his beardless cheeks did not appeal to him. "Surly brute." thought Holme as the tubby little middle aged one merely nodded In response to tSe other's polite acknowledgment. And meanwhile Beth Allen, tall, slim and. handsome jia ever, was babbliaa bfThings beyond the ken of the youth—“bis handsome present." “his letter” and other allusions too subtle for the comprehension of Holme. He eyed the girl keenly. She seemed sane, and there were in those clear, well deep eyes only a boundless delight and enthusiasm over the wanderer's return. Fiance! Beth Allen had refused to marry him seven years before, and this had resulted in the man's voluntary exile. Now she referred to him as her fiance! Truly explanations were needed. His old love of the girl had pulsed Instantly into life again as her warm hands met his. His travels had been useless. "You must get in," Beth was chattering on. “I am done with my shopping, and we will return to the house. Boyton, home.” This last to the chauffeur. Not a word of explanation came from Beth as the machine silently sped over (he frost jeweled streets, but she talked f continually of ev-

“HA, HOLM®!”

youth were on the maid, and be knew in his heart that he wanted her more than he had ever wanted her before. But now she was silent. As her father continued talking one little hand patted a dusky strand back Into the ebon mass of her hair. She was beautiful. She was more to be desired than ever. “And to think,” the major was saying, his fine old face alight, "that you and my little girl here have been engaged all these years and we knew nothing about it. Well, I am glad, Holme; extremely glad. There is no

me tn the world whom I would rather fte would have." The gray veteran had a most sin ce-e admiration for Holme that had manifested Itself directly after the youth had “done things” at the battle of San Juan Hill. Through nil the conversation following Crenton was almost boorishly quiet. He responded to questions in throaty monosyllables. His brow wore a heavy frown. All in all. Holme thought Crenton n clog to the Joyous ' ness of the evening. He wished that be would go, and finally this Is just what Crenton did. After making his adieus to the girl and her father the sullen one turned to Holme. “1 sup pose I will see you again?" he drawled. ' a sneer in his voice. “I doubt it,” returned Holme, ex I tSThllng h|s- hand- "at least got right away? 1 have*T)eon gone for some time, and—er—l shall devote the most of my time to my fiancee, and after I our marriage we have planned an ex- > tended trip.” I He looked across at the girl to sec how she accepted this Munchausen flight. She smiled. After the departure of the discomfit ed Crenton the old major left the room Holme turned curiously to the girl She was gazing at him. shame in hei eyes and the bright red spots coming and going high on her cheeks. "I—l can explain." she began eager ly. “Honestly, Dick. I can explain." “Take it easy, Beth." soothed the youug man. half afraid the girl would become hysterical. "There are really no explanations needed unless you want to tell. I am only too glad to let the matter continue just as it is," The girl gazed at him with el<x;uent eyes. "Do you really mean that—aftei this? After this brazen thing I have done can you marry me?' “Can I?” exclaimed Holme. “Try me and see!" “Listen!” began the girl. “I am g Ing to tell you all. Years ago, Dick when I refused you, I fully expected to marry you later. I thought you would ask me again, and you—didn’t. “Since you went away father somehow came to the belief that I had refused you in order to sacrifice myself to him. I have l>een doubly affection ate toward him since my mother died —poor old man—but he looked upon my continued —er —coldness toward matrimony with distress, and to alleviate this I told him that I was engaged to you: that we were to be married upon iouc returp. from India. 'T uiuiF't think that Ee would men tion it to a soul. I thought I had can tloned him that It was'a secret engage merit, but It seems I did not. and 1 verily believe that lie has toll it n dozen times to every one who has called here during your absence. “It was terribly embarrassing to me. but I knew you. and I hoped in th» event of your returning single— thh was the biggest bogy—you would ac knowledge the engagement and then later 1 would release you.” “I shall not accept a release." mur mured Holme. _ The girl continued: “Crenton hatbeen a most persistent suitor. He hn‘money—millions— but no manners." She shuddered. “Ob. I never could

I' ’ jjg H * BL* “DICK I"

marry that muu, , but — but I be- , lieve he guessed I my secret. He j used to smile' whenever your name was mentioned aud leer—positively leer—at me. 1 hated him. but I was afraid, | “You can imagine with what mingled feelings I saw you as we came from that store. I waited for you at the curb. I—l couldn't do otherw 1 s e. Besides. I wished to show that persistent Crenton that at I least I knew you. 1 “Then I became bolder, and I in-

trodueed you as my fiance.” The girl'* face was crimson. “And now,” she finished sadly, ”we must cancel the eu gagement. I—l can’t literally throe, myself at your head, you know, and then accept your whole soulod offer tu let the farce continue.” “But It Isn’t a farce,” protested the man. "I love you, and I want you to marry me If you will. Why. dearest, that is why I came home.” He strode over to the girl and lifted her chin until her eyes were level with his. “Thank God!” he said and kissed her SLEEPY HEADS. By GOODLOE THOMAS. HI, yo’! Ho, yo’! Chris’mus in de mawnin'l Bettah h'fst away, yo' kids. I’* wa’nin'l Ol’ folks' way am to set aroun' de grate Hatchin' rlkolecnons till de houah gits late. Llnkum Jefifson, git to bed Fo’ yo’ lose dat sleepy head. ' 111, yo’l Ho, yo'l Chillun, des supposin’, I While yo’ set-fin’ dere noddin' an’ dozin’. Dat ol' Santa Claus comes a-prowl-i in’ aroun'. Ketchin* yo' awake when yo’ should he soun’T Annabella, git onstripped. ' Fo’ 1 has to sen’ ?•'. whipped!

erythiug —everything but what Holme wanted most to know. In due time they drove up in front of her home, and the three dis mounted and entered. “Ha, Holme!" There was gen- ' uine pleasure In the voice of old Major Allen as he strode forward to clasp the hand of the errant in his warm grasp. “‘Quite a surprise! We didn’t expect you until tomorrow. Gad. sir, it seems good to see you!" The eyes of the

CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR BOYS ANO GIRLS I A TOT AEBOFLASK. Captive airships which whiz around on a string are complete in every detail. and those made in celluloid are splendid toys that boys will be delighted to receive for Christmas preseuts. The popularity of electric traction Is reflected In the increased sales of electric trains and trams. The motorcar and taxicab figure prominently on the shelves. These are provided with hooters. adjustable hoods, windows which can be lowered, glnss screens, lamps and even the telltale taximeter itself. Monkeys and bears on trapezes, which squeal and grunt continually, are new and are bound to cause endless fun. There are those which turn innumerable somersaults until the motive power gives out. In the parlor and board game department new ideas are rampant. The old fashioned Christmas tree may be superseded by the lucky pies, a big box full of prizes bearing numbers, which have to be drawn for. The Always Popular Tool Chest. There are few boys who are not •“tickled to death” when Santa Claus TOOL BOX leaves them u tool box. and now that manual training is taught in the schools most boys know bow to use the tools intelligently. But they must be of the best quality to be of any practical value. And a watch! Well, the height of a boy’s glory Is reached when he gets a really truly timepiece. The popularity of the watch is well exemplified in one of Mr Dooley’s famous irtories. iu which the hero prayed for a watch as a Christmas gift, but, much to bl« disgust, received a hair ebain that raveled. Things a Boy Likes. He likes a pair of hockey skates footballs, an air rifle, college pennants, a desk, games, jaekknives. tie clips, aud if you want to delight his heart give him a silver pocketknife with his monogram on it. School and college pins and just now the monogram scarfpin may be what he'll want. Among more useful presents are to be found sweaters, school or dress suits, if the boy is interested iu wireless telegraphy all kinds of batteries and appliances will help along the cause. Should you want a present for the small boy or for one of larger growth who belongs to a drum corps get him a really good drum and he’ll be happy, but his parents probably will suffer. What difference? it’a Christmas! What a Girl Likes. If she is a wee lassie who can just trundle a doll’s carriage or is old enough to feel the real responsibility DOLL BABT CABBIAXM. of a dollle as big as herself, she’ll like nothing better than one of the up to date baby carta exactly like those a real baby takes her airing in. The car- . rlage Illustrated is a new model put . out for the Christmas trade and the cheapest of them sells for $3.50. The shape is the same at all prices, the difference being merely in the appointments of the carriage. Os course the very wee girl will have an old fashioned mode! or a very tiny replica of this new variety. Proud as Punch is the small girl when she wears her set of furs that Kris Kringie has brought her. This year there is a fascinating assortment of these sets, ranging ail the way from ermine to the near ermine, which is 1 just plain rabbit or cat. but pretty I aud dainty nevertheless. Chinchilla is an attractive pelt for young girls, j and lately even the blaek furs have | been considered smart for youthful ' wearers. t

W? so •’THANK GOD!”

ALL ABOUT THE ADAMS COUNTY SPELLING CONTESTS 1 tho flnat B tate contest, Ua held next Friday The first series at (the district spelling contests of the county schools, in preparation' followlng Friday, and winners 1 nthese <w afternoon, December 16th. in every district school in Adams county. The second one wll nteßt bo held )n thU , w January 21st. tests will be the principal* in the township contests to be held next January .th. >• The followln< fU les and. regulations g<wthe congressional contest about Feb-ruary ISth, and the state contest at Indianapolis, abou

ern the contests: Since much good was accomplished last year in Adams county by the series of spelling con tests and in order to co-operate with the plan of the State Department, the County Board of Education at a special meeting decided that another series of spelling contests be held In the public schools of Adams county during the school year 1910-1911. CONTESTS: DISTRICT —December 16th and 23rd, 1910. TOWNSHIP—January 7, 1911. COUNTY—Decatur, Ind., January 21, 1911. CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT—About February 18 1911. STATE—lndianapolis, Indiana, About March 20, 1911. RULES AND REGVLATION’S. District Contests—Each school district in the county shall select four delegates and two alternates to represent their district at the township spelling contest. You are expected to hold at least two spelling contests in your district —December 16th and 23rd, respectively, in order to select your representatives. Each contest should be both oral and written so that contestants may become familiar with the plan to be used in the township and county contests. The first district contest may begin on Page 59 of the Alexander Spelling Book. After onehalf of the contestants are spelled down the remaining pupils standing should be required to spell on paper the next 50 or 100 words as found in the speller. These words should be graded immediately by the pupils, exchanging papers, and all of those pupils making 100 per cent, may continue in the oral contest. In case 50 per cent, of the pupils failed to make a perfect grade on the written test,, excuse the one-half making the lowest grades, and then continue the oral contest until the delegates are chosen. The two pupils standing after the others have been spelled down at the first district contest shall be declared delegates No. 1 and No. 2, respectively. The second district contest should be conducted in accordance with the plan of the first to determine delegates No. 3 and No. 4. This contest, however, should begin on the page of the speller which closed the first contest. In the second contest the two pupils standing last shall be delegates. No. 3 and 4, respectively, and the 3rd an 4th to the last after the others have been spelled down will become the two alternates, it will be the duty of Alternate No. 1 to take the place of the delegate should one of them be absent, and in case Alternate No. 1 cannot be present or in case two delegates are absent, Alternate No. 2 should fill the vacancy. The two pupils winning in the first contest should be excused from the second district contest. Township and Corporation Contests —All township contests shall be held January 7, 1911. The Fourth Township Institute should be held near the center of the township on this day, devoting the forenoon to the regular institute work and using the afternoon for the spelling contest . In the township or corporation contests, the contestant who stands last will be the honor student or Delegate No. 1 to the County Contest. The contestant who stands second to last will be Delegate No. 2 to the County Contest. The contestant who stands third to last will become Delegate No. 3 to the County Contest. Pupils standing 4th, sth and 6th to last will become the alternates No. 1. No. 2, and No. 3. respectively. In case a delegate is absent, Alternate No. 1 will re required to fill the vacancy. Alternate No. 2 shall take the place of Alternate No. 1 when absent, and fill one vacancy when two delegates are absent, etc. The incorporated towns and city should hold their contests Friday, January 6, 1911, to select three delegates for the County Contest. The corporation contests should be conducted by their respective superintendents according to the rules and regulations governing the County Contest. County Contest —The Second Annual Spelling Contest of Adams county will be held Saturday, January 21, 1911, at the- Methodist church, Decatur, Indiana, at 9:30 o’clock, a. m. Eligibility —To be eligible to participate in this contest one must be a regularly enrolled pupil in the public schools who has not successfully passed the examination or completed the work necessary to entitle him to enter high school. Words for Contest —The County Spelling Contest will begin on page 59 of the Alexander Spelling Book, covering the sth, 6th, 7th and Bth grade spelling. In case contestants are still standing after these have been pronounced, words may be taken from any part of the speller, from the common school text books and from those in common use. Dictation exercises and foreign phrases found in the speller may be omitted. “Conducting Contests —Use the adopted text in spelling, words taken from the school text books and words in common use. In gaining

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS. Notice is hereby given that the undersigned. superintendent of the James Bain ditch in Root township, Adams county, Indiana, will on Saturday, December 31, 1910, ■ at 10 o’clock a. m., at the office of the county surveyor In the city of Decatur, in Adams county, receive sealed blds for the construction of said I ditch In accordance with reports, ' plans and specifications therefor, now on file in said cause. Bids will be received and contracts let as follows: Main Ditch. Section 1 Station 68 plus 90 to 80 plus 60. Section 2, Station 42 to 68 plue 90. Section 3, Station 21 to 42. Seetion 4, Station 0 to 21. Branch Ditch. j Section 1, Station 26 to 51 plus 90. Section 2, Station 6 to 26. and to the lowest bidder or bidders as a whole. Bidders will be required to file with ' their bids affidavits as required by law upon forms furnished by such superintendent and each bld shall be accompanied with a good and sufficient bond in a sum equal to twice the amount of such bid, conditional for the faithful performance of said conti jet and that each bidder will enter into

a mastery of words in every-day use tha frequently misspelled much more good 1 i accomplished than by devoting a large ai o of time to the mastery of a lot of words dI - cult to spell but little used. Words Bh ° pronounced correctly and distinctly. Pa pants who miaapeil a word should be asked retire. Continue this oral contest until onehalf of the contestants have been retired, furnish pencils and paper to the remaining co „ testauts. Pronounce fifty of the following on hundred words to be written by contestants on the paper furnished: Manila supersede harelip trafficking descendant prejudice aeroplane noticeable censure disc adjacent fugitive inflammable- vituals bicycle vigorous cistern millionaire embarrass mischievous apparition until clevis inimitable divisible khaki isosceles fulfill. legible neuralgia prejudice auxiliary believe umbrella serviceable sincerity hygiene versatile icicle laboratory indelible thoracic cemetery mademoiselle benefited sieve fniti'tive judgment dissipate cylindrical precede vaccinate Delaware origin participle privilege vertical license receive miniature rhinoceros susceptible foreigner acetylene dirigible sovereign surcingle rigid bilious cavalier February diphtheria agility parallel erysipelas chute lettuce specimen Philippine pursue facilitate B x Pa »» tß government audible chauffeur humus 8, “" 8r c ” i^ l iniquitous millinery alpaca Rensselaer reverend lachrymal acquiesce vinegar dexterity analysis celery corpuscle Have papers graded immediately. Alter excusing the one-half of the participants in the written contest who have made the lowest grades cintinue the oral contest until but one person remains who has not misspelled a word. That person should be declared the winner. (In case more than onehalf of tire papers are perfect, an contestants receiving a grade of 100 per cent, should continue in the contest.) The following rules should be observed in conducting contests: 1. The contestants shall have but one trial at each word. Repetition without change to be regarded as no trial. 2. Webster's New international Dictionary shall be authority in pronunciation. 3. If a word is spelled more than one way the spelling book shall be the authority. 4. Contestarts will not be aAked to give abbreviations or definitions. 5. Prcnouncers shall give the meaning of a.ll words pronounced alike but spelled differently. 6. The word shall be pronounced by the contestant before he spells it. 7. Capitals shall be given as found in the spelling book. 8. No whispering shall be allowed during any of the contests. 9. In case all of the contestants who are on the floor fail to sped a word, the word shall be dropped, all who missed shall re-enter the contest and the next word pronounced. Iff. Contestants from the same school shall not stand near each other in the local contest, nor shall contestants from the same township, town or city stand near each other in the county contest.” Pronouncer and Judges—ln the township and county contests three judges should be selected. It will be their duty to settle all questions in accordance with the rules and regulations. Judges and pronouncer should be provided with copies of the rules and regulations, spelling books, and a Webster's NEW International Dictionary, which shall serve as authority for pronunciation and meaning of words. On all questions the decision of the judges shall be final. The pronouncer will pronounce the words clearly and distinctly. Ila contestant misspells a word, the pronouncer will spell the word correctly instead of the next pupil. The secretary of the County Contest will record the word and the name of the contestant who failed to spell it. The contestant will be given ONE TRIAL ONLY, but the judges or pronouncer may call for a respelling of the word whenever they think it is necessary. The judges should call the pronouncer’s attention to any misspelled word which he fails to notice. Representation—The delegates and alter-

contract if the same be awarded to him, such bond to be approved by said superintendent. The said superintendent reserves the right to reject any and all bids. No bids will be accepted in excess of the estimated cost of such work, or in excess of the benefits found. C. C. ERNST, 288tl-49t2 Supt. of Construction. o NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNERS ALONG MERCER AVENUE Notice is hereby given that on the 16th Day of December, 1910, ( at 7 o’clock p. m., on said day, the common council of the city of Decatur, Indiana, at the chamber of the common council.of said city, will receive and hear femonstrances of all persons against the amounts assessed . against their property respectively on the assessment roll hereinafter dei scribed and will determine the question as to whether such lots or tracts i of land have been or will be benefitted by said improvement in the amounts ■ named on said roll, or in any sum at > which place and time all the owners ■ of such real estate may attend In peri son or by representative and be heard. i Said improvement Is of Mercer av- : enue from Second street along said > Mercer avenue to the south line of

Grant street in said city. All property within one hundred and fifty feet of said improvement will be liable for assessment. The preliminary assessment roll with the names of owners and description of property subject to be assessed with amounts of prima facie assessments is on file and can be seen at the office of the city clerk of said city. If any property within the benefitted district has been omitted from said roll, or where a prima facie as- I sessment has not been made against property liable to be assessed and which should be assessed, the same at such time and place of hearing will be placed on said assessment roll and be assessed with the special benefits accruing to same by reason of said Improvement Said assessment shall be final in the matter of Improvement Witness my hand and the seal of said elty this Bth day of December, 1910. HUBER M. DeVOBS 2m7 City Clerk. notice. 1 TIT ! We operate our feed mills every day and can grind all kinds of feed. Satisfaction guaranteed. Factory N.I Third street, , 287t12 PETER KIRSCH. !

nates will be determined at the County Cob. test in accordance with the plait used at tho Township Contests. . Admission Fee—The admission fee to the? County Contest will be fifteen cents to every one except to contestants (Delegates and Alternates). All door receipts will be used to defray expenses of the contest and forth payment of all cash prizes offered to the win--11 Prizes Awarded. Ist Prize—slo in gold or 25 per cent of the net door receipts, and first , choice of the prizes presented by the business. firms of Decatur. 2nd Prize —20 per cent of the net door receipts. and second choice of the prizes presented by the business firms of Decatur. 3rd Prize —15 per cent of the net door receipts and third choice of the prizes presented by the business firms of Decatur. 4th Prize —10 per cent of the net door receipts, and fourth choice of the prizes presented by’ the business firms of Decatur. sth prize—8 per cent of the net door receipts, and fifth Choice of the prizes presented by the business firms of Decatur. 6th Prize —6 per cent of the net door receipts. 7th Prize —5 per cent of the net door receipts. Bth Prize —4 per cent of the net door receipts. 9th Prize—3 per cent of the net door reseipts. 10th Prize —2 per cent of the net door receipts. 11th Prize —1 per cent of the net door receipts. 12th Prize —'-i per cent of the net ddor rereipts. * . .. .. The following prizes are presented by the business firms of Decatur: $5.00 in Gold, by THE OLD ADAMS COUNTY BANK. $5.00 in Gold, by the FIRST NATIONAL BANK. \ good Pair of Shoes, by PEOPLES & GERKE SHOE STORE. Self-Filling Patented Conklin Fountain Pen, bv SMITH. YAKER & FALK DRUG STORE. ’A Fine Silk Waist, by TRUE AND RUNYONDRY GOODS STORE. Congressional District Contest—The Congressional District Spelling Contest will be held about the 18th of February, 1911. The place and exact date will soon be determined, tn this contest will be represented the following counties: Adams. Jay, Randolph. Madison, Delaware and Wells. Each county will be given three delegates, thus making a total of only eighteen pupils in the contest. State Contest —The contestants winning Ist. 2nd and 3rd honors at the Congressional District Contest will be recognized as the delegates to represent the district at the State Spelling Contest, which will be held at Indianapolis Indiana, about the 20th of March, 1911. Suggestions. Teachers and pupils should guard against slighting the regular school work for the sake of the spelling contests. However, much special preparation should and could be made during the evening hours, on Saturdays and ouring holiday vacation. Contestants should learn to pronounce the word before spelling it and then spell it clearly and distinctly. The district contests should be held on Friday afternoon, and if possible encourage your patrons to attend. By preparing a little Xmas program with the contest, Friday afternoon, December 23rd, you will surely be able to secure the attendance of many patrons. The township contest could well be made a great rally day by each teacher endeavoring to encourage their patrons to attend. At several township contests last year, an attendance of more than 100 persons was reported. Township contests shall be conducted by the township trustee or persons designated by him, and the corporation contests by the superintendent in charge or teachers whom he may appoint for this work. Special blanks will be supplied to teachers for making a report of the spelling contests to the Trustee and the County Superintendent. To be able to lose gracefully is a quality more to be admired than to be able to laud over a victory. Real victory is measured by heroic effort. Do your best and in a sense you wilt have won even if you fall to secure one of the coveted prizes. Every district should hold the contests and send the required number of delegates according to the rules and regulations. Without the sympathetic and hearty support of every teacher, school official and education-loving citizen, the purpose and efforts of this undertaking will be to that extent defeated and futile. Anticipating a very successful series of spelling contests during the present school year, I am, Very sincerely. LAWRENCE E. OPLIGER, County Superintendent.

Money for Christmas Don’t let trie Christmas stockings of your loved ones go empty simply because you are temporarily short of money. Call on or write to us. We can help you fill them. We will loan you the money in any amount; from $lO to SIOO, on household goods, pianos, organs, teams, fixtures,etc, without removal. You can have from one to twelve month?’ time in which to pay it back, in small weekly or monthly payments, as you prefer. $1.20 is the weekly payment on a SSO loan for fifty weeks; other amounts at the same porportien. Remember this: Our dealings are confidential. You get the money without delay. Our rates are most reasonable. !i If you need money ill out the following blank, cut it out and mail it to ns. Our agent is in De•atur every Tuesday. Name Address Am’t Wanted Kind of Security Reliable * Private H. w™ loancompany Bstabllahed 1856 Room 2 end Floor, 7U» Calhoun Stroat Heme Phene, BSS. Fort Wayne, Ind