Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 9, Number 44, Decatur, Adams County, 21 February 1911 — Page 1

IX, Number 44.

MORE AIR AND LIGHT tare Needed in the Central School Building-Con-demnation Proceedings. TO CORRECT DEFECTS Means Large Expenditure of Money and May Postpone New Building. The central school building, pride of Decatur, and apparently a mode!, of building art, has been condemned as to ventilation and light. The of--ficial notice of this action will be nerved upon the city school trustees, within the next few days, by Dr. J. M. Miller, county health commissioner, upon whom the duly devolves, by virtue of his office. Now don't be frightened. This does not mean that the big, handsome and well constructed structure will have to be torn down, but it does mean that perhaps some $5,000 will have to be expended, perhaps more, to correct the defects. The order as stated, will be made within a few days, but will not become effective until .Tune,' allowing the improvements to be made during the summer. For some two weeks the question has beyn discussed to some extent, but definite action was not taken until i yesterday when Dr. W. F. King of the state boajd of health arrived here and approved the position taken by Dr. .1. M. Miller and Dr. H. E. Keller, to whom the matter had been referred. Some days ago following a controversy over the location of a new proposed high school building, attention of Dr. Miller and Dr. Keller,, county and city health officers, was called to the existing conditions as to light, etc, at the central building and they immediately visited the school. They expressed their disapproval of conditions and the state board of health was notified. They replied that such affairs are never taken up at that office except on petition of ten or more free holders of the corporation. Those who contended that the conditions are bad. immediately prepared the petition which was signed by twenty-five men including city officials and business people and this was forwarded last week, resulting in Dr. King being sent here. Dr. King found the ventilation in at least three of the rooms very bad and the .light conditions in four rooms below standard and stated that the state board could not do otherwise than approve Dr. Miller’s report. Dr. Miller is awaiting some further information from the state board, before filing his notice on the board officially. The school board of course wish to do the best thing for the schools and have not yet worked out the problem. They will meet this afternoon with a number of citizens and the health officers, to discuss plans. They had expected to correct the light during the coming summer, but the ventilating proposition is a costly one and if the board of health insists on this improvement at once, it may postpone the building of the new high school for a year or so. It is to be hoped that the matter will adjust itself, in such a manner that every one will be satisfied and happy. At any rate, this is assured, that there will be no necessity for closing the building and that the defects will be corrected in some manner. It is likely that the first step taken will be the employment of an engineer and architect who will go over the building and prepare plan and probable cost of the demanded improvements. No one is blamed for the condition, as the rules which now provide for a certain amount of light are new and the ventilating system now in use while alright for an eight room building seems to not be working as it should for a twelve room building. It should also be adde<t that when the building was remodeled five years ago, it was approved by the state board of health. Mr. and Mrs. Ed Luttman of Magley were business visitors here yesterday and while here leased their farm of eighty-six acres northeast of this city to Rudolph Bauman, who will move with his family from this city about March Ist to take possession of the farm. I V

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT.

PROCTOR BILL REPORTED TODAY (United Presj Service.) 'lndianopolis, Ind., Feb. 21—(Special to Dally Democrat) —The Proctor saloon regulation bill, which passed the senate some days ago, was reported In the house today by the public morals committee, with a majority and minority report attached. The majority report recommends the passage of the bill but reduces the license fee to SSOO, and provides for $l5O license for saloons handling beer only and other changes as agreed upon at a meeting last night. The minority report insists on a SI,OOO license. Senator Proctor says he will insist upon the S7OO license. LEFT FoTeUROPE Eli Sprunger and Son, Leo, Left Last Evening For /'New York City. SET SAIL WEDNESDAY Will Buy Horses For the Firm Here—Absent Six Weeks or More. r Eli Sprunger, of the firm of Frisinger & Sprunger, importers of fine Belgium horses, accompanied by his son, Leo, left Monday evening on the 7:30 car for Ft. Wayne and from there took the Pennsylvania for New York City, on their way to Brussels, Belgium, where Mr. Sprunger will purchase horses for their disposal during the year. They will set sail tomorrow from New York on one of the fastest passenger ships that plys the ocean, and will be on the water from six to eight days. They will be absent six weeks, and perhaps longer, during which time the former will stop at a number of places in behalf of this horse firm. His son, Leo, who accompanied him, goes mostly for the pleasure and interesting trip which it affords to all who make this passage, and to which he has been looking forward to for some time. Many horses will be bought at this time, their large stock here having been almost completely disposed of. so great has been, the demand in the past few months. This is the second trip for Mr. Sprunger in the past fewyears, he having made one just previous to the one of Mr. Frisinger last fall. Although mostly for business, the trip will also be one of much pleasure to both, and they- will no doubt enjoy it very much. DRAMATIC RECITAL Program For Recital to be Given Bv Miss Mabel Weldy at CHRISTIAN CHURCH Thursday Evening—Benefit of Ruth’s Circle’s Basement Fund. A dramatic and musical recital will be given Thursday evening. February 23rd, at the Christian church by Miss Mabel Weldy, reader, assisted by Miss Marie Daniels, pianist. The proceeds will be given to the Ruth Circle for the new basement fund. Everybody is invited to attend. The following is the program: “Maybe You Are Not the Only One Who Loves Me.” The Goblin Gat<|. . Bobby Shaftoe. Music. Wisht I Wuz a Boy, Mamma’s LIT Bay. She Liked Him Rale Weel. Spinning Wheel Song. Music. How? We Hunted a Mouse. Ole Mistls. Papa and the Boy. Music. Aux Italiens. (Musical Accompaniment.'! Posings.

END DRAWS NEAR And the Legislature Has Much Important Work That Must be Done. TO KEEP PROMISES Indiana Democratic Club Boys Are Pushing Club House This Week. Indianapolis, Ind., Feb. 21 —There are left fourteen days for the legislature to complete its work, and but eleven in which bills can be passed. This means that flights of oratory and the playing to the galleries will have to cease, and that the solons will have to get downto real business, and it will have to be at work every minute of the time. Many flukes and there will be a failure in completing some necessary legislation. The general feeling is that the less done the better the people will be served. Over one thousand bills have been introduced and have found their way to some place in either the house or senate or both. The number of bills that have completed the grind and found their way to the governor and thence to the office of secretary of state, while but few in number, yet it is as many as were passed at this time during the session two years ago. The grind will become fast and furious from this time on. There are many bills ready for just the finishing touches to complete them, and while it would seem that but little has to this time been accomplished, yet much has been done, as the next two weeks will show. It will likely take a conference committee to finally settle the regulation liquor measure. The house will not quite agree with the amount of the license fee and the limitation of the number of saloons to population as stipulated in the bill as it passed the senate. It will probably be a compro--1 milse that will finally pass and that compromise will be a graduated license of S6OO for cities of the first and second class, $450 for cities of the third, fourth and fifth classes, $350 for incorporated towns, $250 for town- - ships outside of incorporated tow-ns, ' an exclusive beer license, SIOO, and this license will be good only in town, ships outside of incorporated towns. The limitation may be reduced to seven hundred and fifty population and this will be a compromise. Should the bill pass in this way it will be satisfactory to both the temperance people and the liberals, and besides its restrict've features are considered excellent by every one. —L Some hot contests are scheduled i for both the house and the senate. ' The Keegan child labor bill will be brought to a finish in the senate, and , it is not at all certain which side will win. Evansville, Terre Haute and several other cities in the state will have delegations on the ground protesting against some of the provisions of the Keegan bill. Evansville has one cigar factory employing over two thousand girls who would be affected by such a law. Many glass factories are enraged because they employ boys but' the provisions of the bill are not so severe as one would think from the comments of the public since the Keegan measure passed the house. Eight hours is the limit of such employment and this is the real feature that the labor unions are fighting for. The Indiana democratic club boys 1 have raised forty thousand dollars for - their club house and home. They are greatly encouraged, and propose to raise thirty thousand more and do it during this week. They held a rally - meeting Saturday night and have set aside Tuesday for an all-day crusade ! and they feel certain of succeeding. The club is talking of forming an escort to the train for Senator Kern, when he leaves some time during the week for Washington. Senator Kern ' goes for the purpose of meeting his colleagues and to get his bearings when he returns there to take his seat as the junior senator from the great state of Indiana. Adams county is still a joint with Allen county for representative and ■ while a strenuous effort will be made to change it, yet the prospects do not in the least look bright. L. G. E.

Decatur, Ind. Tuesday Evening,. February 21, 1311.

REAL INDIANS. " Will Assist in Giving Degree in Red Men's Hall-Tomorrow Night. Wednesday evening the Red Men are arranging to have a big meeting at which time five candidates will be given the adoption degree. One of the features of the evening will be the presence of four real Indians from the reservation who are members of the order. They will take part in the work and later will Instruct the boys how real Indians act on the war path and in their camps. This instruction will be of the utmost value in giving realistic work in the degrees. This is an opportunity for all Red Men to secure a knowledge of the ways of the real Indians and they should be present. After the degree is conferred there will be a luncheon, and all will enjoy a good time. As large an attendance as possible Is desired and the sachem requests that all the brothers be present at 7:30. o GO AND MEET THEM Who?—Why, Members of “Uncle Sam’s Family,” Introduced BY SIDNEY LANDON Last Number of Lyceum Lecture Course at Bosse Opera House Tomorrow. You should go and meet them! Who? Why, the members of “Uncle Sam’s Family,” as introduced to the citizens of Decatur at Bosse’s opera house tomorrow evening by Sidney Landon, the last one of the entertainers of the lyceum course given this winter under the auspices of the Decatur high school. The date of the entertainment happens to be Washington's birthday anniversary, and what more appropriate day could have been chosen for the presentation of the family of Uncle Sam? Many Decatur people have witnessed Sidney Landon and speak of his entertainments in words of highest praise. The entertainment he gives is radically different from the regular lecture or musical, in that by the use of wigs, paints and other stage rig-up. he “makes up” one the stage in full view of his audience, to impersonate such characters as he wills. A notice says: “Mr. Landon has achieved success as a character artist. The secret 01 his success lies in his genuine and lofty determination to excel. Richly dowed by nature with a versatility that is extraordinary, he has added much by experience and culture. His art is to interpret life, and he does this with al Ithe varrying shades and subtle emotions peculiar to humanity. His sympathetic nature and keen perception, coupled with his genius, enables him to present a great variety of characterization, and he has carefully arranged his programs so they delight the popular as well as the literary audience.” Those not having regular course tickets, may get one for this single number for thirty-five cents. Besides Mr. Landon’s numbers there will be music by the high school chorus. The entertainment will begin at 8 o'clock. RECITAL THURSDAY EVENING Miss Mabel Weldly, reader, assisted by Miss Marie Daniels, pianist, will give a recital at the Christian church Thursday evening, February 23rd, to which the public is invited. The proceeds will go to the new basement fund of the Ruth Circle of the Christian church. 0 DANCE WEDNESDAY. The C. B. L. of I. wil give another of their popular dances at their hall on Wednesday evening of this week, to which all are invited to attend. Excellent music will be furnished the guests by Bernard Wertzberger and John Wemhoff, and a pleasant evening is assured. Come. o NOTICE OF MAYOR. It has been reported to the police force that some of the pool rooms are violating the law by allowing minors to play pool. This must at once cease or such violations will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. FRANK PETERSON, ■ Marshall.

THE MONROE NEWS Monroe State Bank Holds Annual Election of Officers. A PROSPEROUS YEAR A Debate—Should Girl Under Nineteen Yea» of Age “Keep Company?” Monroe, Ind., Feb. 21 —(Special to Daily Democrat)—At the annual meeting of the Monroe State bank, held on February 16th, at the counting rooms of the bank here, after the routine of business, which came before the meeting and the reports of the cashier, Menno Leichty, were heard the officers of the bank for the ensuing year were elected: President, M. F. Parrish; vice president, William Keller; cashier, M. S. Leichty; assistant cashier, W. S. Smith. The board of seven directors are: M. S. Leichty, M. F. Parrish, William Keller, Frank tlighmann, John Braun. W. S. Smith and Ernest Buqjhe. This financial institution was started here three years ago and is just entering upon its four year, with the most flattering prospects, and during its existence has been one of the foremost business houses in this thriving little city and had added much to the prosperity here during these years. The bank is one of the best conducted in any town the size of Monroe and we bespeak for the same a prosperous year. Mr. Leichty, who has been its cashier since its organization, has handled the financial part of the institution with credit to himself as well as those interested. He is a hard worker and through his untiring efforts and unceasing labor has brought this institution to the front ranks of what Monroe can well feel proud of, as having in their midst. The present board of directors are all prominent business men of Monroe and with their cooperation the people of Monroe and vicinity can rest assured that their financial business will be properly taken care of by these gentlemen. Born, to Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Shirk,’ a fine girl baby. Mrs. Shirk was formerly Miss Ada Shoaf, one of the most prominent young ladies of Washington township. Clarence Smith, Ben Shirk and Fred Busche, three of Monroe’s prominent young men, have received word from Uncle Sam to be in readiness to report for duty as mail weigher on different railroads. The boys are “delighted” on their future prospects. Charles Lammiman and Sam Martz left Saturday for an extended trip to Cardwell, Mo., and Jonesboro. Ark. Mr. Lammiman will visit with his sister, Mrs. Joseph Thomas, of Cardwell, while Mr. Martz will visit with relatives at various points in Arkansas. They will be absent about four weeks. Monroe is now up to the minute with the latest crossing bells put up by the G. R. & I. railroad, and have also put up three “forty candle” power candle lamps on the main crossings, and have also an assistant to the hustling agent of the railroad company at this place, as the business of the road has so greatly increased within the past year to to require two men to handle the volume of business done here. J. F. Mayer spent Sunday with his parents here. Don’t forget the lecture to be given at Monroe by Professor Gorden, the celebrated character artist, to be here on Wednesday, March Ist. Mr. Gordon is the leading artist in his line of work and will be a rare treat for all -to see. Let our people give him a full house as it will well pay you to be present. The lecture course management in Monroe was fortunate in securing this gentleman as one of the attractions on their number. Let’s all turn out on that date, March Ist. The literary society of the Monroe high school will give their next entertainment on Wednesday instead of Friday of this week. The subject, for debate is, “Resolved, That a girl under the age of nineteen years should not keep company.’’ Affirmative, Men-

no Leichty and Clarence Smith; negative, O. V. Graham and O. Todd. This will be a warm contest. The male quartet of Monroe, composed of Melvin Noffslnger, Walter Lobendtine and Robert Shirk, will furnish some of the latest vocal music.

Miss Jennie Woods of Decatur was the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Oliver and other friends over punday. C. W. Hocker of Elkhart returned to his home Saturday after a few days’ visit to his farm south of Monroe. Will Newlon returned home from Indianapolis, where he had been working for the past four weeks. C. W. Merriman, W. S. Smith, O. V. Graham, D. Osterman and O. O. Hocker were at Decatur last Saturday attending the postoffice examination, which was held there before George Everett, a clerk at the Decatur office. — -o • PARALYSIS FATAL Mrs. Caroline Smith Succumbs at the Home of Daughter. ILL SHORT WHILE Was Sister of Sim Fordyce —Funeral Wil be Held Thursday. The funeral services for Mrs. Caroline Smith, wife of Willi'am Smith, a life-long resident of the county, whose death occurred Monday, as stated in Monday evening's paper, will be held Thursday morning at 11 o'clock from the United Brethren church at Pleasant Mills. Mrs. Smith’s demise was caused by paralysis. About two or three weeks ago she suffered an attack, from which she partially recovered, but a relapse came and her death was the matter of a very short time. This was the second attack, the first having been experienced about three years ago. Mrs. Smith was the daughter of Henry Fordyce, one of the pioneer residents of the county, and was a sister of Simeon Fordyce. Surviving are the husband, William Smith, and one daughter, Mrs. Nimrod McCullough, residing seven miles southeast of the city, with whom Mr. and Mrs. Smith had been making their home the past year, and where death occurred. She leaves one brother, Simeon Fordyce, and two sisters. Mrs. David Eicher, of near Willshire, Ohio, and Mrs. D. J. Schenck of near Pleasant Mills. Mrs. Smith was one of the best known ladies of that vicinity ind her death has caused universal torrow.

COURT HOUSE NEWS The Deihl Arson Case Went to the Jury at 2 O’clock This Afternoon. ARGUMENTS HEARD By Large Crowd Today— Case Hard Fought—A Marriage License. Adam Diehl’s fate is in the hands of the jury. The evidence in the case was concluded Monday evening and the entire morning was devoted to the arguments, two hours being allowed each side. L. C. DeVoss opened for the state and was followed by Shafer Peterson and J. C. Moran for the defense, when Prosecutor Parrish closed for the state. They were great speeches and the big court room was filled while the arguments were going on. At 1:30 this afternoon the court charged the jury and they retired at about 2 o'clock. John Sheets, guardian for Orpha Sheets, was authorized to pay the sum of $75.00 annually to keep Miss Orpha in high schools during the years 1910-1911. A marriage license was issued to Claude Gay, 22, farmer, son of James L. Gay, the furniture dealer, to wed 1 Lena S. Miller, 21, clerk, Decatur.

Price, Two Cents

ESCAPED THINLY CLAD E. Place and Family and Aaron Zirkle Have Terrible Experience. FIRE DESTROYS HOME Following Explosion of a Lamp—Mr. Zirkle Burned About Head and Body. With the mercury in the thermometer flitting about but a few degrees above zero, a fine snow falling in the air, and a brifek wind blowing, the family of E. Place and Mr. Aaron Zirkle, living in the latter’s house, on Line street in the south part of the city, were driven out of their beds and into the street in their night clothes at 1:30 o’clock this morning when the house was destroyed by fire, following the explosion of a lamp. In hie efforts to save some property Mr. Zirkle was quite badly burned about the head and face and body, and is suffering considerably today. He carried an insurance policy on the house for SSOO or S6OO, but Mr. Place, who owned the household goods, did not. have a dollar of insurance and did not save a thing, being lucky to escape Without injury. Mr. Zirkle. when interviewed this morning, said: “I have been sick for several days, and about 1 o’clock this morning had another attack, and arose to get some medicine and then returned to bed. I was just going to sleep when I heard an explosion and jumping up to see what it was I saw the lamp had bursted and saw the flames leaping up the wall and across the ceiling. The house has stood for many years and its dry condition allowed the flames to secure great headway. I thought of Place and his family and I ran out to tell him to get out, but I could not speak above a whisper so I pounded on the door. Then I returned to get my clothes and tried to get in. but the heat was so great that it forced me out and I lost all I bad except what I have on. It seemed but a minute until the entire back part of the house was afire and nothing could be gotten out of that part of the house. I had nine dollars in a pocketbook in an old pair of overalls and in trying to get it I burned my head severely. All I got out of the house was the trousers I have on.’* The house had recently been rented by E. Place, who had but recently moed into it, and the summer kitchen had been fitted up by Mr. Zirkle. who lied there, hib wife being at French Lick for the winter. Mr. Place when interviewed gave his version of the occurrence as follows: “The first I knew of the fire was when I awoke to find the entire rear part, of the house a mass of flames. 1 could see the flames leaping ov4c the celling and through the doors. I called to my wife to- run, and I got the baby and we ran through the front door, the only exit we had. “We had to go as we were, having no time to get our clothes, and we lost everything, not having the time to get anything. I have no insurance at all." The house is a total loss, a few ragged edges of the walls still standing. It had a cement roof, which confined the blaze to the inside until the neighbors could protect their own property. Undoubtedly the entire row of houses would have been burned under the influence of the strong east wind but for the heroic efforts of the Are company, who gave their atention to the surrounding property, when necessary. All of the persons in the house were forced to flee in their night clothes, barefooted, through the cold to the homes of neighbors, where they are being cared for temporarily. The Are had gained such headway by the time help arrived that, only a few pieces of furniture could be carried from the front part of the house until the intense heat drove the workers away. . o Mrs. A. C. Gregory has gone to Peoria, 111., to make an extended visit 1 with her daughter, Mrs. Dick Towni send, who accompanied her there after being here several weeks on account of the illness of Mrs. Gregory.