Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 9, Number 107, Decatur, Adams County, 6 May 1911 — Page 1

Volume IX. Number 107.

THE STEAM LINES Are Now Presenting Their Case to the State Tax Board—The C. & E. HAS BEEN HEARD General Grant Was a Stockholder—Col. J. B. Stoll Writing History. Indianapolis, Ind., May 6—The steam railroads gave the tax board a good work-out Wednesday, the entire day being consumed in public hearings. Some of the big boys were on hand to tell of depreciation, the one word that is worked to death in describing both the physical as well as the financial'values of these great corporate properties. Among those who were given attention were the New York Central lines, which is comprised of the Big Four and all its branches, the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern. Fort Wayne ft Jackson, Elkhart & Jackson. Sturgis, Goshen, St. Louis & Lake Erie. The main lines of this great syndicate of railroad properties stands next to the Pennsylvania as regards to fine equipments, excellent tracks and perfect service. It is a great system and one of the big companies of the country. The Wabash was represented by the Ho. D. W. Sims, and the statements made by him were along the lines made by all the roads who are represented. The Wabash has one hundred and sixty-six miles in the state, besides being the parent company to the Fort Wayne & Detroit, Attica, Covington & Southern, and the Montpelier * Chicago, the latter being the air line from Montpelier, Ohio, to Chicago, and is known as one of the greatest through lines in the country. The Chicago & Erie had their troubles to unload They have one hundred and fifty-nine miles of Indiana mileage and fourteen in Adams county. Their capital account only amounts to one hundred thousand dollars, but they have twelve millions of first mortgage bonds and ten millions of what they are pleased, to term as income bonds, in times gone by this company has been loaded with an excess capital which they were compelled to accept or stand to lose what they originally invested Away back in the early days when this line was known as the Chicago & Atlantic, General Grant was a stockholder, and it was during this time that he as well as the rest of the company were taken advatntage of by some unscrupulous manager who turned the road to his own advancement, causing them to lose several hundred thousand dollars. Other assumed friends pulled their legs and they really are burdened with a capital that never benefitted the company at all. Os course all this ancient history is dug up for the purpose of appealing to the state tax board, and for the purpose of showing them that they should be lenient when it comes to making their assessment. 1 hey do this in the face of the cruel business fact that such misfortune has nothing to do with assessing the physical value of a railroad, and this after ali is what is considered in determining an assessment. Capital stock does not enter into any assessment. It is the property they own and their ability to make earnings therefrom that is considered by the taxing authorities the country over. Hence, these hard luck stories do not get very much. The Elwood, Anderson & Lapelle road is one of the short lines, it being one and one-eleventh miles long, running from the city of Elwood to the tinplate mill there, and has no other business only of this company. The real importance and value of this line will be better understood when it is known that the tinplate company owns the road and by reason of this Investment it places them in a very favorable attitude with the railroad world and gives them an inside advantage in the shipping field and there is their graft, if it may be called such. It is not graft, but one advantage in business that every one is looking for. Apparently there is a trick in every trade. Word comes from South Bend that the Hon. John B. Stoll is writing a book on political history. It wlu doubtless be one of the best productions of its kind, as Mr. Stoll is well fitted from every standpoint to write entertainingly and authoritatively upon this great subject. He is one o

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT

the old war horses, both in politics and the newspaper profession, and his history will well be worth the reading by every man, woman and child In the universe. L. G. E. o FOLLOW PICTURE WORK. Fred Hoss, who for a number of months has been employed as clerk at the Parrish restaurant, has resigned his position and will take up the picture business, and will work under the employ of James Artman, who is now working out of Portland. Mr. Hess is acquainted with this line of work, having followed it for some time, and was quite successful. ANNIVERSARY DAY Twenty-first Anniversary Will be Celebrated by Young People OF THE U. B. CHURCH A Good Program to be Given in Evening in Honor of Event. The Young People’s Christian Endeavor Union of the United Brethren church will celebrate the twenty-first anniversary tomorrow evening at 6:30 o’clock, with a special program as follows, to which everybody is invited: Hymn. Responsive Reading—Psalms 19. Lord’s Prayer. Scripture Reading—ll Corinthians 5:11-21. Prayer. Special Music by the Choir. Reading—Hazel Lenhart. “Anniversary Day and Its Purpose.” Solo—Zelma Nelson. “Christian Endeavor and Its Place in the Church.” Duet —Leah Dibble and Hope Hoopengardner. Reading—Zelma Stevens. "Needs and Supports.” Offering. Special Music by Choir. Rolk Call. Christian Endeavor Benediction. WITH THE SICK Jacob Hess is Seriously Sick From Paralytic Stroke Suffered Friday. AGED MR. BOHNKE ILL Mrs. Peter Gaffer Suffers Heart Attack—Others Are 111. Lafayette Ellis, who is at the St. Joseph hospnai, rort Wayne, and who has been thoroughly examined by different physicians, the .last examination having been made Friday afternoon, at which time is was ascertained that an operation would have to be performed. Just when it will be held depends upon his physical condition, as at present he is very weak and he could not withstand the ordeal, until he gains further strength. His condition is somewhat baffling, eight physicians being in consultation and taking part in the examination which was held Friday. Eugene ’Runyon was unable to be at the store today on account of illness, suffering from stomach trouble and a nervous attack. M. S. Artman, the well known aged Man of the city, who has been sick nearly two weeks with a severe cold, bordering on pneumonia, remains about the same. He was taken sick at the home of Mr. and Mrs. R K. Fleming, north of this city, and last Thursday was brought in the ambulance to the home of his son, Mr. and Mrs. A. D. Artman, in this city. Jacob Hess, residing on South Thirtenth street, who for several weeks has been suffering with various ailments, was on Friday overtaken with a stroke of paralysis, and his condiCONTINUED ON PAGE TWO.

Decatur, Ind. Saturday Evening, May 6, 1911.

PLAYS PUBLISHED Two Clever Comedies Written by Miss Nora Del Smith and Played by THE SENIOR CLASS Will be Published in Book Form—Now in Publisher’s Hands. The two clever little college comedies, “The Cave," and “The Woman's Masquerade,” written by Miss Nora Del Smith, a member of the Decatur high school faculty, and which will be enacted by the senior class of the high school on the occasion of their class day, May 24th, will also be given to the public in book form, the plays now being in the hands of a New York publisher. The plays will be published in one volume and will probably be off the press in a month or two. They are bright little comedies, centering about college life at Indiana university, and the many friends of Miss Smith are eagerly awaiting the book. The comedies will be presented by the senior class at the Bosse opera house and Miss Faye Smith and Miss Clara Williams are in charge of the training. STATE CONVENTION Os the Knights of Columbus to be Held at Richmond Next Week. MANY TO ATTEND Elks to Charter Special Car to Convey Members to Convention. Beginning with Monday of next week and continuing for three days the state convention of the Knights of Columbus win open at Richmond, during which time a number of the members of the local lodge will be among the many representatives from all parts of the state. It is to be a notablq gathering, the highest offi cial of the order being present, as well as others who are sent by the various councils in the state as delegates. Those who will represent the local council aro Grand Knight Dr. H. F. Costello and C. S. Niblick. A number of others will also attend during the course of the three days, and the Decatur council will take advantage this year owing to the convention city being so near to the home town. Monday will be chiefly devoted to the receiving of delegates, while on Tuesday the business sessions will take place and addresses from the various appointed office holders will be made. The Elks’ meeting held Friday evening was quite a spirited one, the principal question discussed being the arrangements for the lodge to attend the state convention to be held at Ft. Wayne on the 24th, 25th and 26th of this month. An entertainment and an arrangement committee were appointed, and they are to see that everything needed or necessary be supplied and obtained. They are to charter a special car which will be run on the last day, and they expect to take at least a hundred members, who with their wife or other lady friends, will run up probably to two hundred in all. The entertainment committee is to see that pennants of the lodge colors and with the Decatur Lodge, No. 993. are supplied for each member, as well as other streamegF and banners, and car decorations. All those wishing to attend should notify Exalted Ruler H. J. Yager at their earl! st convenience so arrangements can be made to accommodate all, and if two cars be necessary, they can be secured. That the local lodge will make a prominent showing is evident from the fact that when they undertake something it never fails of accomplishment. —o Nelson May made a business trip to Fort Wayne today.

receive Check for sickness. John Lammiman Remunerated For Two Weeka* lllneaa by Company. Ed Green, the hustling agent for the North American Accident Insurance company, today received another check in payment of the claim of John D. Lammiman for a two weeks’ illness with erysipelas. The check is for >34.28, and ia appreciated by a man who has been laid up for two weeks. Mr. Lammican carries a >2,000 policy with Mr. Green, for which he pays five dollars per year. It covers both sickness and accident and is one of the best and cheapest policies on the market. No man can afford to be without it, but many don't realize that until after they are injured or so sick that they are prevented from working. Mr. Lammiman’s check today woqld pay his premium for seven years. — o IS IMPROVING Thomas Buckmaster, Victim of Automobile Accident, Will Survive. BE BROUGHT HOME As Soon as Hospital Authorities Will Permit—Head Cut and Ribs Broken. Accurate information has just reached friends and relatives here of the real condition of Thomas Buckmaster, who, it will be remembered, was injured in an automobile accident Tuesday, and was reported as being expected to die from result of the injuries received. A letter from his daughter to the son, Warren, who is temporarily residing here, states that she reached the bedside of Mr. Buckmaster the night following the accident, and that she found him suffering from several broken ribs and contusions on the head. The skull was not fractured as was first thought, and he is resting easier and improving from day to day, although it will be several days before he can be removed from the hospital and brought to this city. o - • -—■ WED AT VERA CRUZ Edward Miller and Miss Ina Martin Married at the Parsonage BY REV. O. VITZ i Left Last Night on Wedding Trip to Toledo. Ohio—- * Will Live Here. Instead of having their marriage this morning as they lead friends to believe, Erward Miller, son of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Miller, of West Monroe street, this city, and Miss Ina Martin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Martin of west of Decatur, gave them a surprise by having the ceremony Friday evening. The couple, accompanied by the groom’s sister, Miss Lydia Miller and the Holthouse chauffeur, made the trip by automobile Friday evening to Vera Cruz, where the marriage was solemnized at 6 o'clock at the German Reformed parsonage by the Rev. Oswald Vitz. After the ceremony the party returned to this city and had a wedding supper at the home of the groom’s parents, the newly wedded couple leaving at 9:30 o’clock for Fort Wayne, thence to Toledo, Ohio, where they will spend a part of their honey-moon. Upon their return here they will be at home in this city, the groom being an employee of the Ward Fence company. The bride's wedding gown was a handsome tan messaline satin, and her going away dress, a frock of old rose. Both are representatives of two prominent families of the city and county, and highly esteemed for their many good qualities. o— —■ ————— The seniors of the high school are quite busy preparing for commencement week, which is but two weeks away.

SPECIAL INTEREST Centers in Tomorrow Evening’s Christian Endeavor Services at CHRISTIAN CHURCH An Excellent Program Will be Given—ls Outlined Below. Special interest centers in tomorrow evening's Christian Endeavor services at the Christian church, beginning at 6:30 o’clock, a special program having been prepared for that time. There will be several excellent musical numbers, as well as an excellent address and the reading of several good papers. The public is given a very cordial invitation to be present and hear the good things. The following is the program in full: Opening Song. Prayer by President —Miss Margaret Daniels. Reading of the Lesson by the Leader. Paper—Mrs. Arthur Fisher. Duet —Mrs. P. G. Williams and Miss Margaret Daniels. Address—Hon. C. J. Lutz. Solo—Miss Nellie Daniels. Paper on “Ruth”—Miss Velma Daniels. Closing Song. EPWORTH LEAGUE To Hold Another of Their Interesting Meetings on Sunday Evening. A GOOD PROGRAM Cordial Invitation is Extended and a Profitable Hour Assured. The Epworth League of the Methodist churcn will hold its regular service Sunday at 6:30 p. m. as usual. The service will be in the hands of the Juniors and they invite every one to be present. The Junior League has been recently reorganized and now has a membership of more than one hundred. Under the efficient leadership of Miss Mallonee, as superintendent, and Miss Ruth Myers, the church expects great things from the Juniors, and they are meeting all expectations. The program for tomorrow evening is given here in full: Opening Exercises and Devotional —Ruth Myers. Song—Juniors. Piano Duet —Lola Dunn and Myrtle Coppock. Recitation—Herman Myers. D Ue t—Mabel Brown and Esther Butler. Chorus —Eight Boys and Girls. Recitation—Helen Walters. Piano Solo —Esther Evans. Recitation —Marie Smith. Song—Juniors. .— o ■— CHICKEN DINNER. The Pocahontas lodge Is intending to give a chicken pot-pie dinner next Thursday and arrangements are being rapidly consummated with that end in view. The dinner will probably be held in the Niblick building south of the interurban depot, and in the evening a supper will be served also. .———c — - ■ NEW LODGE ROOMS. The Masonic lodge of this city, which has long been contemplating the establishment of new headquarters, has petitioned' L. C. Waring to build a third story to the fine new building, whren the Waring Glove company wll erect for its plant, the third story to -be used by the Masons for their lodge rooms. Mr. Waring is considering the matter, but will not reach a decision until Monday or Tuesday. The Waring building will be forty-four by one hundred feet in dimensions, and this would give fine space for the Masonic suite of rooms. The Elks have also called a meeting at which they will plan to ask that a fourth story be built for them.

PLAY KENDALLVILLE. The Decatur base ball team has completed arrangements for their departure Sunday morning for Kendallville, where they will cross bats with the city team of that place. The same line-up as that of last Sunday Is scheduled for tomorrow, and they are confident that they will bring home the honors of the game. They have put in some practice since the last game and are in a better position to meet their opponents than on last Sunday. Charles Burk of Geneva will be in the box to deliver the ball and with good support a victory is assured. ACCEPTS THE CALL Presbyterian Official Board Receives Message of Acceptance FROM REV. GEISLER Cannot be Here to Conduct Tomorrow’s Services— Announcements. The official board of the Presbyterian church this morning received a message of acceptance from the Rev. Geisler to whom, as decided at the congregational meeting held last Wednesday evening, a call was extended to serve as pastor of the Decatur church, succeeding the Rev. Richard Spetnagel, who resigned in February to take charge of the South Bend superintendertcy of the Anti-Saloon League. The Rev. Geisler was graduated a week ago Thursday from the McCormick Seminary at Chicago and is now at his home at Monticello, 111. The notice of his call to this pastorate was not received by him until Friday, and he consequently could not make arrangements to be here to conduct tomorrow’s services. As no other arrangements were made by the board there will be no preaching services tomorrow, but there will be the usual Sunday school service at 9:30 o’clock in the morning and the Christian Endeavor in the evening at 6:30 o'clock. STATE GRAND JURY B. W. Sholty of the Indiana Grand Jury at Home For Over Sunday. THE JURY ADJOURNED Until Arrival of a Witness From Seattle, Wash.— Nearly Through. B. W. Sholty, a member of the state grand jury, who left the first of the month for Indianapolis to begin duty May 2nd. arrived home Friday evening for a visit with his family over Sunday, but will return again to conclude the work, which will take until Monday night or Tuesday morning. The adjournment was taken to await the arrival oi a witness rrom Seattle, Wasn., who, on account or delays by wrecks in the mountains, could not arrive in Indianapolis before Sunday night. The law provides that the state grand jury shall not include less than sixteen nor more than twentyfour members, and the present jury strikes a happy medium in having twenty. Os this number, it takes the affirmative vote of twelve to return an indictment. While he did not keep accurate tab, Mr. that in the four days they had tpen in session, from fifty to seventy-five indictments had been returned. 0 ELKS’ SPECIAL CALL. A special meeting of the Elks has been called for Monday evening and as business of much importance will come up before the lodge, the presence of all is necessary. Business pertaining to the new building will come up and the building committee will have something in store that demands the attendance of each and every member.

Price, Two Cents

WORDS OF PRAISE Address Delivered by Judge Merryman at the Funeral of Mr. Butcher. BAR RESOLUTIONS Deceased Was Held in High Esteem by Those Who Knew Him the Best. The following address was given by Judge James T. Merryman at the funeral services of his late friend and brother attorney, Jacob Butcher, held at Geneva Thursday, May 4th: Comrades, Friends and Neighbors of our Departed Friend and Brother: This is surely an innovation in my line of work and a wholly unusual thing for me to attempt to do. I feel that the life, character and personal worth of the departed is worthy of a much greater and more extended eulogy than I am able to offer, but however Illy I may be fitted for the duty I never had a friend for whom, at his express request 1 was more disposed or willing to try to say something in honor of his memory and of the personal esteem in which I held him, than he, my friend and brother who here so peacefully sleeps. Just a little further along life’s highway than any of us have yet gone and all too quickly it seems to us he came to the end: with his cares and affliction, his successes and the many fond recollections of happiness that he had brought to others, for his pillow he has laid down in that last earthly rest; in firm, with fond hope and happy anticipations of ever lasting life. I wish here to emphasize his faith in a future life for the reason that in the profession which was his life's work we see so many great questions unsettled and unsolved —nations and people heroicly struggling to reach higher ideals and better conditions in the affairs of human government, and looking out over the widely extended field of human action we see so much injustice and imperfection in human life that it is a rare thing to find a thoughtful one in our profession who does not believe that sometime, somehow and somewhere everything will be made right and that before that Bar where our friend has gone justice never miscarries. For nearly forty years his life has been such an active, busy one that it has touched almost every vital interest of this community and that too in a helpful way. More than once you have recorded your confidence in his honesty and his personal integrity and to the full measure he was worthy of it. I knew him long and intimately, and I am persuaded that in any and every station of life he was called upon to fill, he honestly and conscientiously sought to discharge his duty to the best of his ability. All these years he has gone, in and out before this people and you knew him better still. His life has been an open book to be seen, read and commented upon by all who knew him. In this world where no one is perfect and none are free from sin and the imperfections incident to the life of the best of us, I did not know but possibly there may have been some blurred pages in the book of his life: lam not so sure but we would love him less if there were not. We call to mind that little couplet which reads substantially: “There is so much good in the worst of us and so much bad in the best or us that it illy becomes any of us to say harsh things of the rest of us.” A man is not to be adjudged good by occasional acts of charity or expression of lofty ideals, neither is any man to be judged by an occasionall misstep in life but we should all be judged by those eternal principles of morality, justice and exalted sense of honor to which our thoughts and our hearts naturally and habitually turn in our hours of silent meditation; and measured by this trtie standard he was a good man and worthy of the honor you today pay to his memory. As a man, a friend and a neighbor no one ever came to him in affliction, distress or need who did not receive out of a full heart that friendly sympathy, helpful advice and hearty good will which so many of us so often need. As a citizen no project was ever enCONTINUBD ON i'AGB TWO.