Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 10, Number 124, Decatur, Adams County, 23 May 1912 — Page 1

Volume X. Number 124.

CHARGE IS FILED, Willard Steele is Charged With Assault and Battery With Intent to Murder. GIVES $5,000.00 BOND Has Engaged Attorneys and Will Plead Self-defense —Keiper Boy Better. (,ate Welnesday afternoon a charge of assault and battery with intent to kill and murder was filed in the Adams circuit court against Eli W. Steele, better known as Willard Steele, who Wednesday noon shot and wounded one of his employees, Jacob Keiper, at Steele's park, east of this city. His bond was fixed at $5,000, which he promptly furnished and was released from custody, he having given himself up voluntarily to the officers and remained at the jail with them by his own consent and that of! his attorneys before charges had been | filed against him. The charge was made by Sheriff Thomas J. Durkin, and alleges that on May 22, the said Eli W. Steele did a violent injury upon the jerson of Jacob Keiper, by ‘ then and there, purposely, and with premeditated malice, shooting the said Jacob Keiper with a certain revolver, then and there loaded with gun powder and leaden ball, which said revolver the said Eli W. Steele then and there had and held in his hands with intent then and there and thereby, him, the said Jacob Keiper, unlawfully, feloniously, purposely and with premeditated malice, to kill and murder.’’ To Pieact Self Defense. Mr. Steele, who has engaged Judson W. Teeple and Heller, Sutton & Heller as his attorneys, will make a st' .g plea of self defense. The Keipt. youth has been with Willard Stogie for ten years or more, being, it might he said, raised hy Mr. Steele, as be went there when but a youth. He worked hard for Mr. Steele and had saved during this time about a thousand dollars, and had a couple of horses and a wagon, and doing verywell until he decided he wanted to do something else and went to work on the railroad as a section hand. He then got into the habit of drinking, 1 It is said, and squandered all his money. He has been having more or less trouble since he began drinking, and has been quarrelsome with Mr. Steele, the latter claims. Since the trouble Mr. Steele hastried four or five times without success to have Keiper and his father ejected from his property, they making their home in the building at the park entrance. Mr. Steely says he has threatened him several times, and on one accasion young Keiper got after him with a pitchfork. When he made for him Wednesday and threatened him, Mr. Steele says he was certain that "he would attack him again, and so fired, four shots having gone from the revolver which he had gotten for protection, but not all of them being aimed at Keiper. Quite recently Mr. Steele had settled with young Keiper for work which he had done for him and further disagreement arose Keiper is said to be a strong fellow, much larger than Steele. Keiper is Better. The Keiper boy, his physicians state, spent e very good night, considering his condition, and it is thought is slightly better. The bullet has not yet been secured, and as it is thought it will prove safer to the lad to leave it in than to probe for it, when it is lodged so near the heart, and also owing to the weak condition of Keiper, it will probably be left in. Mr. Steele has engaged the services of Dr. Clark to care for the boy, and also a trained nurse, Miss Blanche Harshbarger, w-ho is caring for him at the county infirmary, where he wastaken Wednesday. Word from Keiper's bedside at 3 o’clock this afternoon was very encouraging. While he was restless today and complained of pain in his back, he appeared stronger. The danger point will not be pased, however, for several days, but hope for his recovery now is much stronger. An less something sets in, as blood poisoning, it is thought he will recover.

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT

GOOD PENSION ANSWER. Many Old Soldiers do Not Understand New Law Now in Effect. The Washington dispatch regarding the pension measure agreed upon by the conference committee says: ‘Any veteran unfit for manual labor because of the illness or disease shall receive S3O a month, the maximum under the law.’’ This is misleading, as it is evidently true that such veteran must first furnish proof (a very difficult matter at this late day) that the illness or disease which now inpaciclates him originated while in the army. This provision is in no wayhelpful unless the soldier now draws a pension under the general law, which, in reality, makes the same provision. Those drawing under the act of June, 1890. will be in no better position under these provisions than before. To those on the ouside this sounds like a very generous provision, but it should be remembered that she war closed forty-seven years ago, and the government demands proof, and those who have made the effort of late years at least have learned to their sorrow that “proof” was dead. —o . - ON WAY TO PRISON Ode McClish’s Motion for a New Trial Overruled— Sentence Passed. LEFT THIS MORNING For Michigan City to Enter Upon Two to Fourteen Years' Service. Ode McClish, the get-rich-quiek man, is now on his way to Michigan City to join his son-in-law, Gert Reynolds, who was convicted a few weesk ago on a similar charge, that of conspiracy to steal. The motion asking for a new trial for Ode McClish wa.-i filed late Wednesday afternoon in the circuit court by- his attorney, J. C. Moran, but was promptly overruled by Special Judge R. H. Hartford of Portland, who heard the case. He immediately passed sentence upon the verdict of guilty returned Wednesday morning by the jury and gave McClish a fine of $290 and from two to fourteen years in the state's prison. Sheriff Durkin was authorized to take McClish to the state’s prison, with the assistance of whomever he might desire, and he secured Policeman Melchi to accompany him. The two officers left this morning at o o'clock over the interurban with their prisoner for Michigan Citv, where he will enter upon the service of his sentence. McClish. however, is no stranger to prison walls, it is said, having been there before. in his motion asking for a new trial Torty-two reasons were given why he thought a new- trial should be allowed, the greater number of them being for the overruling of instructions tendered by the defendant. McClish hlso stated that he should have a new trial because Cook had been permitted to answer questions as to what he did with the money after he put it in the envelope and also as to whether he received any money back. The allowing of John Hoffman to give detailed conversation with the defendant five years before the commission bf the crime, was also a reason for asking for a new trial. Will Ward, who was charged in the same case with being his partner in the conspiracy to steal $5lO from Dan Cook, will have his trial on the charge Monday, June 3rd. McClish and Ward are also defendants in a similar case filed against them by Ralph Spade, and this has been set for trial next Monday, May ?7th. CLASS PLAY TONIGHT. The class day exercises, which will be a play, “The Fifteenth of January,” presented at the Bosse opera house this evening by the high school seniors. will draw a full house. The class has been spending much time in practice and the play will be a very worthy production. The commencement proper will be held Friday evening. Dr. Nathaniel Butler of Chicago university, an educator and orator of note will deliver the lecture. Many seats have'already been sold.

Decatur, Indiana, Thursday Evening, May 23, 1912.

INDIANAPOLIS. WON Soldiers in Session at South Bend Select Capital for Next Meet. FT. WAYNE FOUGHT To Secure it—Pennsylvania Train Wrecked at Richmond This Morning. (United Press Service) South Bend, hid., May 23—(Special to Daily Democrat)—The next annual encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic will be held at Indianapolis. This was decided at the encampmen here today after a fierce battle between the supporters of Ft Wayne and the capital city. Today’s program included another automobile trip, while this afternon a short businesss session was held and the meeting adjourned. A number of Decatur soldiers are still in attendance for the outlined program, and mingling with the thousands of soldiers gathered here. Nathan Ehrman and Charles Conrad retuned this morning. ißichmond, Ind., May 23—(Special to Daily Democrat) —Pennsylvania passenger train, No. 25, bound from Columbus, Ohio, to St. Louis, Mo., was derailed near Bradford, Ohio, east of here early today. Oscar Okert, fireman, of Columbus, Ohio, died soon after, being taken from under the wrecked engine. A mail clerk was slightly hurt. None of the passengers were hurt. Washington, D. C„ May 23—(Special to Daily Democrat) —American ships engaged in coast wide trade were today given power of the use of the Panama canal for coaling. The commission of Representative Doremus, republican, of Michigan, giving free privileges to American ships, was incorporated in the Panama bill EASTERN STAR. There will be a regular meeting of the Eastern Star tomorrow evening at 7:30 sharp. Let all members be present. o THE ART DISPLAY Is Attracting Favorable Attention at the Central <- School House FORM MANY VISITORS Manual Training Class Also Exhibits—Robert Colter Makes Aeroplane. The display of the art and manual training classes shown at the Central school building is attracting the favorable attention of the many callers who are surprised and pleased at the variety and excellence of the work of the students of the public schools. Tbj art. work of the students under the direction of the teacher, Miss Bess Schrock, is exceptionally good and there are clever sketches in water, crayon, pen and ink, showing a very high standard indeed attained by the pupils who have had a comparatively few' years’ study in this branch. Then there is the cut paper work, the raffia weaving, the making of hats and bags, and crochet work, stenciling on paper and cloth, claymodeling, wood carving. Among the many displays is an aeroplane made by Robert Colter of grade seven, which is a perfect little model. The crochet work and embroidery work done by the girls of Miss Grace Coffee’s rooms, the fifth and sixth grades, is worthy of special mention. The display began Wednesday afternoon and was open this afternoon also and will be again Friday afternoon from 2 to 4 o’clock. — oI. Bernstein is home from Columbia City and Tri-lake, where he visited Wednesday and also looked after some business deals.

PURCHASES MOSES RESIDENCE. Robert E, Smith Purchases Old Beavers Homestead —Will Remodel. A deal was closed this morning through the Erwin real estate agency, whereby Robert E. Smith purchased from Mrs. J. C. Moses the residence on West Madison street, formerly the Beavers homestead, the consideration being in the neighborhood of $3,000. This is an ideal location and property, but Mr. Smith will make it even more desirable by remodeling it still more, and expects to occupy it this fall, together with the family of his son-in-law, Murray Scherer, a member of the furniture and undertaking firm of Meyer, Scherer & Beavers Mrs. Moses left today noon for Canada, where she will join her husband and son for the summer. o G. A. R. OFFICERS. (United Press Service.) South Bend., Ind., May 23—(Special to Daily Democrat) —Frank Swigart of Lognasport was elected department commander, and Wilber E. Gosuch, of South Bend, senior vice commander. In the election of officers for the Woman's Relief Corps, Mrs. Belie Ephlin of Tangier, it was believed W'ould be selected as department president; Mrs. Genevieve France of South Bend, senior vice president, and Mrs. Vinnie Lyons of Decatur, junior vice president. • < , i Trenton, N. J., May 23 —(Special to Daily Democrat) —The republican presidential nomination centered in New- Jersey today with President Taft and Colonel Rosevelt speaking in support of their candidacies. President Taft will speak at Camden, Burlington and Trenton tonight. Roosevelt opened his campaign at Paterson at noon and was scheduled for nine other speeches during the day. o RACE CUT FIGURE. (United Press Service) Rushville, Ind., May 23 —(Special to Daily Democrat) —Race prejudice centered as a factor in the selection of a jury in the case of Paul Harris, charged with the shooting and killing of his mother, in order that lie might obtain her farm. Philus Cuthbert, a negro hand laborer on the Harris farm, was one of the chief witnesses for the state. Many of the talesmen had admitted that hey w'ould have to strain a point to give his testimony equal standing with white witnesses. Judge Balir may hold night sesions to urge the selection of a jury. The state announced that it would ask for a death penalty. o ELKS TO ANDERSON. E. B. Adams and Herman J. Yager, delegates to the Elks’ state convention, now in session at Anderson, left this morning to attend the meeting, being held since Monday. A large gathering has already assembled and it is believed that five thousand Elks will be present for the parade to take place on Friday. Many of the state officers are already in attendance and one of the best gatherings of representatives is expected to be on hand for this time. oBEN MAPES DEAD. Benjamin Mapes, a soldier, an inmate of the soldiers’ home at. Marion, died today. The funeral will be held there Friday afternoon. The word sent was received here today by Frances Stockham of North Third street GAVE CONCERT. The city band gave another of their band concerts on the street Wednesday evening in front of the Schafer Hardware store, and for some time delightfully entertained the public with their excellent playing. Good and up-to-date pieces were rendered, and with a, little more practice they will be capable of filling any place desired. o ELKS’ BIG PARADE. (United Press Service) Anderson, Ind., May 23—(Special to Daily Democrat) —The first business session of the anual state convention of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks was held here today. Reports were reard and minor matters concerning the convention were dis posed of. Alvin D. Cabdett, of Washington, Ind., state president. Practically every city in the state was represented in the parade this afternoon. Morethan 5,000 participated.

COURTHOUSE NEWS County Treasurer Yager Completes Statement of Tax Collections. THE PROBATE NOTES Quiet Title Decree Entered —Realty Transfers— Other Court Notes. County Treasurer C. W. Yager and Deputy Auditor Paul Baumgartner have completed the sheets showing the collection of the spring installment of taxes, the delinquencies, etc. The total amount of the spring installment with which the treasurer Is to be charged, is $207,112.11, including the road tax receipts, auditor's record of errors, etc. The next casn receipts are $202,920.04. The road tax receipts were $4,799.91 and the total amount delinquent for the current year is $11,907,39. The auditor will now proceed to make the settlement sheet, 4 A Ferdinand Yake, guardian of Washington Wolf, filed inventory of said ward’s estate. Mary Fanchon Yoder, et al. vs. Alva B. Rice et al., partition. Pi->of of publication and posting of notice of sale of real estate filed; appraisement filed; report of sale of part of real estate filed; approved and sales confirmed Deed ordered to Morton E. Andrews, reported and approved; also to Henry Krick and wife, Sarah C Krick. William J. Vesey and John Niblick, trustees, vs. C. & E. railroad, demand $300; appearance by A. P. Beatty for defendant, who is ruled to answer. Jacob H. Miller vs. Wm. F. Miller et al. Seperate and several demurrer filed by Drew, McCrory and Archbold. Real estate transfers: A. P. Hardison et al to Otto Bolds, 20 acres, ?>'a(ContinueC. on Page 2) o ANDERSON HERE Superintendent of Standard Oil Company Here to See About Taking UP PIPE LINE Mr. Grace of New York, Erie Contractor, Distributing Tools for Work. Superintendent Anderson of the Standard Oil company, with hcadquar ters at Montpelier was in the city this morning and stated that he would have to make arrangements for the taking up of the pipe line, twenty miles in length, which lies along the Erie tracks, and which will be in the way of the double-tracking system, now being placed by the company. Five other lines, four miles in length, will also have to be taken up, and Mr. Anderson was making arrangements for the securing of men. The work, when once begun, will require a large number of men in the operation. Mr. Graco of New' York, who received the contract for the building of the grade for the double-tracking of the Erie railroad, between Marion, Ohio, and Chicago, is distributing his cars and tools along the line for the taking up of his work, he sub-letting this contract by strips, ranging up to twenty miles. He has his own special cars assigned to each city, and as soon as the preliminary work can be arranged operation for the grade wijf then be started. Mr. Anderson of the Standard Oil company was here going over the grounds with Mr. Welsh, chief engineer of the Erie force, working through here, and the two will see that the prescribed work will be carried out as outlined.

NOAH ZEHR RESIGNS. As Member of Allen County Board—ls Head of Chiropractic College. Dr. Noah Zehr, a former Berne boy, a former student in the Decatur high school, and later a graduate from the medical department of Indiana university, late a member of the Allen coun ty medical board, has resigned, to become head of the Chiropractic college at Fort Wayne. The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette says: “In an interview Wednesday, Dr. Noah Zehr, w’ho declares that he has resigned as a member of the Allen County Medical society, said: “ ‘I have not, since my resignation, either practiced or taught the practice of medicine, and, as a matter of fact, I believe the system of chiropractic would be much more beneficial to mankind, than the practice of medicine, and accordingly, I am now one of the managers of the Ross College of Chiropractic, recently estab llshed in the city of Fort Wayne. And because of my belief in chiropractic, and my resignation accordingly, in the Allen County Medical society, I consider that no further defense is necessary.’ ” 0 TEACHERS NAMED Greater Number of Old Staff Reseiected—New Ones Chosen for Those WHO HAVE RESIGNED Chemistry Will be Added to Course Again, Requiring an Extra Teacher. A special meeting of the school board was held for the purpose of selecting the teachers for the ensuing year. Among the motions carried was one requiring all teachers who have not attended school within the last three years, to attend some place at least six weeks during the coming summer vacation. Harry Fleming, who has been a teacher in the county schools for some time, and late at Berne, will serve as principal at the South ward, succeeding S. C. Cramer. Miss Fanny Frisinger, who taught at the South Ward last year, was placed in the high school faculty, and her place at the South ward filled by Miss Alma Kooken, who taught at Monmouth last year. There are still two teachers to be selected for the high school. Two resigned, being Miss Dunathan, principal, who goes to the Lima high school the coming year, and Miss Nora Del Smith, who will take up advertising writing. As chemistry will be added to the high school course this ensuing year, this will mean the employing of one more teacher than was had last year. As Miss Frisinger was selected to fill one vacancy, this leaves two more teachers for the high school to be selected yet. None of their places have yet been designated. The janitors for the schools were rehired without change, except that of the South ward school, J. A. Smith having resigned. The following is the list as selected: High School —Fanny Frisinger, Clara B. Williams, D. A. Baumgartner, J. C. Tritch, Martin Worthman. Central School — Principal, Ed Christen: Mattie Bailey, Ella Mutsch ler, Matilda Sellemeyer, Bess Congleton, Elizabeth Peterson. South Ward — Principal, Harry Fleming, Lulu Lantoenau, Alma Kooken, Eva Acker. West Ward — Principal, Clark Spahr; Grace Coffee, Nellie Winnes, Ruby Miller. North Ward—Principal, John R. Parrish; Margaret Moran, Della Sellemeyer, Fannie Rice. Art and Music —Bess Schrock. Supply—Dora Lower. Janitors —North ward; Amos Biggs; West ward, Dorse Hoagland; South ward, John Beery; Central, Mike Wertzberger. LEFT FOR CANADA. Mrs. J. C. Moses left today noon to join her husband and son, Carl, in Canada, where they own and farm a large tract of land. Miss Mabel Mosses will leave Friday for Detroit, Mich., where she will spend a year with a sister.

Price, Two Cents.

GRAND SPECTACLE Was May Day Festival at Central School Lawn Yesterday Afternoon. MANY WITNESSES Miss Blanhce Biggs Crowned “Queen of the May” With 100 Attendants. _______ There will not be a drop of rain the whole live-long day, And I’m to be Queen o' the May, mother, I’m to be Queen o’ the May. —Tennyson s “The May Queen." Ideal May weather smiled its brightest for the second annual May festival given by the seventh and eighth grade students Wednesday afternoon and made it an unprecedented success. The spacious central school lawn was thickly dotted with interested spectators who watched with pleasure the unfolding of the Lorgeous spectacle step by step, in which fully one hundred students participated. At 2 o'clock the music, in triumphant strains heralded the approval of the grand pageant. This was led by the queen's equipage. Fred Elzey and Flayd Enos, pages, guiding the pony that drew the chariot, in which the May Queen, Miss Blanche Biggs, rode in state, the chariot, gay with flowers and pink and green bunting. Her attendants followed and included the Misses Ruth Mayer, Zelma Stevens, Hope Hoffman, Helen Kinzle, Lelah Peoples and Hazel Smitley. They were all in gay costumes, dresses of white over white knickerbockers, braided and strapped with balds ot red, white and blue, and wearings ribbons and flowers in their hair. Then came twelve girls of the scarf drill in white, carrying pretty May baskets filled with flowers. Sixteen boys of the pole drill wore white trausers and middy blouses, and eight pennant girls carried blue D. H. S. banners with gilt letters. Ten boys of the Indian club drill were headed by their captain, Dick Burdg. These were of the eighth grade and were followed bythe seventh grade, the girls carrying flowers and the boys leading bicycles, the wheels decorated by bunting and flowers. Thrice the pageant passed in review, only one accident occurring to mar the event. This was the frightening of the pony, which turned and threw the queen from the chariot. Beyound a good shaking up and fright, nothing serious resulted and the festival continued. The opening chorus, “A Maying We Will Go»” was sung, and the ‘ Flower Song," by the flower maidens. The queen was escorted in triumph to her throne a flower-decked, leafy bower. She was crowned by Miss Zelma Stevens and given her scepter by Miss Hazel Kinzle, the queen responding to her subjects with a beautiful solo. Choruses, “With Hearts so Fiee.” and “Clink! Clink! Clink" with a “Dancing Song,' and the Class song, written by Mrs. Bailey, and the class yells were given. A pole drill by sixteen boys, a scarf drill by twelve girls, an Indian club drill by ten boys, a pennant drill by eight girls, were beautiful and worthy of special mention. The scarf drill will be repeated by the girls on Decoration day at the memorial service. A solo by Miss Hope Hoffman was appreciated, and the braiding of the May pole by twelve girls was a happy event. Piano music was furnished by Olive Perkins, Doris DeVoss and Hope Hoffman. The pupils have been working very hard under the careful and painstaking guidance of the teachers, Mrs. E. T Bailey, the Misses Ella Mutschler and Matilda Sellemeyer and Mr. E. S. Christen, who certainly deserve credit for their successful festival. — o SALEM AND CALVARY. Sabbath school, 9:30; preaching service at 10:30 a. m„ Sunday morning, Sunday, May 26th, at Salem Evangelical church, east of the city. The morning service is to be a special service. Let all come. Preaching service the same Sunday in the evening at 7:30 at Calvary Evangelical church, east of the city. E. B. JONES, Pastor.