Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 11, Number 124, Decatur, Adams County, 24 May 1913 — Page 1

Volume XI. Number 124.

OPTIMISM IS THE MOTIVE POWER That Will Carry Your Bark Successfully Across Life s Seas—Says Thomas F. Moran To Graduates of 1913— Formal Launching of Bark

************** * CLASS ROLL. * HS * Lulu May Atz. $ * Electa Baltzell. $ * William Beavers. ; |s $ Mary Hazel Beatty. -|s * Eda Gladys Butler. $ * Winifred Frances Burk. * * Glen Leroy Chronister. S Nellie Wanda Daniels. * * Mary Frances Erwin. * Agnes Gertrude Eady. * * Ethel Pearl Fuhrman. * * Monema Eulalia Fleming. * * Gladys Marie Graham. * Fay Naome Hammell. * Clyde W. Hendricks. :|s * Clara Elizabeth Kauffman. * * Jacob Jess Kauffman. $ * Flavius Guy Kidd. £ * Dwight Kealite Lachot. * Robert Eari Lenhart. 4 4= Irwin Louis Merry. * * Florence Grace Myers. * Mary Alene Patton. :4 * Ruth Irene Patterson. 4: * Estella Margaret Perkins. * Robert Hale Peterson. 4= Ruth Abigal Parrish. * * Reba Patterson Quinn. * Mildred Cleo Roop. 4< * David Otto Rice. 4 * Lillian Mae Rice. 4 * Rex Duff Sowle. 4 * Agnes Alvena Sellemeyer. 4c Daniel Heller Tyndall. * Forest E. Vail. 4< jje * ❖ ❖ ss:

The members of the class of 1913 of the Decatur high school are no longer seniors. They are now members of that alumni body that has been in existence for the past thirtytwo years in the city's high school history. Their little bark that has found safe shelter for the first few years of their life tn the little home harbor, was formally launched upon the broader sea of the world last evening for the commencement of another stage of life’s journey. Professor Thomas F. Moran of Purdue univercity, who gave the commencement address, struck the keynote of the future’s success when he said: "Let optimism be the motive power of your life's ship; have a good supply to keep the engines running, and your journey will be a successful one." The commencement exercises were held in the Posse opera house, at:l the audience was fully as large as that of the class day exercises the evening before. The stage, which was simply deco rated with pennants, of which the largest and brightest was the high school pennant in purple and gold, with the high school colors also slm' ing in the simple streamers festooned above the stage, was scarcely large enough to seat the thirty five class members, which is the larges: class that has been graduated since the four-year course was established fifteen br sixteen years ago. They were arranged in two semi circlei, and made a very fine appearance, all being dressed alike in caps and gowns of gray. The class numbers twenty-two girls and thirteen boySeated with them on the stage were Professor E. E. Rice, the superinten 1ent of the city schools, whose excellent wisdom and executive ability, have done much to make their clos Ing school years the success!ul ones that they have been; Thomas F. Mo ran, the speaker of the evening, an ! Rev. D. T. Stephenson, of the Methodist church, who gave the invo- atlon. Preceding the invocation, Mrs. •’ Lutz, pianiste, rendered with her consummate skill and perfection. Von Weber's Oberon-Fantasia Hrilliante. A group of Indian Love Lyrics, ear i a little gem in itself, was made mon beautiful by the . perfect rendition of Dr. Fred I. Patterson, who is a favorite with Decatut audiences. The group comprised "The Temple Bells.' '‘Kashimlri Song,” "Less Than th” Dust,” and "When I Awake." Miss Edna Hoffman was the faultless piano accompanist. The instrumental solo, 'Vieniawski’s >‘Legende," g avP '* s lovely ttMMge to the audience

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT

through the violin of Tony Holthouse, a skilled musician, whom the people jhave learned to appreciate to the fullest extent. The beauty was enhanced [by the piano accompaniment by Miss I Rose Smith. The address of Prof. Thomas F. Moran, who is from the history department of Purdue university, was a vsry good one. though, as it dealt with plain, solid facts of history, had not that subtlety that characterizes many others, which, perhaps, are not so practical. His address was along educational lines and the keynote of the whole was “Optimism.” He spoke of the zeal, the bright hopes, and enthusiasm of the graduate, to whom the world is yet an unconquered, wild awaiting only his coming to be reduced to submission, or to be led into the right ways of doing and thinking. The enthusiasm and optimism of the graduate is caricatured and paragraphed in a humorous way the world over, but nevertheless the optimism is a fine thing to have, he said. Without optimism the great things of the world couldd not have been accomplished. He then cited instances from history showing such to be the case. Without optimism, or belief in himself, Columbus could never havve discovered America; Washington voj never have gained his vi</ ■ difficulties attending the cable connection of the continents would never hav e been surmounted; the steamboat invented, the Panama canal built and other great scientific and engineering feats accomplished. The pessimist I never does any great things. Be cheerful and keep a-moving and you ' will win over the pessimist evgry time. Philanthropy and honesty were also two great factors in a successful 'career that he mentioned. No one may ' remember the dates and great battles of the Crimean war, but everyone will remember Florence Nightingale, the nurse, who ministered to the suffering ones. The greatest beloved man of England was not the statesman or any other public man of his time, whose wonderful doings go down in history, but the noble Earl of Shaftesbury, who ministered to the poor waifs and newsboys in the slum districts of London. Thousands followled hie body ti the grave in sorrow. I He was admired by the rich and loved by the poor. In closing Professor Moran read one of Janiwfe Whitcomb Riley's cheer-giving poems, illustrative of his point, "Optimism.” City School Superintendent E. E. Rice presented the diplomas to the class. He prefaced the presentation with a good little address. Four years ago sixtysix boys and girls entered the first year of high school. Os this number, the large percentage of thir-ty-five remained through the entire course, graduating this year from the Decatur high school. Os the whole number several went, away to other cities and continued their studies there He complimented their industry and perseverance. A pretty custom, begun with the class of 190 s , and continued since, was furthered last evening, when Robert Peterson, president of the retiring class presented to the junior class, who will be seniors of 1914, through Its president, Frank Lose, the spade which is symbolical of the key to successrepresenting “dig." Mr. Peterson made an excellent speech setting forth the principles involved therein, and Mr Lose responded in words of acceptance for the juniors, pledging them to uphold the same. The singjng of their farewell class song followed and after the benediction by Rev W. H. Gleiser of the Presbyterian church, the reception by the seniors to their friends was held in the large K of C. hall. All the class memherH standing in the receiving line, nl et’and cordially greeted, and in return received the good wishes, of more than four hundred of their friends. A general social mingling preceded the dancing which began at II o'clock. During the evening, punch and wa/ers were seryed by a bevy of voting girls- Many former members (Continues «* »

“DECATUR CAN AND WILL”

SETS UP MONUMENT The Wemhoff Monumental Works of This City Erects Beautiful Statue of THE ROCK OF AGES On Mouring Lot, St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Fort Wayne.

George Wemhoff, the hustling business manager of the Wemhoff Monumental Works of this city, was at Fort Wayne Friday, where he, with a number of helpers set up one of the most beautiful and finest works of sculpture on the Mouring family burial lot in St. John’s Lutheran cemetery. The statue is of Westerly, Rhode Island granite and is sculptured in a most professional and realistic way, representing “The Rock of Ages.” It is one of the most beautiful pieces ever carved of this image and sets up among The other large and beautiful stones with greater showing than one can picture. The stone from the base to the top is eleven feet, with a cross three feet wide running lengthwise. The Mouring family consisting of the Misses Jane. Margaret and Minnie, one of Fort Wayne’s most prominent and wealthy families, purchased the Rock of Ages to mark the graves of their dead father and mother, who passed away several years ago. George Wemhoff is very much pleased with the work of sculpture and considers himself one of the luckiest persons on earth, as he has set up every granite monument of Allen county. He is quite well known among all circles in Fort Wayne, who picked him out as one of Indiana’s best monument dealers.

CONFESSES MURDER Prosperous Farmer Near Richmond Confesses Killing His Wife. LIQUOR LICENSES In the State of Indiana Show a Decrease of 309 Over Those Issued in 1911 Richmond, Ind., May 24 —(Special to Daily Democrat) —Seph Lucus, formerly a prosperous farmer, arrested here Thursday, today confessed to the police of murdering his wife last fall by setting fire to her clothes and striking her over the head with a club. His house w r as burned to the ground and the suspicious circumstances surrounding the fire, caused Lucus to be called before the grand jury for an investigation. The jury however failed to indict him on these charges and he was turned free with the suspicions of the neighbors resting on him. Laboring under the strain, the guilty man's mind gave way wltlC the result of his signing the confession today. Lucus said that he and his wife had quarreled over a loan of $1,600 which she had made to him. “When she screamed,” he -wrote, ‘‘l hit her on the head with a billy.”

Indianapolis, 'ind., May 24—(Special to Daily Democrat)—.Retail liquor licenses issued n Indiana for the year 1912 were 3,774, a decline of 309 over the year 1911. There were 179 wholesale licenses issued. The total revenue for the cities, towns, and townships from liquor traffic in 1912 was $2,091,584. State statistician Brolley announced these figures today. Boston, Mass., May 24—(Special to Daily Democrat)—With no session of court today, the attorneys for the defence and prosecution In the Wood conspiracy trial are busy preparing for Monday the prosecution will endeavor to directly connect Wood with the dynamite plot. Two stenographers and Wood’s personal clerk will be questioned regarding conferences held between Wood and Atteaux. Rome., May 24—(Special to Daily Democrat) —Pope Pius has so far ro-

Decatur, Indiana. Saturday Evening, May 24, 1913.

covered from his illness that tomorrow he will resume his regular rotine and hold audiences. RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. The* meeting of the stockholders of the Fort Wayne & Springfield Traction company Friday, is reported to have been a very satisfactory one. A resolution to carry out the plans as stated in Friday’s issue was carried, and it is believed that the development will come within a few days and that the extension of the line to Portland is only a matter of a short time. Just how or where the project is living fianced could not be learned and as there has been so many proposed plans and so much said and written about the project, the men back of the present plans are not divulging any news.

ASKS ABATEMENT L. E. Opliger Files Reasons Why Proceedings Against Him Should Abate JUROR UNQUALIFIED He Says, Because He Served a Year Ago on Regular Panel—Other Reasons, When the case of the State of Indiana vs. Lawrence E. Opliger, county superintendent, for impeachment, was called in the circuit court this morning, a partial appearance for the defendant was entered by Attorneys C. J. Lutz, D. E. Smith and Peterson & Moran. A plea in abatement was also filed by the defendant. Appearance for the state was entered by Prosecutor R. C. Parrish and L. C. DeVoss, and they filed a demurrer to the plea jin abatement, which was set for argument, May 31. The plea in abatement follows as filed: Comes now Lawrence E. Opliger, defendant in the above entiled cause, and for his plea in abatement therein, he says: That the complaint, accusation or indictment in said cause, was returned by the grand jury at the April term, 1913, of the Adams circuit court; that the grand jury returning said charge, accusation, indictment or pre- 1 sentment was composed of one A. B. Daugherty, J. M. Foreman, Frank Fisher, John Christen. D. C. Neuenschwander and one Peter Rich. ■

That of said grand jury whose names are above set out the said John Christen was not a legal and qualified person by and under the provision of the laws of the state of Indiana, that he had no right to serve as a grand juror at said time, for the reason that the said John Christen had served as a member of the regular panel of the jury of said court at its regular April term, 1912, and within the year immediately prior to his serving as a grand juror at the April term, 1913, of said court. Defendant further says that th e said John Christen at the time of his selection as a grand juror aforesaid, and during the time of his service as a member of the grand jury, at said term and during which the presentment, accusation, indictment or complaint was' returned by said grand jury, had such state of mind, and such a state of mind existed on the part of him the said John Christen, in reference to the defendant herein, that he could not act impartially and witout prejudice to the substantial rights of the defendant herein, and that the said John Christen, as a member of such regular grand jury who returned said complaint, accusation, indictment, or presentment did act partially and with prejudice and against the substantial rights of this defendant.

And the defendant further says, that of said grand jurors above named, J. M. Foreman, A. B. Daugherty, each and severally, were of such state of mind, on their part, and the part of each of them, in reference to the defendant, charged as above set out, that they nor either of them could not act impartially and without prejudice to the substantial rights of the defendant herein. And that said A. B. Daugherty and J. M. Foreman, by reason of such a state of mind, in reference to the defendant charged, did act partially and with prejudice to the substantial rights of the defendant, said Lawrence E. Opliger. (OMtmaM on rage a)

FUNERAL TODAY Decatur Red Men go to Hoagland to Conduct Funeral of Dr. Small. • WAS A MEMBER Os Decatur Lodge—Prominent Citizen of Hoagland —Director of Bank.

The Decatur Red Men went to Hoagland to attend the funeral of a brother. Dr. Marion F. Small, held 1 this afternoon at 2 o’clock. The Red ' Men’s beautiful burial ceremony was used at the grave. An exchange says of Dr. Small's death; ‘‘Marion F. Small died at his residence in Hoagland Thursday morning, May 22, at 7 o’clock, from a complication of diseases extending back a number of months at the age of 54 years, G months and 11 days. He had been a citiztn of Hoagland for over thirty years, being engaged in the drug business and manufacturing, and in the last few years in the undertak•ii& business at this place, and one of the directors and founders of the Hoagland state bank. H e was a man of high character and respected by all who knew hhn and whose loss will be greatly felt by the community. He leaves a wife and three daughters, Mrs. Blanche N. Hamilton, of Bluffton, Ind.; Mrs. Erma Daugherty, of Hoagland, Ind.; Mrs. Katie Shookman of Burrows, Ind., also five grandchildren. The funeral will be held Saturday at 2 p. m. from the M. E. church in Hoagland. Interment at the Antioch cemetery.”

ABOUT THE SICK Gert Reynolds’ Operation Found Adhesions of the Bowels—Appendix iWAS ALSO REMOVED David Liby Able to be Out After Padalytic Stroke— Other Sick Notes. Gert Reynolds, who was operated upon Friday morning at 10 o’clock at the Lutheran hospital, Fort Wayne, by Dr. McOscar, of that place, and Dr. E. Burns of this city, withstood the ordeal quite well and came out from under the influence of the anaesthetic much better than those in charge expected, on account of the poor condition he was in when operated upon. The operation proved that he did not have gall stones, as was first supposed,' but a serious adhesion of the bowels was the cause of his sickness. This ' was removed ,as was also the appen- 1 dix, it being in a very irritated condition. Word from the bedside of Mr. I

J Reynolds up to 10 o’clock last night was that he was feeling much better and that the pulse beat and fever had gone down considerable. It is thought by those in charge that his recovery will be a rapid one, much to the happiness of and friends who were very much alarmed over his poor condition before the operation. William Sheler, head car inspector on the Grand Rapids & Indiana railroad, while working Friday afternoon on a freight car which stood on the tracks, met with a very serious accident which might have resulted in bis death. While working and bending over one end of the large car doors, it broke from its rollers, falling upon Mr. Sheler, burying him beneath it. His breath was knocked out of him, and he could ont move. The accident was noticed by other workmen, who ran to his assistance. He was at once carried to his home and a physician called, who attended to his injuries. No bones were broken but his hip, ankl e and head were cut and bruised in several different places. He is resting some better today and is thanking his lucky stars that the dor did not (Continued on Page 2)

FUNERAL FRIDAY. Mrs. John Shoemaker of East Main street, left Friday morning for six miles west of Geneva, called there by the death of her husband’s aunt, Mrs. William Ralston. Funeral services were held Friday afternoon at two o’clock from the Union Chapel, followed with burial in the Alberton cemetery, northwest of* Geneva. Mrs. Ralston, who had been a sufferer from goiter for several years, was operated upon Monday evening at the hospital in Pennville, death resulting at 5 o’clock the next morning. Tne j deceased was fifty-seven years of age and is survived by her husband aud 'five children: Emmett and Luther i Ralston, near Geneva j Clifton Rais | ton of Cory, Illinois; Blanche, wife of i Everett Rigby, six miles west of Geneva; and Rena, wife of Chance Buckmaster, of Geneva.—Portland J Sun.

SUMMER PLANS Os the Teachers Include Courses in the Normal Schools for Many DILIGENT WORKERS .. iSome Will Take Much Needed Rest—Others Will Pursue Studies, With the closing of the school* yesterday for the summer, the greater > number of the teachers have already made plans for their summer vacation.! Many o fthe teachers have decided toi go away for a summer term of school 1 at some college or university. The Democrat has secured the following upon inquiry from th e principals of the various schools. Not all have i yet answered. All have been industrious and carefully performed their duties and are much in need of the 1 recreation and change the summer] will bring.

| The Misses Ruby Miller, Matilda j Sellemeyer and Ella Mutschler will .attend Winona college at Winona Lake. Miss Nell Winnes wiN go to i Indianapolis to attend Mrs. Baker’s i primary school. Miss Grace Coffee who attended school last summer, will not go this year, but will take a much needed rest. A. C. Spahr, who attended Purdue university last year, will not go away this summer. The Misses Eva Acker and Lulu Lankenau will take courses at Valparaiso university. Harry Fleming will go to the Marlon school. Miss Elizabeth Peterson will also attend Mrs. Blaker’s school in Indianapolis, which is i a special for teachers of the primary and intermediate grades. Miss Bess I Congleton, who took a course at the I Winona school last year, will take .a much-needed rest this year. Miss Neva Brandyberry will probably at-

jtend some school of high standing, ( though sh e has not yet decided. She spent last summer in the Indiana State normal school in Terre Haute. E. J. Bailey is already at Westfield, N. Y., where she is recuperating. E. S. Christen will probably attend Chicago university for scientific and I vocational courses, though this is not fully determined. Miss Clara Williams, who resigned ito accept a position in the Portland [high school next year, will spend the (Continued on Page 2)

* « s': s|: s|: sjs * * sj: ** * -j; * * * MAYOR'S PROCLAMATION. - * Decatur, Ind., May 24, 1913, Memorial day is near at hand and although more than fifty years * have passed by since the great event of the Civil War, and never In * the history of the world have the I rogress and development of a nation * been so rapid. So wonderful has been the country’s growth, so varied * its Industries, so remarkable its prosperity, so greatly increased its in- * fluence and its power, we of today eel a deep sense of obligation to the * old soldiers who went out to fight the batles of the Union in the sixties, we realize that but for them our nation’s history would be chang- * ed, our land divided and peace not yet fully establisned, and our pres- * ent prosyperity and power impossible. We honor these veterans for their services. We feel for them an affection and tenderness as we * note their feebleness in their advancing years, we greet the old soldiers * with reverenc e and extend to them a welcome hand. Our people deem * it a pleasure to lay aside their usual vocations In life and join with the * soldier boys to place their flowers upon the graves, of their fallen com- : * rades who have answered the last roll call. 1 * I would earnestly request that all our citizens give heed to this : Ms proclamation and that you close your usual places of business, ball : * parks, and other amusements, that your refrain from your usual vo- : * cation from 12 to 5 o’clock p. m., on memorial Day, May 30, 1913. : * JUDSON W. TEEPLE, * Mayor City of Decatur, Ind. ************* * * * * * * * * * ♦ * *

Price, Two Cent®.

COUNTRY CHURCH Important Subject Before State Conference on Rural Life. UP FOR DISCUSSION Meeting June 3 and 4 May Solve This Perplexing Rural Question. The condition of rural churches in Indiana is one of the chief subjects which will come up for discussion at the state conferense on agriculture and country life in Indiana, which has been called for June 3 and 4, at Indianapolis, by the Indiana Bankers’ association. Throughout the state it is generail known, especially to the active workers in these churches, that something is radically wrong and it 1* expected that out of the state conference will come some practical suggestions which will go far toward correcting the prevailing conditions. It Is generally said by the field representatives of the Christian, Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, and ntiiet. state church organizations, that the rural churches as a whole are not holding their own. Scores of them have been abandoned. Score* of others are. barely alhe with no regular ministers and only occasional services. W here there is one rural church that is prosperous, it is said, j there are fifty that are going backward or standing still.

] This condition is charged to several I causes. The country church, it is said, has lost its old magnetic power as a community social center. The automobile and the interurban car has made it easier for farm people to get to city and town church services. In many counties there are from fifteen Ito twenty different church denominaitions, each one of which is struggling jtb keep its church alive and hold a ( regular pastor. This is a financial j burden that Is proving too great for many of these congregations. ] The affairs of th e rural church will be brought before the state conference by Dr. Albert B. Storms, pastor of the Central Avenue M. E. church, Indianapolis, who is not only one of the leading ministers of Indiana, but a forceful and eloquent speaker. His first Intimate knowledge of rural church affairs came while he was president of the lowa State Agricultural College, a place he held for six years, when he was in close contact with the farming element. After coming to Indianapolis, Dr. Storms was, through the state denominational officers, enabled to continue his inti-' meat inquiry info rural church conditions, and he is now regarded as one of the highest authorities of the state on this subject.

, The Indiana Public Library com- ! mission has also been looking into I rural church affairs, and will, through ■ an extensive display of photographs • at the state conference, show in a bird's eye view the status of the churches. This will in Itself be an illuminative source of information to all who are interested In the welfare of the Indiana country churches. It is expected that this general subject alone will attract many men and women from over Indiana to thte conference.