Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 12, Number 179, Decatur, Adams County, 31 July 1914 — Page 1

Read By 15,000 Each Evening

Volume Xli. Number 179.

BLOODY BATTLE IS EXPECTED Germany Announces a State of War And Russia Is Mobilizing Her Army

CLASHTOMORROW Is Now Being Planed by the Mighty Powers of Europe and War is at Hand UP TO THE KAISER Who Refuses to Bend—London Stock Exchange Closed First Time in Years (United Press Service.) London, Eng.. July 31—(Special io Dikiy Democrat) —Russia has proclaimed a general mobilization of her entire army and navy. Announcement A'lthis fact was received at the foreign office this evening presumably From the British ambassadore at St. Petersburg, it is believed that similar notification has been given to al! the nther powers. This announcement puts the next move directly up to the Kaiser. Continental press censorship toftight hides the scenes and actors in Europe’s war drama. London is the ja.iy European capital whose press is free *o print the news, but is without the facts to print. Unvarified rumors Bound. The Balkans are completely isolated. But one confirmed news dispatch has come from south of the Danube. Vienna is almost unreported. Germany itas formally announced a state of war but has denied any mobilization of her army. There sems to be Bo doubt however that the German Mobilization is being rushed at top ■peed. Tonight the whole of Europe confidently believed that Aug. 1, 1914, will be written in blood on the calendar of the world's history the folfcwing morning. ■ Berlin, Germany, July 31—(Special to Daily Democra- ■—The federal council this evening issued a formal proBibition against any exportation from any point in Germany of any food |tufff| live stock, ammunitions of war or war fuel. I Berlin, Germany, July 31 —(Special to Daily Democrat)—(Passed by Censor)—The Kaiser has made no demand Upon the Czar for an explanation with In 24 hours of the Russian moboli.ation. The Grand Duke of Hesse has not gone to St. Petersburg on a peace errand. News of these reports given Vide spread circulation yesterday through a British news agency reached Berlin today and were promptlydenied. I The Hague, Netherlands, July 31— '(Special to Daily Democrat)— The Netherlands’ army was ordered to mobilise today. Berlin, Germany. July 31—(Special to Daily Democrat)— Heavy purchasing for the German army this afternoon sent the price of food staples souriil; 75 per cent. Berlin, Germany. July 31—(Special to Daily, Democrat)— Practically all the ships in the German reserve navy were today ordered to remain in post. Chicago, 111.., July 31—(Special to Daily Democrat)—Wheat took an unexpected slump from 2 to 4 cents today when it was explained that the blockade of European ports would prevent deliveries. The close was from 5 to 6 cents lower. London, July 31, -(Special to Daily Democrat)— Germany was today <"• dared in a state of war. This word was received here from semi-official scource and caused all Europe to pect momentarially a formal declaration of war against Russia by The latest move placed all ra roa , telephaph lines, channels of cation and transportation direct y der the army. The German war department has superceeded all other a thority in the empire. German bilization is already under way it

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT

believed here. All incoming despatches bear the evidence of the most rigid censorship. All diplomatic intercourse is at a standstill awaiting word from Berlin that war has been declared. Washington, July 31, —(Special to Daily Democrat) —The President issued an official statement that the I'nited States government was prepared to prevent any financial panic by coming to the rescue of banks in any section of the country that may need funds. Paris, July 31, —(Special ot Daily Democrat) —Germany is mobilizing a tremendous force on the French frontier. stated late despatches. No French (Continneu on Page 3) o— HELD AN INQUEST Coroner and Prosecutor Investigate Death of Martin Ault This Morning WITNESSES IN COURT Verdict Will no Doubt be That Death Resulted from Premeditated Suicde At nine o’clock this morning Coroner D. D. Clark and Prosecutor R. C. Parrish conducted a detailed inquest over the death of Martin Ault, the examination of witnesses being held at the court room. Sheriff Durkins, Marshal Melcbi and representatives of Hie press were present. Miss Vera Clark acted as stenographer. While the coroner did not return a verdict and will not do so for several days, he and the other officers expressed the opinion that the verdict would be that death resulted from premeditated suicide. Because of the rather peculiar position in which the young man was lying when found, with feet and hands crossed and the revolver in the left hand while the wound was on the right side of the head, rumors began to circulate and it was deemed best to thoroughly investigate the affair. Mrs. Ault, the widow was the first witness called and told of the tragedy as recited yesterday. She said that Martin offered the gun to her and asked her to shoot him. She refused but said this morning that the good Lord knew that if she had had an idea he really intended to Kill himself she would have taken the gun. She said that one day last winter Martin told her he was going to kill himself, went into the bed room and fired three shots falling on the bed. When she went in expecting to find him dead, he laughed at her. v es terday he told her to leave and said if she didn’t get a divorce, he would. She said she would go home but she must have some money. After coming to work, he wrote her a postal card saying. "Dollie: You stay home until I come as I have something to tell you before you go. I will be home for dinner. A M. A.” This card was not received however until after the suicide. Evidence offered by Charles Brown and Orval Wells who were near the bouse at the time and among the first at the scene, Mrs. Joel Reynolds who was the first to see tlie man after death, Joel Reynolds and John Oswalt, all corroborated 'the story of Mrs. Ault and convinced the coroner that the young man had deliberately killed himself. Just how he happened to be in th apparently arranged position and the gun in the left hand will probably never be known though it is believed that one of the early arrivals must have unconsciously arranged him. Mrs. Ault will go to the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Overhulsei at Willshire after the funeral. Her youngest babe was born three weeks ago last Tuesday and the oldest child is less than two years old.

Decatur, Indiana. Friday Evening, July 31, 1914.

NG DIAGNOSIS Is Made in the Elmo Smith Case—His Condition Is Very Serious A BLOOD TEST Is Being Made—Physicians Now Think That Is Might Be Spinal Trouble. The condition of Elmo Smith the oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Smith of this city who was taken to the St. Joseph’s hospital at Fort Wayne last Tuesday where an examination of the cause of his serious sickness was held with the hope that a diagnosis of his exact condition might be made, is in a very serious condition and tlie attending physicians are ’very much puzzled over his sickness. An X-ray of the kidneys was taken but nothing was found wrong with them and now Dr. Ramey who is assisting Dr. McOscar diagnose the case Is taking a blood test. The physicians are of the opinion that something is wrong with the spinal bone but have not come to a decision as to the character of his case. The doctors will hold another consultation this evening and see what they can do to relieve Elmo of his intense suffering. Mrs. Smith is still at the bedside of her son hoping for the best and doing all that a mother’s love for her son can possibly do. Elmo’s many friends in this city will bo grieved to hear of his serious condition and their hearts are filled with sympathy in knowing that he is suffering intensely. K. OF C. NOTICE. Monday Aug. 3rd regular meeting. A good attendance Is desired as several very important questions will be disposed of. A smoker will follow the business session. G. K. MAGLEY REUNION Was Held Yesterday at the Kunkle Grove Near the Old Home Place. IN ROOT TOWNSHIP E. S. Christen presided at Business Meeting—Officers Were Elected. Because the surroundings were quiet and nearer the old homestead in Root township, where the Magleys settled some seventy-five years ago, the fourth annual reunion of the Magley family held in the Kunkel grove near Monmouth yesterday, was really more enjoyable than any of the preceding ones , held at Robinson park, Ft. Wayne. The attendance, however, was somewhat smaller, only forty being present. Ball games and other amusements for old and young, with a happy time "visiting’ were in order and both din ner and supper were served. Owing to the absence of the president, Wesley J. Magley, of Ft. Wayne, E. S. Christen presided at tlie business session. It was decided to change the date from the last Thursday in July to the second Thursday in August. The reunion next /ear will be held at Robinson park, Fort Wayne, as this is centrally located for the branches of the family in Adams and Whitley counties. The old officers were re-elected. They are: resident, Wesley J. Magley: vicepresident, F. A. Peoples; secretarytreasurer, Charles E. Magley. The last named tendered his resignation because of many other duties, and Miss Fanchon Magley was elected to succeed him. Because of the fact that the reunion will be held in a public park, next . year, and any attempt to give a program of recitations, song or other ’ “spasms" would undoubtedly be re- ' garded as a “sideshow” by the other • park visitors, no program committee i was appointed, as none will be given, i Out-of-town guests were Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bower, Columbus, Ohio;

“DECATL’R CAN AND WILL”

Mrs. Mary Lang, Mrs. Harry Christen and sons. Kenneth, Norman, Robert I and Donald, Fbrt Wayne; Jesse and I Burt Christen. Toledo, Ohio. 0 MARTIN AULT FUNERAL Will Be Held Saturday Morning From House At Ten O’clock The funeral services for Martin Ault who shot himself through the head yesterday afternoon will be held Saturday morning at ten o’clock at the Ault home on Niblick street the Rev. R. N. Ball pastor of the Babtist church officiating. Burial will be made in the Mont Taber cemetery near Rivarre. AGED LADY DEAD Mrs. Elizabeth Erp Passes Away Early This Morning at the Home of Son IN MONROE TOWNSHIP Death Was Caused From Complication of Diseases— Funeral at Kenton Death came as a great relief to the physical sufferings of Mrs. Elizabeth Erp this morning at 3:10 at the home of her son Jesse Erp In Monroe township where she had been making her home for the past two years. Although Mrs. Erp had not been in tlie best of health for the past twenty-five years the illness which resulted in her death was only about 12 weeks duration and the immediate cause of her death was from a complication of diseases. Mrs. Erp was born in Kentucky, December 25, 1850, and was the daughter' of Mr. and Mrs. James Osborn. While a very small girl, the family remov- ' ed to deceased spent the greater part of her girlhood. When 18 years of age she was united in marriage to Andrew Erp. To this union were born six children four sons and two daughter. The husband preceded the mother to the great beyond five years ago. Tlie children who survive are Mrs. Nellie Cox of Indianapolis, Mrs. Ora Wright of Kenton, Oscar, of Lebanon, Jesse and Nolan of Monroe township and Harvey, of Kenton, also an adopted daughter, May, and who was taken into the family when a very small child. The body will be taken to Kenton for burial, the funeral cortege leaving here tomorrow morning for that place and the funeral services being held tomorrow evening. FEILUNDERfIUTO Meredith Stewart Slipped From Step of Auto and Fell Under Rear Wheel WAS BADLY BRUISED The Lightness of the Car Prevented Any Serious Injury. While taking a joy ride on the step of the Saxon automobile driven by L. A Holthouse yesterday about 3 o’clock, Meredith Stewart, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Stewart, had the misfortune to slip off the step and fall directly in front of the machine. The accident occured on East Adams street near the Presbyterian church. In making a side step Meredith’s "foot slipped off the runway and in an endeavor to regain it his hold was loosened, precipitating him with much force to the brick pavement and directly in front of the rear wheel. The wheel passed over his body lengthwise, badly bruising the muscles, and in falling his head struck against tlie step scraping off considerable skin from the neck and back of the head. Fortunately the car was of light build and its weight was not heavy enough to break any bones or cause any internal injuries, however he is not feeling like doing a marathon this morning and will be several days in getting the stiffness and soreness out of the muscles.

IN FULL FORCE Vera Cruz Team will be Here Sunday to W’ipe the Earth With “White Stags” HAVE LONG RECORD Os Victories and Have a Strong Line-up for Sunday’s Game What is going to prove to be the fastest game of base ball that was ever pulled off on the local diamond, will be that of next Sunday when the speedy little Vera Cruz team of semiprofessional ball players will meet the “White Stags” on the local diamond. The visitors are the champions of every team but one, which they have met, and have defeated every thing in the Trolley league between Bluffton and Kokomo and are coming over here with blood in their eyes. The members of the “White Stag" team mean business for the balance of the season and will allow the people of this city what a good base ball team will do for the town. Although the old Shamrock team had quite a few debts outstanding against them, the "White Stag" management has taken these over and before the players will divide any proceeds among themselves, these debt will be taken care of and all old scores will be settled. To do this however, it is necessary for the people, especially the business men. to be boosters and to help the boys out in every way possible. Distle of Fort Wayne will in all probability pitch for the locals next Sunday. He has a wonderful reputation hack of him, having lost only one game out of fifteen which he pitched and also having played last season with the fiifflaniTpons Reserves. Berlin will also be back as will Remington and Cashdollar. WARNINGJIVEN Shippers and Receivers of Freight Are Given a Few

Suggestions * I HOW TO PREVENT . 4 ’ l Any Possibility of Car Short- • age During Crop Move- 1 if ment Period. t , t i Chicago, 111., July 31 —The General < Manager's Association of Western Railroads through its chairman, W. S. Tins- * man, has sent out an appeal to shippers p in all sections of the country for aid , I c in averting any possible car during the crop movement period. In' r the letter Mr. Tinsman states: | a "Tw’o years ago, in anticipation of c large tonnage which the railroads ( r would be required to move, as a result { of the heavy crops of that year, this { association appealed to tlie shippers and receivers of freight for co-opera-tion in obtaining tlie maximum use of freight equipment. The present prospects of exceptionally heavy crops war . rant an appeal of the same nature at < this time, in spite of the fact that a ( great surplus of cars has existed for < some time, the surplus of box cars is ; not so great as to warrant any feeling , of security, and unless co-operation • can be had, the prospects are for a deficiency in moving these crops, which may affect disadvantageously the interests of the shippers and receivers alike." Mr. Tinsman offers tlie following suggestions as guides: i “Move all lumber, coal, cement and other supplies you can before the heavy crop movement starts.” “Load and unload all cars as quickly as possible.” "Load all cars to the fullest capacity.” Anticipate the disposition ot freight before its arrival.” “Only order such cars as can bo loaded promptly.” “Reduce to the minimum the practice of billing cars to intermediate points to be held for reconsignment, ’’

TO ATTEND FUNERAL. Mrs. C. V. Connell and daughter, Miss Marie, went to Fort Wayne this morning where they will attend the funeral of Miss Amber Rliem who was killed in her father's automobile Monday afternoon when a traction ear hit (lie machine near a crossing at Avilla The Misses Frances Deininger, Margaret Smith, Laurine Keller and Matilda Berllng left at 11:30 for Fort Wayne to attend tlie funeral. Miss Leah Hensley who is at Rome City will also attend tlie services. FUNERAL SATURDAY Tlie bodies,of Floyd and Orlin Martz arrived in this city this morning and were taken to the home of the parents in Monroe township. The funeral will be held Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock from the Valley church. Interment will be made in tlie Springhill cemetery. NOTICE MOOSE All members of the Loyal Order of Moose are requested to be present at a meeting this evening at 8 o'clock to be held at the Peoples & Gerke shoe store. An urgent request is made for all members to be present. AUTOMfinilX County Treasurer Archbold Receives Voucher From State for $4304.91 FOR SIX MONTHS Amount Received in Adams County Was $622.21 More Than Was Paid In County Treasurer W .1 Archbold today received his voucher from the sec retary of state for $4304.91, tlie share which Adams county draws from tlie 1 automobile tax. This is over six liun dred dollars more than was paid in by the automobile owners of this < county and should cause those who have argued that the tax should be collected locally to forget their grouch. The report which accompanied the voucher showed some interesting figures: Total amount received by the state, $381,875.10; total expenses of automobile /’partment $37,511.40; net balance to be divided $344,363.70. This | was divided as follows: equal ditributton for state was one-third of fund, $114,787.90, giving to each of the nine-ty-two counties $1247.69; one-third of the fund was divided as to tlie number of miles of free gravel or macadam roads and as Adams county had 455 miles as against 26,796 in the state, this county received from that distribution $1948.95; one-third of the fund I was divided as to the proportion of cars owned in each county and this Igave Adams an additional $1108.27, making a total of $4304.91. The exact amount of fees received from Adams county was $3682.70 and we therefore receive back to be expended on the repair of our roads $622.21 mor than we expended.

OFFICERS RECEIVED REWARD. f I Marshal Melchi and Deputy sheriff t Jesse Kelley have each received a 1 check for fifty dollars from the gov- i ernment. as a reward for the capture ( of Andrew McConnehey who a year 1 ago robbed a mail sack and was con- 1 victed and sent to Leavenwortli prison. ; The reward was duly appreciated. I o WILL DECLARE STRIKE. (United Press Service.) Chicago, 111., July 31 —(Special to Daily Democrat) —A strike of all the engintffers and firemen on all railroads operating west of Chicago will be called for Friday August 7th, unless president Wilson induces the rtfilroad i tomorrow to acc/pt the terms of arbitration as laid down by the National Board of Concilliation. This was the jlst of a report made public today by the men who are representating the employes. i o — Herman Ehinger and Arthur Holt- ■ house will leave tomorrow afternoon 3 for an over Sunday visit at Rome City ’ i with friends.

. . - - •- - < Reaches Every Nook Os County

Price Two Cents.

CROSSING RACE t Survivor of Rehm Automobile Accident Tells Cause of the Disaster HEARD WHISTLE But Driver Threw on More Power in Endeavor to Beat Interurban Car. The following clipping from the Ft Wayne Journal-Gazette by Mr. Blume, an occupant of the Rehm automobile which was struck by an interurban car Monday afternoon resulting in two deaths and the serious injury of two others, explains tlie cause of tlie accident: "We were about fifty-five feet from tlie crossing when we heard tlie interurban whistle, and were going fifteen miles an hour. When Mr. Rehm heard tlie whistle lie threw on more gaspline and tried to beat tlie ear 'across. I was sitting in tlie front seat when tlie interurban ear struck us and was .still in tlie seat when tlie machine landed in the ditch.” This was the evidence given yesterday by Albert M. Blume, before County Coroner Edward Kruse at tlie inquest into the deatli of Mrs. Albert M. Blume, who with Amber Rehm, was killed Monday afternoon when tlie Rehm machine was struck by car No. 8. Fort Wayne and Northwestern Traction company, one mile north of Avilla. Several times during tlie story tears came to his eyes and lie was compiled to stop until lie could once more regain control of himself. Carl Schuster, motonnan on the interurban car, said during tlie time lie was questioned that his car was going at about tlie same rale of speed as (lie automobile. He said that from bis position in tlie car lie equid not see the machine until lie was within a few feet of the crossing. He said his car went one hundred and twenty-five feet past the crossing after the machine had been struck. When he got to tlie automobile its engine was still running at a high rate of speed. Coroner Kruse will examine a number of passengers this afternoon. It is believed that, the examination may be completed by to-night. Mr. and Mrs. Rehm continued to improve yesterday at the Sacred Heart hospital, Garrett, and it is now believed that there is no doubt about their recovery. Mrs. Rehm is still suffering intense pain, but was able to talk with more ease yesterday. o— BIG FEATURE TONIGHT. The leading feature at tlie Crystal theatre tonight is the two real story entitled “The Navajo Blanket.” The story told by the design woven on a Navajo blanket forms the theme of the superb Kalem two-part masterpiece, “The Navajo Blanket,” whicli is to be shown at the Crystal theatre. Princess Mona Dorkfeather, full-blooded Indian actress, portrays tlie leading role. Mona an Indian maiden, commences work on a blanket. Gontzo, chief of the tribe, falls in love with her and makes her his wife. Later, while work on the blanket is in progress, tlie Navajo braves leave for the hunting grounds. While they are away the Apaches descend upon the defenseless village and capture all who remain. Mona, however, makes her escape and goes to seek tlie Navajo braves. On her journey, her firstborn comes. She finally finds Gontzo and his braves feasting with tlie Shoshones. She tells of tlie Apaches’ treachery. Tlie Navajos leave for battle and exterminate their foes. With the advent of peace, Mona returns to the weaving of the blanket, telling in the pattern the story of her courtship, marriage, the Apache attack, the birth of her son, and her tribe’s vengeance. This feature is one of the most novel and interesting of tlie year. Don’t miss - it. In addition to this a Vitigraph - comedy entitled “The Chicken Inspec--1 tor will also be given featuring .Wall! 3 Van and Flora Finch. It is a big laugh >• all the way through. 3 O PREACHING SERVICES. There will be preaching service at i the Pleasant Mills Baptist church next ' Sunday at 230 Standard time. A welcome awaits all. R. N. BALD