Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 13, Number 37, Decatur, Adams County, 12 February 1915 — Page 1

Vloume XIII. Number 37.

WAS BUTLER DAY Youngest State Official is Greeted With Many Good Wishes by Admirers. NEW LAWS PROPOSED Gov. Ralston Soon Checked Rumors Concerning Moran Appointment.

(By Lew Ellingham) Indianapolis, Ind., Feb. 12—(Special to Daily Democrat) —Wednesday was George Bittier day at the state house. When the treasurer-elect arrived at the treasurer's department at the state house at 10 o'clock he found ■ awaiting him a goodly portion of the citizens of his home city and county. , Heading the list of home friends to ; greet the new treasurer of state was Judge R. K. Erwin of the supreme [ court. Judge S. AT. Bench, Hon. Guy E Colerick and at least twenty others, I all of them dyed-in-the-wool JefferI sonian friends of the new state treas- | urer. Beautiful floral pieces and flow- | ers greeted one on every hand, those I deserving special mention being a beautiful fireside creation presented by the Fireside club, a social organization of this city, and a good luck horse shoe, presented with the best wishes of the members of the Jeffersonian club of Fort Wayne. It was a great day for Treasurer Bittier and it was also a great day for his many friends. There perhaps has nefer been a state official who has undertaken the duties and the responsibilities of official place under more favorable circumstances or with the best wishes of more of his friends. That he will continue to make good and that he will serve the state in this responsible position no one that knows George Blttler has any doubt. He is young, clean and honest to the core and he has a long life of usefulness before him. It is now Treasurer Bittier. Tomorrow we will present to you the record of another official, Hon. W. H. Vollmer

Senator Grube has another bill just introduced in the senate. Its purpose briefly told is to transfer the department of legislative information to the state library, create a library board ' composed of the governor, secretary of state and auditor of state, which board within thirty days after the passage of this act will appoint a librarian, whose duties would be to have charge of these ■ departments. The bill is intended to economize by combining these two departments' into one. Representative Feick is after both efficiency and economy. He wants a commission on economy and efficien- ~ cy which will work without pay and investigate every state department, I every state institution, and every ■ county institution and every county office as well, and report to the next legislature with recommendations as ? to the real needs for the administrn- | tion of state and county governments. I This is a swell job for the fellow who | is looking for lots of work and small I pay. The sum of thirty-five hundred | dollars is carried in the bill for the i payment of necessary expenses. Sevf on is the number asked to sacrifice L themselves on a vacation that ought I to last a year or two, providing inves--1 tigation is reasonably thorough. I | imagine that I already hear the voices | of seven patriots who are hankering | for this small job.

Representative Feick wants an I amendment to the constitution whereby the. general assembly will be given | the authority to legislate a minimum I wage for all persons entitled to comI pensation for wage. If there were | some law compelling wage earners to | earn the wage paid them, it would I also help some. If this thing keeps Eon we will be lawed to death. It will | be necessary for every one to carry with them a copy of the statutes tor /daily reference. One thing certain . this session of the general assembly Ms making a record, and the best part k of their good record is the passage ■ of but few bills and the laying away fan the legislative bone-yard of the | many ill-timed freaks. — ' Governor Ralston hit right square on the. nose a little newspaper atffitempt .to make it appear that he was future politics when he appointed Judge James J. Moran to the-

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT

1 appellate bench. The governor made this ten strike when he published a letter from Congressman Adair in which the latter urged with both truth and candor the appointment of his fellow townsman and friend, Judge Moran. The writer believes that no one was politically hurt In this appointment, and that the democotUs of the state are big enough to nominate their standard bearer because of the personal worth and character of the candidate himsdlf and not because of the location or the place where such candidate may live. Senator Van Nuys quite early in the session took his place as the acknowledged orator of that body. His eloquence was never more marked than in his discussion of the Indianapolis finance bill, which was pending, discussed and passed during this week. He devoted some time in sarcastically disclosing some of the short comings of the republican floor leader, Senator Robinson, and it is safe to s;,y that the. latter looks upon life in a different vein. Senator Van Nuys ia public speaker whom it is good to hear.

A FINE DEBATE Enjoyed by Baptist Brotherhood at Ray Collins’ Last Evening. DECISION RESULTS n Favor of Abolition of Capital Punishment—Several Guests. Although the state legislature, now in session has decided that it shall not, the Baptist Brotherhood last evening in a debate, decided that capital punishment should be abolished. The judges were C. F. Davison, J. C. Hower and Howard Burdg and their decision was two to one in favor of the affirmative abolition of capital punishment. The Brotherhood met with Ray Collins and there were seventeen present. Guests were Roy Ballard, C. F. Davison, Howard Burdg and Laudy Jackson. Prior to the debate each member present was called upon to give a liveminute entertainment of some kind. Some recited, some read, some simply talked and others sang. Three songs by the men’s quartet, comprising Messrs. Beach, Shroll, Collins and Mills were especially pleasing.

The big feature of the evening, however, was the debate. The aflirmitive side was taken by C. E. Bell. Simon Brandyberry and ('. A. Beach: the negative by O. I • Mills, Sam Shamp and Harve Schroll. The debate was very good, and some fine points, both pro and con, were brought out. The Brotherhood has decided that the March meeting will be with C. E. Bell. The date was left open, however, owing to the tabernacle services. The subject for the March debate was decided upon, and will be “Resolved, That Woman Suffrage Should be Adopted by an Amendment to the Constitution.” Mrs. Collins was assisted by Mrs. S. E. Shamp, Mrs. F. G. Rogers and Mrs. Tom Druly in serving refreshments of doughnuts, coffee and apples, that proved very tempting. Cal Peterson, as president of the Brother hood, presided.

PARENT BROS. SELL OUT. A busintss transaction which had been under way for some time was closed this morning, when Edward ami Frank Parent sold their interest in the electrical shop on South Second street to Mr. A. C. Lawrence of Ind ana, Pa. Mr. Lawrence will move his family to this city and Like possession of his new business place by the first of the month. Omer Parent, who was also connected with his brothers in the electric business, took over the bicycle repair department and will move into the old marble shop building, corner of Jefferson and Second streets. o- “ SPECIAL CAR SUNDAY. A special interurban car has been chartered by the Knighta of Columbus and will leave the Decatur station at 1 o’clock for Fort Wayne. This is operated for the purpose of attending the K. of C. fourth degree initiation there.

Decatur, Indiana, Friday Evening, February 12, 1915.

MR. PIERCE HERE Representative of State Business Men’s Association Talked Last Night. FOR GARNISHEE BILL Which Has Been Introduced in House and Will be Har(J Fought.

Some forty business men who favor the garnishee law, gathered at the city hall auditorium last evening to meet Mr. F. E. Pierce, whose coming was announced in telegrams received during the day from various business association secretaries. In the absence of the president of the local business men's association, J. T. Myer acted as chairman. J. O. Sellemeyer was named secretary of the meeting and Mr. Myers explained the purpose of the gathering and introduced the visitor. Mr. Pierce explained that he represented a legislative committee organized by appointees from the various trade assqclia|tions of the state, there being seven of these organisations. He said that while those who oppose a garnishee bill are well organized, the business men are not because of the fact that they have seven distinct and separate organizations and that therefore they are not working together. Eighty per cent of the business men of the state, explained Mr. Pierce, belong to some association, whose purposes are: First. To eliminate bad accounts; Second. To collect as many bad accounts as possible. Third. To use their influence toward securing a garnishee law which will protect them. He said they do not want the law to collect bad accounts so much as they want it for the influence it would have upon men contracting debts, thus establishing a better credit system. Mr. Pierce claimed that his committee bad two-fifths of the votes of the house and a chance to get the other three-fifths or the most of them if they could show that the business ment want the law. His mission and that of four other men who are now covering the state is to secure that proof. He asked that a committee be appointed to solicit signatures to a petition to be presented and to raise a fund with which to pay a share of the necessary expenses. A committee was appointed, including J. O. Sellemeyer, Murray Scherer, Frank McConnell, Charles Knapp and Waldo Brushwiller. Mr. Pierce left on the 9:30 car for Fort Wayne. The bill for the garnishee law was introduced Wednesday and will no doubt be hard fought during the session.

CIVIC _SOCIETY Plans Busy Campaign for Coming Season—Preliminary Meeting Held AT THE LIBRARY Proposed City Park Discuss-ed-Nothing Definite Decided. The Woman’s Civic Improvement society is already looking forward to a busy campaign for the coming season. A preliminary meeting was held last evening in the library hall, with the new president, Mrs. J. W. Tyndall, presiding. While several things were discussed, nothing definite was decided upon and another meeting will probably be called next week. Among the things discussed was the proposed new city park. According to the law, the use of the abandoned county fair grounds, may be given by the county commissioners to the city for the use of a park. The ladies are planning to take action to secure them and to beautify the grounds, little by little, with the passing of the years. Another suggestion was that it would be well to federate all of the women’s organizations of the city into a union for the civic league, thus en larging the league membership. Nothing definite, however, was decided upon in either matter.

LAWS TO FAVOR RAILROADS. Arkansas House Rejects Oppressive Legislation. Little Rock, Ark., Feb. 12- The Arkansas house of flspresentatives, through its committee on public service corporations, has announced that there will be no oppressive anti-rail-road legislation passed at this session. Shortly after the reading of tho journal the committee on public service corporations submitted a report on four measures submitted to it. Three of the bills were considered hostile to the railroads and one friendly. The three hostile bills were reported adversely and the measure to repeal a drastic bill passed several years ago was reported favorably. The committee was unanimous in its report. The ’dll recommended favorably is designed to correct a practice predicated upon an act passed several years ago permitting attorneys to bring suits against railroads for personal injuries in any county. The bill approved by the committee provides that the suits must be instituted in the county in which the accident occurred.

WILL NOT FOUND Copy of Will of Late Solomon Linn Admitted to Probate Instead OP' THE ORIGINAL Life Estate Given to Widow —At Her Death Goes to the Children. • The original will of the late Solomon Linn cannot be found among his papers and effects. A copy of the same was kept by the scrivener and was presented to the court this morning with a petition by the legatees that it be admitted to probate instead

of the original. The instrument was executed April 26, 1911, and was witnessed by J. H. Stone and C. L. Walters. It was also stated that a mistake was made in the will in tlie initial of one of the legatees, and that the Henry H. Linn mentioned therein, is Henry F. Linn. A recognition of this was asked to be made by the court. Provision is made for the payment of debts or any obligations, and the rest of the estate, both real and personal. is given for life to the widow, Mary A. Linn. At her death it is to be equally divided among the children: Henry H. Linn, Siddie E. Elzey, Charles E. Linn, Mary Elizabeth Kern, Frank W. Linn, Wall D. Linn, Charles E. Linn. He asked that Henry H. Linn and Lew Miller serve as executors. The trustees are to see that the widow is maintained during her life, but they are given the power to sell any of the estate if thought best, providing the consent of all the legatees is secured. He asks that Judson W. Teeple serve as attorney in settling the affairs of the estate. The real estate is valued at about $6,500 and the personal at about $1,500.

ITHA C A QUARTET Will Give Entertainment at Methodist Church Next Monday Evening. WERE HERE BEFORE Return Eagerly Anticipated —Given Under Auspices Epworth League. The Epworth League of the Methodist church has again secured the Ithaca quartet for an entertainment at the church next Monday, February 15. The quartet of young ladies appeared here a year ago and pleased many who will rejoice in their return. The quartet comprises Audra Bennett, ioprano; Margaret J. Miller, violinist; Olive Moran, reader; Doris Nichols, pianist. The quartet comes from the Ithaca Conservatory of Music, Ithaca. N. Y. Tlie public is cordially invited to attend tlie entertainment.

FIRST BALLOT Awarded Menefee Damages —Verdict Stands Decatur Interurban. AND MUST BE PAID Judgment of This Nature is Placed on Footing of Preferred Claims.

The Bluffton News gives in details regarding the $12,000 damages awarded Harry Menefee, of Fort Wayne in the Wells circuit court, mention of which was made In this paper last evening, the following: “The verdict stands against the Ft. Wayne & Springfield company, which operates an interurbap line between Fort Wayne and Decatur, and which line is in the hands of a receiver at this time.

“Members of the jury stated after their dismissal that they were unanimously in favor of the plaintiff on their very first ballot, every one of the twelve voting in favor of Menefee. The next question to be decided was tlie amount of the damages and this was what required most of the jury's time while they were out. “It required 21 ballots before the jury got together on a compromise agreement as to the amount to be awarded Menefee. One juror vated, when the first ballot was taken, to vote on this question, in favor of awarding $45,000, another favored $.35,000, and the smallest amount voted by any juror at any time was $5,000. “After all of the evidence was introduced tlie attorneys for the plaintiff moved for the dismissal of the action against the Ft. Wayne & Northern Indiana, and this motion was sustained, this leaving the action for damages standing solely against the Wort Wayne-Decatur line. This was for the reason that the evidence showed beyond a doubt that the Fort Wayne & Springfield company, operating the Fort Wayne-Decatur line, was to blame for the accident. Menefee was a passenger on a city car 'f the Fort Wayne & Northern line when it was stopped at a street crossing in Fort Wayne to permit passengers to board it. While thus standing still the city car was struck in the rear by an interurba near on the Fort WayneDecatur line. In the accident Menefee sustained an injury to his spine, which is alleged to have left his lower limbs permanently paralyzed. He is compelled to go about in a wheeled chair. Previous to his injury he looked after a cement block manufactur(Contlnueft on Pag* Two)

A GRE AULM AN AC Is the Verdict of Every One Who Has Looked Over the World’s for 1915. HAVE YOU RENEWED? Only Two Weeks More in Which to Secure One by

Renewing Subscription. The month is nearly half gone and we are anxious that every subscriber of tlie Daily Democrat who wants one of the wonderful World’s Almanacs we are giving away, secure one during tlie next two weeks. The book contains thousands of interesting facts, more than 900 pages of closely printed facts of Interest, many of which you will find no where else. You will refer to this reference book many times during the year, to settle many an argument, and it may be the very thing you want to know tlie worst. It costs you nothing as we are giving one to each subscriber who renews and pays up to next January. You want the paper anyway. Why not take it now and secure one of these splendid almanacs on which the World has spent thousands of dollars and many years’ experience. We hope to make the Democrat more readable than ever, to cover every department of news, and to please you. We feel that we deserve your support and we hope you will renew. Do it now.

PENNY SOCIAL At M. E. Church—The Public la Invited. A penny social will be given at the M. E. church this evening by the Junior Epworth league. The juniors are giving this to raise money for Mr. Ernsberger, missionary in India. Everybody come, man woman and child, and bring your pennies and good spirit and show that your are interested in the coming generation. A good program by the juniors will be followed by eats and a social good time. o FEB. 15—HELLO, BILL—Feb. 15.

Elks’ five hundred party for the Elks and their wives; for the Bill who hasn't a wife, your lady friend. Everything will be free. Prizes will be given to the best 500 players. Conie, and win a prize and have a good time. Those who do not play 500 come anyway. You will have a good time. We will have a lunch you all will enjoy. Don't forget the date, February 15. Signed. THE COOK. ENJOY BANQUET About Forty Guests Enjoy the Banquet Given by the Fourth Degree of the COLUMBIAN KNIGHTS Thursday Evening — Number of Knights Will Attend Initiation Sunday. The banquet given last evening by ■the fourth degree members of the Knights of Columbus at their club rooms in this city was a most successful and formal affair. Only fourth degree members, accompanied either by their wife, mother, sister or sweetheart and the nine men who will take

the fourth degree next Sunday at Fort Wayne were present. The banquet dinner was served at 7 o’clock and was a most delicious one, and to say that it was enjoyed by everyone would be putting it mildly. About eighty covers were laid for the banquet which was served at two long tables. Carnations in vases were tlie pretty floral decorations. Mrs. Henry Myers and Miss Amelia Web er assisted in the preparation of the fine dinner and those who served wer the Misse Agnes Costello, Bertha Kobne, Vera Clark, Letta Fullenkamp. Leona Bosse and Estelle Smith. T menu follows: Bouillon Roast Chicken Gravy Mashed Potatoes Escalloped Cori Vegetable Salad Celery Olives Hot Rolls Brick Ice Creatn Cake Coffee Music was furnished by the K. of C. glee club, and fine solos were also given by Clem Kortenbrer and Elmo Smith. Dancing was also enjoyed. Next Sunday nearly every fourth degree member from this city will accompany the nine candidates to Fort Wayne, where they will take the initiatory work, and also enjoy the elaborate banquet to be given at the Anthony hotel at 7 o’clock. The occasion is being looked forward to as being the best and largest ever held in Fort Wayne by the Knights of Columbus'.

SHIP BILL LAID ASIDE. Washington, D. C„ Feb. 12—(Special to Daily Democrat) —With the aid of Vice President Marshall’s vote the ship bill advocates in the senate this afternoon laid the ship bill aside to take up a special rule providing for a vote February 19. The vote was 27 to 47, so Marshall balloted with the democrats. The republicans and bolting democrats were put in the position of voting against displacing the ship bill. o REV. JEFFRIES HERE SUNDAY. Rev. W. B. Jeffries of Springfield, 111., will have charge of the services morning and evening at the Presbyterian church next Sunday. Rev. Jeffries comes as supply and not as a candidate, though his services may be continued during the evangelistic campaign, if so desired. All members of the congregation and any others who care to are invited and urged to attend the Sunday services.

Price, Two Cents.

SENDS PROTEST United States Objects to Germany’s Tampering With Official Mail. KAISER AT FRONT Fighting of Most Severe Character Going on in Eastern Prussia.

Washington, D. C„ Feb. 12—(Special to Daily Democrat) —The state department today protested to the German government against interference with Minister Van Dyke's communications between Holland and Luxemberg. Paris, Feb. 12 —Special to Daily Democrat) —Severe fighting continues to the south of Laßolsselle, where the Germans have succeeded in exploding a mine under a section of the French trenches. Despite this fact it was officially announced today that the French are maintaining all of their position there, and that the Germans were unable to take advantage of the destruction of the trenches. Berlin, Feb. 12 —(Special to Daily Democrat)—With the Kaiser again on the eastern fiont, fighting of the most severe calibre is proceeding along the Vistula and in the Carpathian region with results described as "eminently satisfactory.’’ "The fighting along the east Prussian front had resulted,in the Russians being forced back across the border onto their prepared bases, where they are now trying to return to the offensive. The Russians are bringing up enormous quantities of reinforcements and supplies and it is reported that the Grand Duke is personally in command. Paris. Feb. 12—(Special to Daily Democrat)- -According to the Zurich correspondent of a Paris newspaper, the Kaiser is in a state of absolute depression and has told members of his suite that Germany must seek some way to conclude pease.

OSSIAN BADLY DEFEATED. True to their prediction and boasts the local high school basket ball team slipped one over on the Ossian high school team in a game last night, that will be ever remembered and will be a sore spot for many years to come with the visitors. With Foster of Bluffton as referee, the game was one of the fastest and most exciting games played on the local floor. The Ossian boys were out in full strength, but so far outclassed were they by the locals that the big score was simply a walkaway. Brown, a new find for the Decatur boys, played his second game last evening and certainly proved to be a master hand at blocking plays and smothering advantages. The balance of the team also played in excellent condition and put up a good fight, carrying away the big end of a 40 to 28 score. The prellminaty game between the high school girls' team and the alumni girls proved the fact that to be among the leaders in athletics you must keep continually hammering away at it. The score resulted in a 14 to 4 game with the victory going to the high school team.

SCORES OFFICIALS LOBBYING. Indianapolis, Ind.. Feb. 12 —(Special to Dally Democrat) —State officials who lobby were scored in the senate today. Democratic Foor Leader Vim Nuys said the only reason they wero not included in the anti-lobby act was that it would have been unconstitutional. Senator Ballou lead the attack by critisizing A. E. Humke, inheritance tax investigator, for opposing the Ballou bill to give counties the proceeds of the inheritance tax. Ballou introduced a resolution that ft was the sense of the legislature that state officials abide by the spirit of the anti-lobby bill. When Van Auken moved to postpone. Van Nuys urged that the resolution be passed at once. Senator Thornton declared a mtn connected witlt the state insurance department was lobbying in the interest of the insurance cocpanies. .p - FAMOUS HYMN WRITER DEAD. Bridgeport, Conn., Feb. 12 —(Special to Dally Democrat) —Sanny Croeshy, blind, and a famous hymn writer, dl--d here today at her home. She was 95 years old.