Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 13, Number 38, Decatur, Adams County, 13 February 1915 — Page 1

Volume XIII, Number 38.

A GREAT RECORD Was Made by W. H. Vollmer Who Has Just Retired as State Treasurer. MR. HENNING’S OFFER Anderson Man Willing to Donate Liberally for the State University. (Ry Lew Elllngham) Indianapolis, Iml., Feb. 13 —After four years of competent and faithful service to the state of Indiana, Hon. William H. Vollmer of Vincennes, retires to private life. The four years of his official life as treasurer of state have been four years of wholesome service rendered by a man who was schooled by experience and training. He has given the state that knowledge that can only be acquired in the hard school of personal activity in business and finance. The Lord knows that the state needed this knowledge during the past four years, because the fourteen years of republican financiering had so involved the credit of the state that Indiana's good name was almost ready to hit the rocks. To the retiring treasurer of state is due much of the credit of the splendid administration of the state’s financial affairs during the 1 ast four years. Mr. Vollmer turned over to file safe keeping of his successor, $1,326,419.01, while his predecessor only gave him $559,740.22. While I know that figures sometimes ( are deceptive, especially when they are being juggled by an expert, yet there is no denying the fact that there ( is some difference in the two amounts ( mentioned. In order to accomplish . this feat four years ago it was necessary for the state finance board to issue a call for the payment of advance taxes from the county treasurers of the state. Such a call was is'sued twice by this board, and then nearly a million dollars of unpaid claims quietly slept on the desk of the auditor of state. This condition does not prevail now. All claims that are due are paid, and during the past two years a foreign state debt of eight hundred thousand dollars has been wiped off the slate, and the financial affairs of the state generally improved. Does all this look like an extrava gant management of the state government by a lot of free hooters? Hardly. It does mean that business men have been conducting a business administration, and conducting it to the l>est advantage of a citizenship who appreciate integrity, honesty and efficiency in public office. All of this good bill of health given the retiring treasurer and the past administration of a democratic state government, does not mean that Indiana has money to burn and that it will not be necessary to levy taxes and to pay them, just as we always had to levy and pay them in the past. In fact it will be necessary to ask for advance calls from the county treasurers and to borrow money at times. Every corporation and big business institution has to do that, and what else is the government of Indiana but the biggest business institution in the state? When that time comes the proper officers of the state will ask for advance calls and borrow money, and they will do this for the purpose of transacting the business of the state in a business way. During the time Mr. Vollmer served the state, more than thirtythree and a half million dollars passed through his hands. This shows what an enormous business institution the state of Indiana is, and to the credit of the retiring treasurer, liis accounts were straight to a cent. Now comes Jas. E. Hennings, president of the Chamber of Commerce of Anderson, who is ready and willing to present to the state of Indiana two hundred acres of the best land that lies out of doors. These two hundred acres are located along the AndersonPendleton pike, and nearly every automobile driver knows that this pike will make every other pike in the state look like thirty cents. The land is beautifully located, lias a flowing well, and in addition to this generous contribution Mr. Hennings has two hundred thousand cold dollars that rre not working, which he will throw in with the land. In return for this generosity all Mr. Hennings will ask in return is for legislative action by tile present general assembly which (Continued on Page 3)

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT

| MUST DISPOSE OF HOLDINGS. Washington, D. C„ Feb. 18—(Special to Daily Democrat) —The Southern Pacific company must dispose of its holdings in the Pacific Mail Steamship company, unless operations of Pacific mail vessels through the Panama canal are stopped within sixty days, according to a decission today. Operation through the canal would make the Southern Pacific holdings in the steamship line illegal, the commission ruled. — — o— COMPROMISE IS LOST. Washington, D. C„ Feb. 13—(Special to Daily Democrat) —The compromise administration ship purchase bill was lost in the house this afternoon when it was formally introduced by Chairman Padgett of the naval committee in a rule limiting its consideration to six hours next week. Chairman Alexander of the merchant marine committee will have charge of the bill in the house. theclassYlay “At the End of the Rainbow’’ Will be Given Next Friday at Opera House BY THE JUNIORS Os the Decatur High School —Cast of Characters is Published. Attention of the public is called to the class play, "At the End of the Rainbow,” which will lie given by the high school junior class next Friday evening, February 19, at the Bosse opera house. The cast of characters follows: Robert Preston, a lawyer—Chalmer Porter. Douglas Brown, a football player— Joe Burdge. Dick Preston, the groom—lshmael Macy. Stanley Palmer Hawkins, the butler —Francis Stephenson. Ted Whitney, captain of Varsity team —Alex Sutton. Jack Austen, Preston’s secretary--Doyt McCrory. Marion Dayton, a ward of PrestonGrace Gerard. Nellie Preston, a bride —Hope Hoffman. Louise Ross, known as Miss Grayson —Bessie Davis. Phyilis Lane, a football enthusiast —Mary Ray. Kathleen Knox, chairman of rushing committee —Muriel Leonard. The Imp, a freshman —Helen Klnzle. Emily Elliott, with a conscience— Nola Bryan. Jane, a maid with a taste for literature—Blanche Biggs. Mrs. Brown, stepmother of Douglas Brown— Lydia Bieneke. Polly Price—Mildred Johnston. Elsa Ernest —Hazel Schnitz. Marjorie Arnold of the Theta Phi Ethel Potts. Molly Bruce—Zelna Stevens. The play is a charming one and will be much enjoyed. The class is selling tickets and they can also be secured at the Holthouse drug store. — -o—reprimanded by speaker. Indianapolis, Ind., Feb. 13 (Special to Daily Democrat) —When Linfield Meyers of Anderson and H. L. Bendel of Huntington had a personal word encounter up to the point of white heat they were reprimanded by the speaker this afternoon. Meyers’ bill pensioning firemen was called for second reading. Bendel said it would bear investigating, calling attention to the fact that Meyers’ father ha dbeen for thirty-five years a member of the Anderson fire department. Iliibrought from Meyers the statement that Bendel had been too obstinate to investigate the Meyers family tree. It was at this point that they were brought to order. _ FAVOR CONSOLIDATION. Indianapolis, lnds’eb. 13-(Special to Daily Democrat)— “We positively (lid not decide to get beh nd the Grube library bill, but we did favor the consolidation of the forestry, entomology and theology departments. This was the definite statement today of on e who attended the caucus of senate on proposal to choke off the noon..

Decatur, Indiana, Saturday Evening, February 13, 1915.

TO GIVE PROGRAM . Mrs. C. R. Weaver, Leader Christian Endeavor Sunday Evening. i ’ ARRANGES PROGRAM Fine Music, Talks and Readings Will be Given—Program in Full. i The following program has been announced for Sunday evening’s Christian Endeavor service at the Christian , church, Mrs. C. R. Weaver being leader: Song—"l Love Thy Kingdom, God.” Invocation—Benjamin Borton. The First Psalm. (To be read in concert). Duet—Mrs. Cloud and Esther Enos. Prayer—G. T. Burk. Introductory Address—Leader. Two Little Girls —Dorothy Enos. Christian Endeavor and Church Loyalty—Ruth Daniels. Christian Endeavor and Church Attendance—Mabel Weldy. Up Hill—Dwight Borton. Song. Talk —Mrs. McKinney. Christian Endeavor and the Sunday School —Dorothy Williams. Christian Endeavor and the Devotional Spirit—Mrs. Borton. * 9 Children’s Pledge—Margaret Williams. Song—Men’s Chorus. Talk —Harvey Segur. Christian Endeavor and the Missionary Spirit—Sydney Borton. The Gambler’s Wise —Mrs. Artman. Christian Endeavor and leadership in the Local Church —Dr. Weaver. Song. Christian Endeavor and the Disciples of Christ—Benjamin Borton. Prayer—Mrs. Borton. Mizpah Benediction. o IS TAKEN TODAY Otto Harb, Wanted on the Charge of Deserting the United States Army. ARRESTED AT NOON By Sheriff and Deputy-Was Musician and Deserted in Wyoming. Otto Harb, aged twenty-six, was arrested at noon today by Sheriff Ed Green and Deputy Sheriff L. D. Jacobs at the George Chronister home on the charge of deserting the United States army. The young man was a musician in Company G, Eleventh Infantry, and deserted his post at Fort D. A. Russell, Wyoming November 22, 1912. A description of him, with his picture was sent out to officials over the country, offering a fifty dollar reward for his arrest and return. He returned to his home here a few days ago and the officials, learning of his return, made the arrest today. Sheriff Green will return him to the nearest army post as soon as this place is determined. —— o —— ■ A plan for saving and utilizing from 75 to 80 per cent of the power now going to waste over Niagara Falls without diminishing the scenic beauty of the falls has been worked out in detail and is graphically portrayed by a page illustration in the February Popular Mechanics Magazine. Two of the most important features of the falls in a scenic way are the deflection of light through the water as it curves over the crest, and the rising spray from the impact of the water at the base of the cliff, and both of these ieatures are to be preserved. This is accomplished by an ingenuous arrangement of penstocks by which a 11 portion of the water is caught as it ■' falls from the crest, is led through ■ the turbines, and is then discharged . into the falling sheet of water at the foot of the cliff, care being taken not f to divert enough of the water through ) the penstocks to impair the beauty lof the falling sheet.

| COMPETITION KEEN. Geneva Mail Carriers Now Take Up Contest. * Dear Sir:—Competition among the county letter carriers has been keen and I am sending you a short news Item. Since Berne and Monroe each claim a greater average of pieces of mail handled during the January count, than Decatur or Geneva, yet Geneva still claims to have the two banner carriers of the county. Route No. 2, carried by William ’I. Bradford, carried 9,514 pieces, weighing 1,508 pounds; also 51 lock pouches, weighting 1,103 pounds, making a total of 2,611 pounds. Nelson E. Helmer, carrier of route ■ three, was a close second witli 9,470 i pieces, and weighing 1,308 pounds. Yours very respectfully, WILLIAM H. BRADFORD. - - o FIRST HALF OVER Campaign for Renewals to Daily Democrat is Meeting With Success. TWO WEEKS YET And We Hope Every Subscriber Will Respond— Promises on Our Part. The first half of the month's campaign for a renewal of subscriptions ♦to the Daily Democrat lias indeed been successful. We would be hard to please if we were not delighted witli the response to our announcement. Already half of our readers have proven their desire to further assist us in building up a daily paper for Adams county that will stand the test of years. We realise it’s a big job, but with the patronage given is in the past and the assurance of its continuance, with the helps of the people of this county in general, in covering the news field, we are sure we can continue to improve and to grow-. We will do our best to give to our readers all the news all the time and hope to present it to you in a readable manner. We are, as has been stated before, giving to those who renew, as a slight token of our appreciation, a copy of the New York World's famous Almanac and Encyclopedia. We hope that every subscriber will get one. The way is easy —pay to 1916. Wisli you would. o MR. WILSON ON RAILROADS. The following is a part of a letter written by President Wilson to Mr. Trumbull of the board of directors cf the Chesepeake & Ohio railroad: “You asked me to call the attention to the country to the imperative need that railway credits be sustain- , ed and the railroads helped in every possible way, whether by private cooperative efforts or by the action wherever feasible of governmental agencies, and I am glad to do so, because T think the need is very real. ‘‘They are fndlspensibie to our whole economic life, and railway securities are at the very heart of most Investments, large and small, public , and private, by individuals and by institutions. ( “I am confident there will be earnest and active co-operation in this matter, perhaps the one common interest of our whole industrial life. “Undoubtedly men, both in and out of official position will appreciate ’ what is involved and lend their aid heartily wherever it is possible for them to lend it. But the emergency is in fact extraordinary, and where there is manifest common interest we ought all of us to speak out in ' its behalf, and I am glad to join you in calling attention to it. Tills is the time for all to stand together in united effort to comprehend every interest and serve and sustain it in every legitimate way.” o PROGRAM WAS FINE. The Lincoln's day program rendered at the high school yesterday afternoon, the program in full for wliicn was published in this paper, was especially fine. The G. A. K. and W. R. C. and other old soldiers and their wives, were special guests. A number of students from the grades, with others, were visitors and enjoyed the exercises In full.

IS HERE AGAIN St. Valentine’s Day Rolls Around With Infallibility of TAXES AND DEATH Postmen Delivered Loads and Loads of Pink Celluloid and Lace. If you can stretch your imagination today, a little, the postmen look like elephantine Cupids witli their loads and loads of valentines. Tomorrow is St. Valentine’s day, but as it falls on Sunday, Saturday and Monday wiil both see the delivery of the 'tines. With the infallibility of taxes and presidential election, Valentine day is again rolling around. The loads of crepe paper and celluloid that have arrived to meet the demand is enough to shake one's faith in the judgment of man. There is a dearth of new ideas in valentines. Dealers attribute the fact to the lack of necessity. The same people buy Christmas presents year after year. But the average person buys valentines no longer than three successive years. In this way old ideas are generally new to those who are passing through the valentine stage of existence. Post cards are still holding their own as a means of conveying tender greetings among enthusiasts under ten years of age and to whom money is an object. Little pink and blue hearts strung on ribbons, too, are as plentiful as at anv previous time. Arrows, cupids and fcrge}-nie-not chains may also be found in great confusion. Celluloid violins and sizeable hearts costing a dollar or more have mercifully been supplanted by flowers, books, handkerchiefs and candy among those who have passed eighteen. o PIONEER DEAD Daniel Railing Died at 2:3G O’clock This Afternoon at Home of Daughter MRS. JOHN W. VAIL Death Resulted from Infirmities of Old Age—Funeral Monday. Daniel Railing, one of the best known residents of the city and a pioneer of Adams county, passed away this afternoon at the home of his daughter, Mrs. John W. Vail, on Madison street, at which place he had been making his home for the past . several years, death being due to the , infirmities of old age. Mr. Railing , had been seriously ill for the past two months, but had apparently Im- , proved to such a degree that lie was , able to sit up for a little while yester- j day. This morning, however, his condition took a sudden change for the worse and continued to decline until death came at 2:30 o'clock. The deceased was born in Cuir/>erland county, Pennsylvania, October 16, 1829, being the son of Jacob and Elizabeth Railing. At the age of ten years he was obliged to work for his own maintenance and at the age of 19, came as far west as Ohla with liis mother. In 1855 they moved to Adams county, where he and his brother, Abraham, purchased a farm. A threshing outfit was also operated by the brothers and in this manner the deceased became well known throughout the surrounding states. In 1864 Mr. Railing entered the live stock business and remained in this line until his retirement from active business life. He was united in marriage in 1855 to Miss Elamina Kern, of Fort Wayne. To this union were born two children, Mrs. J. W. “’ail and Mrs. John B. Rice, botli of this city. 1 On June 19, 1912, the wife and mother was taken in death and from this time on Mr. Railing began to decline in health. Besides being a devoted member of the Methodist church of this city, the deceased was also a (Continued on rage Two)

I ITHACA QUARTET COMING. Attention Is again called to the Ithaca quartet'! entertainment to be given at the Methodist church next Meni day evening, February 15. The Ithaca quartet was here before, but the one that is coming Monday does not comprise the name people who were In the other. The quartet is from the same conservatory, however, and the one that la coming is said to lie Hie best one that they have had. The entertainment will be a fine one. . SONG BOOKS ARE HERE. Tlie song books for the tabernacle revival have arrived and the big choir will get busy at once. Dr. J. Q. Neptune, leader, announces that the first meeting will be held at the Methodist church Sunday afternoon at three o'clock, at which time every member of the choir is requested to be present for the first rehearsal. The books arrived yesterday afternoon. INSTANT DEATH Met by Milligan A. Jackson, Former Decatur Man, at Lockwood, Cal. IN A RUNAWAY Near His Home—Was Former Engineer at Decatur Waterworks Plant. Milligan Jackson, former Decatur well known man. employed for many ■ years at the Decatur waterworks plant, was instantly killed a week ago this morning, Saturday, February 6, at. Lockwood, Cajt, The following brief notice of the death was received today by Banker C. S. Niblick, under date of February 7: “A fatal accident happened in our I neighborhood on the morning of Fe>>- 1 ruary 6. Milligan A. Jackson had n ' runaway near his home in which he was instantly killed. Kindly notify ] his friends.” The news of the accident comes as I a great shock to liis many friends < here. He was reared in this city, be- t ing a son of Assessor Daniel Jackson. For many years they resided on Se< - ond street, across from the Will Spen- I cer residence. Mr. Jackson was a < stationary engineer and was employ- J ed at several of the plants while here, 1 before taking the position at the wh f terworks, which lie held for many s years, working witli C. U. Dorwin. s Mr. Jackson was about fifty or fifty- I five years of age at death. i About ten or twelve years ago, lie t moved to Marion, Ohio, where lie fas c connected with a plant manufacturing i the large ditching machines. From t there he moved to California, going r on account of the ill health of hi.-- c wife. The widow and a son, about f fifteen years of age, are living, Mr. Jackson also has a brother, Eluey Jackson, living three miles east of tie £ city, j He was a man very highly respect t ed. and very well liked and it is witli I sorrow that his friends here learn of I ills death. o EASTERN STAR PARTY. The children’s party given by the 1 Eastern Star for the children was attended by fully fifty little folks.. They 1 enjoyed the games and contests pre pared and themselves contributed to a good program. Eacli child received a valentine and prizes were given in contests. A picnic spread was given. An offering for the orphans’ home bank was also received. The parties are given annually and are of great pleasure to the Masonic children. CARD OF THANKS. We desire in this manner to thank our friends and neighbors for Uieir many acts of kindness and to show our appreciation for their thoughtfulness during our bereavement. H. L. MERRY & SON. o— • ■■ BIRTH OF A SON. A line boy baby was born yesterday morning to Mr. and Mrs. John Wilson. Mrs. Wilson was formerly Miss i Mayme Smith. Mr. Wilson is th? i baker at the Girod & Baker bakery. '

Price, Two Cents.

MAY RESULT ~ UNFAVORABLY Outcome of Wilhelmina Cargo Case May Cause Troule for United States. GERMAN AMBASSADOR Brings Note of Warning to the Administration—Considering Protest. Washington, D. C„ Feb. 13 —(Special to IXiiiy Democrat) —The government was advised this afternoon that an unfavorable outcome of the Wilhelmina foodstuff case now up to a British prize court will bring German retaliation against England in which the United States may suffer commercially. Tlie German ambassador bore the warning to Secretary Bryan and Consellor lensing. While he refused to discuss the case for publication, it became known that he suggested that it woi|d be up to tlie United States interest to seek favorable prize court action witli a view to releasing foodstuff cargoes bound for Germany. Tlie department was told flatly that tlie Kaiser will not stand for England's plan to starve Germany's civil population out, and this government was warned that the world may *xpect the strongest kind of retaliation. The ambassadors hinted, too, that American commerce might be shut off in tlie course of this retaliation. Ho suggested that the United States ought not to acquiesce in the Wilhelmina's seizure and that this government should continue insistent on its position against allowing English commerce to hide behind the American flag. Liverpool, Feb. 13 —(Special to th© Daily Democrat)—The big Cunarit liner Lusitania cleared from her dock and steamed out as 2 o'clock this afternoon. She flew the British flag. Tlie great majority of the passengers were Americans. Whether Captain Dow had been Instructed to hoist the American flag after he had cleared the river had not been learned. Officials of the liner declare the orders were confidential. Berlin. Feb. 13—(Special to Daily Democrat)—lt is admitted that the German foreign office considered the American note protesting against tlie proposed submarine blockade that greatly complicated the international situation. The position already assumed is that the American demand has greatly embarassed the imperial government and that it will have to be made the subject of a cabinet council. No reply will be made at present. It Is understood that the text of the message has been communicated to the Kaiser and that tlie chancellor will leave at onre to confer with him. Washington, D. C„ Feb. 13 —(Specail to Daily Democrat) —Following America’s lead, it was learned today that Norway, Sweden and Denmark have protested to Germany against its latest war zone decree. Paris, Feb. 13 —(Special to Daily Democrat) —Tlie Germans today made an attempt to demolish the military depot at Verdun from the air. A squadron of ten aeroplanes flew across tlie fortress and dropped bombs, but according to tlie latest reports. did practically no damage. The tighting in tlie north from Laßasse to tlie sea is increasing in intensity. The Germans violently attacked the Bel-gian-French position at Nieuport but were repulsed. They also tried to carry tlie French trenches, commanding the sand dunes, but failed there. German artillery is now shelling tlie French positions at Ypres. — —o— IS VERY LOW. Howard Shackley, well known man of tills city, is very low of tuberculosis at the home of liis son, Samuel Shackley, near this city. He is quite weak and it is thought will never ha any better, his recovery being impossible. o ANNOUNCES MATINEE. John Stark of the Rex theater announces that a matinee will be given at tlie Rex next Monday afternoon. 'This will be "Tlie Master Key.”