Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 13, Number 147, Decatur, Adams County, 21 June 1915 — Page 1

Volume XIII. Number 147.

DEATH PENALTY IS COMMUTED Governor Slayton of Georgia Commutes Sentence of Leo M. Frank to LIFE IMPRISONMENT Mountaineers Are Swarming Around Governor’s Home and Violence is Feared. Atlanta, Ga., June 21—(Special to Daily Democrat)—The police were on the watch this afternoon for the big Cobb county party reported on its way to Atlanta to reek vengeance on Governor Slayton for sparing Mr. Frank. The officers closely followed, but kept hands off for the most part. Police Chief Beavers this afternoon ordered 220 saloons and twenty clubs closed, fearing drinking might lead to serious violence tonight. “Feeling as 1 do I about this case, I would be a murderer if I allowed this man to hang,’’ the governor’s statement said. “It means! that I must live in obscurity the rest, of my days, but I would rather be plowing in a field than to feel for the rest of my life that I had that man’s blood on my hands.” Governor Slayton’s full statement giving his reasons for commuting Frank's sentence analyzed the contentions grst of the state and then of the defense, finally reaching the conclusion on which he based his decision. "The defendant,” ho said, “introduced approximately TOO witnesses as to his good character. They Included citizens of Atlanta, college mates at Cornell and professors of that college. The admission of Conley that he wrote the note found by the body of the dead girl, together, with the part he admitted he played in I the transaction, combined with his his- 1 tory and his explanation as to both the 1 writing of the note and the removal <f the bodv to the basement made the onJ ' tire case revolve about him. Did Conley speak the truth? Facts in the'

case of most important force in arriving at the truth contradict Conley's testimony.” Atlanta,. June 21,—(Special to Daily l Democrat)—Leo M. Frank who had been sentenced to die tomorrow for killing Mary Phagan passed through the gates of the Milledgeville state prison at 4:30 today just as the sun was rising. His sentence to dealt had, been commuted to life imprisonment l.v Gov. Slayton. The taxi made the thirty mile trip in a hour and twenty five minutes. The rrip from Macon where Sheriff Mangun told reporters that the sentence had been commuted was without incident except for the auto’s speed. Gov. Slayton today issued the following: “All I ask is that the people of Georgia read my statement and consider calmly the reasons I have given for commuting this man's sentence to life imprisonment. I am absolutely satisfied that I did right.” Threats of trouble began to develop as, the day progressed. By mid-for-noon it was evident that the lack of on early hostile demonstration was due to the slowness with which the news spread. Down town streets began to be conjested especially about the city hall and postofllce. Five arrests were made when orders to move on were disregarded by montaineers from Mary Phagan’s home. Several streets were packed and the city hall and postoffice were filled with policemen. Mounted officers did their best to keep the throngs moving. “What can they do with Frank four hours rway?” a police captain was asked. “It is’nt Frank they are talking about” replied the officer, “it’s Gov. Slayton.” The governor remained in his country home, three miles from the city and announced he would send his statement by messenger.

OFFICIALS ARE INDICTED. Goshen, Ind., June 21— (Special to Daily Democrat) —The Elkhart county grand jury today returned fifteen indictments charging extortion against township and city officials. Those indicted are: The Rev. J. A. Wood, justice of the peace: M. M. Galentine. justice of the peace; E. A. Vesey, chief of police; George Myers, patrolman; Charles Webster, former patrolman here; P. B. Elliott, constable.

DEGATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT

A CORDIAL INVITATION, Manager Parent of the Crystal theater extends a most cordial invitation to the shoppers and people from oatside of the city to make the Crystal theater their headquarters during the big three days’ sale. If the weather it hot and sultry, special accommodations will be made to make the Crystal the coolest [dace in town. It’s a mighty good place to go for an hour’s rest and amusement. Tomorrow tor matinee and evening, the last of the Francis Bushman pictures will be given. This w’ill be a three-reel story entitled “Stars Their Courses Change” and is one of the strongest films that the people of this vicinity hav seen Bushman act in. Tonight’s show consists of a three reel Broadway Star feature entitled “A Siren of Corsica.” The price of admission will I be five cents, afternoon and evening.! READY FOR SUE

Decatur Merchants are Busy Getting Stocks in Shape for Three Days’ Rush. TO BEGIN TOMORROW Hundreds of Articles Offered at Cost Price That are Not in Published Lists. Tomorrow is the day. The opening of the big annual June co-operative sale to be given by the merchants of Decatur. It will continue for three days, Tuesday. Wednesday and Thursday, and the fifty-six merchants who are back of this effort to increase business are offering many inducements that ought to interest you. ( The event has been well advertised and if you have not made up your list, ycu should get busy at once. We wish tn call attention to the fact that there are hundreds of bargains offered which have not been included in the advertised lists. One merchant told us th s morning that, he had more than a hun-

dred articles in his store alone, on which he is offering cost prices. It will pay you to look around. We are sure that at this season of the year, just the beginning of summer, you will find many things that you will need and can buy now at a real reduction. These prices are good only for the three days’ advertised and after that the goods will be sold at the regular prices. o JOHN DUTCHER ILL. Mrs. Nancy Dutcher received word Saturday of the serious illness of her son. John Dutcher, of Bloomington. He -was taken to the hospital at Indianapolis, where his case will be diagnosed. It was thought here that he is suffering from heart trouble. If his condition grew worse, a telegram was promised. Mrs. Dutcher and daughter, Blanche, were unable to leave Saturday on account of the birth of a hoy baby to Mrs. Dutcher’s daughter, Mrs. Fannie Nyffeler. As soon as they can arrange, they will go to Indianapolis to be with Mr. Dutcher. o FLOWERS WERE BROKEN.

Complaint is made by members of the Civic Improvement society of the desecration of the fountain plot at the court house which has been planted with Howers by the society. Saturday evening children were seen walking about among the flowers, and several were broken. A public example will be made if offenders are caught in the future, as it is said there is a public ordinance providing for punishment In cases of this kind. o NOTICE TO PUBLIC. Any person desiring to accompany the firemen to Union City Thursday to the annual convention will kindly report at the fire department at 6:30 o'clock Thursday morning so (hat reservation may be made in the private car. The train will leave at 7:03. —— o BIRTH OF SON. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Nyffeler ire the parents of a fine, big boy baby. Mrs. Nyffeler was formerly Miss Fannie Dutcher.

Decatur, Indiana, Monday Evening, June 21, 1915.

CHARCESCRUELTY Emma Eckroat of Geneva Asks Court to Free Marital Bonds Between Her AND H. E. ECKROAT Have Eleven Children—She Asks for the Custody of Those at Home. Emma Eckroat of Geneva charges Harvey E. Eckroat with cruel and inhuman treatment, failure to provide and habitual drunkenness and asks the court to free the marital bonds that have existed between them sin:e July 22, 1888. Their separation took place June 17, 1915. She asks also for SSOO alimony; the annual sum of S4OO for the support of herself and the children who are at home, and for whose custody she asks. She alleges that the father is an unfit person to care for them. There were eleven children born to them, of whom Gertrude, Alta, Joseph and Emil are married. Os the following named six are at homo: Nellie, aged 17; Nannie, 15: Verl, 13; Pearl, 13; Rosina, 8; Willie, 6; Alma, 4. She charges that on the date of their separation, June 15, her husband beat her with his fist, knocked her down, pinched her, leaving finger prints on her arms, blackened her eye. tore the sleeves of her apron from her arms, and ran her away from home to the home of a neighbor. She says that he has often driven her awnv from home and has beaten her, called her vile names and accused her of meeting men. She further states that he is an habitual drunkard and not fit to have the custody of their children. She states that he has remained away from home a week at a time without making any provision for the family. She states that she has no property of any kind, except a small amount of household goods, and that her husband lias no real estate, or property, but makes about S6OO a year as carpenter.

RECLUSEJS DEAD Miss Ella Evarts, Known as Rome City Recluse, Dead at Age of Sixty-three. HAD MANY FRIENDS Among Them Decatur People—Suffered Stroke of Paralysis Recently. Rome City, Ind., June 21 —The death of Miss Ella Evarts, who for many

years was known as the “Rome City Recluse." will bring to the minds of many people the great effort this crippled woman has made to make her way through the world, despite the handicap under which she lived. Some weeks ago she was found lying on the floor of her home here, where she lived alone, suffering from a stroke of paralysis, and she had been lying there helpless for more than two days. Eccentric, though she was, she had hosts of friends and everything possible was done to aid in the recovery of her health. She will be remembered by thousands of people wno have visited Rome City as “the little woman who told fortunes” and who did such nice needle work. She would have been sixty-three years old July 4, and as the daughter of a veteran, plans had been almost completed to secure her a pension. In fact, just befor her death this assurance was forthcoming. A. R. Cole of Kendallville was appointed administrator of her estate, and declares that she died solvent. WILL HAVE CHARGE OF OFFICE. Felix Holthouse, who, since last fall has been the agent for the Adams Express company at Lafayette, will arrive home tomorrow to take charge of the local express office. Bernard Brake, who has been in charge of the office, will resign. Mr. Holthouse was in charge of the local office before going to Lafayette.

YOUTH RETURNS TO SCHOOL As a Result of Hearing A. M. Reitzel's Lecture, “The Measure of a Man” It was at a Chautauqua in an Oklahoma town. A. M. Reitzel has given his lecture. “The Measure of a Man.” At the close of the lecture a young man came up and introduced himself. He said he had been attending college in one of the state schools for two years, and that he had <|Ult school at the close of the second year and did not intend to return. "But,” said he, “after hearing your lecture, and the emphasis you placed on preparation and efficiency, I wanted to tell you that I have changed my mind. I am going back to college and finish my education. I am going to prepare, so that when I go out into the world and take my place in its activities. I may be equipped to render a service with efficiency.”

fl FINE_REUNION Enjoyed by the Hocker Family in Lipkey Grove Near Bluffton ALL DAY SUNDAY Fifty-five Enjoy the Day Together—Have a Picnic Dinner.

It was a fine timeenjoyed Sunday by the Hocker family, in the number of fifty-five, when their first annual family reunion was held in the grove ex-Sheriff W. A. Lipkey, a mile east of Bluffton. A cousin, Miss Florence Stevens, of Massillon, Ohio, is visiting here at this time, and the reunion was arranged that she might meet the family more generally. A general social good time, with a fine picnic dinner at noon, were in order. The Lipkey farm is a very hospitable one, and there were many things there to entertain in the way of pet owls, pet lambs, horses and other animals. While no organization was made it was arranged that the reunion hencefore will he held regularly. Those present were the descendants of Stephen Hocker, long since deceased, at one time a prominent resident' of Wells county, living near Vera Cruz. All his children were not present at this time, but there were three, these being Abe Hocker of Berne, Mrs. Mary Baumgartner of Berne, S. H. Hocker of Bluffton. The others were grandchildren and great grandchildren of Stephen Hocker. Besides the aforesaid and their families, there were present: Dr. McKeeman and family, Fort Wayne; C. E. Hocker and family, E. B. Macy and family, Decatur; Will Yager and family, Joe Pease and family, Kirkland township; J. F. Hocker and family, Tom Oliver and family, Monroe.

POLICE COURT. As the result of a fight which occurred last evening at 6 o’clock in front of the new building being erected by Julius Haugk, Frank (Red) Hower and Jake Grimm were arrested by Marshal Melchi on charge of assault and battery. The trouble is said to have started in the cigar store cf Miller & Hackman. When the argument reached the point where it was evident that fists would be brought into play, the participants were ejected from the store and renewed tne trouble in front of the Haugk building. At this point of the proceedings Hower struck Grimm on the left eye with some heavy object, cutting a gash in the forehead and closing the eye so tightly that it could not be opened with a crow-bar. Witnesses to the fray then stepped in and put an end to the conflict. The trials were to have been held this morning before 'Squire Lenhart, but as it was necessary for Grimm to be confined to his bed, they were postponed until tomorrow. — o ■ DURING the summer It was announced yesterday at the St. Mary’s church that during the summer months the masses would be a half-hour earlier. The masses during the week will be at the same time as on Sundays. Early mass will be held at 7 o’clock and high mass at 9. Benediction will be given immediately after [high mass. There will be no vespers |on Sundays.

AN ADVANCE TIP Sent to Delphos by Toledo Attorney That Terminal Will Not be Changed BY FEDERAL COURT Claim Made That Judge Killits Has Informally Decided to Overrule Petition. According to an advance tip from C. S. Northrup, a Toledo attorney, who represented the Delphos Commercial club in the fight to remove the division from that city to Decatur, Judge Killits of the federal court has made up his mind to decide in favor of Delphos. Just how the attorney secured this inside information is not given out, but the Delphos Herald, in big headlines, announced Saturday evening that the terminal was to stay at that place. That paper says; “We have been informed that Judge Killitts has informally but finally decided to overrule the application of the receiver to move the shops from Del phos.” “The foregoing Information, which doubtless will prove of a gratifying nature to Delphosians was received in a communication Saturday morning from C. S. Northrup. Toledo attorney, who has been representing Delphos in federal court in its fight to retain the local Clover Leaf terminal.

“Since Friday, May 21. the date <f the hearing before Federal Judge Killits upon application of Receiver Walter L. Ross, for permission to issue $600,000 in receivership certificates, residents of Delphos have been anxiously awaiting the decision of the court. Now that Mr. Northrup says Judge Killits will not grant Receiver Ross the right to move the terminal to Decatur, the suspense will be lifted, and Ute expected building of quite a large number of houses, deferred since spring because of uncertainty as to the court’s action, will undoubtedly start without further delay.” heWmeWry Rev. F. G. Rogers Delivers Fine Sermon in Memoriam of Maccabees AT BAPTIST CHURCH Ben Hurs, Odd Fellows and Rebekahs Also Have Memorial Service.

Rev. F. G. Rogers, pastor of the Baptist church, had a fine and most fitting sermon yesterday morning for the Maccabees’ memorial, his theme being “Helpfulness.” He took as his text. Isaiah 41:6. His sermon also included the origin and history of the Maccabees, which originated between the prophetic and Christian eras, about the year 167 B. C. His memorial was a very splendid one and much appreciated by the sixty or more Maccabees who attended in a body and also by the other members of the congregation. Special music was furnished by the chorus. After the sermon a committee of Maccabees went to the cemetery where they decorated the graves of the deceasd members. The Odd Fellows and Rebekahs held their annual joint memorial service Sunday at the cemetery. The ritualistic service was held, Charles Helm, Amos Yoder, Mr. Patterson, E. B. Lenhart and others officiating. As each name of the deceased members was read, a verse of Scripture was quoted and a bouquet of Howeys dropped on the general mound. After this the graves of the deceased members were decorated. Hon. C. L. Walters had a splendid address in memory of the thirty deceased members of the local Ben Hur lodge Sunday afternoon at the hall. Bouquets of flowers were taken to the cemetery following this, by a committee, and laid on the graves in commemoration.

i FRANCIS GAST GRADUATES. Commencement week for the University of Washington has just closed, being replete with many festival ' events. On the roster of graduates appears the name of a former Decatur hoy, Francis M. Gast, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Gast, who have been living at Tacoma, Wash., for several years, since moving from here. The commencement proper were held last Wednesday at Meany Hall, the commencement address being delivered by Frank Fairchild Wesbrook, president of the University of British Columbia. o PASTRY SALE SATURDAY. Section one of the Christian church will hold a pastry sale Saturday of this week at the gas office. An abundance of fresh homemade baked goods will be on hand. AUTOMOBILEBUS Will Operate Regular Schedule Between This City and the Town of Geneva. REGULAR SCHEDULE Five Trips a Day—Starts) Last of Week—Connects With Traction Cars. An automobile bus line between this, city and Geneva, run on regular schedule and connecting with the Fort Wayne & Springfield traction line here is to be started the latter part of this week by the Kalver-Noble Garage company. Mr. Kalver, of the company, will leave tomorrow for Auburn to se- 1 I cure the body for the car which was contracted for several weeks ago and which has been completed by the Eckert Car company. The bus line will he conducted by a company known as The Auto Transit company, and the

bus will operate as stated on a regular three-hour schedule, five trips a day. the first car leaving the traction station here at 8:15 each morning and return at 11:15. If the line pays the service will be increased as needed and other lines to surrounding towns will be opened. Otto Kiefer will serve as driver and the indications are that the line will do a thriving business. The car will stop anywhere along the line to pick up or leave off passengers with regular stops at all towns at stated hours. The line passes through Monroe. Berne aad Ceylon. The auto bus carries ten passengers and is comfortable. The jitney bus business seems to be growing. The fee will be announced later as will the exact date of starting. o I COURT HOUSE NEWS. Through Peterson & Moran, Ran- ( som Smith has applied for the appointment of a guardian for Barclay Smith,’ who on account of old age and infirmities, he says, is incapable managing his own estate. David M. Rice qualified as adminis-j trator of the estate of his son, the late Benjamin E. Rice. Mrs. Bertha M. Rice, the widow, relinquished her rights to serve and asked that her father-in-law be appointed. — Real estate transfers: United' I States patent deed to John Resse, real. estate in Treble tp.; Merien Bracken to Daniel P. Steury, 80 acres, French tp., $14,000; Eli W. Steele to Byron A. Dent et al., real estate in Root tp., quit claim deed. o HAS FINE CHERRIES. Saturday afternoon John Railing, the well known farmer living east of the city, brought to the Old Adams County bank a sample of some of the fine red, juicy cherries that the trees in his orchard are bowing to the ground with, under the heavy weight. Os course the force enjoyed the juicy fruit. One of the little twigs had thir-ty-four cherries on it. Mr. Railing will start picking them this week. o — Miss Blanche Hart of Fort Wayne spent Sunday here with her uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Tettman.

Price, Two Cents

SERIOUSJDHARGES Germany Accuses England of Abuse of American Flag in Many Instances. JOLIET CONVICTS RIOT Attempt to Lynch Negro Prisoner Accused of Murdering Warden’s Wife. (By John E. Nevins) Washington, June 21, —(Special to Daily Democrat) —Serious charges of abuse by the allies of the American flag have been made by Germany tn the state department, it became known today. They covered at least half a dozen instances in the past two months.

Washington, June 21, —(Special to Daily Democrat) —'Acting Secretary Lansing said the state department had confirmation that Gen. Angeles was on his way from Mexico to Boston. Joliet, 111., June 21—(Special to the Daily Democrat) —Eighteen hundred convicts at Joliet penitentiary rioted in the main dining hall at the rush hour today and screamed imprecations on “Chicken Joe” Campbell, the huge negro held with ten others in connection with the murder of Mrs. Odette Bordeaus Allen, wife of Warden Ed--1 mond M. Allen. Cursing and hurling I chairs, the prisoners started for the corridor leading to the solitary cell, yelling: “We want Campbell; w ’ ll get the dirty traitor; we’ll lynch him and tear his body to bits.” I o I TETANUS IS DISAPPEARING. , The American people have reason to congratulate themselves over at least one achievement, and that is the rapid disappearance of the Fourth of July tetanus. While the total cas-

ualties of the glorious day are loss than a quarter what they were five years ago the deaths from tetanus have shown a much greater reduction. In 1903 there were 417 Fourth of July victims of the dread malady; in 1909 the number had been reduced to 130, while from last season's eeh - bration there were but 3. This is life conservation in the true sense of the term. “Why not entirely eliminate the disease this year?” asks the United States public health service. Tiio blank cartridge wound is the great cause of Fourth of July tetanus. When driven into the tissues the wadding carries with it innumerable bacilli, and the absorption of the poisonous products given off during the growth of tiiese organisms produce disease. The bacilli thrive only in the absence of oxygen. It is for this reason that the physician enlarges the wound of iniet and after removing all foreign material, dresses the injury in such a manner that development of the organisms is inhibited. In order to accomplish this it is usually necessary to administer a general anaesthetic. Anti tetanic serum is of great value as a prophylatic measure, but it should be given soon after the receipt of the injury. o , PICNICS A SUCCESS. The picnics of the Fuelling and Preb- ■ le Lutheran churches were attended I by several hundreds of visitors Sun- ; day afternoon. Good programs were rendered by the children of botli churches and the exercises wore very pleasing in every way. Rev. Dornseif and Professor Dorn of the Fuelling church and Rev. Kocli and Professor Gietle of the Preble church were in charge. o — WAGON RAN OVER LEGS. A little son of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Mylott, hanging on at the rear of a vegetable wagon, was thrown off this morning and fell in such away that the wheels ran over his legs. Fortunately the little fellow was only slightly bruised. oThe merchants were busy today decorating display windows and marking goods for the big “Get Acquainted Sale" which will open tomorrow. Now is your chance to buy what you wa it and at your own price.