Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 15, Number 66, Decatur, Adams County, 19 March 1917 — Page 1

Volume XV. Number 66.

ADAMSON EIGHT HOUR LAW HELD VALID

SUPREME COURT VOTE WAS SIX TO THREE • I RAILROADS MANAGERS COMMITTEE MET FULLEST DEMANDS OF THE ADAMSON LAW AND HAVE A VERTED IHE THREATENED STRIKE.

(United Pfvms Service) I Washington, I). Mar. 17— (Special to Daily Democrat)— The Adamson eight-hour law is valid. This was the ruling of the United States supreme court today. Chief .Justice White read the decision which declared constitutional the law passed under spectacular circumstances in the closing night hours of last summer's congressal session. The court held the law constitutional by a decision of six to three. ‘Justices Pitney, Day and Vandeventer dissented. Justice White said: “There was an authority begotten of the public interest” in the action of congress. He declared it could not be maintained—as the railroads had—that the law had not been considered, in view, one—of the time the controversy was before the public, two—of the fact that the president had acted. and three—in view of the discussion of the question before congress acted. New York. N. Y.. Mar. 19—(Special to Daily Democrat) The railroads have met the fullest demands ot the Adamson eight-hour law and thereby definitely averted the threatened na-tion-wide strike, with the country on the verge of its most serious crisis. Patriotism, swayed to its height by the sinking of three American vessels. brought from the railway managers’ commitee early today the announcement that they would accept the brotherhood chiefs' demands rather than give the impression at home or abroad thtat the efficient operation of the country’s railways will be hampered or impaired in the fact of its latest peril. The railroads surrendered completely, leaving their end of the adjustment entirely in the hands of President Wilson's mediate t boatd. A joint committee is to thresh out the minute details. The following statement was issued by the mediators at 6 a. m.. “We desire to express our appreciation of the large and patriotic action of the railway managers' committee, which has put beyond peradventure the possibility of a nation wide railtoad strike. “The railroads have met full demands of the Adamson eight hour law. This concession was secured at the culmination of two days anti nights’ negotiations. “Our first effort was to secure a postponement of the strike which wa., fixed for Saturday night. This was secured by presenting to the railway managers a memorandum agti<m<nt drafted by the brotherhoods which with some particularity expies.-c the provisions of the Adamson law. “We asked the railways to agree that if the Adamson law was held to be constitutional, that this construetion and application would be given to it. The railways agreed to this at a joint session between the brotherhood chiefs and the managers Am with much difficulty the chiefs stayed the strike, an act that was vita to the success of our efforts and fur ther mediation. "We next sought some adjust men that would be effective should the

DECATUR DAILY DEM()CRAT

I, law be held to be unconstitutional. In this regard many propositions I were made to both sides but none was 'acceptable until the railroads expressed their willingness to place the whole matter in the hands of this committee. “This action proceeded as the letter from the railway managers states from a desire to demonstrate to the country that the railroads would not allow their own conception of railroad policy to stand in the way of the fullest use of the roads at a time of severe national strain. "The committee considered the matter was decided that in view ot the action of congress in passing the Adtmson law and the necessity for immediate action that it was best to adopt at once the memorandum agreement of the previous day as applicable under all conditions. “Thus the provision of the eighthour law. by agreement between the roadt and the men became the basis of the settlement and whether tire supreme court holds for the validity of the law or against it there will be no strike.” New York, March 19. — (Special to Daily Democrat.) — The following agreement was signed today by the railway managers' committee and the brotherhood chiefs, formally settling questions over which they have been at odds: “Settlement awarded by the committee of the council of national defence. In all road service, except passenger, where schedules now read: ‘One hundred miles or less, nine or ten hours ( or less, overtime at ten and eleven miles per hour'; eight hours or Ivs for a basic day and twelve and a half miles per hour for a speed basis, for the purpose of computing overtime to be paid at no less than one-eighih of a daily rate per hourln all yards, switching and hostling service, where sgliedtiles now read 'Ten, eleven or twelve hours or less shall constitute a day's work,’ insert eight hours or less shall c nstitute a day’s work at present ten hours’ pay. “Overtime to be paid for at not less than one-eighth of the daily rate per hour. > “In yards now working on an eight hour basis, the daily rate shall be the present ten hours standard rate, with overtime at one-eighth of the present standard daily rate “In case the law is declared unconstitutional, eight hours or less at present ten hours’ pay will constitute a day’s work in hostling service. "In passenger service the present ■ mileage basis will be maintained. On ■ roads now having a flat ten-hour day : in passenger service, the rule will be I amended to read ’eight within ten hours.' i “For all classes of employes in short s turn around passenger service, where f the rule now reads ‘eight within twelve ' hours.’ it will be amended to read t ’eight within ten hours.’ 1 “For such territory as has no nutn--1 ber of hours for a djty’s work in short • turn around passenger service the 3 eight within ten hours rule applies. 3 “Overtime to be paid for at no less " than one-eighth of the daily rate per 1 t hour. . “The general committees on indus- . trial railroads may elect to retain ~ present overtime rules in short turn ,1 around passenger service, or the sorer- going provisions, but may not make a I combination of both to produce it'greater compensation than is provided e in either basis.

Decatur, Indiana, Monday Evening, March 19, 1917.

DRAFT IS SENT /Contribution of $177.60 fa i Sent to Newcastle Today I from. This Community. FOUR DAYS’ EFFORT i Resulted in Good Sized Fund Being Raised— Helps Unfortunates, j Decatur's contribution to the suffering people of Newcastle went forward this morning, a draft for $177.60 being sent to W. S. Chambers, who will see that it is turned over to the prop-*r authorities in charge of the storm wrecked district. We are proud <f the resmmse made by our people and we thank you ail in advance for the splendid spirit shown in this work of reai charity to our suffering neighbors. Though originally it was planned to raise one hundred dollars in one dollar subscriptions, it was later decided to hold the campaign open until Sai unlay night at which time the total had reached the sum stated. From many cities over ihe state came contributions large and small and they all help at this time when the City of Hoses is going through dark hour:;. The complete list of local contribu: tors: As published $175.60 Miss Anna Yeager 1.00 B. J. Smith 1.00 Total $177.60 WILL MEET TUESDAY. The Woman’s Civic Improvement league will meet with Mrs. John W. Tyndall Tuesday afternoon at 2:30. Everybody interested is cordially urged to be present. MEN’S MEETING At Evangelical Church a Success —“A Man’s Leader and Hero,” Subject OF EVANGELIST KERLIN Revival Continues With Interest —Some of Good Things Said There. < Yesterday was indeed a great day at the* Evangelical church all day long. The attendance was good. Evangelist Kerlin was, judging from the sermons, in the best of condition. At the morning worship he spoke on “Personal Evangelism." It was a heart to heart talk to Christian people to seek and win others to Christ. He said: “I am the product of personal contact.” The speaker then gave his experience ho,v a friend of his.came to his home for the prime purpose to lead him to Christ. The men's meeting in the afternoon was a marked success —as to attendance, enthusiasm and spiritual uplift. The M. E. Men’s chorus —35 strongled off in a lively and appreciative song service. The chorus rendered four fine and stirring selections. The address by Mr. Kerlin on “A Man'sLeader and Hero,” was a masterpiece as to thought, diction and delivery. He spoke of Christ not only being meek, compassionate and humble, but strong in character —courageous in ■ every great reform. A worthy and fine tribute was given to Christ’s . earthly career. The manliness of Christ was illustrated by the speaker > in away that it inspired the men to • greater service for their leader and hero. By unanimous vote it was de- ■ cided to hold another men’s meeting i next Sunday at 2:30 to 3:30 with Mr. i Kerlin a sthe speaker . At the evening service the attendt ance was the largest of the dai’. The /gallery was well filled. Another I I strong sermon was delivered with the ' same force and energy as in the oth' r

p L to decide for Christ. The testimonies after services during the day <>|»en I tlte way for greater things. Services this evening: Song service * at 7:15; preaching at 7:30. The pun lie Is heartily invited to attend. Con tribute*! Said at the Sunday Meetings. Those who don't like revivals are tlio ones who most need reviving I No great spiritual event ever befalls those who summon it not. Every Christian owes his Lord soul" I Christian service which cannot be rendered by proxy. When God sends an opportunity to which you should say. "Here am I. send me.” You can't compromise by saying. "Here’s my check, send somebody else.” 1 To speak because you have to sav ’ something is hard; to speak for God “ because you have something to sav, r is easy. 1 A prerequisite to personal service is 1 to obtain and to maintain personal 1 Christian experience. (Continued on Page 8.) DEATH WAS - UNEXPECTED I 1 _______ Ernest Franz. Prominent Root Township Farmer,, * Died Suddenly ' EARLY THIS MORNING i Father of Mrs. Chris Boknecht and Mrs. Lou Mailand—74 Years Old. Not only to the friends, but even to the members of his immediate family, was the death of Ernest Franz, aged 74, a prominent farmer of Root township, which came this morning, me. i unexpected. Until a few moments before his death, which uccurred this morning at 10 -o'clock, Mr. Franz had been apfarently in perfect health. He was working in a field at the time he became til. vomiting and feeling very faint. He was able to walk to the house, where after walking around a few moments, he expired, before any medical ai l could be summoned. Coroner D. I). Clark was called, but being ill. lie deputized Dr. E. G. Cover dale to act in his htead, he finding that the death was due to heart trouble. Mr. Franz was one of the wet] known and influential farmers of his community. Born in Germany, lie came to this country when a very small boy, and may be called one of the pioneers of this community. His life has been a long and useful one. Only last October 25, he and his wife celebrated their golden wedding, having spent fifty happy years together. The wife, who has been in poor health for some time, beiffg a sufferer from rheumatism, is left with the following children; Mrs, C. H. Boknecht. Mrs. Louis Mailand, this city; Mrs. Lewis Boknecht, North Dakotao Miss Pauline Franz in the nurses training school at the Lutheran hospital. Fort Wayne; Henry Franz, Fort Wayne; Herman Franz, at home. Two brothers, Henry Franz and , Chris Franz, of Allen county, are the last of his paternal family. HOFFMAN-OWENS. At the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Knodle Saturday afternoon at 4 o’clock, Rev. J. H. Rilling of the I Evangelical church -officiated at the wedding of Otto Hoffman and Miss Verna Owens. The groom, who is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Jonas Hoffman, is a teacher near Willshire, O. The I bride is la daughter of Mr and Mrs. Sherman Owens. Both are popular and well-liked young people. ’ o MRS. STEVENS LOW. Miss Ada Stevens ewnt to Fort • Wayne on the 2:30 car. She was caile-l s there, by word that her sister-in-lav.', r Mrs .Ed Stevens, is very low of pneu--3 monia. Her brother, Ed Stevens, is r also quite ill.

BREAK SCHOOL Burglars, Supposedly Boys. Break Into the Central School Building ON FRIDAY NIGHT , Break Open Desk in Super intendent’s Office—Noth- ) ing of Value Taken. It is very seldom that boys break .. into school. Hut that is what hup- ] pened at the central school buildin?, presumably Friday night They pried open a window in a lower room: the 1 ) s pried open the door of the office* c: I Superintendent M. F. Worthman with a crowbar, leaving prints on the - floor and gaining entrance, broke open his desk. Only a few pennies were the total of the money in the desk They turned everything topsy tarry however,' and a few papers, of val’lt I io no one except the owner of th< | desk, are missing in leaving, tin boys, for the burglars are believed to be boys, bloke open a side door. The burglary is believed to have taken place Friday evening, early About 9 o’clock Prof. Worthnian went to his office to get some papers pre > aratory to leaving for the teachers’ meeting Saturday morning. He re marked to Custodian M. Wertzbergei about noise that he had heard, think ing that Mr. Wertzberger had made i' This was not the ease, and it is now believed that the burglars were at tha> time gaining entrance. The burglary was not (Hseovered until Sunday morn ing when the custodian, Mr. Wer z berger, made his trip there. Mr. Worthman had been in the habit of keeping small sums of money ' in the desk and this may have beer the objective loot of the intruders. it is Wright Said Peter Musser When He Heard Decree Prohibiting Him from Marrying FOR TWO YEARS Second Divorce Within Two Years — Matrimonial Experiences, Peter Musser, Monroe township man, is again a free man. But apparently he will remain a freer man longer than his desire. For when Judge D. E .Smith granted him a divorce from Katie Leach Musser this morning, and stated in connection therewith that he would be prohibited from remarrying fcr two years, this being the law in case the defendant is a non-resident. Musser said that th-.* “didn’t think that it was right.” And this in spite of his two unhappy marriages. He was born March 7, 1871, and lived in solitary bliss until 1915, when, at the age., of 44 years lie succumbed to cupid's darts at long distance and was married at St. Petersburg, Ind., after a correspondence courtship. His wife lived with him only a few' days when she decamped, sending him a bill for several Inm dred dollars worth of new’ clothes which she bought after she left him. He was granted a divorce from her Nov. 7, 1915, and in a few short months afterwards, he again succumbed to ’ long distance courtship, marrying Katie Leach, another roatrimonial agency bride, who came here Io wed her lover, Feb. 26. 1915. She remained just a month and a day, leaving March 27. He has never heard from her since. Mr .Musser handed cigars out to the t boys at the end of his divorce trial, I in which he was practically the only , witness. But he doesn't think it right - that he should be prohibited two whole /years from again trying to launch his j I marriage bark on the matrimonial sea,'

ven though there lire so many stil • i marines lying In wait to wn ck the | b hip. - O'- -— MRS RUSSELL GIVES STORY. • Mr. and Mrs. John Russell, who live 1 east of the city, have asked the public be given their side of the story rported by Peer Russel) in last Thursday's paper, which, is certainly their privilege. According to Mrs. John 4 I Russell, Pete has been coming to thi T house frequently and Often Intox ■ rated, has cursed them and treatel " them shamefully. He came io th' -ir house Thursday morning, beastly drunk, hung his coat In the coal sb -I j ] and a few minutes later Mrs. Russell went out to get some coal and closed | the door. Pete then accused Iter of ,1 1 stealing his coat and abused her in strong language. John heard him mi l ■ though sick for two weeks past came • out and interfered. Mrs. Russell sav:t 1 that Pete took out his knife, ma le ■ some threats and John knocked him I 1 down, inflicting a wound in the back i ! of Pete's head, where he struck th" ( 1 coal pile. Pete was ordered away from t ! the house. ! a

REVIVAL begins Large Crowds at Opening Service Indicates Meeting in Progress Will BE A GREAT SUCCESS Evangelist A. L. Martin Will he Here Tonight at Christian Church. Ijarge crowds attended the beginning of the revival services at the Christian church and from ail indications of the Sunday services the r - rival meeting now in progress will I>a great success. Many expressions appreciation of the excellent solos sung by Prof. Kay were heard on a'l sides Also his ability as a leader of the chorus was spokefl of in the highest terms. Notwithstanding the fact that Evangelist A. L. Margin was unable to i .■ here Sunday, the services were ve-y fine indeed. The Rev. Marsh, then' pastor, did the preaching a very a ceptable manner. One of the exquisite features of the evening service was the fine selection jendrd by th Christian church orchstra. The fine thin;; about it is that they will render many selections during the meeting. The Rev. Marsh’s sermon Sunday morning on “What Make a Great R vival?" was an appeal for preparedness; not military preparedness, bit' spiritual preparedness which is neces, sary for the greatest results in the revival meetings at the Christi n church. A Booster chorus was organize : Sunday afternoon by Prof. Kay, whim will also render special music duriny, the meetings. This is indeed an e.: cellent service for the young folks to render theii»Master. All children who wish to sing; in the Booster chorus ar" given a special invitation to come and sing. This evening at 7:30 the chorus will begin the services with thirty minutes of good singing, and Prof. Kay wi.l .sing another solo, after which Evangelist A. L .Martin will preach. If you wish to hear good singing ami Gospel preaching it can be hard at the. Christian church. There weer many striking though' to think aboue iir Rev. Marsh’s sermons Sunday: And here are si few of them: t Thoughts to Think About. Preparedness for militarism creates. ■ when it finds expression, hatred in th" . hearts of men; hut preparedness for.i Christianism puts the love of God. our j fellowmen, in the hearts of men. Spiritual preparedness is getting* right witli our fellowmen, our Go..* and ourselves. This life is a preparatory school V the life to come, and only those that are prepared to enter life eternal will have the joy of h<*aven; so young man begin to prepare. Military preparedness is the slogan lof the world; but it should be spirit ’ual preparedness.

Price, Two Cents

CONGRESS MAY BE CALLED TO WAR SESSION Announcement of Wilson’s Course of Action Expected This Afternoon. DANIELS IS BUSY Expecting Orders from the President to Act to Protect American Rights. tl cited Press Service) BULLETIN. ' Chicago. (11.. .Mar. 19—(Special io Daily Democrat)—Mustering out of ail troops has been slopped here in view of the present international situation, army officers admitted here today.

I BULLETIN. Washington, March 19—(Special Io I Daily ’Democrat.) — Immediate an- ’’ nouncement by President Wilson of .! the course he intends to take in re; ly , to Germany's latest affront on the high seas, was forecast by officials today. Some believed he would call con* gross into session at once in order io ( have that body on hand for consult.)- • tion. Others believed he might issue a I pr.oclamaticn empowering Secretary iff ' the Navy Daniels to use the enu rI gency fund appropriated in pursuit of i a policy more aggressively to protect ; American shipping (By Robert J.” Bender, Staff Correspondent) < I 'nited Press Ser\ icc ) Washington. I). Mar. 19— (Special to Dailv Demcorat)— The I niieti Stales ant! Germanv are on the verge of open hostili ities. With a virtual state of war existing as a result ot the ruthless sinking by German submarines of three American freighters, it is now believed inevitable that the first meeting between an armed American merchant vessel and a U-boat will mark the opening of actual hostilities. Semi-official view is united that Germany’s destruction of three American vessels with possible loss of twenty American lives, leaves no question that the 1 kaiser has forced this government into a state of war. It probably will have been found to have existed since the American steamer Algonquin was sunk last Wednesday. The state of “armed neutrality” in which this government ' was placed by • the president, continues; although it apparently has failed of its object to pre--1 vent sinking of such ships as the Laconia. Algonquin, the City of Memphis, the Illinois and the > Vigilancia. > That the president, as his next ■ step, would call congress in ex--1 fra session even before its scheduled meeting date, April 1 16, was deemed likely by some. s though (he preponderant view , was that he would have them assembled the 16th. then inform them that a state of war had ex- ' isted since March IS and ask 1 real war measures. J jt was expected that Wilson would I consult his* premier and other authorities during the day And having ■ broa<| war power already, according • to legal experts, if is regarded probable that the day may take even I stronger protective means tlian mere•ely armament of American merchantmen. o — •| BUYS MILK ROUTE BUSINESS. — —I j The Martin-Klei ner Creamery conii |iany has purd'a the Charles \V, Johnson milk route in this "ity and to- . morrow will begin delivering pure milk and cream to the customers. Their announcement will anpear in to morrow's Daily Democrat. Look fur it and be sure to read their at's this . week. They want your patronage and i in return assure you the best of service and the best of up.lk and cream that can be had.