Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 15, Number 68, Decatur, Adams County, 21 March 1917 — Page 1

Volume XV. Number 68.

CONGRESS CALLED FOR APRIL SECOND

WAR TODAY SEEMS JUST AHEAD OF THE NATION PROBABLY FIRST ACT OF SPECIAL SESSION OF CONGRESS WILL BE TO DECLARETHAT ASTATE OFWAR EXISTS SINCE MARCH I4TH,

BULLETIN. Washington, I). C., Mar. 21— (Special to Daily Democrat) — President Wilson today called congress into extra session for , April 2. He has decided to meet Germany’s high seas’ affronts with sweeping action. War today seemed just ahead. Congress will be asked to consider aggressive steps to be taken toward the imperial German government. W ith a state of war admittedly existing as a result of the U-boat attacks on ' American merchant ships, a declaration of war may result > as the first action taken by congress. If the president does not ask a war declaration, congress i may demand one. In any event active steps will , be taken to put the American r<:<’ and army on a war foot- , iug. This footing will be of , such proportions as those branches of the national detensc have never before seen in the .history of this country. Washington. I). (.. Mar. 21— . (Special to Daily Democrat) — President Wilson today decidi ’ ed to call congress into extra session on April 2. His action was taken follow- , ing pressure from his cabinet, members of congress and the country at large. The president's decision was reached only after he had been convinced that the sinking by Germany of three American freighters on the high seas had brought about a demand from the country for more aggressive action than has at any time been taken against the imperial German government. The president w"lll demand from congress drastic measures to protect American commerce on the seas. He is expected to announce that a state of war has existed between the United States and Germany since March 11. when the American steamer Algonquin was sunk. Up to last night the president's decision in the matter had not been reached. He had strongly leaned toward taking no further aggressive steps than the rapid preparation for nava defense. , ~ The original date set for the extra congress session was April 16. _ (By Robert J. Bender. United Press Staff Correspondent.) Washington. March 21.— (Special to Daily Democrat.(-Under tremendous pressure from every side to call congress into immediate session and declare a state of war between the United States and Germany, President Wilson was still silent on his course early today. Members of Ns cabinet, intimate friends, senator* and representatives, arid scores of telegrams and letters from people in the country-have urged President. Wilson to “act and act at once,” against Germany. Not since the sinking of the Lusitania has the president been buffeted bv such demands for war. At that time he held out against a majority of his .cabinet and popular demand for a deelai-u , o 10s '"-There were evidences today that he might again weather the war storm and follow the course he has set. It is known the president feels that to call congress now. declare a state of war and ask further meas-

DECA FUR DAILY DEMOCRAT

ures for the defense of American commerce, might be “forcing the issue." There are few officials here who doubt that congress in such event would immediately authorize a tleelaration of war. Those who oppose more drastic action at this time that the president aione knows all the elements entering into a war decision by the United States now. For the first time it became known today that there are many secrets about the internal political situation of. different belligerent nations in the hands of this government, which have never been even suspected. Many of these enter immediately into consideration of this government's course now. But against these points of view the president’s cabinet and telegrams from the country argues along tne following lines, in favor of immediate action. Prompt assumption of an aggressive attitude toward Germany. _ Sounding of a single patriotic note which would immediately augment recruiting in both the navy and army branches of defense service and enable the government to man its war vessels up to full strength: or declaration of a state 6f war which would encourage the entente soldiers in the field; encourage the Russian revolutionists in the prompt anti definite formation of a sound democratic government: materially depress fermany —and in all bring peace nearer. There are some of the president s cabinet advisors who think this government's entrance into the war at this time will re'sult in a movement throughout Germany such as that which rocked Russia and thus may overthrow the German imperial government which the entente has held must be destroyed, and further democratize Europe, one of the expressed ideals of President Wilson. As one cabinet member expressed the situation, “Germany has punched us in the stomach. A state of war exists. It’s up to us to go after them.” New York, March 21. —(Special to Daily Democrat.) —An offer of 10.000 rubles ($5,000) a week, was cabled to Nicholas Romanoff of Russia today by Louis J. Selznick. movie producer, to come to America and appear in a bill here. Washington, March 21.—(Special to Daily Democrat.)—The Norwegian freight steamer Da vanner, Bergen to Rotterdam, with one American aboard, was torpedoed March 14th, but the crew was saved and. the state department said this afternoon. London, March 21.—(Special to Daily Democrat.)—A special agency dispatch from Petrograd said Riat the new provisional ■government had orders to give the czar and czarina their liberty today. ETHODISTS TO\BUILD. I A handsome new church, an edifice that will cost approximately $60,000. ' will be erected during the ensuing 1 year by the congregation of the First Methodist Episcopal church of BlmfL ton.—Bluffton News. • DETECTIVE ASSN. WILL MEET. t The Adams County Horse Thief r Detective association will meet Satu- - s day afternoon at 2.30 o’clock at the s’ sheriff’s office. All members are rea'quested to be present. ~l TO DURKIN, Secretary.

Decatur, Indiana, Wednesday Evening, March 21, 1917.

TO ENFORCE RULE i Marshal Mclchi to Enforce Curfew Ordinance Commencing Tonight. EIGHT O’CLOCK LIMIT (AH Minors, Under Sixteen Without Employment Will be Arrested. Commencing tonight Marshal M*lchi is determined to enforce the curfew ordinance the city of Decatur. Children under sixteen years of age, who are not employed, have no right upon the streets after eight o'clock and they will be taken into custody by the police after that hour. Children under sixteen cannot be lawfully employed at any occupation after five o’clock at night, so it centers down that children under sixteen must be at home after eight o'clock. Considerable comment has been heard of late about young people on the streets at late hours. In one instance a child of fifteen did not reach home until two o’clock in the morning. Places of business of a public nature will be warned todav to keep hoys under sixteen out of their plases after eight o'clock and the ordinance is to be strictly enforced. The city ordinance provides th it such children on the streets shall be taken into custody, conducted home, and if the parents refuse to appear, or waive responsibility, then they must be held in jail until next morning. The ordinance further provides that tiie fire bell shal| be rang as a sfpnat thnt ithffF’lras cdYrirr TliY’ another construction of the law provides that the fire whistle may be legally used instead. So tonight a* eight o’clock the fire whistle will blow curfew and “kids" should vanish. 0 INNER CIRCLE * Prayer Services at Evangelical Church an Inspiring Feature OF THE REVIVAL Message of Evangelist Kerlin to the Community Given Herewith, Another good meeting was held last evening at the Evangelical church, as to attendance, spiritual uplift and sermon, it was necessary to throw open the gallery to accommodate the people. A new feature in the meeting last evening was we “Inner Circle" prayer services from 7r()0 to 7:15. in charge of Mrs. Kerlin. This meeting is held in the lower Sunday school rooms. Request for prayer will be observed at this service in a special manner. The three Sunday school classes, as guests, were well represented. Five classes, will march into the auditorium in a body at 7:15 and the Junior chorus will sing during the soitg service this evening. Evangelist Kerlin spoke earnest words from the text: "No man can serve two Masters —He that is not tor Me is against Me.’ He made an ”!> peal to the unsaved to decide now for Christ. The testimonial part of the meeting was unusually good. At times two or three were on their feet to tell of their resolves, God’s goodness and good will tor the revival. Plans are being made for a still greater men’s meeting next Sunday al 2:30 to 3:30 p. m. than was enjoyed last Sunday. Mr. Kerlin will speak. Evangelist Martin and Prof. Kay, now conducting evangelistic meetings ai | the Christian church, will assist in th' meeting. This is certainly fine and

• good news. Prof. Kay will sing. '| The public is cordially invited to uttend the above meeting. j The Evangelist to the Community. My prime mission in Decatur is not to invite men to a church, a creed, a ceremony, nor to an abstraction of any kind—it is to invite you to yield your life to the living Christ, a sufficient Saviour, a satisfying leader. When you come to Christ you will, 1 , of course, want to ally yourself with , His church in the denomination of I your choice. But my mission, night after night here, is solely to invite you to Jesus Christ. There is no man, no woman, or young person in Decatur who does not need Christ. Every man’s life, however strong, (Continued on Tags 2.) knWWouty And Then Have Courage to do it Said Evangelist Martin Last Night AT CHRISTIAN CHURCH Tonight, “People in Decatur That Don’t Pay Their Bills’’ is Subject. There was a very inspirational meeting held at the Christian church last evening. Many things contributed to the success of the service, the fine selection by the orchestra —the ex-t cellent solo by Prof. Kay—the good old gospel singing by the congregation —also the presence of the pastors of tiie Baptist and Presbyterian churches rtw itmsirtr m w sne-rwy-by the prayers they offered in behalf of.tile meetings. Evangelist Martin preached a powerful sermon from the parable of the wise and foolish builders, his subject Jieing ’’Building on the Rock, and Building on the Sand.” It was a sermon that w ill long be remember* <ll by many. Evangelist Martin will preach upon the subject "People in Decatur That Don’t Pay Their Bills” this evening. Thoughts from the Sermon. We must do more than just believe. The big words in the Christian’s vocabulary are DO and BE. The church is the only - institution in the world that develops tiie best there is in man. It is one thing to know your duty and another thing to have the courage to do it. We are derelict of our duty wh'it we do not speak to our nearest friend •about becoming a Christian. It is mighty important to believe something; but it is more important to do it. Parents are very careful to consult with their children about life's occupation, their clothes, their education, who they marry, and friends, but very careless about their soul’s salvatiea. BRYANT DRUGGIST JAILED. Guy Shull, Bryant druggist, appearing in the circuit court Tuesday forenoon before Judge E. E. McGriff, en ( tered a plea of guilty to a “blind ti-' ger" charge pending against him and ( was fined SSO and costs to which was added a sixty days jail sentence. Shull was permitted to return to his j home at Bryant there to arrange his personal affairs and business matters so that they will not be interfered with by his enforced absence. This was the first offense for Shull in the circuit court on a charge of violation of the Indiana liquor laws, despite reports to the contrary. He was expected to take up his residence ar the jail during (he afternoon Tue day.—Portland Sun. > -J FUNERAL THURSDAY. i Funeral services for Elizabeth Liby will be held from the home nr-ir 1 Craigville at 10 o’clock and from the i j Pleasantdale church at 10:30 o'clock I j tomorrow morning. STOP! LOo’k! LISTEN! v _____ t A big social at the M. E. chur -h 1 for juniors anil friends Thursday at 1 3:30. AdrrrfSsion sc. •

'A SICK WITNESS Causes Continuance of the Saunders Trial After Jury Was Sworn. A MONROE MAN f , Is Plaintiff' in Case—Grew Out of Accident in Which His Wife Was Killed. • The Portland Sun says: “The trial of the damage suit cf Henry Saunders of Monroe. Adams county, against the Lake Erie & Western Railroad company, was not held Tuesday in the circuit court before a jury. After tiie jurors had been sworn to answer questions is was discovered by the defendant company’s attorneys that one important witness residing at Montiteliet was sick and unable to be in attendance at the trial at this time and the case was put off at the expense of the defendant company ui. til April 19 This case, along with an other in which Mr. Saunders, as an ministrator of the estate of tyis deceased wife, Cynthia Saunders, se*'J:s judgment in, the sum of SIO,OOO, wt« brought here on change of venue from Blackford county. Vhe case set for trial Tuesday was one in wh’eh i Mr. Saunders asked judgment for SBOO for the loss of an automobile wrecked in the city of Montpeiiet when struck by a locomotive and cut of ears on the defendant company' Itne ar a street cfoashtg. Mrs. Sane ders died as a result of injuries sus tallied in the collision. Witnesses were here from Montpelier. Tuesday expecting to be called in the trial of the case. o | IS SEMI-OFFICIAI I I Announcement Made by i Postmaster Springstreet of Indianapolis Today I SAYS IT’S SETTLED ' i That Old Postmasters Will ( Hold Office During Life * ( Unless They Resign. ■ .1. ■ Indications are today that the pres ’ ent postmasters iti all first and second f class cities will continue to hold then , jobs for I’fe, during good behavior o' 1 until they resign as a matter of choic-. • As Decatur is a second class cityXthi: would mean that Postmaster W. J 1 Bosse would continue in his office in ! definitely. Postmaster Springsten ot I Indianapolis, according to the Indian I apolis Star, has semi-official informa , tion that the president will issue ar t order elective April Ist, providing un I der civil service for new appointment: I but providing for the retention of ail j postmasters who have made good (Without examination. The Star says further: While it is generally understood and lias been accepted in certain quarters that such an order will become effective April 1, no official action has been taken by tiie president, it has been learned. It is known, however, that Postmaster General Burleson has written a communication, embodying a request that such an order be issued. In the suggestion-made by tiie postmaster general, there is nothing that would require*a postmaster—one oi ': tiie presidential appointees —to tak« a ’ civil service examination, if he has 3 made a gpod record as postmaster, f Under ’he new system, which has for its general object the promoting cf an efficient postoffice department, there will be appointments only on i vacancies occasioned by death <r t resignation, and these appointments i will be made alone on grades made

in an examination. This would mean I also the elimination of the postollii e entirely from politics and would relieve every representative In congress of the quadrennial task of recommend Ing men for appointments as postmasters. FUNERAL THURSDAY. Funeral services for Mrs. Hiram T Gregg will be held Thursday afternoon at two o’clock from the residence oi her sister; Mrs. J S. Peterson on Madison street, and will he private. The Rev. F. F. Thornburg, of the Methodist church.’ will be in charge and burial will he in the Decatur cemetery. Mr. Gregg arrived from Chicago last night in Fort Wayne, where he was met by automobile and brought here. PLANS ORDERED / I City Council Orders Engineer to Prepare Plans and Specifications FOR WINCHESTER ST. Damaged Curb on Tenth Street Must be Replaced —Lights on Bridge. The city council met in regular se • sion last evening and_after the appro ing of the minutes from tiie previot s meetings, a petition signed by J. B Meiliers, requesting the city to have built a sewer in the Nuttntan addition, was read and upon«motion referred to the street and sewer committee. The proof of publication of the <i.7 election was tiled and placed on rocord. The resolution was adopted auttioiizing the city clerk to draw his warrant on the treasurer for the quarterly salaries due the city officials. Upon motion the clerk was ordered to notify Michael Millet, the contractor and builder of North Tenth street, that he lias replaced all damag- I curbing along the street. The city ■ugineer was ordered to prepare th.’ plans and specifications for the improvement of South Winchester street with sidewalk and curbing. The i: iprovement will extend to (tie city li, its. The clerk was also ordered 1 i notify Isaac Chronister, the city stre- t. commissioner, to be present at all 1 council meeting:- and to make a i ■ port. Upon the adoption of a motion tl; ■ city clerk was authorized to not i’y the county commissioners that if they did not repair the wiring and light .i , the Monroe street bridge, the city would discontinue the furnishing e? electric power. The finance committee allowed the following bills and tie' meeting adjourned: Police pay roll $ 70.00 Water works pay roll 12. >0 Charley Roop 161 “I M. J .Mylott pay roll 157.50 Isaac Chronister pay roll. .... 32 59 Stueet commissioner pay roll.. 46'0 Irvin Brandy berry 54 0 The Democrat Co 10 The Democrat Co 33.11 Wm. B. Burford 27.05 Henry Schultz 5 .50 Chicago Steej Tape Co 19 :’.o T.. St. L. & W. R. R. Co 385 52 Wabash Valley Coal Co 322 18 Smokeless Fuel Co IO" 41 Holland-St. Louis Sugar C 0.... 39.-hi Ft, Wayne Foundry & Mach Co. 25 25 Wayne Belting & Supply Co.. 205 Crandall Packing Co 720 M. C Noull Boiler Mfg. Co.. . 63.00 H. Mueller Mfg. Co 55 "1 Decatur Herald Co 3 50 General Electric Co 14 Line Material Co o ■' E. F. Goss 5S °2 Ed ,L. Kintz H. S. Michand Herman Ehinger .... ■■■■■■■■ r,s 10 *57 ‘2l i John T. Meyers D. F. Teeple 10 / Adams Express Co. n r ’° G. R. * r. R. R- C0...* 189'’!» Kalver-Nob’e Garage Co >5 L. b Baumgartner 37.50 J. n. McFarland ” 00 IjPwlh C. De Voss 12 50 City firemen 62.50 A .C. Foos pay Toll 175.00

Price, Two Cents

jCYCLONE FREAKS d Ray Collins, Former Decatur Business Man, Tells of Cyclone l AT NEWCASTLE. IND. i And of Its Strange Working ] —His Brother Slightly Injured. i ——. Ray Collins, former manager of tl. > Morris five and ten-cent store in this | city, who is now at Newcastle, wri' s (the following interesting letter to his 1 Decatur friend. Harve Shrcll, tellit g 'of the recent cyclone there: Newcastle, Ind.. March 17, 1917. Friend Harve and Family: I suppose you received my card telling you we escaped the tornado un • hurt, hut tuat isn’t saying we were not in It. for we were right in the lath but came out with nothing l.ct jthe roof of one corner of the hbuse j blown off and the windows out Pen houses all around us were blown down, off of their foundation and many completely destroyed, and as you have seen by the papers many people killed 1 and injured. We heard the noise an 1 went to the door. My brother, iii--bert, was here anil his wife and my sister were up in his rooms, and when we saw the shingles, bricks, lumiwr and stuff flying in the air and’making for us he ran out of the door and 1 started for his home but was cauaht in it and was thrown into'the air an.l up against a house. It simply mad? a wlittwrurker ourof Him. Etliel. motht-r and the children started for the reiinr but it was all over before they reach”d the bottom, so then we ru hed out o see if we could find my brother, but didn't see anything of hint. So we supposed he had gotten out of its way and didn't know any different un’:l about an hour later when I went up-, town where his rooms are and found that he had been hurt and how lie ever got through without being killed is more than we can say. He was bruised up pretty bad but is all right now. • There were many freak things happened. The first place it hit in the city was the Indiana rolling mills, a large steel structure. It was completely torn up. There was a large derrick they used there. It was s ill standing with large steel girders, bricks and stuff piled up all around it and on top of it was a little windmill which had been made from a cigar box just spinning as though nothing had happened. A little baby was blown over this same place, the rolling mills, but I do not know, whet e from. It was dead, of course. One of the most peculiar things that happened was a horse seen floating in mid-air and they watched if and it landed in an orchard on top of one of the trees unhurt, just, i scratched. It had been I lown from I thP second farm wvsr of hen- clear i over the city and landed in thi.- tree , in the east part of town about two and I one-half miles. Another place as the i tornado came into town was at a l.tu- > yer’s home. He heard the noise ( looked out and saw it coining. I’*’ II called his wife who was not feeling ; good and had put on her dress:' g ; gown ami was lying down, hut -he , came and they ran to the cellar an J ( just as they got there the House was lifted entirely off of them and completely destroyed, and with it went her clothes and there site was left without a thing on, and- through excitement she went running down .he street to a house that hadn’t been hurt much. > Now these things are facts. Another place in the path of the storm was a house that was torn up and loft just one corner. The furniture was all destroyed but a dresser with a little alarm clock on it and when it v?s found the clock was ticking away t,itime as though nothing had happened. Why Harve. I could go on here for some time relating thing* of this kind, but I cannot tell you the awfi.l(Contlnued on Page 2.)