Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 15, Number 171, Decatur, Adams County, 26 July 1917 — Page 1

Volume XV. Number 171.

RUSS COLLAPSE IS DENIED Russian Embassy in This Country Says Outlook is Still Hopeful. BRITISH RETIREMENT Is Forced on Small Front— Are Attacked by Flame Throwers. (United T’rer.s Service) • Washington, D. C., July 26 —(Special to Daily Democrat) —The government ard the Russian embassy joined in efforts to throw a brighter glow over the world war situation. Members of President Wilson’s cabinet, including Secretary Baker, and Secretary Redfield, denied that the conditions of the western from in Europe were such as to cause alarm or dismay In the United States. Redfield said the reports of the army officers returning from France were most encouraging. The Russian embassy denied the implications that the Russian war machine had collapsed, and said that most of the army was fighting valiantly and that soon the whole situation would clear. This belief was also expressed by members of the cabinet. Meantime the gloom in the situation shown by the army and navy officers and reflected through she press is serving to stimulate recruiting, reports to the war department show today. The high water mark in volunteers was reached yesterday when 2,370 men were accepted for service. (By William Phillip Simms, United Press Staff Correspondent.) With the British army in the field, July 26—(Special to Daily Democrat) —Retirement of the British forces on a small front east of Moncby was forced early today by obliteration of the Tommy’s trenches by German shell fire and an attack by about 400 of the enemy armed with flame throwers. This was the only spo - on the British front where there was infantry activity except in raids. The artillery fire, however, was exceedingly intense In many sectors. Today it appeared that the coast sector was going to rival Lens as th? /storm center for German shells. Nieuport in this section was bombed from 10 o'clock last night until 5 o’clock this morning. Projectiles of all calibers up to 9 2-10 shells were hurled by enemy guns. Washington, July 26—(Special to Daily Democrat)—Senator Lewis said today that the next call for men for the new army would be made about October first next. Lev/.s as the Democratic whip is credited with inside information . In regard to the national guard now under arms he said they would be in Europe before January first. Petrograd, July 26—(Special to Daily Democrat) —Two thousand

REGARDING RELIGIOUS EXEMPTIONS (Note—The following section is official, being taken from the rules and regulations as prescribed by the president and is published to clear up any misunderstanding you may have concerning this important part of the work of the registration Section’ 20, Paragraph (i). Any person who is found by such to be a member of any well-recognized religious sect or orgamzation orgamzed and existing May 18. 1917. and whose then existing creed or principles forbids tions are against war or participation therein in accordance with the need <>r principles of said religious organization.-Any such person upon presentation to such local board, at any time within ten days after the filing of a claim for discharge by or in respect of such person, of an affidavit made by such person stating that he is a member in good faith and in good standing of a well-organized religious sect or organization (giving the name thereof) organized an d existing May 18, 1917, and whose then existing creed or princinles forbid its members to participate in war in any form, and that his religious convictions are against war or participation therein in accordance with the creed or principles of said religious organization. And upon the mesentation to such local board of an affidavit made by the clerk or minis- ’ of the well-recognized religious sect or organization to which such person claiming exemption is a member, stating that said person is a member of raid religious sect or organization, which was well recognized and was orinized and existing May 18, 1917, and that the then existing creed or prinrinles of said religious sect or organization forbid its members to participate in war in any form; and upon presentation by affidavits of such other evidence as may be required in the opinion of the local board to substantiate the claim of any such person. Said act of congress provides, section 3: But no person so exempted shall be exempted from service in any canaritv that the president shall declare to be noncombatant. In case any such person substantiates, in the opinion of the local board, his claim such local board shall issue a certificate stating that such person shall not’be required or compelled to serve in any capacity except in some capacity declared by the president to be noncombatant.

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT

Teuton prisoners have been taken by Roumanian and Russian troops in their offensive in Carpathia and Rottmania, today’s official statement asserted. The Roumanians took 1000 of the enemy 33 guns and 17 machine guns. The Russians captured the same number of troops and took 24 machine guns. Washington, D. C., July 26 —(Special to Daily Democrat) —America rushed her war measures today to fill the breach in the allied hopes made by Russia's collapse and the Increased submarine sinkings. With nearly 600,000 regulars and militiamen mobilized or encamped al ready, contractors were speeding the cantonments for the new national army of 500.000 in October. Admiral Capps took / ifirge of the emergency fleet construction to overtake submarine destruction. The shipping board was to meet today ‘ with Edward N. Hurley, its new chairman. Brigadier General George O. Squier sounded the slogan of the $640,000,000 aviation program by declaring “we will enter Germany by the air route.” Awaiting Secretary McAdoo’s $5,000,000,0(10 war budget, the senate finance committee informally discussed raising two billions of this sum by added taxes. Tjie senate military and foreign relations committee was discussing a bill aimed to increase the second draft for the new national army by calling up aliens. While these steps were taken the house and senate conferees met to discuss the food control bill whose early adoption is still threatened by persistent petty political wrangles in both branches. Petrograd, July 26—(Special to the Daily Democrat) —Carrying out its policy of firm repression of all dis- 1 cordant elements, the government today forced surrender of an ammunition factory at Sestrorezk which had been one of the main bulwarks of the Bolsheviki (counter-revolution) party. Cossacks, armed with machine guns, surrounded the building and the workingmen inside were ordered to submit. After half an.- hour’s parley they marched out, depositing their arms with the government troops. Seven leaders were arrested, but the remainder were freed. Premier Kerensky is receiving telegrams from all over Russia from hundreds of military and other organizations, pledging full measure of loyalty to the government and offering their services in the sternly repressive measures the government has determined upon against traitors. BULLETIN Paris, July 26—(Special to Daily Democrat) —Suffering terrible losses, German troops nevertheless succeeded in a desparate attack last night m occupying part of first line French trenches, east of Hurtebise to south of La Bovelle. The official statement today declared the attack was in great force. Paris, July 26 —(Special to Daily Democrat)—French forces pressed forward over unoccupied German trenchs north of Auberville in the Champagne today and met the enemy beyond, inflicting “appreciable losses” in the language of the official- statement. The (Continued on Page Two)

Decatur, Indiana, Thursday Evening, July 26, 1917.

A NARROW ESCAPE Was That of Mrs. Hillard Bell, Craigville—Struck by Lightning. HAD BEEN ASSISTING — In Hay Making When Storm Came Up—She Was Rendered Unconscious. Mrs. Hillard Bell of Craigville had a close call from death late Tuesday afternoon when she was so severely I shocked by a bolt of lightning that she was knocked down and rendered unconscious. Those who saw lur hurled to the ground and lie there motionless after the crash of lighniag believed at first that she had been killed. She is not entirely out of danger today but it is thought she will completely recover. The narrow escape of Mrs. Beil came during an electrical storm that swept through the north part of the county. Mrs. Bell had gone to assist in 'he work of making hay, in hurried efforts to get the cured hay into the barn before the rain came. Mrs. Bell had opened a gate near the barn for the passage of a wagon, and just at that moment a heavy bolt of lightning struck a lightning rod on the barn, only a short distance from the gate. Mrs. Bell got the effects of part of the bolt and the shock knocked her down. She was unconscious for some time but finally was revived and u ider a physicians care began to improve. Her condition remained critical throughout the night, but she was reported improved today to the extent that her recovery was predicted. It may be a long time before she fully recovers from the shock to her nervous system.

None of the other persons working on the farm was close enough to be shocked by the bolt of lightning which knocked Mrs. Bell down.—Bluffton News. FIVEDIRECTORS Decatur Rotary Club Elected Five Directors for Ensuing Year. A SWIMMING POOL Club Will Endeavor to Give City a Pool at Waterworks Plant.

The Decatur Rotary club elected five directors at the regular meeting and luncheon held last evening at the Hotel Murray. Jhe directors are: William Kremers, W. A. Klepper, J. O. Sellemeyer, C. C. Pumphrey and Avon Burk. This board will serve for the ensuing year, and in the meantime elect the different officers, including a president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. According to the international by laws the members do not elect the officers. The club also voted and appointed a committee to look after the details of giving a picnic for the members, their wives and sweethearts. The day set was Wednesday, August 8. The ladies will furnish the “eats," while the boys will take care of the rest of the program. A grove or woods will also be selected by the picnic committee where the outing will be held. For a Swimming Pool. The Rotary club as a body is in favor of a swimming pool. At the meeting last evening the prop osition of getting back of the swimming pool movement and if possible build one for the city of Decatur, x at the Waterworks park, was taken up and the committee appointed to investigate the plan, reported very favorable. With the co-operation of the city council it is possible that that pool might be built this summer. The city is now making an extension to the reservior at the light and power plant and it present plans mature a swim-

I mlng pool can be added. It will necessitate the expenditure of four or live hundred dollars iu addition to whai it will cost the cite. This sum will be raised by the <Tii}L membership and by popular subscription. If some plan can be agreed Upon and If the cost does not run too high the Rotary club will try to builtLthe pool. ~ COMPANY 1 A DANCE. There will be a dance given by I Company A tonight at 8:30 at the MaI sonic hall. The boys have made special plans for this dance and a general good time Is guaranteed. The music will he furnished by True Frlstoe, Albert Ralph Moser and Elmo Smitl). The public is invited. WOMEN IN BATTLE Russian “Legion of Death,” Composed of Women, Lay Down Lives FOR A DEMOCRACY —— Those Struck by Bullets Bear Suffering With Stoical Fortitude. BULLETIN (By William G. Shepherd, TJnlt?d Press Staff Correspondent.) Petrograd, July 26 —(Special to Daily Democrat) Russian women have laid down tjieir lives on the battlefield of demociiu-y. Against the retorts of traitorous retreat of some of;the Russian male di- ( visions before fine Austro-Germans. , came word today of how the women “Legion of Death" on the Vilna front . fought and died In repulsing an enemy , attack.

For the first time in the history of the great world war, casualty reports today chronicled*the death and injury of women in the trenches. Five women of the “legion of death" were killed and wounded in this first engagement in which they were called upon to resist with arms the invasion of their country. The “Legion of death” left Petrograd barely two weeks ago, its girl soldiers garbed in trousers, puttees and tunics, a trifle longer than the usual army coats. They wore the regular army caps, over-bobbed hair and carried packs only a trifle lighter than those of the regular Russian sol diers. They entrained amid the proud tears of their families, soberly, like veterans. The girls were of Russia's best blood, of the strong stock of seme of the city's intellectual, financial and social leaders. Most of them were students at universities. Some were wealthy. All pledged to “do or die” for Russia. Today Petrograd proudly realized the Russian women were capable of the supreme sacrifice of their lives for the new democracy. Except for the women of Belgium, none have suffered so in the years past as those of Russia. Through the years of the czar's autocratic grip they were ground under foot. When the war began their men were taken for (he czar's service. No word ever reached them from those who left in the Russian army’s ranks. No kindly government told them of their fate. At home, only the Zemstvos—citizen' organizations—kept many women from starvation. The government had no heed for their fate.

Then came the revolution and all was swept aside. Russia revived again. Russia's women, trampled through centuries of the iron heel of autocracy, sprang to the opportunity for the supreme sacrifice of life to cement their new liberty. The legion of death was the uttermost exemplification of this spirit of sacrifice. One other thing that gave Petrograd pride in the women fighters was that they were in action at a front where Russia’s troops were victorious. They speculated on the possibility that it was this small unit of Amazons that shamed some of the insecure Russian men fighters into such fierceness of purpose that the Teutonic line gave way. Great preparations were in progress here today to care for the wounded girl soldiers. It was expected that those who could be moved would be brought here immediately from the front. Meantime reports frem the front said those whom Teutonic bullets had struck were bearing Sheir suffering with stoical fortitude.

SKULL CRUSHED Mrs. Nancy Shores, Elwood, Well Known in South Part of the County MEETS AWFUL DEATH Died Fifteen Minutes After Injury Received in Automobile Accident. Mr. E. H. Pyle and daughter. Inez, of Geneva; ('. M. Whiteman, Joseph Whiteman and Ollan Whiteman. of

| Bryant, left Wednesday morning for j Elwood to attend the fiuierul of the | latter's sister, Mrs. Nancy Shores. Mrs. Shores was injured in an au'Mmobile accident Monday morning, living 15 minutes after the accident. Mrs. Shores, her daughter. Ina, age 15 years, her step children. Floyd and i Vernon Shelly, were Injured Monday ■ morning when the big touring car in I which they were riding turned comI pletely over. They were driving near . Perkinsville. Floyd Shelly, automobile salesman, of Indianapolis, was driving. They reached a straight stretch of road, the driver started the car at an increased rate of speed, losing control of the machine, they ran into a side ditch, the entire party being pinned under the wreckage. The end of a seat rested upon Mrs. Shore's head, crushing the skull. Ina the youngest daughter, was also struck on the head and her condition' is critical. Mrs. Shores was a former resident' of Bryant, and has many relatives' of that vicinity. Funeral services were held at 2 o'clock Wednesday] afternoon at Elwood. —Portland Commercial Review. o ANNUAL JOHN’S DAY The annual John’s Day celebration will be held at Riverside park, Eaton, on August 23. The day is al-, ways a big one for northeastern Indiana. ORDER IS HERE Local Conscription Board Notified Officially of Adams County’s Quota. A HUNDRED AND SIX Is Number of Men That Must be Furnished Here for Conscription Army.

Adams county must furnish 106 men for the conscripted army. The order was received by the local conscription board this morning. The master key showing the official drawing has been received by the press and will no doubt come to the board within a day or so. As soon as this is received the boa-d will post the names and “re 1 ink" numbers of 212 men, by displaying them at the court house and by publishing in the press. These men will also be notified by letter. One third of the number. 71. must appear the fifth day after the notices are posted, one third the sixth day and one third the seventh day. It is expected that the first lis* -.an be posted tomorrow or next day and that the examinations will star’ the middle of next week. Those who are absent may he examined by the board where they are located or where most convenient o NATIONAL G. A. R. MEETING Captain W. H. Myer, of tTp Sam Henry post, G. A. R. has received notice from the Nickel Plate railroad that the round trip from Decatur to ' Boston has been fixed at $30.50, tickets good for 30 days with stop overs at Cleveland and other places, a free trip to Niagara Falls. If the numbers warrant a through Pullman tourist i sleeper will be attached to the train, i It is planned to leave Fort Wayne at ■ 3:10 p. m. on August 17th, the conven- ■ tion opening on the 19th. Mr. Myer will be glad to give any other information at hand. |

CHOSE THE FORD. Although she had five different makes of enrs to choose from. Miss Victoria Ulman, daughter of Ed U1 man, picked the Ford touring car as her personal choice. Miss Ulman was presented the automobile by Smith, Yager * Falk. All of the five cars to choose from were more expensive than the Ford and a few were double the coat, but Miss Ulman preferred the Ford, notwith- | standing the jokes and gibes direct : i d against it, and yesterday came to town and received her car through the Kalver-Noble garage. ANNUAL MISSION FEAST The annual Mission Feast will )e held at the St. Paul Lutheran church of Preble next Sunday, July 29th. This being an annual affair nothing is left undone to make it one of the biggest events of the activities of the church. A SOLDIER’S LIFE Clelland Ball Writes Interesting Poem on the Eve of His Departure FOR FAR-OFF FRANCE Has Been at Ft. Sam Houston, Tex.—ls in Quartermaster’s Department.

A card from Clelland Ball, son of I Mr. and Mrs. A. ('. Ball, of this city, ' who has been stationed at Fort Sam . Houston, Texas, in the quartermaster’s department, brought word that at the time it was written he was speeding at (he rate of sixty miles an hour, on his way to France. That the soldiers were quite comfortable with every convenience in the finest of Pullman cars, that very fine uniforms had taken the place of the civilian clothes which he was sending home, and that he felt in very good cheer and confident that he would return home again.' was the word that came with the card. The following poem written by Clelland just on the eve of departure for France, which he sent to his mother here, and which a friend of hers fin-.1-ly ly persuaded her to consent to its being published, will he of interest to his many friends here. The poem follows: I'm living the life of a soldier. Careless and tho'tless and bold. And each new day brings But material things, And pleasures that make men old. The lure of the wayward women, The shine of the foaming glass, Have shaken my soul. Have taken their toll, Each as they onward pass. For it seems that the voice of conscience Is distant and far away. And the husks that fall. Are the tilings that call, To my prodigal soul today.

But still when the morn's soft gleaming, Falls gently on dreaming hills, Then a longing pain, Grips my heart and brain. And my alter Ego wills. And I know that I've been mistaken In things that make life worth while. And I —not fate — I Have closed the gate i To hearts untouched by guile. DO YOU LIKE CHICKEN? You have a chance of getting one free of charge at the Rex theatre tonight. With each paid admission a chance will be given on a spring chicken which will be given to the one hold-, ing the lucky number. There will be five reels of good pictures and a spe-| cial vaudeville act at the usual prices of 5 and 10 cents. MODERN”WOODMEN A special election of the Modern Woodmen lodge will be held at the hall I Wednesday evening. August Ist. at 7:30. Please be present. In the ! meantime, if you want to pay yo.tr dues, see H. J. Teeple, 642 North Second street. K. OF P. NOTICE Every member of the K. of P. lodge should attend the regular meeeting this evening. a

Price, Two Cents

BERNE CROWD FILE PROTEST Against Exemption of Mennonites—Sixty or More Here Last Evening ITO TALK TO BOARD Were Informed That Local Board Can Only Act as Directed Under Orders. Sixty or seventy young men from Berne drove to Decatur last night ar-

| riving in automobiles at about eight i o’clock and gathered in front of the court house. Dr. Jones acted as spokesman and announced their <!• - sire to talk to the members of the conj scription registration board. Fd Green, the chairman and Dr. E. <l. ('overdale, were soon secured and were asked a number of questions ny the visitors. The men declared that they were patriotic and were willing to serve their nation in any way required but they objected to the exemption of the Mennonites, who they say ask protection, thrive under the other laws and rules of the United States and should they argue therefor not be excused from doing their share in the war. The men were heard by the board and then informed that the [local board had no authority other than that vested in them by the government. that they would do just whit ;is required of them when the time I comes and nothing else. The matter cannot be definitely dei elded until some member of the Mennonite church is drawn, passed the | physical examination, is selected an 1 j then claims exemption because of nis j religious belief. This will bring the i matter to a head and it will be decided then by the board, under advisement from the higher boards of control. The men from Berne were orderly and gentlemanly, but in earnest and declared in no uncertain language their opinions and (heir intentions of serving Uncle Sam. After (he matter was explained, the Berne men agreed to await further a< - tion- such as presenting a jietition to the war department or calling a mass meeting, until orders have been received and until some candidate has been exempted for this cause. By request. Rev. W. Paul Marsh made a short speech to the crowd and talks were made by one of the visitors then the boys drove home. It is said the feeling is getting a little taut at Berne but there is no need for excitement. The entire matter will be solved when the time comes and it should be remembered that there are many similar problems all over the country to be decided. The local and district board, all the men in authority will do their best to handle each situation.

Keep cool and help them. The section which decides the matter is printed in today's pai>er that you may have a knowledge of the ' problem. —o— ENROUTE TO FRANCE Dr. Robert Schrock is Member of Cornell Unit. Miss Bess Schrock, who had just rrrived at Omaha. Neb., for a visit with her brother. Dr. Robert Schrock, who has been associated there In the practice of medicine with Dr. Lord; their sister Mrs. G. H. Myers, of Abingdon, in. and their brother. Will Schrock, of this city, were together in Chicago to bid Dr. Schrock good-bye as he was enroute from Omaha to New York City recently to meet the other members of the Cornell unit, to go to the front. He had been expecting a call momentarily and this came just as Miss Bess Schrock had arrived at Omaha to visit, with him. He holds the office ..f lieutenant. BRIGHT BOY° RUN OVER. A small son of Thomas Bright, who conducts a garage at. Craigville. was run over Tuesday evening by an automobile driven by Charles Bell, and his escape without serious injuries is considered miraculous. — Bluffton News. SPA NISH WAR °VETS TO MEET The Spanish American war veterans will meet Sunday afternoon at two o'clock at the G. A. R. hall. Members are requested to be present.