Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 16, Number 122, Decatur, Adams County, 22 May 1918 — Page 1

“NEXT WEEK IS THRIFT STAMP WEEK-BUY A STAMP" > DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT W

Volume XVI. Number 122.

A MILLION MEN ON WEST FRONT Just a Year After First Men Were Sent Over—Remarkable Record. QUIT U-BOAT BASE Germans Pulling Out of Zebrugge and Ostend Following Blockade. (United Press Service) Washington, D. C., May 21—(Special to Daily Democrat) —Predicting that the United States will have between four million' and five million I men under arms before July 1, 1919, Representative Charles Caldwell, New York, member of the military! committee, today gave the house an' additional summary of American fighting strength. “Within one year after the first Americans left for France, this nation will have one million men on the west front,” Caldwell asserted. “During the first ten days of May, troop movements totaled 90.000 men." Berne, Switzerland. May 22—(Special to Daily Democrat) —German naval authorities are preparing to abandon the Zeebrugge and Ostend U-boat bases because of the recent blockade effected by British naval forces and the constant bombardment by British planes, according to information received from Berlin today. Washington, D. C., May 22—(Special to Daily Democrat) —Attorney General Gregory and Charles Evans Hughes have determined upon a far snore sweeping investigation of the aircraft production program tha® at first planned—and as a result the ; senate military committee probably ■ will defer its action in the matter determined upon today. The Gregory-Hughes probe will noti be limited merely to charges “of dis-' honesty” against the aircraft board,' but will be a comprehensive inquiry i to determine whether there is need | for civil suits as well as criminal. [ London, May 22—(Special to Daily Democrat)—The total casualties in I Sunday's air raid over southeastern England were forty-four killed and 179 injured, it was officially announced this afternoon. Washington. D. C., May 22—(Special to Daily Democrat)—A farreaching effort by Germany to get chips with which to gobble up trade after the war has been uncovered by the American government. Steps are now under way to frustrate this and many similar attempts in the future by empowering President Wilson to designate just exactly how American built ships may be owned by foreign interests. Bills to this end will be taken up by congress. The latest German plot was first suspected when a large number of brokers, representing neutral interests, swooped down upon builders, aiming to contract for the output of American ship yards after the war. BULLETIN Washington, May 22—(Special to Daily Democrat)—President Wilson re gards a tax bill necessary at this session of congress. It was officially learned today that Secretary McAdoo at a conference with the president yes-

THE CHILDREN’S BUREAU. | The Children’s Bureau of the United States rt ' g nient of I abor has asked the men and women who are . working to win the war not to forget the war time needs of | all the American children, whether their fathers are fight- g ing for their country in the trenches in France or here be- 4 hindl the fines. It asks that the | America’s children be increased “The health of & strength and democracy are being » called Chil- H W lives O S i*VchU. | wan “£ h theTvi d ng r, o ß f oneS three j best modern mTthoVsrf childcare and | ing out the directions given by cualist^ were tt cessibie to all children instead of to ■ deaths she will U America can prevent even part of these deaths she wm g demonstrated her ability to get for S chance of life and health.

terday won the executive's approval of the proposed new revenue measure. BULLETIN Washington, May 22- (Special to [ Daily Democrat) — Answering the American reply to the Dutch ship teizure. Holland has informed the state I department that she regards as litsufficient the explanations made hv this government. The inference is left thut she invites further correspondence to clear up the misunderstanding between th>* ijtwo governments over the requisition'ling of Dutch ships. This government is insisting that . Holland send some of its idle shipping here to take away wheat saved for her. On the other hand Holland takes the position that the wheat should be sent In bottoms now here and that she should not be forced to send vessels out of Holland whenever a wheat car'go goes forward. BULLETIN Washington. .May 22—(Special to .Daily Democrat) —Forty-eight names 'appeared on the American casually ( list announced by the war department today. Three were killed in action, two died ■of disease, two died of wounds, 38 were wounded severely and three wounded slightly. Lieut. Robert H. Ixmg. Houston. ' Texas, was among those reported ' wounded severely. Private Richai 1 ' W. Johnson, who was previously re- 1 ported missing, has now rejoined his ' company. < (By William P. Simms, United Press , staff correspondent) , With the British Armies in France, j May 21—(Night)—(Special to Daily Democrat) —German troops and “hot.ie : folks” believe the war will be over ! this year, that it will end in a draw and that Germany will succeed in ob- ' taining good peace terms, according to enemy prisoners. These prisoners also repeat the oi l s rumor that Field Marshal Hindenburg ' *1 is dead. In fact they say the Prussian "war god" has been dead some time. In support of this they point to Field 1 , Marshal Maokensen’.s tri Leg ed appear- i lance on the west front. Allied armv I (officials however, place no credence in ■ j the rumor of Hindenburg’s demise 1 I understand that French and Bel- f Jgian civilians are still forced to work on the battlefields behind the German fnes, but they are making the Gen mans furious because they do so little. The French population in the terrii tory held by the enemy is said to be ,in splendid spirits, treating British ] prisoners like their own kin and offering them such food delicacies as they possess. J The lazy summer weather continues. Only in some points does trouble boil occasionally. Between the Somme and Arras. German artillery seems to have slightly increased its fire. The allied front lines have been considerably pounded on these sectors, while the battery areas are used for the heavy Howitzers. 1 Allied forces did not attempt any- e thing ambitious today although some a line rectifications were carried out. The battle fields are dusty, the * shells kicking up dust clouds instead of mud. which has been the case for some time. Summer cast a drowsy spell over northern France, but in the blazing ? sunshine the war machine is abuzz. London, May 22—(Special to Daily ) Democrat) —Successful British raids < in various sectors and German artil- t lery fire south of Albert and in the i western and southern portions on the < Flanders front were reported by Field Marshal Haig today. t “Successful raids were carried out last night in different parts of the j ~ 7<jontimm<r on Par* Two' I

Decatur, Indiana, Wednesday Evening, May 22, 1918.

WILL BUY STAMPS ) Euterpean Ladies Heid Delightful Meeting With Mrs. Peterson AND HEARD REPORT From District Meeting Held at Bluffton —Will Invest in War Savings. The Euterpean club held a splendid meeting at the home of Mrs. John Peterson last evening. A report of the convention was given. The ladies visiting Bluffton last Friday were invited to visit the John Mock home and its wonderful art display. Mrs. Adams gave a splendid report of this, we often get opportunities to see such art m art institutes but to see it arranged in such aristic taste was quite a treat. This display of art will lie taken to Warren Art Institute at Indianapolis. Mrs. Archbold and Mrs. Peterson reported the spendid work clubs are doing over the district, the clubs doing the most for their country were the clubs keeping organized and keeping up their club work. Decatur clubs were the only ones reporting they dropped their chib work for war work. Madison county has forty-two clubs federated with eighth district. Bluffton getting twelve clubs to federate just in the past year. The Euterpean club decided to give a program the first Thursday of ea< h month, commencing with September. The third Thursday will be devoted to war work. The club ladies voted to invest their money now in the bank, in Thrift stamps, the secretary to take it out with one of the lady chairmen of the Thrift Stamp drive next week. The Euterpean ladies expect to a<complish much more next year. MET LAST NIGHT The Merchants’ Association Held Spendid Meeting at K. of P. Home. ELECT NEW OFFICERS Mr. Dreggman Tells How Holland, Mich., Tripled Within Short Time. The Decatur Merchant’s aerostation held a splendid meeting last night at the Knights of Pythias home, the event being the annual meeting. Manager Dreggman of the sugar company gave a splendid talk, telling the business men present how his former home town. Holland. Mich, had grown within a short time from 4.500 to 12,000. securing a number of splendid industries. Mr. Dreggman said that if Holland with one railroad could do this he certainly believed that Decatur with three lines and an interurban could also do it. He offered his services and help for any time. Upon motion the association gave him a vote of thanks which was made of record. The following men were then chosen as offiicers: C. J. Voglewede, president; Dan Niblick, vice president; H. J. Yager, secretary; C. C. Pumphrey, treasurer. A number of important subjects were then discussed, looking towards the betterment of this community and the meeting adjourned. CANDIDATE°FOR JUDGE Hon. Shaffer Peterson, member of the firm of Peterson & Moran and oldest member of the Adams county bar, has announced that he will be a candidate for judge of the appellate court of Indiana, subject to the decision of the republican state tion which meets next week. He is well qualified, a good campaigner and the republicans of Indiana will make no mistake if they select this eminent member of the profession as their candidate. attention” u. s. w. v. There will be an Important business meeting held at the G. A. R. hall Thursday evening at 8:30. Please make a special effort to be present. By order of COMMANDER.

i+++++♦+ + + + + + ♦( } + ARE YOU A NURSE? H + The government wants to 4 + complete a record of every 4 + nurse In the United States and 4 + they have asked for the name 4 + and address of every registered 4 4- nurse whose home is in this 4 + county. If you are one or know 4 4 of one. please report at once to 4 ' + O. L. Vance, chairman of Red 4 4 1 Cross for Adams county. Do it 4 4* at once. 4 | 4444444*4*4444 ROTARY MEETING AT SEVEN The Decatur Rotary club will me t at seven o’clock Thursday evening at the Fred Ashbaueher tin shop on First street. Members please take notice in the change of time. All be there at seven. THE WAR STAMPS NEXT BIG DRIVE Chairman Bosse Planning for Great Sampaign in County Next Tuesday. MUST RAISE $54,600 Speaking Campaign Now on Dates Announced for the County Meetings. The next drive in Adams county comes next week —the campaign to dispose of $54,600 worth of War Savings Stamps. J. W. Bosse, postmaster, is the county chairman and he has planned to make the big drive all over Adams county next Tuesday, hoping to raise the money in one day. Ea-h stamp sells for $4.16. Buy one or a dozen or all you can afford. The amount must be taken and paid in easli but you need buy only one if that’s all you can afford. However don’t stop at that. Keep on buying for they are the best investments now on the market, paying 4 per cent compounded and due tn five years. At any time you want your money you can get it in ten days by giving notice and with three per cent interest. Be a patriotic booster. This campaign is just as important as the Liberty Loan or any other. Mr. Bosse has arranged the following meetings for the week: Preble Township — Preble schoolhouse, Wednesday. May 22, Hon. John Moran ant| Hon. Fred Fruchte. French Township—Election schoolhouse, Wednesday, May 22, Hon. R. ( . Parrish and Hon. H. B. Heller. Blue Creek Township — Kinsey schoolhouse, Wednesday. May 22, Rev. Mills and Prof. Worthman. St. Mary's Township—Pleasant Mills school, Thursday. May 23. Hon. C. L Walters and Hon. J. T. Merryman. Kirkland Township—Kirkland township high school. Thursday. May 23, Rev. Marsh and Hon. J. F. Snow. Washington Township—Washington church. Thursday, May 23, Rev. Mills and Rev. Thornburg. Hartford Township — New schoolhouse Linn Grove, Thursday, May 23, Hon. French Quinn and Hon. Dan Erwin, Jefferson Township—Blue Creek M. E. church. Friday, May 24, Hon. John Moran and Rev. Marsh. Monroe —Friday, May 24, Hon. Do’e B. Erwin and Hon. J. T. Merryman.

IN HONOR OF SOLDIERS. Kekionga Lodge. No. 65, Knights of Pythias, will hold open house Thursday evening in honor of her soldier boys. Two of them, Carl Fisher and Frank Chronister, are already in the service, and the third, Albert Mutscht ler, will leave Saturday morning with - the Adams county contingent for , Camp Taylor, Ky. The entertainment i will consist of a smoker, free bowling, ? music and a general good time, with - refreshments consitent with the war- - time menu Every Pythian Knight is s urged to attend and participate in j the evening's festivities. e INCREASE CAPITOL STOCK t r The stockholders of the Indiana Board & Filler company met iu this city this morning, adopting a resolution to increase the capitol stock of j. the corporation from $250,000 to $500,t, 000. The papers were forwarded to e the secretary of state today. S. B. t. Fleming of New York attended the meeting.

•(ELEVEN MEMBERS ♦ + Taken Into Ladies’ Relief * Corps, Sam Henry Post, No. 41, Last Night. + VISITORS WERE HERE * 4 *■ Fourteen Ladies from Fort Wayne Surprise Lodge * by Arriving. t t P The Ladies' Relief Corp of Decat tur, Sam Henry Post. No. 41. held one of the most delightful meetings in the history of the organization, at the post hall at 7:30 last evening. t The folowing new members were ' initiated: Mrs. Ben Rice. Mrs. Joseph Hakes. Mrs. Kate Grandstaff, Mrs. Alice Andrews, Mrs. E. Young. '

Mrs. William Darwechter. Mrs. Eliza ' Houser, Mrs. Blanch Logan, Mrs. Ross Barrone and Mrs. F. F. Thornburg. Five other candidates who have been elected were unable to be present and these will be initiated in two weeks. The local corps was surprised completely when a delegation of fourteen ladies from the Sion S. Bass Relief Corps of Fort Wayne, headed by the president and district deputy, Mrs. Rose Sutton, arrived and listened to the initiatory work. Talks were given by several of the visitors, including the president and the district deputy. Lunch was served and the ladies returned to Fort Wayne at ten o’clock. The local corps appreciated the visit very much and want the Ft. Wayne ladies to come again. Among the visitors were Mrs. Mary Louthan and daughter, Mrs. Hill, former members of the Decatur corps. Mrs. Hake, who was initiated last night, is a niece of Mrs. Louthan. HIT BY SHRAPNEL Was the Paper Which Fred Sheets Used to Write This Letter to Mother. VICTORY IS SURE Boys Want to (Jo Over Top Every Night, But Officers Won’t Let Them. On the Front. April 24, 1918. Dear Mother, Father and all: Well as 1 have my dishes done I will write you a few lines to let you know that I am well and feeling fine. Hope you people are the same. It has been some day to day. It has rained for about two days and it is awful wet and muddy. We are on the front, now and have been here for quite a while. We are getting so we like it because it is so nice and active. ! The American soldier is thought more of than any other soldiers in France . and they are doing very good work i with their big guns. They are ridding

the Germans out. They know it too. because every time they start across they don’t get very far. We have a bunch of boys that want to go over the top every night but the officers won t let them. They sure would show them what the old U. S. A. could do. The Germans are whipped now if they would give in but I guess we will have to show them that, they have to. Well mamma, how is everybody these days? I hope you are all well. 1 am still working in the officer s mess and we have some times. The r e are three of us boys and we have good times. This morning we had pancakes for breakfast and 1 ate six and two eggs. Wasn’t that some breakfast? They wanted me to cook for 62 of our men and I told them that I didn’t know enough about cooking to do it. Have you seen Aunt. Anna lately? When you see her ask her why she dosn’t write to me I wrote her about 7 months ago and she didn't answer. How are dear old papa and Dwight getting along? I hope Dwight is having' a good time with the girls around there, bet he is too. I received a letter from Ray some tome ago and he said they were getting along fine. I

i sure did like to hear that they were I happy Well, It has been so rainy an I gloomy that we are going to have nie , for supper. 1 must close for this time, hoping to hear from you soon. From your son, FRED On the Front April 21, 1918 Dear Mother: I received your letter yesterday and sure was glad to hear from you. and also to hear that you are all well. How is the weather over there now? I sunpose it is getting somewhat wanner than it was. Mamma, this paper was hit by a shrapnel and tore the one side a little bit but didn't hurt it much. I am sending it to you so you can see for yourself that it doesn't look very good. When the shrapnel hit it I wasn't there. (Con tinned ~otT Page - Two) _ 0 FREAKY things

Also Happen in Army Says Raymond Gass and He , Gives Instances. OFFICER LOST POCKET

W hen a Piece of Shrapnel Brushed Him—Another Lost Handle Off Cup. Somewhere in France, April 21. 1918. Dear Mother and All: A few more lines to leave you know I am still alive and feeling fine. The last few days has found us very unsettled. and moving from one place to the other, therefore I have had still more opportunity to see France, by auto and hiking. Weft morfrer.'l ant writing this on the photograph book you sent me. and although we have been stripped down to just as few things as is absolutely necessary. I find room for the book in my raincoat pocket which I carry on the top of my emergency rations, and will carry it with me in one of the greatest battles that we hope will turn tis to a complete victory. This is Sunday and really it is hard to say if any of us could really tell the day and date three times out of a week, for every day is not a holiday now. Have not the chance to go t > church every Sunday as we hail in our training, so you can say an extra prayer for me once in a while and will make up for this when we get relieved. Oh yes. your letter sent March 25. reached me April 16. in very good time No that is not me you have reference to in the picture, although it resembles me somewhat. Also received the memorial card and noticed where Uncle John was born. Write and tell me what city or town in L- 1 for it may be I was in or near it for we were all around there. I suppose you have received my letters stating that I received the fruit cake, aid also tobacco and the cigars I received while at the , other front. I wrote Mrs. Place a letter and suppose she has "jeeived it by this time. Will look fur some mote of that hard candy as soon as mail ! starts to come in again. t You ought to see me with my hair

clipped off. You may think it a funny trip but in case 1 get in a dugout where there are creepers, there comes the alarm “Gas” which no doubt will be plenty of both, it will not take over! six or eight seconds to get my mask on and that all counts. Was reading in one of the papers that came the same time 1 received your last letter, about the cyclone they had around Van Wert, and of adj the freak things connected with it. Well, there are things that happen in war that sound freaky also, but they are true. I was talking to a fellow out of the field artillery and he had a six inch shell drop just two feet from him and splashed him all over with mud but failed to explode. He reached down and carried it back to the battery. At another time part of our company were having chow and a large shell exploded, nearly taking the handle off one of the fellow's cups, throwing their meal all around, and not a man was scratched. A piece of shrapnel tore a lieutenant's pocket off and bent several pieces of French money and never scratched him. Will close for this time, and write often. RAYMOND GASS

Price, Two Centf®

CONTINGENT OF NINETEEN LEAVES “Captain” Hammond and Squad Left Today at 1:05 Over Grand Rapids for COLUMBUS BARRACKS Will Arrive at 7:45 —Board Has Inducted 199 Men Into Service. Charles Hammond, Decatur, captain Orval Alspaugh, Berne Albert Fuhrer, Geneva John Arn, Geneva i Wm. H. Egly, Bluffton Harry Sprunger, Berne William Kauffman, Berne Gilbert Buckey, Geneva John Lose. Decatur Norbert J. Schneider, Decatur Wm. M. Speicher, Berne Fred Schug, Geneva Raymond Filer Geneva Marion Whitright, Decatur Manuel Brown. Decatur Gerhart Steiner, Berne Glen B. McMillen, Pleasant Mills Jos. A. Rash. Bobo Clinton Death, Bobo With the leaving of the above contingent of nineteen Adams county men this afternoon at 1:05, over the Grand Kaptus and Indiana railroad. 199 men front this county have been inducted into military service by the local board. At 12:45 the contingent under the captaincy of Charles Hammond of this city, and led by Hon. Shafer Peterson, who proudly carried Old Glory, followed by the band boys, marched from the city hall, south on Second street, and then west on Madison to the G. R & I station. The regular train. No. 75. pulled in on schedule time and within a few minutes the Adams county boys found themselves in coach number 74 and speeding on their way to Columbus Barracks. Ohio, where they will go into military training. At the city hall each man was presented with a lunch box. At Winchester the boys will be transferred to the Big Four railroad. At Bellefountaine they will be given their supper and at 7:45 arrive at the camp, via the Big Four route. The crowd at the station was one of the largest ever assembled to see the boys "off." Hundreds came to eay good-bye and to wish them Godspeed on their journey to engage in the war for democracy. The county now has inducted 199 men into military service through the channels of the local military board. Fully as many, or more, than this number of Adams county men have joined the colors since war was declared. Sixty-three Leave Saturday. Sixty-three men from this county will leave Saturday morning at 7:03 (o'clock over the G. R- & 1 for Camp Taylor. Ky. These men will meet at the cltyl hall Friday afternoon for the check-up and for instructions relative to the transportation details. FOOD CLUB ORGANIZED. The first food club of Adams county was organized last evening at Pleasant Mills by Mrs. Henry Crownover. president of St. Mary's township. Mrs. James Fristoe. one of the fourteen minute speakers gave a very interesting talk of army organization, and food conservation, and assisted Mrs. Crownover in putting the oragnization through. These meetings are to be held once a month, and the next meeting will be held in the school house at Pleasant Mills. ~ WEST VVARD IS BUSY The school children at the west ward are hustling to raise money for the Red Cross. They are selling old papers and doing other things that will bring in money. Other organizations should follow suit for it is not an easy task to raise the quota for Decatur. Any help given will be appreciated. EASTERN STAR MEETING The officers and members of the Eastern Star are urgently requested to meet Thursday evening at the hall. A report front the convention of the Grand Chapter will Ire read and the practice work for the initiation will be held. War Savings Society members can intake it “bad taste" among themselves to be careless or extravagant.