Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 16, Number 191, Decatur, Adams County, 14 August 1918 — Page 1

DECATUR DALLY DEMOCRAT W

Volume XVI. Number 191.

ALLIES ARE CLOSING IN ON WHOLE TRIANGLE LASSIGNY AB AIN DECL ARED CAPTURED -■ITALIANS START OFFENSIVESUBMARINES ARE ACTIVE-GEN-ERAL MARON MAKES REPORT, (United Press Service) London. Aug. 14—(Special to Daily Democrat) —The Pall Mall Gazette declared this afternoon that Lassigny has been captured. Paris, Aug. 14—(Special to Daily Democrat) —“Our methodical pressure warrants the hope that the whole triangle formed by Lassigny, Ribecourt and Noyon soon will be occupied,” the official statement declared this afternoon.

(By Wiliam Phillip Simms, United Press staff correspondent) With the Britrsh Army in France. Aug. 14—(Special to Daily Democrat) —During the last 24 hours there has been a notable increase in enemy shelling, especially gas shells, north of Morlancourt where Americans are engaged, and in the valley of the Ancre. Allied troops north of the Aisne repulsed final attacks, advancing slightly near Bray where American and British have penetrated the outskirts of the town. The Germans are turning their heavy artillery on places like Caix where large groups of their own ammunition was left behind. At Caix a long train load of high explosives was abandoned. Today they were attempting to blow up tne train with shells. King George left for London yesterday after eight days in the field, several times the king met Americans. He talked with General Pershing and General Bliss, and decorated a number of our troops who participated in the fighting on July 4. He also reviewed three Ameri- ' lean divisions. “I am greatly pleased that so many Americans are here. They are look ; ing fit and their spirit is admirable. They are determined to go forward or ' die fighting .They are fine troops. They 1 certainly never talked of any but a 1 victorious peace in the country they 1 came from.” 1 Washington. D. C„ Aug. 14—(Spe- f cial to Daily Democrat)— Germany has demanded that the Finnish army prepare to march on Murmansk with-| ( in two weeks, according to advices to the state department today. The Murmansk coast is occupied by allied troops, including Americans. , The advices stated that the Germans' demand was in the nature of an ultimatum. . I i New York, N. Y„ Aug. 14—(Spe-j cial to the Daily Democrat)—Further I report of submarine activities off the I Atlantic coast were reported today. Seven members of the crew of the < oil tanker Kellogg were killed when I the vessel was struck by torpedo just off the entrance to New York harbor. I Thirty-five survivors wer landed. A British freighter reported having had a two-hour battle with a submarine off Long Island coast. The Üboat opened fire at a range of three miles and the freighter replied until its ammunition was exhausted. According to the story of the crew a mysterious steamer crossed the line of fire several times, shielding the submarine from the British vessel s shells. Two torpedoes were blown up by gunners from the freighter, who dropped depth bombs when the torpedoes came near. The trawler Walrus was fired on by a submarine off Cape Cod. The Üboat disappeared when the trawler attempted to ram it. Washington, D. C„ Aug. 14—(Special *o Daily Democrat)— The 131st regiment of the 33rd U. S. division was the American unit which took part In the Franco-British-American offensive in Picardy, General March announced today. Thip regiment, composed of lllilnois men, captured three officers, 150 men and seven large guns. The conduct of the American troops, March said, won the highest piaise from the allies. March announced that there are now thirty-one complete American divisions in France. This would bring the total of organized forces up to one

million, four hundred thousand men in France today. March stated that Pershing’s dis'patches do not indicate any shortage of airships on the American front. He stated that the 28th division suffered 400 casualties within twen-ty-four hours the early part of August. The 28th relieved the 2nd division early in August and it was shortly after that it suffered the casualties. March made the statement in answer to an inquiry as to the fate of a large number of men from this division listed in recent casualty lists as missing in action. Washington, D. C„ Aug. 14—(Special to Daily Democrat) —An Italian offensive in the Alps appears likely to start soon, according to reports to the Italian embassy here today. The Italians are reported to have opened an intense artillery fire in the mountainous region near the Swiss border along a front of twenty-five miles. Military authorities here point out that a successful Italian attack through the mountains would endanger the Trempino position of the enemy and disrupt plans for an Austrian offensive. Paris. Aug. 14 —(Special to Daily Democrat) —Pour hundred and fortytwo persons are missing from the French transport Djemnah. which was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean the night of July 14 while under convoy, according to announcement. The Djemnah was carrying passengers and troops. On July 19. the French steamer Australian was toilpd|>ed. She caught fire and floundered. Seventeen of her crew were killed and three passngers are missing. Nine hundred and forty-eight passengers were saved. Another ship in the same convoy was attacked but remained afloat. Several bombs were dropped on a Üboat as it was submerging. Zurich, Aug. 14 —(Special to Daily Democrat) —According to the Frankfurteur Zeitupg, the German high command will make the greatest effort to defend Chatlines, the fall of which would mean a fresh retreat on the whole Somme-Matz fronts. New York. Aug. 14 —(Special to Daily Democrat) —The American oil tanker Frederick R. Kellogg, has been sunk by a German submarine just off the entrance to New Yok. ‘t was reported here today. Thirty-five of the crew reached New York and seven are still unaccounted for. The Kellogg was of 4.450 tons, and was built at Oakland, Cal. She was commanded by Captain, White. Torpedoing of the tanker was first announced last night by the navy tcpartment, but. it was not known definitely whether the ship had gone down. It was also said the attack occurred off the New Jersey coast. Reports here today indicated the tanker was torpedoed just off Ambrose channel one of the approaches to New York harbor. (By Fred S. Ferguson, United Press staff correspondent.) With the American Armies in France, Aug. 13 — (Night) — Allied prisoners, including Americans, are beaten with clubbed rifles on the slightest provocation, according to two British soldiers who were captured by the Germans on May 27 and escaped to the Ameican lines, asset spending n week on the hiding and fleeing. They told a remarkable story (Continued on rage Two) i

Decatur, Indiana, Wednesday Evening, August 14, 1918.

TALKED BUSINESS " At Smoker Held Last Even- , ing at Madison Lawn— Committees to Report. PLANS ARE PROPOSED For a Fall Business Campaign—Merchants Will Make Extra Effort. A number of business men attended the smoker,, called by President Voglewede and held at the Madison house lawn last evening and those who missed it lost an evening of prof- | it and pleasure. . After the reading of the minutes of the previous meeting, talks were made by Albert Selleiueyer, Oscar . and O. 1.. Vance, discussing [ their ideas of campaigning for fall , business and a number of excellent suggestions were made. The president named a committe i with O. L. Vance as chairman of a committee to consider the giving of a . community picnic, asked the press ■ committee of which Mr. Lankenau is chairman to report as to the advisai bility of a co-operative sale and asked • Cal Peterson to secure a report of a ■ special committee previously named • regarding the resumption of auto , 1 days, all of these reports to be made ■ by Friday of this week. A general discussion followed during which each person present expressed their opinion. The talks were all good and the meeting will result in a live campaign of some kind for business this fall which will prove beneficial hoth for patrons and merchants. y. w. m.a° TO MEET. The Y. W. M. A. of the German Reformed church will meet. Thursday night at the home of Miss Emma Widler. All are urged to be present. FORD WAS STRUCK Car Owned by Chalmer L. Wood, Decatur, R. F. I). Number Eight STRUCK AT SHELBY, O. By Pennsylvania Railway Train—Two Are Slightly Hurt. A postal card addressed to the carrier of mail on R. F. D. number eight, Decatur, Indiana, found its way to Homer H. Knodle, carrier on that route, telling of an accident to one of his patrons. The postal card says: Shelby, Ohio, 1:30 p. m. August 12 Bro. Carrier No. 8, Decatur: While on my trip today an automobile of the Ford make was hit by a freight train on the Pennsylvania railroad, about five miles southwest of this place. The machine was own- ’ ed by a young man by the name of 1 Chalmer L. Wood, of your place and 1 route, the other fellow’s name I did • not learn. One of them was hurt ■ some, the other just cut on the hand. Ford badly smashed up. and carried 1 down the track about 30 rods. Thinking you would know them I drop you ’ this card. Yours fraternally, EDWARD P. MAY, 1 R. D. C. No. 6 Chalmer Wood is 'a son of George R. Wood, living seven miles south of 5 this city just across the state line in 1 Ohio. o P WAR MOTHERS TO MEET Mrs. Anna McConnell, chairman of 3 the Adams county war mothers; Mrs. E. F. Gass and Mrs. F. F. Thornburg s will go to Indianapolis this evening to attend the state convention of war n mothers in session there the 15th and d 16th. p — -p GO TO KANSAS CITY e o Mr. and Mrs. True Fristoe. of the '■ LaSalle Musical Company, who spent, d their vacation at tlie farm, "The ■r Pines,” near Muskegon, Mich., left tort day for Kansas City where they will y join their company for the season’s " engagement.

i+++++++ + + + + + + <i I 4- SAY A PRAYER. 4 + When the city whistle blows. <1 + stop where you are and say a 4 + prayer. The men are asked to 4 4- lift their hat and offer a word of d + prayer tor the safety of the boys 4 + “over there," and in camp, and 4 4- the women should cease their 4 + housework or other duties and 4 I ♦ breathe a silent request for the 4 4> dear boys who are fighting and 4 + preparing to fight. + 4 , 4 , 4-4’ + 4 , 4 , 4-4 , 4 , + 4 , 4 , + FUNERAL YESTERDAY The funeral of Abraham Spehengir, 76 of Linn Grove, was held yesterday from the Evangelical church at Linn Grove. Death followed an illness ■ f eight months from a complication of ailments. TO REGISTER AUGUST 24TH American Boys Becoming 21 Since June sth Must Register That Day. FOR ARMY SERVICE Provost Marshal Crowder Issues Order Today, Preparing for Any Delay. (United Press Service) Washington, D. C., Aug. 14— (Special to Daily Democrat) — August 24 will be the next registration day for American boys who have reached 21 since June fifth last. To prepare for any delay in the passage of the 18-45 draft bill, Provost Marshal General Crowder has issued orders to state headquarters calling for a registration day August 24th. It is planned to hold the first registration of men between 18 and 21 and between 32 and 45 early in September, if the man power bill passed by that time as expected. WILL MANAGE POOL ROOM. Ralph Miller, who leaves tomorrow as one of the county's quota of two men who will take up a mechanical training course at the Cincinnati public schools preparatory to going overseas, will have his younger brother. Elmer Miller, manage and run his pool and billiard room on West Madison street. He invites his friends to call during his absence. His broth-er-in-law, John L. McCrory, will take the training with him. he being one of the 1918 registrants. DEATH A RELIEF To Mrs. Charles A. Hoffman from Months of Much Suffering. DIED LAST NIGHT Was Forty-nine Years of Age—Funeral Will he Friday. After an illness of many months from cancer, with most intense suffering, Mrs. Sarah Alice Hoffman, wife of Charles A. Hoffman, of 213 street, was relieved by death last evening al 7:30 o’clock. Mrs. Hoffman was born November 17. 1868. Had she lived until next November 17, she would have been fifty years of age. She was a daugh ter of Edward D. and Celia Hunt, and f was born at Modoc, Indiana, Mr .and Mrs. Hoffman have lived : here for a. number of years, having > lived on farms northeast and north r of this city for several years, prior 1 to moving to this city. The husband and one daughter, Celia, wife of Oscar Jolly, a soldier in France, survive. There are also > a half-sister. Mrs. Belle Clevenger t and a half-brother. H. P. Hunt, of » Modoc The funeral will be Friday morning I at nine o’clock from the St. Marys ; Catholic church, with burial in the St. Joseph cemetery. I

: VISIT “THE PINES" ♦ + Mr. and Mrs. J. N. Fristoe * Return from Auto Trip * and Visit * ♦ NEAR MUSKEGON, MICH ► '• With Son, True Fristoe, and Wife—Near Lake Michigan. i f Mr. and Mrs. James M. Fristoe bad f a most enjoyable automobile tour to Grand Rapids, Mich., thence to Muskegon, Mich., and other cities in that state, returning byway of South Bend, Ind., and stopping at various places with friends. I Their chief visit, however, was with their son. True Fristoe and wife, both of whom have been with the laiSalle Muiscal Company for years, out . who were spending their vacation at their chicken and fruit farm near Muskegon, Mich., when their parents visited them. Their farm is known as "The Pines” and is an ideal country home. Thirty-eight of the original pine trees bautlfy the Immediate home-lawn, and fruit and chickens iu abundance are maturing for this season. On the farm is the station, Cloverville, of the Muskegon branch of the G. R. & I. The farm is located six miles from Ijike Michigan, and the cooling breezes therefrom, made the visit there an ideal one. Mr. and Mrs. Fristoe in their tour through Michigan noted the great damage done to the peach trees by the severely cold winter, whole peach orchards having been killed. There are very few peaches and pears, hut plenty of apples. Mrs. James N. Fristoe is now’ spend ing a short time at their summer home at Winona Like, attending the Chautauqua, and Mr. Fristoe will join her there in a few days. BERNE BUY DEAD James E. Sprunger, State Secretary of California Y. M. C. A., Died AT LOS ANGELES, CAL. Pioneer Worker in Prison Camps of Warring Nations of Europe. Mrs. C. P. Srunger of Berne, received word of the death of her son, James E. Sprunger, 47, which followed soon after a stroke of apoplexy, Saturday, at his home at Los Angeles, Cal. Mr. Sprunger, at time of death, was state secretary of the California Y ,M. C. A. Special work on national committees and especially his efforts as California director of the great financial drive last November taxed him too heavy. For months past he had been working and traveling when he should have been absolutely quiet. Mr. Sprunger was a former Berne boy. He was born in Wabash township; educated in the public schools at Ceylon; at Tri-state and Oberlin colleges. He was secretary for the Oberlin College Y. M. C. A. and for the Y. M. C. A. at Longbeach, Cal., and later of the state of California as- < sociation. Mr. Sprunger was a pioneer in the ? great prison camp work in Europe. ? In the summer of 1915 he and Conrad t Hoffman were sent to Europe to establish Y. M. C. A. relations in the r prison camps of the warring nations, t They were first assigned to England, n the Isle of Wight, where they worked i- among the German prisoners for some d time. Later they were, however, transferred to Germany to work d among the allied prisoners. Mr. Hoffg man and Mr. Sprunger were really h the pioneers of the great prison camp r work in Europe. They had many difficulties to overcome but in spite of ’, these conditions they succeedd in layr ing the ground work of the great o prison camp work which is now dor ing so much for the prisoners of war. f After about six months in Europe, the strain became so hard that his j health again threatened to break. He s was forced to return to this country e although his heart was in the great work in Europe. “Con" Hoffman re-

l| malnerf In Berlin to carry on the work I and now In recognized as the veteran prison camp worker In Europe. Since America Is in the war this work has multiplied greatly. “ Mr. Sprunger’* first wife who was Elizabeth Ensign, of Hicksville, ()., is deceased. The second wife. Anna Kuesel, of Brooklyn. N. Y. survive:;. Three children. otie from the first marriage, are living. [. The other who has been an invalid for forty years; and two brothers— D. C. and .1. F. Sprunger; and two 1 sisters. Mrs. J. A Sprunger and Sarah C. Sprunger, live in Berne. The funeral was held at Ixts Angeles Monday. o OPERATION TOMORROW 1 Mrs. Edward Warren went to Fort a Wqvne today to enter the Lutheran • hospital for an operation tomorrow, t o— — : READY FOR CALL I 1 Eighteen More Men Pass Examination for General Service —Four IN LIMITED CLASS Board Completes Work—A Call for Three Limited Service Men. With theexamining of twenty-two more men this morning the local medical hoard completed its work, the results of the last day getting eighteen men for general military service and four for limited service. The majority of the men examined this morning were of the 1918 class, they now being ready for call as soon as the provost marshal issues the order. The men examined today are: For Military Service. Edwin Moser. Berne T. Alwin van der Smissen, Berne Rufus Nussbaum. Berne Samuel E. Haggard. Monroe Roy E. Dubach. Geneva Otto Kreutzman, Decatur Theo. Schueler, Decatur Henry A. Heiman. Decatur Eber M. Heath. Bobo Obed H. Schwartz. Bluffton Merrit W. Howard, Magley Joel P. Steury, Berne Amos Thieme, Decatur Vilas Steiner, Berne Edmund Auman. Decatur Clarence W, Mitchel, Decatur Francis Schmitt. Decatur Walter M. Bleeke, Decatur For Limited Service. Otto D. Weber. Hoagland Freeman Schnepp, Decatur Raymond J. Harting, Decatur Clarence Hirschy, Berne Call for Three Men. Another call for limited service men was received this morning by the local military board, the quota being three men. they to be sent to Camp Dodge. Des Moines, lowa, on or about August 30th, the official order not giving the exact date. The three men will be selected from class one of the 1917 men. Leave Thursday. Six men will leave tomorrow morning at 7:03 over the Grand Rapids & Indiana railroad. Ralph Miller and John McCrory of this city going to Cincinnati, Ohio, where they will take up a mechanical training course in the Cincinnati public schools. The other four men. Herman H. Linnemeier. Preble; Walter C. Oliver, Monroe; Harry S. Crownover. Pleasant Mills, and Edward C. Braun. Decatur, will go to Indianapolis, where they will take up a similar mechanical course. These men will be given about about a three months' schooling before going overseas. o I COX VS. WILLIS AGAIN. (United Press Service) » Columbus. 0., Aug. 14 —(Special to . Daily Democat) —For the third con- , secutive time Frank B. Willis, now 1 of Delaware and James M. Cox. of 5 Dayton, will battle for the governor- , ship of Ohio at the polls in Novemt ber. Each has scored a victory over - the other. r At Tuesday’s primaries republicans > nominated Willis by about thirty - thousand plurality over Edwin Jones. ! of Jackson, in a total state wide re- ■ publican vote of less than 200.000. : “Jack” Arnold, of Columbus, “also • ran." Governor Cox was given his fourth , consecutive nomination by the deinoi crats without opposition, and he will : make his tight for a third term in otflee. All other present democratic state officials were also re-nominated without contest.

Price, Two CenUk

SCHOOL FINANCE What It Took in Money to Operate the Schools of Adams County DURING LAST YEAR Sum of $81,109.99 Paid to Teachers — Many Improvements Made. County School Superintendent Ed S. Christen has completed his finan- , dal report of the schools of the county for the past year and has sent the same to the state superintendent of , i instruction. It shows some very biteresting figures relative to the sums required for the upkeep of the excel- ; lent schools of this county. This report is compiled from those made by school trustees. The total amount expended for teaching since July 31. 1917, was $Bl,109.99. Os this $21,563.05 was expendi ed in this city. The highest amount ' expended in any township was $9111.10 in Monroe township. The amount of revenue for tuition expended for transfers was $3370.45. The total amount of revenue for iui(ion during the year was $145,394.43. With the deduction of expenditures there remains on hand. $60.90:1.99 at the close of this year. At the close of last year, their remained as a balance to begin this year, a less amount which was $55,948.71, showing an increase during the past year. From this tuition revenue, are paid the teaching and tuition expenses From the special revenue fund are psjid the improvements on the schools in building, equipment, etc. The total amount received during the year for this purpose was $296,311. The total amount expended was $234,071.09, with a balance on hand of $62,240.71. Os the amount expended, the sum of $152,463.50 was paid for permanent improvements including buildings, etc At the close of last year, the balance on hand was $108,281 41. The total amount of outstanding bonds in the county is $188,903. Os this amount. $141,703 is in the townships. o A FINE ADDRESS Given to Co-Workers’ Class at the Methodist Church Last Evening BY REV. STEPHENSON What Church Will he After the War and Its Relation to the World. Rev. D. T. Stehenson, of Muncie, former pastor of the Decatur Methodist church, left this afternoon for his home after being a guest of tha local church in general and of the Coworkers' class of the Methodist Sunday school in particular. He gave the principal address at the Co-Workers’ meeting at th church Hast evening talking on the results of the war and what the church will be after the war is over. His address was a splendid one and full of inspiration. M. E. Hower, president of the class presided at the meeting and there were musical features also. The orchestra played several numbers; the men’s chorus and the ladies’ chorus sang; piano numbes were given ay Celia Andrews. Helen Walters and Ralph Moser; a reading by Eva Aughenbaugh; a vocal solo by Mrs. J. O. Sellemeyer: a talk by the Rev. F. F. Thornburg. — o WERE KILLED IN ACTION The casualty list reported today by the war department included G. N. Cunion, Fort Wayne; II C. Minnear, Bluffton, these two being the onlv two Indianaians mentioned. A pec’tl- , iar incident of today's list was the fact that 101 were reported and all are dead. — o OVERCOME BY HEAT William Tritch is said to be quite til for several days having Item overcome with heat. His son. Jonas, of Fort Wayne, is at his bedside.