Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 19, Number 68, Decatur, Adams County, 21 March 1921 — Page 1

Volume XIX. Number 68.

A ROAR BACK FOR PRESIDENT His Position as Senator Quoted in New Case Filed on Liquor Laws ANOTHER TEST CASE Right of Congress to Fix Time Limitation Attacked in Suit Today Washington, March 21.—(Special to Daily Democrat)— A provision of the prohibition amendment originally pro ! posed by President Harding while a I senator makes it invalid, it was claim-! el in a seconl big attack on the constitutionality of the dry law in briefs ■ filed in the supreme court today. The section of the constitutional amendment which it is claimed invalidated ail the ratification by the states providing that the amendment would not be operative unless ratified by three-fonrths of the states within sewn years after being submitted to them. The ciaim is that congress had no power to place such a time limitation on the ratification to the state. The brief for the interests asserts that the supreme court in upholding the amendment on the Volstead act last June did not pass on this phase of its validity. President Harding while in the senate proposed a time limitation on ratification. saying his approval of the resolution submitting the amendment , to the state depended on such provision being aided. He originally pro- ' posed six years but later it was in , i creased to seven. The new attack was made in the case of J. J. Dillon, San Francisco, j who sought arrest to test the law. He was employed by. a drayage company and transported a cask of wine ' through the streets without permit from prohibition officers. , Levi Coke for several years counsel for the liquor interests, is the leading attorney in the attack. The law will be defended in court , late tomorrow or Wednesday by An- ' nette Abbott Adams, assistant attorney general. EGG PRICE DROPS Local dealers this afternoon an , nounced a new low price for eggs, 18 cents. This is the lowest price paid , by merchants since June, 1916, when the price quoted was 19c. ; *ILI GETJAPERS Postmaster J. W. Bosse Gets Special Order on Mailing Papers A BETTER SERVICE Daily Democrat’s Subscribers Will Receive Paper Every Morning Postmaster J. W. Bosse, always anxious to serve when called upon has secured a special order relative to the delivering of the Daily Democrat’s papers at Berne and Geneva. For sometime our subscribers at these two places complained of not receiving the paper on Sunday morning and Mr. Bosse took the matter up with the proper authorities. He secured the following order which will make it possible for the subscribers of the Daily Democrat to receive their “home paper” every morning, they being sent out on the midnight train. The order is as follows: Form 5,201 Railway Mail Service Office of Chief Clerk Grantl Rapids, Mich., March 19, ’2l Mackinaw & Richmond SD-4 We are experiencing considerable criticism on account of not delivering daily papers from Decatur, Indiana, at Berne and Geneva, the agent at Decatur stating that the clerks in train 4 refuse to accept these papers on account of not stopping at Berne and Geneva. The postmaster at Decatur is making up sacks for Berne and Geneva, and has been Instructed to label them "Daily Papers,” and not to include parcel post in these sacks, and you will deliver such sacks of daily papers at Berne and Geneva whether the train stops or not. C. H. WILKENSON, Acting Chief Clerk. P. M. Decatur, Ind.

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT

BLUFFTON LADIES INJURED Mrs. Christenu Brown ami Mrs. Harry Studebaker, living in Bluffton, and well known here, were injured Sunday evening when an automobile in which they were riding with Mr. Studebaker, was struck by a cur driven by Harry Heche of Vera Crus. Their Injuries are not believed to be serious. The Heche car, it is said, was | being driven at a great speed, and struck the Studebaker car broadside. Both ladies were thrown forty feet from the wrecked car. Mr. Heche is reported to have assumed responsibility for the accident and will make settlement of the damage. ROAD BUILDING — In Indiana Will be Resumed About First of April, Says Commission INCREASE THE LEVY For Next Year — 35,000 Miles of Improved Highway, 60,000 Unimproved Indianapolis, Ind., March 21. — Indiana now has approrimately 35,000 miles of improved roads and 60,000 mlies of unimproved roads, the books of the state highway commission showed today. The improved roads in dude gravel, brick, re-enforced concrete and macadam highways. In <the nest year Indiana will add approximately 325 miles to the improved roads which she already has. This year the commission intends to award contracts for 125 miles of roadway. and the highways now under construction will make the additional 100 miles. Five million dollars is now being held by the state highway commission and is to be used on the construction of highways. This amount will be increased according to the plans of the state for next year. It is understood that the~sTaFe board'oT tax commissioners will raise the present levy of 3,9 cents to a higher amount. Although the legislature did not do this the new amendments to the state tax law would allow the governor, auditor of state, and the state tax board to fix any. levy. The highway commission with the aid of the federal highway commission completed the following: Bituminous concrete pavement, 4.684 miles; cost $187,276.98. Concrete pavement 8,826 miles; cost $303,702.49. Total amount completed, 13,610 miles; cost $490,979.47. The county aid projects completed were: Brick pavement 2,39 miles; cost $113,084.95. Concrete 3.87; cost $113,084.95. Re-enforced concrete 2.44 miles; cost $64,30..00. Bituminous concrete 1.36 miles; cost 49,195.00. Two courses concrete 2.66 miles; cost 94,180.29. Total amount completed 12.72 miles; cost $459,646.24. Bridges completed with the aid of the federal government were nine structures, 17 span, 571 feet, and a total cost of $66,851.30. "The building of new highways is to start most any time now,” said G. R. Harr, assistant chief engineer of the highway commission. "The contractors are a little afraid to start this month because we are not always sure what kind of weather the month of March will bring. “I believe we will be forced to wait until about the first of April with the major portion of o-ur building and then we will do some fast work.” it was not learned officially whether the commissioner intends to let any contracts in the near future, although i tis the general belief among employes that some will be let soon. TO GIVE PLAY The pupils of the North W ard school have been rehearsing the past several weeks on an operetta, ‘ Mother Goose's Garden," and the play will be given at the gym Friday, April Blb. The production will be a good one, and the teachers and parents are elated over the work of the children in the school this winter. Their visitation week was a big success, and the school spirit is at a great heat. The public is invited to attend the ■ play at the gym. Braziliau women expect their husbands to wear their wedding rings as conscientiously as they wear theirs.

WEEK'S SERVICES Holy Week Will be Observed With Special Services at St. Mary’s Church BEGINNING TUESDAY Three Masses on Easter Morning—Out of Town Priest Will be Here This is holy week during which time the passion and death of Jesus Christ on the cross is commemorat ed. Beginning Tuesday evening special services will be held at the St. Mary's Catholic church, the services consisting of the regular Tuesday evening lenten services, sermon and benediction. The pastor, Rev. Father Seimetz will conclude his series of instructive sermons tomorrow evening. On Wednesday afternoon and evening confession will be heard. Thursday morning there will be a high mass at 7:30. Communion will be distributed at the 7:30 mass and also at six o'clock. Friday morning, commonly called Good Friday, the mass of the Presanctified will be celebrated at 7:30. On Friday afternoon from twelve to three oclock veneration of cross, during which time confessions will be heard. Confessions will also be heard in the evening. Saturday morning at six o’clock the blessing of the water and paschal candle will take place and immediately after those services, probably about eight o’clock a high mass will be said. Communion will be distributed at this mass only. Lent comes to a close Saturday noon and on Sunday the joyful feast of Easter will be celebrated. Following are the services for Easter Sun day: First mass, a solemn high mass, sermon, and communion at five o’clock. Second mass, a low mass and com7; 30k. Third mass, a solemn high mass and sermon at 9:45. Benediction will be given after mass and there will not be any services in the afternoon. An out of town priest will be hero to assist Father Seimetz and Father Peters in conducting the services. The native Sitka woman when she puts on mourning paints the upper part of her face a very deep black. BIDS FOR STONE For Building and Repairing Macadam Roads Will be Received Next Month IT’S OPEN TO ALL Some Facts Concerning Plan Prescribed by State Board of Accounts For the benefit of those interested in the building of macadam roads in Adams county and the maintainence of these highways, the system used in buying same is given. There seems to be an understanding that this is done by the highway superintendent and that he can buy where and when he pleases. This is wrong. Each year the commissioners receive bids for the furnishing of stone and this will be done next month at which time any person who has stone to sell has the right to file his bid. The stone is then purchased from the place most convenient, providing the price is permissable. The specifications require the stone to be equal to that from Decatur or Linn Grove quarries and the price during the past year was $6.05 delivered and spread. Heretofore the price which in 1919 was $2.75 was for stone delivered along the road, making a vast difference. What plan will :-e used this year has not been announced. Forms for the furnishing of stone ’ are prescribed by the state board of 1 accounts and cover everything which is needed to protect the people 1 against any unfair methods. ' During the past year 7,068 tons at ' sl.lO was purchased from the A. & 5 C. or Midwest company of Ridgeville 1 and 8,570 tons from the Erie Stone ■ company at sl.lO to $1.20. Some 1 stone was also bought from the Linn . Grove quarries, from Middleton and j from other quarries. Every effort is made tq assure a fair deal and this information is given for those really i- interested. If you can furnish stone s at a low price you should file a bid i. next month.

Decatur, Indiana, Monday Evening. March 21, 1921.

SI,OOO FOR $5.00 A certain dry goods store ran I an ad in the Daily Democrat about ten days ago advertising that a representative of a coat and suit house would be at that store and take orders. The ad ran only one night, the day before the cloak man was here. The manager of this store informed us this morning the store was crowded that day and that nearly $1,000.00 worth of women's coats were sold. He believes it pays to advertise. The ad cost but $5.00. Some return for your money. I / ELECTOFFICERS St. Patrick’s Day Association Was Organized at a Meeting Here Sunday • ■ - J. C. MORAN PRESIDENT Will Become Member of National Organization— To Have Many Members A large number of Decatur's Irish met Sunday afternoon to consider the organization of a St. Patrick’s Day association in this city, and after a number of talks and suggestions officers were elected as follows: President —John C. Moran. Secretary—Agnes Costello. Treasurer —IC. S. Niblick. Every person present at the meeting Sunday signed the membership roll, and many others have signified their intentions of becoming members. After the society is thoroughly working, it is expected that the Decatur organization will affiliate with a national organization, either The Sons of Irish Freedom, or the American Association for the Recognition of the Irish Republic, and the officers will start early to arrange for the very best speakers for the next St. Patrick's day celebration. +++*++****++***+ + THEY WILL CLOSE + + + + We were informed this after- + + noon that practically every bus- 4> 4- iness house in Decatur would + <• close for three hours on Friday + + afternoon, from twelve to three 44- o’clock in commemoration of + 4' Christ’s Passion and Deatli on the 44* cross. The list of those stores 4 -b who will close will be published 4tomorrow. 4 + + + + 4 + + 4'H' + + + + t 4 DR. BUXTON ILL Dr. Buxton was taken sick during Sunday afternoon with a pain in the region of the gall bladder. He was unable to fill his pulpit at the evening service at the Christian church in the evening. He was much better this morning, and left with his family for a visit witli friends and relatives. Tattooing is rare in Central Africa the color of the natives’ skin not allowing the pattern to appear to advantage. GIVE RECEPTION Methodist Epworth League to Honor Missionaries Visiting Here SPOKE ON SUNDAY At Various Services—This is Tithing Week for the Methodists Rev. and Mrs. Deiderich. of China, the missionaries that the local Meth odist church has been supporting for some years are visiting the Decatur church for a few days. Rev. Deiderich spoke a number of times at the services yesterday and Mrs. Deiderich addressed the large congregation last evening and exhibited a great many Chinese curios. Tonight the Epworth League of the church will give a reception to them from 6:00 to 7:30. Every member of the church is invited to this reception so that all may become acquainted with them. Not only the members of the church but every friend of the missionary cause. This is also Tithing week for the local church. During this week the members are asked to give a special tithe to the church. This is an annual custom of the church and it realizes a great benefit from it.

THE DRAND JURY To Begin Murder Case on Wednesday—Decker Says There Was a Reason AND WILL TELL IT At the Trial —Officials Seek the Master Mind Believed Back of It (United Press Service) Warsaw, Ind., March 21 —(Special to Daily Democrat) —Convening of a special grand jury to investigate the murder of Leroy Lovett, 19. was postponed today until Wednesday or Thursday, when it became known the prosecution did not have all the evidence he wanted to present the jurors. It is understood he will ask the grand jury to find a motive for the killing and to implicate others besides Virgil Decker, Lovett's 18-year-old-pal, who has confessed to the crime. Judge Royse called the grand jury for today, but there are “still some angles that have to be cleared up,” it was said. I Virgil Decker, Lovett's IS-year-old -pal. who has confessed to the crime, said, “the devil told me to do it.” After an hour of questioning by Sheriff Moon's wife,to whom he made his first confession. Virgil added a new angle to the mystery by saying: "There was a reason for my killing Leroy; and there is a reason for my not telling that reason. It will all come out at the trial. You remember what I am telling you now. When the trial comes the whole story will be told right away and the guilty party will be shown.” This statement strengthened the belief of officials that someone of a stronger mind had directed the killing in an effort to collect $24,000 life insurance which Virgil carried. It is planned to take the jurors to tile lonely river cabin on the rear oi the Fred Decker farm, where Virgil confessed he struck Ixtvett over the head with the iron rim of a buggy wheel. Virgil will likely be taken Mong. Young Decker continues to pray. Jack Brunton and “Fat” Schmidt are planning for a successful sale at the First street barns next Saturday. Get your stuff in and if yon need anything plan to attend. birthdaTparty L. C. Hushes Reaches Six-ty-ninth Milestone in the Journey Through Life THIRTY-SIX PRESENT At Dinner and Supper Sunday—Came to Adams County When Small Boy L. C. Hughes of North Second street reached his sixty-ninth birth anniversary yesterday, and to help in properly celebrating the event, thirtysix of his relatives and near friends were invited to spend the day with him.. It was a most enjoyable occasion, and many reminiscences happen ing during the life of the celebrant were subjects that interested all. Mr. Hughes was born in Darke county. Ohio, and canirf to Adams when a small boy, remaining hero until the present time, and he well remembers the early history of Adams county and the city of Decatur. A fine dinner an dsupper was served. Those present were: Mr. and Mrs. L. C. Hughes, Mr. and Mrs. D. W. Wagoner and son, Billy. Mrs. Celia Jacobs, John Wagner, Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Martz, Ralph anil Mildred Martz, al) of Decatur; Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Martz, H. E. Martz. Mr. and Mrs. I). H. Beitler, of Berne; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Smith; Mrs. L. E. Wagoner, Mrs. L. D. Wagoner, Continental, Ohio; and the following from Fort Wayne: Mrs. Clara Hughes, Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Martz, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Moses; Donald Martz, Winfield Moses, Mr. and Mrs. L. B. Gifford, Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Marsh. Harold Marsh, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Weisenbnrg. Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Lachot and son, Dewey. Florence Holthouse, accompanied by her sister, Naomi, went to Fort Wayne Saturday and was treated by Dr. Miles Porter, Jr. It will be necesasary for her to take treatments for some time.

STATE TO REDUCE WAGES. The state highway commission has notified Jim A. Hendricks, road superintendent of Adams county, that prices paid for labor and teams will be reduced to the scale of the county. For some reason cr other the state officials have refused the request made this county and supported by congressman and senators for army trucks to he used in road work and Mr. Hendricks is asking for an explanation. Mr. Floyd Keller and Adrian Cbffee were in Fort Wayne yesterday. Mr. Charles Maurery was in Fort Wayne yesterday visiting with friends. THE TARIFF LAW Will Face a Stiff Fight When Brought Up in the Special Session Soon MANY OPPOSE IT Raw Material Purchased at Low Figure M ould Bring Fortunes Under Law lulled Pres* Service. Washington, March 21. — (Special to Daily Democrat).—Democrats, probably with the aid of a few Republicans will insist on "telling the consumer all about it" when congress lakes up embargo legislation on a new emergency tariff bill. Democrats planned today to prolong debate on the measure while they ceaselessly pound home the fact that an embargo will raise prices to consumers. Senator Harrison. Mississippi, who led the fight against the emergency tariff in the last congress will again be in the forefront of the battle. Senator Underwood, Democratic leader will be another battler. They will take as an instance the case of wool for which there is probably the most demand for an embargo and try to show that while it will raise the price of clothes, it will benefit the grower but little. They will charge that wool manufacturers having brought large quantities at a lowpriced stores attempting higher prices. Friends of the embargo and tariff proposals do not deny it will raise prices, but. while admitting thia, they say the measures are necessary to save farmers from ruin and insure the planting of crops adequate to the demands of the nation. Meanwhile there are indications that members of President Harding's cabinet doubt the advisability of an old fashioned tariff. They believe that the farmers problem lies not in cutting off importation but in opening up European markets to American goods. Secretary of war Weeks in a speech at Pittsburgh Saturday gave a veiled warning that present conditions call for something more than tariff revision. On the same day Secretary of Commerce Hoover, meeting with | business men, laid tentative plans for the opening up of European markets to American goods. GUESTS OF ROTARIANS Representatives of the boy scout troops of Bluffton were guests of the Rotary chib last night at an enjoyable meeting at the Bliss hotel. The entire program was given over to boy work and Scout-master Rohr, of Marion, and William Kaufman, of South Bend, both prominent leaders in the scout movement, took prominent part. Scout-master Rohr gave a short talk, followed by Tom Pickerel, vicepresident of the Marion Boy Scout association. They outlined the work which was being accomplished in thair city and gave some interesting suggestions as to how the work might best be carried out here. Kaufman gave an instructive lecture, illustrated with slides, on Camp Eberhart, n boy camp conducted during the summer at Three Rivers, Michigan, under the direction of the South Bend Y. M. C. A. Mr. Kaufman has been engaged in this work for a number of years. Each Rotarian was accompanied by one or more guests, the total attendance numbering about seventy.— Bulffton Banner. ♦ THE WEATHER FORECAST ♦ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ Indiana—Fair tonight and Tuesday. Much colder tonight. Cold wave. Lower Michigan—Fair tonight and Tuesday: much colder tntght. Cold wave in east anl central, portions.

Price Three Cento

“TRUTH ABOUT THE BLUE LAWS" Subject of Interesting Lecture on Sunday Evening by Dr. Samson at the METHODIST CHURCH Edifice Was Crowded to Hear Argument for Preservation of Sabbath "The Truth About the Blue Laws" was the subject of a most interesting [lecture Sunday evening at the Methodist church by Dr. Arthur Samson, of Now York City, a representative of the National Reform association. Dr. , Samson is one of three workers sent into the state the first of the year, and the three men have been speaking and working here since that time. Preceding his talk last evening | Mrs. F. W. Deiterich, a Methodist missionary in China, gave an interesting report of her work and also of the great need for missionaries at this time. Interests that commercialize tho Sabbath day, corrupt legislatures and Sunday holiday seekers, were bitterly assailed. Dr. Samson said that not only wore the Sunday laws in 47 states being openly violated in the most daring manner, but that large commercial interests in many states are even trying to prohibit the use of the Bible in public schools and upset tlie traditions of the founders of America in making religion a vital part of our national life and being. Dr. Samson also criticized the socalled Sunday Blue law leaders, charging that they were supported by Sunday law violators in conducting a systematic campaign of propaganda in order to rouse public sentiment in their favor by proposing drastic laws meant to do away with any and all forms of recreation on Sundays. Those who heard Dr. Samson yesterday were reminded of the laws cf Moses contained in the ten coniipandments and that God made heaven and earth in six days and on the seventh rested. The speaker said there is no evidence to show that any of the commandments have been abrogated or set aside and would urge the people to “Remember the Sabbath Day and keep it holy.” “Thoso who habitually continue to break the Sabbath day, will sooner (Continued on page two) SPRING IS HERE First Day of Flower Season Arrives With Reports Differing Some WARM IN THE EAST And Cool in West—Youngsters and Others Dip in Ocean at Coney Isle New York. March 21. —(Special to Daily Democrat). —Blossoms, Butterflies, Bating Beauties and Beeveedees ushered in the first day of spring for New York. In fact the only thing lacking was buckbeer. The weather man promised a duplication of yesterday's temperature of 75. the hottest March day on record, when more than 150,000 persons appeared at Comey Island. Hundreds of them took a dip. The shouts of kids playing baseball in vacant lots today mingled with the rattle of lawn mowers. Kansas City, Mo., March 21. —(Special to Daily Democrat). —Official arrival of spring this morning was marked by the “chilliest" weather in a month. The birds sang long and loud in protest. Dallas, Tex., March 21. —(Special to Daily Democrat). —Miss Spring’s return today was the first intimation Toxas had that she had been away. About ten more day will see many back yard garden's well matured and loaves in north Texas fully out, it was declared. The winter had been unusually mild. > Washington, March 21 —(Special to Daily Democrat). —Spring came to ■ bat in mid-season form here today. The weather man promised tempera- [ ture around ninety. The Kiosk registered 88 yesterday.