Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 19, Number 173, Decatur, Adams County, 23 July 1921 — Page 1

Volume XIX. Number 173.

AUTO VALUATION GIVEN BIG BOOST Adams County Owners of “Buzz Wagons” Must Pay Added Tax Next Year THE STATE TAX BOARD Adds Twenty-five Per Cent to Valuation Approved by County Board of Review Uncle "Billy" Frazier returned yesterday afternoon from Indianapolis, where he had the fight of his life before the state tax board, in an effort to hold he valuation of the personal property in Adams county to a point where he believed the assessment placed thereon was reasonable and just. a Several days ago the state tax board sen out notice to the county assessors to appear before the board and talk over matters pertaining to the assessments in their respective counties. Assessor Frazier left here Thursday and arrived in Indianapolis about 5 o’clock. In previous years the assessors met in a body with the board, but his year the conference was with each one separately, and he had to make his fight alone -Arriving at the state house that evening he made an appointment for early Fri day morning. After making his report to the board every thing seemed satisfactory to the wiseacres except the household goods, the hogs and the automobile, and they decided o add ten percent, on the house- 1 hold goods and the hogs, and boost the automobile twenty-five percent, or just one-fourth the valuation placed upon them by the assessors and ap- i proved by the board of review. Mr. Frazier waxed a little warm under the ■ collar and says he was never madder i in his life. He thought their decision i very unwise, and expressed himself i in no uncertain terms. After some i argument the ten percent, increase on I the household goods and hogs was i voted down, but the twenty-five per 1 cent, increase on autos stuck, and as I a result ewery man or woman who ■ owns a car will be compelled to pay 1 more in taxes than the assessment ! sheet provided for. In other words if your car was appraised at S4OO, you will now have to pay on a SSOO valua- 1 tion. In his report Mr. Frazier showed the county had 2,490 automobiles which, however, are mostly Fords or other cheap cars, and the average valuation was placed at $305. Last year the valuation was $3lB, and the 1 small decrease would seem just, since ’ the price of all cars has dropped con- i siderable. i Adding the increase percentage will , make the average valuation $3Bl, and ; everybody knows the depreciation in a < car when it has been used a few days i after it is taken from the salesroom is i considerable, but that don't seem to i worry a few men when they have the ' authority to do something. The val uation of the cars of Adams county and Allen county was compared, and really there is no comparison, but it was hard to make a board of tax commissioners, sitting on cushioned chairs in a distant city believe it. In this county there are not more than ten or a dozen really expensive cars, while in the city of Fort Wayne, ofttimes there are more than that number in a city block, which fact the board refused to take seriously in placing the additional twenty-five percent. Mr. Frazier states that the temper of the many county assessors was at boiling point, but such is centralized power, and what is the public to do—but pay the bill. There is an old saying “That every dog has his day. A statement sent out of Indianapolis Friday said that Jay county valuations would be approved. The Jay county assessor had not yet had his conference with the board, and he was “scared white” when he talked Mr. Frazier when he heard what had happened to him. .The valuation of the Jay county household goods had been placed at $121; on farm implements, $142 and on automobiles, $274. On the same Items respectively in Adams county the figures are: Household goods, $173; farm implements, $163, and on automobiles, $305. The following is the report submitted by Assessor Frazier: Horses, 6,410; value, $613,608; average, $96. Cattle, 13,233; value, $541,628; average, S4O. Hogs, 21,138; value, $241,705; average, $lO. Sheep, 5,826; value, $33,716; aver(Continued on page two)

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT

TAKEN TO HOSPITAL. Geneva, Ind., July 23.—Mrs. Ernest Reicheldeffer, a well known Geneva lady, who has been ill for several days, suddenly took worse Thursday evening, Dr. Beavers of Decatur was called in consultation with Dr. Price, a local doctor. It was pronounced appendicitis and she was taken immediately to the hospital in Fort Wayne. LEAVES FOR CAMP President Harding Joins Henry Ford and Thomas Edison on Camping Trip ALONG THE POTOMAC i To Sleep Outside and Enjoy the Outdoors—A Member of the Club (By Raymond Clapper, United Press staff correspondent) Washington, July 23 —(Special to Daily Democrat)—President Harding set out by motor early today to join Henry Ford and Thomas A. Edison on a short camping expedition along the upper Potomac at the foot of the Blue Ridge mountains. He expetcts to reach the camp, which is pitched on the West Virginia side of the Potomac, some 25 miles from Hagerstown, Md„ in time for a hearty barbecued lunch. This is Harding's first adventure at roughing it since he was inaugurated. His last was at Point Isabel, Texas, shortly after election. He will have a chance to get into an old shirt and baggy trousers and kick around over the rocks and through the brush and fish if he cares to. Harding’s arrival at the camp, which was pitched yesterday, will mark his initiation into the famous nature club which Ford, Edison and the late John Burroughs, the naturalist formed years ago. There has been a vacant bunk in the camp since the famous naturalist died and Harding has been elected to take his place. He is the first president since Roosevelt to get back to nature in order to break the isolation of formal white house life. Roosevelt and Burroughs were fast friends and went on many such trips at this together. ANSWERED BACK THAT HE WAS WELL AND HEARTY (tnlted PreNM Service Indianapolis, Ind., .July 23. —(Special to Daily Democrat) —John Fleming wired the war department today that reports of his death were greatly ex aggerated. The war department asked John to verify records of his death in a German prison camp, so government officials would know whether to include his name in the list of those engraved on a war memorial to the dead of the First Division. John declared he is in perfect health. U. S. DOES NOT SEE REASON OF POSTPONMENT (United Press Service) Washington, July 23 —(Special to Daily Democrat)—The United States has informed the British government that it does not believe there should be any postponment of the disarmament and Pacific conference in Washington or that there should be any preliminary conference on the Pacific affairs in London, it was stated on high authority today. BARGER BUYS BONDS Jacob Barger, contractor, purchased the bonds for the Christ Mankey macadam road in Kirkland township, the issue being for the sum of $8,560. The bond sale was advertised more than a month ago. arrangements having been finally completed to take care of the bond issue. e — FIGHT PICTURES SMUGGLED New York. July 23.—(Special to Daily Democrat).— Investigation to determine how the Dempsey-Carpentier fight films were smuggled out of New Jersey into New York will be started today, according to United States District Attorney Hayward. He intimated that Tex Rickard and all the officials connected with the fight would be summoned the first of the week before the federal grand jury to tell what they know about the transporta> ' tion of the films. Producers of the pictures repeated ' today that they would be shown .all day tomorrow at a Bradway theatre.

BODY ARRIVED; FUNERAL SUNDAY 1 * Remains of Vernon C. Parr Reached Decatur at 1:58 This Morning Over Erie TAKEN HOME TODAY Military Funeral Sunday Afternoon—Service at* Church and Cemetery Westbound train No. 7. due in this city at 1:58 this morning, bore the remains of Vernon C. Parr, Adams county soldier, who died from injuries received in the battle of the Ar--1 gonne, September 27, 1918. The body was accompanied by Private | Harlan Babcock, who came from Columbus. Ohio, to this city. The remains of the Adams county soldier, with more than 100 others was shipped from Jersey City on a special train the evening before, and all sent to Columbus, Ohio. From that city the bodies were shipped to the homes of parents throughout this tion of the central west. Private Babcock is a soldier at the Columbus barracks, and spent the night at the J. L. Gay home on North Second street, and will remain in this city until after the funeral. His home is near Toronto, Canada. The body of the fallen hero was taken to the Gay, Zwick & Myers undertaking parlors, and this morning was removed to the home of the parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Parr, two miles east of Monroe. Four members of the Decatur American Legion post, Leo Gillig, Harry Parr, C. L. Cassiday and Hugh Hitchcock, accompanied the remains of their comrade, and will remain on guard until 7 o'clock tonight. At that time they will be relieved by four other members who will be on duty until 7 in the morning. Four others will then be in charge until the funeral, which will be held at 2 o’clock at the Monroe Methodist church, the Rev. Zeikel officiating. The cortege will drive by auto to this city, and fuf! military honors will be paid at the grave of the soldier. Representatives of all the Legion posts in the county wil lhave a part iu the service and it is expected that many members will be present from surrounding counties. Decatur post will meet at headquarters at 11:30 tomorrow morning to attend in a body. FARMIMPLEMENTS Os Every Description Will be Demonstrated at the Northern Indiana Fair ALL LOCAL DEALERS And Manufacturers Are Cooperating — Large Field Gives Plenty of Space The implement display at the Northern Indiana Fair this year promises to be a most interesting part of the big exhibit. Nearly every manufacturer of farm implements has arranged through a local dealer or direct from the factory to exhibit his goods during the week. The officials of the fair association, in order to give the patrons of the fair an opportunity to see a demonstration of all the latest machinery, are donating the space that a proper display may be made by all concerns. A large number of tractors, threshing machines, ensilage cutters, silo fillers, together with all the modern and improved machinery on the market at this time, will be shown in operation, and it is more than likely the display at the fair week after next will be equal to that at any state fair ever given in this or adjoining states. Every dealer is urged to get his machinery on the ground, or have his factory do so. The space is free, and the opportunity is yours. ' The electric lighting was tried out Friday evening at the park, and with the lights burning, and a happy crowd on the grounds reminded one of the 1 midway at night during last yea Y’s 1 fair. NOTICE, EX-SERVICE MEN I ; Every ex-srevice man is requested 1 to meet at the Legion hall Sunday aftx ernoon at 11:30 sharp, to attend the funeral of Vernon C. Parr to be held 1 at the Monroe M. E. church at 2 1 o’clock. Burial will be at the Decatur cemetery.

Decatur, Indiana, Saturday Evening, July 23, 1921.

_ SHOW FAIR PICTURES The one-reel film of the Northern i Indiana fair taken at Bellmont park last year will be the special attraction at both the Mecca and Crystal theatres tonight only and an attraction worth seeing. The picture re- ' views the big fair of last year, shows the races and attractions and is very interesting. Come tonight and see yourself or your friends in the movies. It shows at both theatres tonight only. IT LOOKS BETTER * Conditions in East Begin to Brighten Up—Locomotive Works Open SIX HUNDRED TO WORK Dow-Jones Agency Says Low Mark is Reached in Steel Business (United I’rexx Service). Albany, N. Y„ July 23. —(Special to Daily Democrat). —The New York Central Locomotive shops at West Albany which have been closed since the first of the year, will be re-opened next Monday, according to order’s posted today. At that time about six hundred men, one half of the force will return to work. The West Albany shops are the largest on the Central system. New York, July 23. —(Special to Dally Democrat). —The low point in ste«l sales has been turned the DowJones financial news agency stated today, basing the opinion on advices received from Youngstown, iPttsburgh, and other steel centers. “As yet large increase in volumne of current business is limited to lines catering in the main to building trades railroads and repair shops, locomotive works and oil companies,” it said. “But in other branches of trade not yet directly affected decidedly better sentiment exists among both buyers and sellers with every indication pointing toward a gradual increase in new business in the future. ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ 4= FIRST SPEECH + + AT NEWCASTLE + ♦ * + Indianapolis, July 23 —(Spe- + ♦ cial to Daily Democrat)—Sam- + ♦ uel Ralston and Winfield T. Dur- + ♦ bin both former governors, will + ♦ formally open the campaign of + ♦ the Indiana tax payers protec- + + tive association against the pro- ♦ t posed amendment to the state + ♦ constitution with speeches in + ♦ the Newcastle court house next + ♦ Friday night, Jacob Miltenberg- + ♦ er, secretary of the association + + announced today. + ♦ Ralston and Durbin are ex- + ♦ pected to outline the purposes ♦ +of the organization and open +1 + the state wide attack on the ♦ + amendment which would give +' + the legislature unlimited power + ♦ in matters of taxation. + ♦ Henry Dowling, an Indianapo- + + lis attorney, will speak at Shel- + + byville next Wednesday noon + + at a meeting arrainged by Shel- + + by county farmers associations. + + Meetings wil lalso be held here + + and at Tipton. + +♦♦+♦+++++++++♦+ BANKERS ELECT Joe Winteregg and Rudolph Schug Re-elected Officers in Association > The members of the Adams Coun1 ty Banker’s Association met last eve1 ning at the library, it being their annual meeting and the election of officers was held. Joseph Wintereggcashier of the bank of Berne and • Rudolph Schug, cashier of the Peoples State Bank, Berne, were re-elect- • ed president and secretary by acclaI mation. This will make their second term. t The business session following the i election was an interesting ore and I for an hour or more the bankers talk- > ed "shop” and discussed general con--3 ditions. Practically every bank in the county was represented and every man connected with the Decatur banks was present. One banker stated this morning that no word had 1 been received from the Indiana ■ Banker’s association relative to the s paying of the reward for the appre1 hension of the two men who tried to 2 rob the Freble)state bank, shooting ■ Cashier Smith in their unsuccessful attempt.

GOVERNOR SMALL IS IN CHICAGO Slips to “Windy City” to Confer With Mayor William Thompson TROOPS ARE READY I •To be Called If Governor Decides to Fight Against Being Arrested • • By Carl Victor Little, tl tilled I'rrMN Service). Chicago, July 23. —(Special to Daily Democrat). —The indicted governor of Illinois held a council of war today with Mayor William Hale Thompson, his political sponsor. Abraham Lennahan Small, the state’s chief executive charged with misuse of millions of dollars while serving as state treasurer, slipped into the city of refuge from Springfield to confer on how to resist arrest. Small's visit to Chicago, his political stronghold was unannounced. He came surrounded by a vigilant body guard of three burlies. Small was indicted for conspiracy, embezzlement and operating a confidence game by a grand jury at Springfield, 111., the state capital. The governor, by order of the court, has three days of grace before a sheriff’s posse will attempt to arrest him. On the first day Small flew to the arms of Mayor Thompson, and other political advisors. ■ It was generally speculated that Small and Thompson conferred on the advisability of calling out the state troops, if necessary, to prevent arrest. Adjutant General Frank S. Dickson, in full uniform, made a hurried trip o Camp Logan today where the militia is camping. General Dickson, who has given the historic statehouse of Sanga mon county a warlike aspect, has told the governor that "troops can be mobilized in twenty minutes.” “I have made and am making a fight in the interest of the people and against predatory interests, and in following that course I have made powerful enemies" Governor Small said. “My indictment is the result.” “My enemies are responsible for the Sangamon county grand jury indictment. They are the head and front of this attempt to ruin me. “Those who fight for the people find (Continued on page two) HEARING' ENDS Congressman Johnson and Brother of Grover Bergdoll Come Very Near havinga fight Told Congressman He was a Liar and the Kentuckian Started For Him (United PreMM Service). Washington, July 23. —(Special to; Daily Democrat).—A fight Representative Johnson, Kentucky, and Charles A. Braun, brother of Grover Cleveland Bergdoll, was narrowly averted at a session of the House Bergdoll Committee today. I Johnson had been cross questoining Braun and charged that he attempted to evade questions. “Your are liar,” shouted Braun. Johnson started toward him when Braun reached in his pocket as though for a weapon. Chairman Peters and other members of the committee forcibly rerestrained Johnson, who kept shouting that he wanted to get at Braun. The room was crowded with spectators, including many women who made a wild rush for the door. Mrs. Johnson rushed in front of her husband and pleaded with him not to attack Braun. Joe Rodgers, sergeant at arms of the house, rushed Braun out of the room and turned him over to capital police. After Braun had left Johnson said: “I would have killed him in a second.” As a result of the fracas the hearing was abruptly adjourned. Major Campbell was among those who rei strained Johnson from attacking . Braun. , Throughout the clamor and excite- ; ment Braun sat calmly in his chair I until the Sergeant at arms took him from the room.

CONGRESS TODAY House Not in session. William R. Campbell, father of Major Bruce Campbell, expected to testify before house Bergdoll committee in defense of charges made against his son by Mrs. Bergdoll. Interstate commerce committee Continues bearing on maternity bill. Senate Not in session. TO HOLD CLINIC Dr. Stygall of the Indiana Tuberculosis Association Here Next Thursday WILL BE AT LIBRARY Doctors Urged to Co-oper-ate With Organization in Prevention of Disease • Arrangements have been made through the local association for the cure and prevention of tuberculosis to hold a clinic in this city next Friday, July 29, the clinic to be held at the library. Dr. James H. Stygall, medical director for the state association. will be in charge, and he will give personal advice and instruction to any who call during his stay here. A similar clinic was held here some time ago, and it is believed much good came therefrom, hence the request was again made for the state association to send a representative here, and a letter to Mrs. C. V. iConnell. of the local organization, gives the information that Dr. Stygall will be at Portland on Thursday, and that it will be easy for him to come here for the Friday clinic. All the doctors of the county are urged to bring any patients, or any doubtful cases, to this clinic, and if the case is tuberculosis the patient is so advised, and is then referred back to his family physician. The doctors of Decatur and Adams county are welcomed at these clinics, and encouraged to go over theit cases with the examiner in charge, and are «dso invited to examine any other interesting cases that may be present. The clinic will open at 9 o’clock in the morning, and will be open until 5 o'clock, or as long as there are any patients. Statistics show that there are 150,000 people die annually of tuberculosis, and the statement is also made that fully ninety per cent of these deaths can be prevented, if they are diagnosed early and the proper treatment carried out. ! The co-operation of the people of I the county is urged at this clinic, I and if such is done, a wonderful imI provement in the health of the community will result in the years to come. Think about it seriously, and you will receive real benefit. WHITE .MAN TAKEN FROM JAIL AND HANGED TO TREE Hattiesburg, Miss.. July 23— (Special to Daily Democrat)—. Casey Jones, a white man. recently convicted and sentenced ■ for (lie murder of Mrs. J. Mosely was removed from the I county jail here today and hanged to a tree in the court yard by a mob. Jones was to have been executed July IS. An appeal to the supreme court stayed the execution. KODAK SNAPPERS GUILTY New York, July 23. — (Special to Daily Democrat)— Every one of the thousands of spectators who snapped a picture of Jack Dempsey anti Georges Carpentier in action and brought them across the New Jersey line into New York, is liable to a fine of SI,OOO and two years in prison, United States District Attorney Hayward said here today. Newspapers and picture agencies that brought pictures across the line are also liable. Hayward gave an opinion that the transportation of “still” .pictures across state lines is just as much a violation of the federal laws as the transportation of motion picture film. , Hayward declined to state if he i would take action against any of tlie newspapers, photographers or individuals who took pictures and brought them back to New York, or took them into other states. ♦♦♦«♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ ♦ THE WEATHER FORECAST • ♦ ♦♦♦♦♦♦ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ ♦ Indiana and Lower Michigan —Gen- • erally fair tonight and Sunday; no • change in temperature. Upper Michigan — Part cloudy tonight and Sunday, cooler in west portion Sunday.

Price 3 Cents

SCHOOL DAYS : ENDED FRIDAY Interesting Commencement Exercises Closed the July Term at Bellmont Park OF AUCTION SCHOOL Dr. Harry G. Hill Gave Students Sound Advice— Colonel Reppert Talked Interesting commencement exercises Friday evening marked the close of the July term of the Reppert School of Auctioneering. The program was given at the class rooms in the Bellmont park following the band concert ' in tills city, and hundreds of citizens journeyed to the park that they might be present at the closing hours, and hear the addresses of Dr. Harry G. Hill and Colonel Reppert. The Decatur City band played three • zelections. which were thoroughly enjoyed, and Colonel Reppert in his usnal happy way Introduced Dr. Hill, telling the assemblage of the great help the doctor had been as a member of the faculty, and that it would be impossible to conduct this school without his assistance. Dr. Hill had not selected any particular subject to talk upon, preferring to give the students a few thoughts that he desired to impress upon them as they left the school to enter a profession which was rapidly coming to the recognized as one of the most honorable in America. He gave a good fatherly talk to the students, and advised them concerning the part they should take in the upbuilding of the community in which hey lived. The principles of right living which had ben taught them as students should be taken home, and utged upon their friends and acquaintances by right living themselves. Urged the students to be good “lovers.” Love your wives better if you are married, or youi» father or mother or sweetheart; Tu fact the whole community. They were SHtfigU to walk straight. Throw rtretr shoulders back, with head erect, and to take part in the affairs of the community, if they had not done so before, that the public would know they had been somewhere. In everything which is good for the community each should be a booster, be it a Chautauqua, in the church, lodge, farmers’ institute, and whenever the opportunity came to get up in public and express themselves. All of the students, he stated, were well qualified to do this thing, and the motto of the school, “You Can If You Will," was clearly emphasized by Dr. Hill. The talk was full of good, sound advice, and each of tlie students, loving Dr. Hill as they do. will remember every thought given them. Tlie large crowd of spectators also thoroughly enjoyed it. and Dr. Hill, already a favorite here, won a new place in the hearts of Decatur people. Following his talk. Colonel Reppert introduced separately the members of the faculty. He already had told of Dr. Hill, and he began anew with Colonel Perdue, whom he stated was the best dirt auctioneer in the world, having sold mother earth from coast to ' coast, and spoke of him as the “big I boy” with the students, sitting with them in the class room and talking [over the problems as they came up. John Le’h ,m, an authority on pedigree study and livestock judging was next, and Colonel Reppert stated that, the school would probably have never been started if Mr. Letham had not promised his support and co-operation. Mr. Reppert stated that he owed much of his success to him, as Mr. Letham had helped him wonderfully in the early days of his career as an auctioneer. Colonel Hull, also a livestock auctioneer, came from the United States navy, penniless, but with a desire to get somewhere, and by strict attention to business, and with the push that he had. had become one of the best mon in his line. He had sold live stock in every stale in the union, in Mexico gnd Canada. When it came time to introduce Earl Gartin. he looked worried, and • for an instant was wearing a rather 'long face, and Mr. Reppert told him he would have to change that look, or he couldn’t introduce him. He was presented to the crowd, however, as the in4n with “the ' million dollar smile.” and if you had ever met Earl Gartin you know this k to be true. Mr. Reppert had known > him when he was crying farm sales, Hand knew him to be a wonderful success. Talking on a train one day. Mr. Reppert asked him why he did not enter the livestock game, and he be- • gan to think seriously about it. He (Continued on page two) f