Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 19, Number 224, Decatur, Adams County, 22 September 1921 — Page 1

Volume XIX. Number 224

RESCUE CORPS IN GAS MASKS Penetrate Fog of Poison Vapors at Oppau, Germany Fighting for Lives OF EXPLOSION VICTIMS Worst Disaster in German History—Five Hundred Bodies Are Extricated. By Carl D. Groat. (United Press Service) Berlin. Sept 22—(Special to Daily Democrat) —Casualties in the explosion disaster at Oppau will amount to more than four thousand killed and Injured, it was estimated today, as rescue parties penetrated the fogs of poison gas which hung over the scene of the tragedy. Nearly 1,000 bodies already have been recovered. More than 2,500 injured are being treated at hospitals. French troops are guarding the area. One report said a company of French troops stationed at the factory was wiped out by the explosion yesterday. Only a great gaping chasm marks the scene of the initial explosion. Berlin. Sept. 22. —(Special to Daily Demcorat). — Penetrating the fog of poisonous vapor which still hovered over Oppau, scene of the greatest explosion disaster in German history, rescue corps, gas masked, today fought for the lives of possible survivors, while reports came back that the death roll would total at least 1.500.

Five hundred bodies have been ex traded from the shattered ruuins about the Synthetic Nitrate plant of the Badische Analine works, neai Ludwigshafen which was destroyed together with the little town of Oppau by a series of terrifle explosions yes terday morning. Scores of injured were taken from the wreckage far from the scene of the original explosion, but it was feared that all those trapped in the fatal area had been killed by poison fumes, which yesterday prevented rescue work. Piteous scenes were witnessed at the cemetery at Mayence, where bodies were laid out for identification by relatives. In most instances the victims had been so mutilated by the explosions that they could not be recognized. Investigation as to the cause of the explosio i will be started at once. Rumors blaming the Bolshevik! and oth er enemieis of Germany for the dis aster were current here and near the scene of the disaster but were uncon firmed. The first explosion occurred at 7;3C yesterday morning w-hile a change of shifts was under way. It was follow ed an instant later by another, more terrific which actually lifted the main factory building from the ground hurled chimneys, machinery and met hundreds of feet into the air, com pletely buried and destroyed three shift trains bringing workmen to the factory and was felt for a distance ol fifty miles around. All workers in and about the plant about 800 in num her, were killed. Further explosions followed. The Rheinnich high commissioner has allocated 100,000 marks for relief w-ork in Oppau, the litttle village which was completely destroyed. The French supply corps near the scene of the disaster has opened free food kitchens and shelter for refugees. Three hundred bodies have been identified and hundreds of others found mutilated beyond recognition. At Ludwigshafen the huge hospital, all the schools and many public buildings have been requisitioned by the Rod Cross. DEBS REPORT READY (Vnitril I’remi Service). Washington, Sept. 22 —(Special to Daily Democrat) —-Attorney General Daugherty announced today that he had practically completed his report tend recommendations to the president in the Debs case. The nature of the recommendations will not be disclosed until they are reviewed and acted upon by the president. ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ ♦ the weather forecast ♦ Indiana: Fair tonight and Friday, cooler in north portion Friday. Michigan: Fair tonight and Friday, cooler Friday.

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT

WORK PROGRESSING. The work on the new Bellmont cement pavement Is progressing nicely, the cement work being completed almost to the point, at the Ahr corner. Here the work stopped that the grading to the Monroe street bridge might be completed. This is almost ready and the hauling of stone and cement will start Friday morning. It is expected that the concrete work will be finished within a few days. The work of laying the cushion and the brick pavement on the Monroe street bridge will also be done by the Brinnenman & Gordon contracting tirm, and the force of men at work are hopeful of completing the entire job so that they can go home and enjoy two or three days at the street fair next week. The concrete will be covered with straw and the road will remain closed for thirty days before the stone curb is placed at the sides. FRANCE'S POLICY At World’s Disarmament Conference at Washington Moulded by Fear GERMANY AND RUSSIA Might Unite at Any Time and Cause Trouble for the Frenchman is Claim (By Webb Miller, United Press stafi correspondent)

Paris, Sept. 22 — The guiding prin ciple of France’s policy at the Wash ington conference in regard to land disarmament will be based upon hei geographical position—(forced to live beside an active and pow-erful heredi tary enemy in Germany. Another almost equally moving sac tor is that great politcal enigma o Europe — Russia. French statesmei forsee the evep-present possibility that at some future time Germany and Russia may join forces, eithe: military or economically, or both, and at one stroke upset ail plans. Witli the present Bolshevik regime in pow er, France knows that she has ii Russia a potential enemy. Whethei the enmity will continue when am if the Bolshetviks are overthrown, i: an unanswerable question. In every calculation affecting her national security, French statesmen must keep above the possibilities in sight. These fundamental principles will underlie every move of the French representatives at the Washington conference. While admitting the possibilities of world wide benefit that would result from any settlement o! the ' Pacific questions or any work able accord on disarmament, thus fai the majority of the French press and a section of official circles are view ing the Washington conference witl a noticeable lack of enthusiasm. Most of thp comment in the press has beet i critical nature. The outstanding fact seems to b< that France cannot yet see how she stands to gain much from the confer dnee and does clearly see how she might lose heavily, especially in the matter of land disarmament. However, in the interests of the general world welfare and in the hope that some formula will be worked out that might permit a lifting of some of the burden of armaments without iffecting national security, France it willing to participate in good faith But the French delegation will g< to the conference with one unalterable reservation on land disarmament and or>e unanimous mandate from the nation. That is, that no arrangement will be entered into that w< uld in any way compromise the national security of France. CONFERENCE ENDS. Indianapolis, Sept. 22. —((Special to Daily Democrat). —Two important conferences of Indiana agricultural and live stock interests have been called for October sth, Governor McCray announced last night. Both will be held on the governor’s invitation. In suggesting an agricultural conference, the chief executive calls attention to the “present condition of the farming interests and stresses the “immediate need at this time of givinig this industry some support.” Men asked to participate in the farm conference are John Q. Brown, President Indiana Federation of Farmers Association; Walter Bonner, Greensburg; John J. Brown, chairman state tax board; Evans Woollen, Indainapolis, secretary Indiana bankers association. Twenty-five stock breeders will attend the second session of the conference.

MOVING THE SWITCHBOARD Force of Men Busily Engaged Dismantling Big Engine at City Plant THE NEW TURBINES Are Operated by Electricity and Big 400-H. P. Steamer Will Be Sold. A force of men are busily engaged at the city water and electric plant dismantling the big 400 horse-power Allis Chalmers steam engine which has done service for the city of Decatur many years. This engine will be sold by the city council, as there is no longer any need for it. The new turbines recently purchased are operated entirely by electricity, and the room where the big engine was located will lie used for the installation of a switchboard. The addition of the two new turbines necessitates additional switchboard room, and the board will be moved from its old location in the north room to the middle room, the board for the new turbin just installed, has not yet been set up. When the new board is up, and the old one removed, the plant will be one of the most up-to-date in this part of the country. The lead wires will all be run to the board and machines through tunnels, making them easily accessible any time something goes wrong. Heretofore these wires have been placed in the floor, and if it was necessary to get at them, the concrete floor had, to first be dug up, and sometimes it was several days before the trouble was located. With she installation of the new 500 and 1,000 kilowat turbines, the electrical equipment at the city plant is sufficient for years to come, unless the unexpected happens—that is an accident of some kind, or the city secures new industries that would tax the plant to the ttmit. But figuring on the consumption of a year igo. when all businesses were running full force, the plant will have juice a plenty and much to spare, before (Continued on page two) FIRE PREVENTION Will Be Urged in Meeting Held Over the Country on Sunday, October 9th LETTER IS RECEIVED By Mayor Yager from State Fire Marshal—Loss in Indiana Each Year Great.

National Fire Prevention Day is to be observed October 9th according to an announcement received by Mayor Yager from Newman T. Miller, state fire marshal, in which the chief executive of this city and fire chief were urged to take the lead in carrying out a local program. Appalling figures were quoted in the letter, showing that the actual fire waste in Indiana amounted to $378,160 more than all taxes paid by the people for the maintenance of the state, during the past year. The entire state taxes of last year were said to be $9,546,017 and the actual property waste as a result of fire to counterbalance this was $9,924,177. “This is to say nothing of the accidents and deaths resulting from fire,” writes Mr. Miller, state fire marshal. "Eighty-five percent, of all fires are due to carelessness and for this reason are preventable. Every day should be a fire prevention day.” It is understood that the president of the United States and the governors of the states will issue proclamations. calling the notice of the citizens to this day and the importance of giving attention to the conservation of lives and property and the elimination of fire waste. October 9 is the anniversary of the great Chicago fire and is considered an appropriate day to impress the seriousness of the fire menace upon the American public. ’ It was suggested that tire preven tfon speeches, schools and public places on or about the date of Fire Prevention Day which fails upon Sunday this year. Window displays and a fire department parade were two other methods of giving publicity to the movement proposed. Special moving picture in the theatres were also advocated.

Decatur, Indiana, Thursday Evening, September 22, 1921.

LODGE TALKS OUT LOUD (I nllril I’rem* Mrrvlrr). Washington. 1). C„ Sept. 22—(Spe cial to Daily Democrat) —Senator Lodge is displeased at the apparent Indifference of many republican senators towards the big and important tasks upon which the senate hus begun work. This ln<ll)ffe|ence, Lodge think#,, was clearly indicated by the absence from the opening session yesterday of 26 republican senators of a total of 59. As a result of the large absentee list, it is likely that unless the missing ones return within a day or two they will receive polite but firm notes from Senator Curtis. Lodger chief lieutenant, urging them to ‘‘get on the job." Lodge's leadership has been underfire recently. AFTER KU KLUX Forces at Washington Are Investigating Mysterious Secret Order PLANS NOT PUBLIC But Attorney General, Postmaster General and Detective Burns Are Busy (United Press Service) Washington, D. C., Sept. 22 —(Spe cial to Dally Democrat) —Government action against the Ku Klux Klan, if the present inquiry warrants such a step, may be directed along three lines, it was learned from high offi cials here today. These are: 1. —Attorney General Daugherty may suggest to President Harding that he publicly express disapproval of such organizations as the Klan. 2. —Grand jury Inquiries to deter mine whether the Klan is a conspiracy in violation of federal statutes. 3. —Action against the Klan for alleged illegal use of the mails. The government’s force, probing the Klan was strengthened today through Postmaster General Hay’s instructions to postal inspection service to investigate the use now being made of the mails by the organization.

Hays said he could not discuss any of the phases of the inquiry but may make a statement later. William J. Burns, chief of the bureau of investigation of the department of justice was driving ahead with the investigation today. He received additional reports from op eratives in the field but refused to discuss them. BRYAN 13 HOPEFUL (United I’re«« Service), Washington, D. C., Sept. 22 —(Special to Daily Democrat)—Militaries will become the vital issue in the politics of the world powers, if President Harding’s conference on the limitation of armament fails to put a check on intprnatipnal armament. William Jennings Bryan said here today in an interview with the United Press. The people of the United States and the entire world are demanding disarmament and have "high hopes” for the success of the conference, the commoner declared. TRAIN HITS TRUCK Erie train No. 4, due here at 2:55 struck the truck operated by the Sherman-White company at the Thirteenth street crossing this afternoon. Hugh Hitchcock and Floyd Lake, who were riding in the driver's seat, escaped without injury, but the truck was demolished. Cream and milk was scattered over the right-of-way. The U. S. built 875 merchant ships of 2,941,845 gross tons during the war. + ADAMS LOSES A MILLON + + + 44 Indianapolis, Ind., Sept. 22. — + + (Special to Daily Democrat) — + ♦ Tax valuations of separate coun + + ties for 1921 were announced + ♦ today by the state board of tax ♦ ♦ commissioners. + ♦ Most of the counties showed ♦ ♦ decreases under 1920. ♦ + The tax valuation of Adams ♦ ■P county was set at $50,236,490 + + The 1920 valuation was $51,168, ♦ ♦ 190. The valuation of Blackford ♦ ♦ for 1921 was $28,759,285, for 1920 ♦ ♦ $30,133,145. This was the 1921 ♦ ♦ figure, being 4 6 per cent, under ♦ ♦ the 1920. ♦ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

FATTY IN COURT READY TO FIGHT Preliminary Hearing is on in San Francisco-Defense Continues Silence LINES ARE DRAWN For Sharp Battle—Arbuckle’s Wife and Mother Are By His Side. (I nltrd Pre** Servlrr). San Francfnco. Calif.. Sept. 22(Special to Daily Democrat)—Battle tines were sharply drawn today for the fight which will decide whether Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle must go on trial with even his life in jeopardy, for the alleged murder of Virginia Rappe, beautiful Los Angeles film actress. The defense, still ‘‘reserving its right of silence” was known to have prepared a case designed to set up for Arbuckle a contention that Miss Rappe’s death might have been caused by any one of several causes other than an alleged attack by Arbuckle. It was not expected, however, that the defense would offer any witnesses at Arbuckle's preliminary examination today contenting itself with sharp cross examination of state witnesses. The state has summoned seven major witnesses and perhaps a dozof less importance were said to be available. San Francisco, Calif., Sept. 22 — (Special to Daily Democrat) —Roscoe “Fatty" Arbuckle was to appear in the woman’s court here at 1 p. m. today for preliminary examination on the charge of murder. His wife, Minta Durfee and her mother were to be by his side. Arbuckle was not to be put on the stand today. A court room crowded with women was to hear what promised to develop the most sensational testimony heard in a San Fiancisco court for years. Judge Lazarus ruled that women should Le first admitted and it was certain tnat no men, outside of (Continued on page two) SESSION' CLOSED C. E. Bell is Re-elected Moderator of Salamonie Baptist Association A SUCCESSFUL MEET Held at Bluffton the Past Three Days—Many Decatur People Attend.

C. E. Bell of this city, was reelected moderator of the Salamonie Baptist association in the closing meeting of the three days’ meet Wednesday afternoon. Many Decatur people attended during the three-day session and report it one of the most interesting and successful gatherings ever held by the association. The Bluffton Banner says: The annual session of the Salamonie Baptist association came to a close this afternoon, witli one of the most successful meetings the association has ever held, both in regard to attendance and manner in which the general program has been given. Practically the etire program was rendered as planned. The local church has also received many compliments from the visiting delegates on the manner in which they were entertained. The reports of all committees were received and tliP election of officers for the coining year was held, after which Rev. A. L. Martin, returned missionary from India, gave a very interesting talk on his work in India. His long experience as a missionary fabled him to draw a very vivid plctur of the great need for missionary work in this field. The officers elected for the coming year are: Moderator —C. E. Bell, of Decatur. Vice Moderator — Claude Cole, of Bluffton. Clerk and Treasurer—W. E. Wagoner, of Newcastle. Time, Place and Preacher committee report that the 1922 session will be held the third week in September in the Walnut street church of Muncie, with the preacher to be Rev. J. A. Skwor, of Montpelier. Charge of Children Department — Mrs. L. W. Dailey.

CHAPEL EXERCISES. Prof. J. I). L. Cline, principal of the high school, and I’rot. W. Guy Brown, principal of the grammar grades, have perfected programs for the chapel exercises for the first semester of the school year, and these programs will he Interesting. The exercises will be held on Friday morning throughout the semester, from 8:15 to 8:50 and will be enjoyed alike to the pupils and patrons. Friday morning at the central building, Rev. Saunders of the Presbyterian church, will speak to the pupils on “My Duty." Hon. French Quinn, who is always fill! of pep ami good things, will address the high school stuudents on "The High School Spirit—What It is and What It Does.” Visitors are welcomed at the exercises every Friday morning, and at all other times. PLAN BIG THINGS Knights of Pythias Lodge Will Have Interesting Meeting This Evening REPORT TO BE HEARD From Committee on Payment of Mortgage—Third Rank Work Also Given. An interesting meeting of the Knights of Pythias lodge will lie held at the home on Third street at 7:30 o’clock this evening. Every member is urged to lie present and learn from the committee just how the big job was accomplished. The rank of knight will he conferred upon a class of candidates and it is urged that the officers and mem

bers of the degree team he pre

promptly at 7:30 o’clock. A membership campaign will be launched at this meeting, and according to the action of the lodge last Thursday evening, sides will be chosen and the losers will have to banquet the winners. The Decatur Knights of Pythias are a live bunch just now, and during the month of November a mortgage-burning meeting will be held, at which one thousand knights and ladies will take part. It is planned to have the biggest time and biggest crowd this city has ever had at any I lodge celebration. There will be a pig roast, grand lodge and ex-grand lodge officers will be present, and if you are not now a member of the livest order in the city, you will want to be when you see that jolly hunch of Knights and Pythian Sisters in a monster parade. Charles Burdg is the new lodge deputy, and with the officers is planning a vigorous campaign for the winter months, with possibly a social gathering every month of the year. Members are asked to be present tonight and have a part in the plans. — • THE COURT NEWS. Judge Moran was detained in Bluffton, where he has been hearing a case for the past three days, and the cases against Henry Vian and Clarence McKinney, for violation of the liquor laws of the state, were not ! called today. McKinney was pres- ■ ent, as were also the members of the I jury. A telephone message to Sheriff / Melchi at noon from Judge Moran instructed him to excuse the members of the jury until Friday morning. Henry Vian did not appear for trial today. Just what disposition will be made of the Barrone. McDaniel and Colo cases, set for Friday, is not known this afternoon. Attorney L. C. DeVoss filed a divorce complaint for Opal Hailer vs. Paul Bailer. Mrs. Bailer asks the divorce be given her, and the restoration of her maiden name, Opal Crittenbarger. She states in the complaint that they were married May 10. 1919, and lived together as husband and wife until January 20, 1921, and that they have not lived together or cohabited together since that date. She states he has treated her in a cruel and inhuman manner, striking and beating her, and calling her vile and indecent nanmes; that he has failed to provide a home and proper clothing for her at all times. No children were born to the union. Realty transfers: Ignited States of America to George Baker, patent deed to 80-acves, Wabash township, $1.00; Clark D. Stanley to John W. Stanley, 55-acres, Wabash township, $1.00; Emma A. Steinberge ett al., to Byron L. Hart, inlot 10, Buena Vista, S6OO. Mr. and Mrs. Earl Landis of Monroe shopped here yesterday.

Price 3 Cents

ATTENDANCE LAW > IS THRASHED OUT I Adams County School Officials Report Interesting Meeting Wednesday RULINGS EXPLAINED — Points of Law Which School Officials Must Enforce Over the State. A number of Adams countv school officials were at Winchester Wednesday, in attendance at the district (conference, that the laws and rulings ■of the state board of education <onI cerning the school attendance laws ■ might be explained and better under- | stood that there may be a uniform ■ enforcement of the provisions over the district. | State Superintendent 1.. N. Hines presided at the meeting, which was called at 1 o’clock, in the Randolph county court room. Superintendent M. F. Worthman and R. D. Myers represented the Decatur schools. Others present from this county were County Superintendent E. S. Christen, Charles Ewell. Preble township trustee; Martin Gerke, Root; C. D. | Spoiler. Union; I. G. Kerr, Monroe; ! Frank Nussbaum, Hartfordd; C. O. : Lehman, Berne, and Elisli Merriman, ! county attendance officer. Blanche Merry, state attendance ofI fleer; L. D. Scoles, state school inspector, and other school officials, including State Superintendent Hines, gave interesting talks on the attendance law. and other school work. It was one of the most interesting sessions having to do with school work the Decatur and Adams county men have had the privilege of attending, i Some of the rulings, sent out in circular letters were misleading; and after some of the troubles of the school officials in some section had been i threshed out and settled, another set ; of clerks probably opened up the difr Acuities anew, now knowing of precious correspondence. The main trouble that has existed in Adams county, is where the pupils and parents insist they must remain at home and assist with the work on the farm, or in the home. This under the law cannot be permitted, and in | no sense can a pupil accept employment witli the parent. The following is the law on the matter: Rules Governi n g Attendance Work. “F ary child between the ages of 3veen and sixteen years shall attend public school, or other school taught tn the English language which is open to the inspection of local and state attendance and school officers; and such child shall attend such school each year during the entire time the public schools are in session in the school district in which such child resides.” From seven to sixteen as interpreted by this department means: The child must attend school until he has reached the age | of sixteen. When a Child May Be Legally Absent from School. 1. If the child is not seven years of age. 2. When a child is sixteen years of age. 3. If a child has been proven feeble- / minded. 4. If a child has been excluded or excused by the superintendent of the county or city on an examination as provided for in section 5 of the law. 5. For temporary causes when the request is made by parent or guardian to the issuing officer of the attendance district. (Illness in immediate family or child; some urgent need, etc.) This matter is left to the discretion of the issu'ng officer. 6. On a working certificate when a child is fourteen and has completed eighth grade, providing the parent or guardian can prove to the satisfaction of tlie issuing officer that the clvld has: (1) The necessary qualifications provided by the law (Section 19) for employment, and, furthermore, that the child so to be employed complies with the rulings of the state board of attendance which is as follows: "It is the judgment of this board i that the tj?rm employment as used in the law (Section G) applies only when a pupil is employed by an employer for hire. The exception in the law, permitting pupils under certain conditions to accept employment and remain out of school was made primarily for the purpose of enabling them to accept employment as a means of financial support either for themselves, their parents, or near rel(Continued on page six)