Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 19, Number 285, Decatur, Adams County, 2 December 1921 — Page 1

Volume XIX. Number 285

LANE KING DEAD Weil Known Man About City Succumbed at 9:30 This Morning ACUTE INDIGESTION And Obstruction of Bowels is Cause-Funeral Arrangements Not Made. Lane King, well known about the city, passed away at about 9 o'clock this morning after an illness of but a few days’ duration. His death occurred at his room in the old court house building, while alone. Yesterday afternoon Mr. King’s illness was called to the attention of Trustee Snow, and he went to see him immediately, calling a physician to care for him. Mr. King was told that it would be best to remove him to a place where he might be better cared for and he agreed to go. An ambulance was sent to take him to the hospital ward at the county infirmary, and when the men were getting ready to place him on the cot to make the trip he refused to go. An attendant was placed in charge of him, and while his attendant was at the office of Trustee Snow this morning, to inform the trustee that he could not care for him, he passed away. At any rate when Mr. Snow went to see him, immediately thereafter, he found him dead. He was of a peculiar disposition, and relatives in this city, could never do much for him. He was a son of Jacob King, was seventy-two years old, and had been a resident of this county all his life. He was employed’t'or a number of years in the Joint King wagon establishment on First street, and was well known to all of the older people of the city. He is survived by one sister, Mrs. C. E. Smith, of Fort Wayne, who will arrive this afternoon, and make the funeral arrangements. Mrs. Delia McFeeiey, of Fort Wayne, Mrs. James Bain and Mrs. Adolph Hoffman of this city are halt-sisters. Mrs. Charles Helm and Mrs. Henry' Thomas are nieces, as are Mrs. John Vesey and Mrs. John Mann of Fort Wayne. The physician, called to attend him yesterday, pronounced his illness as tuberculosis, with an attack of acute indigestion and obstruction of the bowels. The body was removed to the undertaking parlors of Black & Getting to be prepared for burial. Funeral arrangements will be an nounced later. THREE BIG MMES Basketball Program for This Evening Including Three Interesting Games D. 11. S. VS. ANGOLA Central Team and St. Joe Eighth Grades to BattleSnakes Play Frogs. The basketball program for this eve ning at the Athletic hall promises to be an interesting affair, three big games having been scheduled. The feature games is the contest between the Angola high school team and the local varsity boys quintette and a good hard battle is expected to take place. The Angola high school is represented by a strong aggregation every year and this season proves no exception. The locals have been practicing hard each night for the big battle and with several changes in the line-up than the first game, a much better showing is expected to be made. Two good preliminaries have been arranged the first game have been between the Union township Snake team and the Root township Frogs. Both team are evenly matched and a bitter contest is expected. The next preliminary on the schedule is expected to prove as interesting as the feature game, ami the local fans are assured of a hot battle. The Catholic Bth grade team will batting the Central Bth grade. Both teams are evenly matched and pre diet a fight to the finish. The program for tonight proves a little out of the ordinary and the local fans are assured of some real basketball. Come early and secure a good seat. John Schultz of Washington township was among today’s business callers. Fred G. Hoile of Monroeville mado a business trip to this city today. Mrs. Roman Briner shopped in Decatur this morning.

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT

BEN HURS 10 HAVE BOX On Friday evening, December 9, the Ben Hur lodge will have a box social. Invitations have been sent to Fort Wayne lodge and Bluffton lodge to attend. A good program is being prepared by the committee in charge. The public is also invited to come. The ladles are to bring boxes with lunch for two, their names enclosed in the box. The men bring their pocket books prepared to buy the boxes. A good time is assured all who come. Charles Bennington, of Van Wert. Ohio, will auctioneer the oxes. ASK fO U R AID In Keeping Roads in Better Condition—The Season Against Them FUNDS ARE SHORT And Only the Co-operation of Every One Will Make Possible Best Results. To the people of Adams County:We are now closing the road repair for the year. Our department has tried to make funds reach and to please as many as we could but our money doesn’t reach. Many think our cash should never run out but it does. You remember that we had a very soft winter last year and conditions have been unusually bad this fall. It con tinues to rain and then rain some more. There are lots of beets out yet, you can see them coming in three and four horse loads, asking, "don’t stop us” we are hard up and need the money to pay the high taxes. Thats true but we all help to make the taxes high in away and one of these ways is neglect of roads. When we ask them to help in this they get mad, swear that they will see that we got "fired’’, accuse us of many things, but we cannot stop on that account. The board of commission ers say we must restrict traffic as best we can. using as much good sen se as possible and we have tried to work in harmony with them and car ry out their wishes as ordered. I think they will tell you the same thing. We should never get it in our heads that any one man or a board of commissioners can please every body thats impossible, hence we expect to hear complaints. Without a certain amount of it we would be pool off'cials. Wt shall continue to look after emergencies and those things which just have to be done but will have no money available until the taxe are paid in next May. 1 trust every one will help care for the roads so prosecutions will not be necessary but if necessary we will have to do it. As a whole we feel that our roads favorably with adjoining counties south and west of us and we are sorry that we can’t make them better so as to please the people. We hope and anticipate that next year will bring better results as mat erial and labor will be part of the way back to normalcy so the money will reach farther. I’lease help us. Jim A. Hendricks, Highway Sup’t. — •- RELOCATES IN DIXON. Dr. T. J. McKain, well known in Adams county, is again a resident of Dixon, O. The doctor went to Dixon some time ago from Linn Grove, and two weeks ago, because of the condition of the roads, in and about the Ohio town he moved back to Linn Linn Grove. Last week a delegation of citizens, numbering about fifty, went ot Linn Grove and demanded that he return to Dixon, remaining in I.inn Grove until he promised to go back. He moved this week, and is now in charge of the practice there. There is but one other physician at Dixon, Dr. Morgan, who is seventy years oM. PROMPT PAYMENT. Charles W. Yager, agent for the Western Reserve Life Insurance company, this morning received a check for SI,OOO payable to the h’eneflearies of Raymond O. Keller, who died on Wednesday evening, at his home at Monroe. This company was notified by telephone and the check was immediately forthcoming. This company is one of the best in the country, and every claim is paid within a very few ' days, often times within a few hours after notice of death is given. Mart and Simeon Bleeke of Union • township were Decatur business visitors this noon.

FINAL BAND NOTICE ■ Dave Rice Will Conduct Organization During Winter and Next Summer REHEARSAL MONDAY Effort Being Made to Maintain Organization-Begin-ners Are invited. Believing that rather drastic measures are in order after hearing some of the reasons why lite band boys were not at the meteing last Monday night, those present desire to present the following notice, so that there will be no misunderstanding concerning what wo arc going to do. Al) band men, desiring to join the city band must be at the hall over the Democrat office next Wednesday night at 8:30 o’clock. Due to the fact that so few attended last Monday evening, it was voted to postpone the first rehearsal one week. Ileal work and dues start next Wednesday so if you want to join, be there. Decatur is going to have a hand, even though it be a twelve or fourteen piece one. In a case like this it would be just as reasonable to move from Decatur because you do not like one of the officials, as to. remain out of the band for some of the petty reasons which are supposed to exist. Os course if money is the only reason for your playing, it would be advisable to go to one of the big cities and enter professional work, but if you derive some pleasure from giving our city the best that is in you, come up at the next meeting time. If not, remember, after we start on the winter's work, absolutely’™, new members will be admitted, because we expect to make such progress tliat beginners will be unable to keep up with us. It is just a plain case of now or not at all, and if you remain out you will lose some very valuable experience. At 7:30 next Wednesday night. Committee. Mrs. Peter Kessler of Monroe was in tlie city shopping this afternoon. THE DECKER CASE In Full Swing at Columbia City—Fred Accused of Losing His Nerve AND RETURN POLICIES Brother is Serving Life Sentence and Another is to Be Tried Later. United Press Staff Correspondent Columbia City, Ind., Dec. 2—(Special to Daily Democrat)—States attorneys attempted to prove today that Fred Decker lost his nerve and abandoned a $24,000 insurance murder plot following the inquest over Leßoy Lovett’s body. Two of their witnesses—insurance agents- of Warsaw—testified that Fred had come to their offices shortly after the inquest and returned two policies to which Virgil had subscribed proceeding the murder. Tlie state charges tliat Fred entered into a plot with his two brothers, Virgil and Cal and their mother to collect $24,000 life insurance Virgil carried by testifying it was his body found along tlie Pennsylvania railroad near Atwood. Virgil is serving a life sentence lor the crime and Cal still stands accused. Lee Byby, an employe of the Atwood bank and local agent for the Hankeifs Life' Insurance company, said he had sold Virgil a $5,000 policy with a double indemnity clause. He declared that Fred bad returned the policy to him shortly after tlie Deckers had identified the body as tliat of Virgil and that testimony had been refuted with a positive identification as Leßoy Lovett. Byby said also that Fred had made ' first payment on the policy and guaranteed tlie remaining payments. Wm. Hall, another insurance agent testified tliat Fred had returned a $5,000 policy of Virgils to him after tho inquest. He said he had counseled Virgil to take out only SI,OOO but Fred assured him the future pay- ' ments would be made. CHICAGO MARKET CLOSE I • United Press Service. Chicago. Dec. 2—(Special to Daily i Democrat) — Wheat: Dec. $1.13%; ■ May $1.17%. Corn: Dec. 48%; May, 54%. Oats: Dec. 32%; May 38%.

Decatur, Indiana, Friday Evening, December 2, 1921.

•!• + + * + ♦ + *•!• ** + <■ + ♦ •». “DOG-GON-IT” 4 ♦ — - + 4* New York, Dec. 2- (Special + ♦ to Daily Democrat I Once upon + •> a time there was a collie dog + + that did tricks in the circus, lb- + 4- walked on his hin<! legs and on + <• bis lore paws for applause. + <> But one day he got lost. He + + went hungry and grew thin and + ♦ shaggy. + > 1 e.-.jercljay he wandered intrt •> a school room at Jamaica and + suddenly finding himself in tin- + •(• presence of spectators, this old 4> trooper immediately began hop + ♦ ping on his hind leg and on his 44> fore paws expectin ’ applause + •i- He got five bullets from a po- ♦ 4- lie, nun’s gun wiien somebody + ♦ yelled "mad dog.” + 4* 4* •!• 4* 4» 4* 4* 4* 4* 4* 4* 4* 4* 4 NO INDICTMNTS Returned by the Adams County Grand Jury, Which Closes It Work. FIVE DAYS SESSION Recommendations Made foi Repairs to County Jail and Infirmary. The Adams county grand jury has adjourned. without returning a single indictment, after a five days’ session. The usual recommendations are made for the jail and infirmary. The report is herewith sub mitted: State of Indiana, County of Adams, s s : To the Honorable John C. Moran judge of the Adams Circuit Court: Comes now the grand jury for the November term, 1921, of said court, ami makes the following report, towit: We have been in session five days, and have examined a large number of witnesses, ami we have diligently inquired into all charges of felonies and misdemeanors that have been reported to iis in and for the body of tlie county of Adams and state of Indiana, and herein return and precent no indictments. We have examined the county jail during tliis session and found it in every respect in a clean, wholesome and sanitary condition. We have examined the county infirmary and inspected the common property of tlie citizens of tlie county. and we found everything in an excellent condition and the present superintendent and his wife are to be commended for the excellent way (Continued on page five) ARE BARMINC Arms Conference Discuss Problems Between Japan and L T nited States. (United Press Service) Washington. Dec. 2 — (Special to Daily Democrat) —Bargaining over the big question now before the arms conference —the capital ship controversy between the United States and Japan is in full swing. The Japanese sources today advanced the proposal that the Hughes ratio of 60'i would be accepted if an agreement were leached among the powers that no war be started against Japan except on six months notice. The Japanese however are backing away from another proposal that America agree to abandon fortification on the Pacific before they accept the Hughes ratio and made it clear that they will not break up the conference over the capital thip fight. From sources close to exPresident Wilson it was learned that he is considering asking league of nations advocates in this country to start a movement for American participation in the league with any reservations the senate may see tit to impose. Media ion of the Shantung question continued. W 4.

THREATEN FAHY I ! Notified That He Will Be • Shot If the Jury’s Verdict ’ Favors Him • \ - - ’ WITNESS IS POISONED I I The Plot Thickens in the Big ■ “Movie” Drama Now Being Held in Court. I ■ ,T ' By M. D. Tracy. 1 San Francisco, Dec. 2 - (Special Io ' Dally Democrat). —A threat han been ’ received by friends of Roscoe Ar- ’ buckle that he would be shot down ’ as he left the court room if lie is ' acquitted of manslaughter in the death of Virginia Rappe. i This threat following the poisoning I of tlie defense's star witness, Miss Irene M. Morgan led to extreme precautions to protect the big movie comedian today. The threat against Arbuckle's life was received by his attorney and a friend two days ago, it was learned. The letters addressed to each stated “you and your fat friend” will be assassinated. The girl witness —a nurse from Los Angeles—is reported hovering belife and death from affects of the poisoning. Physicians said they believed she had been given a large quantity of asperin. , Arbuckle seemed little affected by tlie “assassination” threats which have thrown everyone connected with the case into excitement. It Is considered a foregone conclusion by most persons here that Arbuckle will be dismissed and Üborate precautions are being taken to prevent any demonstration. , The big comedian after hearing Leo Friedman, youthful assistant to the district attorney, spend two hours describing the famed funny man of the movies as an arch-criminal, said, ■ ’ Well, he sure burned me up.” In the eyes of Friedman, Arbuckle i was the calloused man who can play . pranks, joke and laugh in the face of • suffering and whose only thought ’ when he saw Virginia Rappe in agony. was to get her out of his room." helFmock trial Rotarians Had Much Fun at Trial Held Last Evening —Club Indicted DEFENSE WON OUT Martin Worthman and Committee Announced Plans for Boy’s Work. Much fun was had at the luncheon meeting of the Rotarians held last evening at headquarters above the Bake-Rite shop when Fred Patterson, president of the club read an indictment returned by the International headquarters of Chicago against the Decatur club. Os course the members of the entertainment committee knew what was coming and Henry Heller, - chairman of Rotary educational committee moved that the “case” lie tried at once. Attorneys for tlie plaintiff were appointed, they being Jim Arnold and Charles N. Christen, while 1 Attorneys Avon Burk and Wesley Hofimun were delegated to defend the club. Mayor Charles Yager was api pointed judge and in a. most solemn way he took the chair and heard the case. 1 Several of the members were called ' as witnesses and ridiculous testimony ‘ offered. The attorneys then argued ! the case and "Judge" Yager after ‘ taking the matter under due conslder- ' ation, found for the defense, stating ' that the Decatur Rotary club was the best club on earth. Martin Worthman, chairman of the 1 boys’ work commtitee, read a tentative program of the plans mapped out by his committee and the club endors--1 ed every movement, including getting back of the health cmapaign in tlie ' schools, several members being ap- ’ pointed to talk to tlie school children in the public and parochial schools, boy's work, sports, Christmas remembrances for tlie needy, etc. Definite plans will be made by Worthman and his committee. ♦ THE WEATHER FORECAST ♦ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ Indiana —Cloudy and colder tonight, probably snow flurries in extreme north portion Saturday, unsettled and colder probably snow or rain. Lower Michigan—Unsettled and colder tonight and Saturday, probab- ' ly rain turning into snow.

SPECIAL PROGRAM The members and officers of the 1 Presbyterian Christian Endeavor so- ■ c-iety are planning a special service .for Sunday evening. From 5:45 until 6:30, a social hour will be enjoyed, when it is expected that delegations from Bluffton and Ossian, and a few from Auburn will be present. Al 6:30 - the usual program will be giveu, Richard Schug will sing a song, and Meredith Stewart will play a violin solo. Rev. F. W. Buckemeyer of Indianapolis will address tlie Endeavorers for a half hour, and he wfll have nn interesting message. MORSE IS HELD Ship Builder Wanted in Connection With Merchant Marine Fraud CAUGHT AT HAVRE Sons Deny He Was Trying to Escape--Was Pardoned Once by Mr. Taft. tutted Press Service. Havre. France, Dec. 2 —(Special to Daily Democrat) —Charles W. Morse, the American ship building financier whose apprehension in connection with alleged shipping frauds has been requested by tlie U. S. govern naent, was allowed to land from the liner Paris upon his arrival here today. Morse probably will return to th; United States Monday on the Paris. It w s believed some agreements had teen made between the French officials that he would return on the Purls when she sails without attempting to fight against going back to the United States. Morse after being detained aboarl the ship for several hours by French detectives was permitted to walk .".shore and proceed to a hotel. "1 am a victim of political coinpli catkin.” Morse said, "the republicans arc trying to compromise the demounts. Havre, Dec. 2 —(Special to DailyDemocrat) —Charles \V. Morse, the American shipbuilding financier wanted in the U. S. in connection with alleged merchant marine frauds was detained aboard the liner Paris on his arrival here today. French police, acting upon a request from Washington, held him in his state room pending arrival of a warrant expected from Paris. Inspector F. A. Biana of the police announced he would take Morse before tlie American consul here at 3 p. m. tills afternoon and if there is no further authority on which he can be held, he will be released. Washington, D. C„ Dec. 2—(Special to Daily Democrat)—Tho federal government is ready to take immediate steps toward the extradition from France of Charles W. Morse, wealthy shipbuilder against whom the hipping board soon will prefer charges of fraudulent dealing during the war. This statement was made by a high government official when reports from France indicated orders for Morse’s apprehension came too late to prevent him from landing at Havre. Morse’s two sons, Edwin A. and Harry F. Morse, have issued a statement here denying that their father left tlie country to avoid facing the charges to be brought against him by the shipping board, which involve contracts mounting up to $40,000,000. They assert their father went to Europe because of an illness. An illness of Morse in 1912 caused Former President Taft to pardon Morse from a federal penitentiary after being sent there for 15 years on a charge of misapplication of banking funds. Then expert physicians did not expect him to live more than a few months after his release. It was indicated today that France is being asked to detain Morse and virtually deport him to this country on tlie grounds that he is an “undesirable citizen.” It was thought, however, it would be necessary to resort to formal .extradition proceedings. The spectacular case of the noted shipbuilder and financier already has caused a clash between two government departments. Morse ate his breakfast aboard the liner while the French detectives—armed only with orders forbidding his lending, lolled about the room trying to look unconcerned. The jovial Morse, looking like a healthful robust super-business man. laughed and Joked with newspapermen. He (Continued on page two)

Brice 2 Cents

. CELEBRATION , CREST SUCCESS H V Enthusiastic Meeting at K. ’ of I’. Home Thursday ; Afternoon and Evening ‘ ATTENDED BY THRONG • Trustees, Building Committee and Fast Chancellors Assisi in Ceremonies. | Tlie old mortgage lias been burned, and members of Kekionga lodge, Knights of Pythias, and Eureka TomI pie, No. 39. rejoice today that tho joli lias been finally accomplished, after years of struggle. Rejoicing with them were the hundreds of visitors J from Fort Wayne. Huntington, Markle, Bluffton. Ossian, Uniondale, p Tocsin, Geneva. Berne, Willshire, Ohio 1 City, Monroeville, and other places, and the enthusiasm and good cheer which prevailed throughout the afternoon and evening, clearly showed the , spirit of the occasion. For an hour preceding the opening ’ of the afternoon program, a general reception, in which everybody got i acquainted and visited, was one of the ’ enjoyable features of the day. At 3:45 ■ the Paramount orchestra gave several 1 selections, which were throoughly en- ’ joyed. Rev. Charles Tinkham gavo tho invocation, and after a song by ’ a chorus under the direction of W. F. Beery, O. L. Vance gave the welcome ’ address. The response was made by Ray O. Snyder, field men for the Grand Lodge of Indiana. The orchestra played again, and after a few ’ short talks, adjournment was taken until 7:30 that the pig roast, prepared for the occasion, might be enjoyed by everybody. In the rooms below many articles were sold and others given away and at 6:30, the presentation of these articles was made. Fred Blosser of Dea catur carried out a line aluminum roaster: Henry Michaud, a member of the Berne lodf*. a pair of shoes, as ? did also Frank Mclntosh, of Union township; M. F. Mosch of Bluffton, a pedestal; William U. Wohlback, of } Fort Wayne, a fine autmoobile robe ! and David Stoler and Harry Heim, each a chicken . The Evening Program. ( Promptly at 7:30 o’clock the i mortgage-burning program began with Dore B. Erwin presiding. Tlie orches- , tra played a couple of selections, fol- . lowed by chorus singing. E. B. Len- > hart, a trustee and member of tho > building committee, told how tlie homo > was built; Mrs. J. O. Sellemeyer sang a solo; Roy Mumma told tlie assemblage the value of the K. of P. and - Pythian Sisters' property, and tlie - many features enjoyed within the - walls; Charles Burdg told how the i men did their part in paying the debt; , Jirene Gregory gave a solo; Mrs. i Jessie Burdg told of tlie assistance • of the women. Dr. Fred Patterson : sang a solo, the words of which were written by himself, and sung to the i tune of "Feather Your Nest.” The i words are printed elsewhere, and it ’ was easily one of the best numbers of ’ the evening. Then Dr. J. Q. Neptune I was culled on for a song, and he was compelled to sing two or three before * the crowd would permit him to take - his seat. At the close of the song, Past Chancellor J. H. Stewart was introduced, as the county deputy who won second place in the entire state with the ■ next highest percentage of gain in 1 proportion to membership. Mr. Stewart thanked the officers and members * of Kekionga. and of the county for tho 1 support given, and it was due to their efforts that the honor was won for Arinms county. At the dose of his talk he introduced n resolution, that Kekionga lodge No. 65, and Eureka Temple, No. 39, urge and support Ray O. Snyder of Bluffton us a candiI date for grand outer guard at the next session of tlie grand lodge, and calling on his home lodge to get behind him now, if he cares to make the race, , and boost him for tho first office, I which will be but tlie stepping stone to the highest office in Hie state. The ,1 resolution was unanimously carried, y Decatur Pythian and Pythian Sisters knowing that their present success began when he caine here last spring e to start the membership drive, are _ strong for Snyder, and they want Ing diana Pythians to know it. i, After a short intermission James L. e Gay, trustee, turned over the mortgage 1, to James N. Fristoe and James Hurst, il past chancellors, and after a nice lite tie speech by Fristoe. J. C. Patterson (Continued on page two)