Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 20, Number 117, Decatur, Adams County, 17 May 1922 — Page 1

■Volume XX. Number 117

THREE FIRES IN CHICAGO LAID TO GANG TERRORISM

■fires of incendiary origin which I BROKE OUT SIMULTANEOUSLY IN THREE PLACES LAST NIGHT CAUSED DAMAGE OF $250,000.

COUNCIL VOTES I TO BUY LARGE SUPPLY OF OIL I Councilmen Decide to Oil Several Streets in City Which are Not Paved INDEMNITY INSURANCE To Enlarge Water Works Building and Approve Assessments — Following the tiling of two more petitions for the oiling of macadam J streets in the city, including Winchester street, North Second street, and the Fort Wayne-Decatur road to the corporate limits and South Mercer. avenue from the termination of the brick pavement to the corporate limits, the city council in regular session last evening voted to purchase a 10,000 gallon tank of oil to oil the streets as petitioned for, and others that the street and aewer committee deemed advisable. Engineer Orval Harruff was instructed to get prices on oil and to supervise the work, which will be done by City street commissioner Ed Augenbaugh and his assistants., The city of Decatur will pay the cost of oiling the streets and Engineer Harruff stated that It was estimated that the cost would be only about $3.00 per lot of 66 feet or $6.00 on both sides. A sprinkler will be secured and the oil will be put on soiftetime next month, it being advisable to do it when the weather is warm. Property owners and residents living along streets that are not bricked complain about the dust along the routes and it is thought that the oiling will remedy this nuisance. Indemnity Insurance The purchasing committee was empowered to take out indemnity apd collision insurance on the two service trucks owned and operated by the city, thus protecting the city in case of accident. To Lengthen Building In order to house the centrifugal air pumps purchased by the city last year, it was voted that the addition on the north of the Water Works plant be lengthened about fifteen feet. This addition will house the air compressors and pumps. Assessments Approved The street and sewer committee reported that the remonstrance of Willis Magner against the assessments of benefits and damages in the matter of (Continued on page six)

Government To Act Soon In Effort To End Strike

To Hold a Conference of Mirt e Operators i n Washington , United Press Service. . , ''ashington, May 17. —(Special to I'aily Democrat) —The administration is to act shortly In an atempt to end tile coal strike, now more than six weeks old, it is believed in semi-offi-cial circles here today.. Secretary Hoover announced last night that he has called a conference In Washington 01 representative mine operators. Although it was stated that the conference is to be for the purpose of devising means of protecting coal consumers against profiteering in the Present situation there are very good 'easons for believing that calling of the operatives together is really the

DEC ATU It DAILY DEMOCRAT

I tilted I'renx Muff Correatponilent Chicago, May 17—(Special to DailyDemocrat) — “Gang terrorism” was held responsible by police today for an outbreak of incendiarism in Chicago during the night in which three fires caused $250,000 damage. "We were warned that incendiar--1 ism was next. It has arrived," said Chief of Police Charles Fitzmorris. The fires broke out in three places simultaneously. Police said all were "set.” The most destructive caused $200,000 damage to a large apartment building being completed in Rogers I Park district by laborers working | under the Landis wage scale, being fought by the Chicago building trades ; officials. Shortly before the fire was discovered, a man knocked at the door of James M. Corbett who lives nejct i door to the apartment building and shouted: I “Get out quick. There will be an explosion in a minute. To hell with the Landis award.” Authjrxrijties declared the terrorist outbreak was a direct result of the arrest of the "Big Three” at the top of Chicago’s building trades organization —“Tim” Murphy, "Con" Shea and Fred Mader. They were held in connection with the murder of two policemen. In a statement today, Robert Crowe states’ attorney declared that the police-gangster terrorism had “nothing to do with the purposes of labor.’’ ‘ fl' "This is gang terrorism.” he said, i “The rank and file of decent Chicago I workmen have long ago showed (Continued on nage six)

ISSUES FOR THE • FALL ELECTIONS Outlined by the Republican Platform Committee Yesterday Indianapolis, May 17—(Special to Daily Democrat)—Republican issues in the campaigns preceding the November elections were tentaively determined by the platform committee subject to approval to the state convention as follows: 1. Repeal of the state wide direct primary and substitution of the indirect system of electing delegates to the convention where party candidates would be chosen. 2. —lndorsement of a soldier bonus. 3. —Commendation of congress for agriculture relief legislation. There were twenty two other planks but the three were of outstanding importance.

first move in a government plan to settle the coal strike, along lines carefully worked out by president Harding and Hoover. President Harding has been working on this plan for several weeks. His righthand man in the matter is Hoover, who has been in close touch with the operators and miners since the present strike began. The plan they have working on is now complete, it is reported, but they have bee waiting "until the shoe begins to pinch" before trying to apply it The plan embraces the principle that the coal mining industry must be made less seasonably,, employing fewer men but those regularly through out the year, and that coal produced in the summer months must be stored to await the winter demands.

HALL SELECTED TO BE NOMINEE FOR JUDGESHIP

Democrat Chairmen Adopt Resolution to That End At Muncie MEETING WAS GOOD District Meeting Yesterday Was One of Best That Was Ever Held At the meeting of the democratic district chairmen at Muncie yesterday the following resolution was ttnani 1 mously and enthusiastically adopt 'ed:— * Resolved—" That it is the sense of ! the members of the central committee of tile eighth congressional district democrats as well as the party voters of the entire district that the Hon. •Claude Ball of Muncie be th“ nominee

at tile democratic state convention, for judge of the appellate court of Indiana to represent this judicial district and that he be given the unanimous support of the delegates from this district.” Mr. Ball who was present responded with a splendid speech in which he asked that he be called upon at any time to serve any place he can for the party and said that while not a candidate for the appellate judgship he would, if nominated, accept the splendid honor but whether he was so honored or not, he will give his best services in the campaign. Mr. Ball was a candidate for congress in the recent primary. He is a lawyer of ability and one of the best campaigners in the state. The district meeting was one of the best ever held and the selection of James R. Fleming of Portland as chairman was most satisfactory.

TESTING CATTLE IN THIS COUNTY District Inspector Hamilton is Testing Herds for Tuberculosis Dr. George N. Hamilton, district in spector for tuberculosis in cattle, assisted by county agent I’usche, lias been engaged for the past two days in testing herds of cattle in the county for tuberculosis. Dr. Hamilton stated this afternoon that the work has increased to such an extent that it is impossible to take care of it and that accordingly only those herds which have been tested before will be tested by the Government, at least for the present. Several herds in the vicinity of Berne and Geneva have been injected thus far this week.. It is expected those herds which are now due for the tost wil keep the men busy during this week and next. .

LARGE ACREAGE IS NOW ASSURED 6,500 Acres of Sugar Beets Are Already Contracted For Here The Decatur sugar plant is securing a splendid acreage, contracts still coming and the total this morning was 6,500 acres. The management would like to add anpther thousand acres if possible. There is still good time for beet planting and those who desire to take advantage of this excellent paying crop for the season may yet do so notifiying the office here. In several Ohio localities and in one district west of here chinch bugs which did so much damage to grain and corn last year have already appeared and several farmers have plowtheir wheat and are putting it in beets, three contracts of that kind having come in this week.. Chinch bugs do not effect beets. This crop will also stand more drouth and more hot weather than most others and is a safe investment. The company hopes to secure at least three or four hundred acres this week.

Decatur, Indiana, Wednesday Evening, May 17, 1922

o— 1 : (> THE DISTRICT CHAIRMAN O ; O IF * few! v Sfc H - JAMES R. FLEMING Former state senator and prominent attorney of Portland who was elected Eighth district chairman of .the Democrats at the meeting of county chairman held at Muncft- yesterday. Other district officers are. Mrs. Mary Gubbins, Muncie, vice-chairman; George Beebe, Anderson, treasurer and Virgil Simmons, Bluffton, secretary. Mr. Fleming will perfect an organization in every county in the district and will work untiringing for the carrying of the county tickets to victory and for the election of John \V. Tyndall of this city to congress.

WILL LAY W ATER MAIN FOR NEW HOSPITAL SOON Work Will Be Started This Week Under Direction of City Engineer NEW FIRE HYDRANT Electric Line and Telephone W ires Will be Run to Hospital Site Under the superivsion of City engineer Orval Haruff, work will commence this week on the laying of a six inch water line to the site selected for the building of the Adams County Memorial hospital in the northeast cor nor of the Old fair grounds. . At present the water line terminates at the corner of High and Grant streets and the water mains will be extended east on Grant street to Mercer Avenue. The hospital building, bids for which will be received on June 16 will be located at the northeast corner of the fair grounds and will face Mercer avenue. The length of the new line will be one block long ami at the corner of High and Grant streets a fire hydrant will be placed. This will give ample fire protection to the hospital as a hydrant is already (Continued on page three) * AMERICAN HISTORY 4 4. DAY BY DAY 4 4. By T. P. Green 4 4. 4 4" May 17. * 4. 44° George Wemouth began explor- 4 4 1 ing the coast of Maine on May 4' + 17, 1605. 4 4 — + 4> Newark, N. J., was founded on 4 4- May 17, 1666. * 4> — 4* 4> The House of Burgesses • was 4 4- dissolved by Virginia’s Royal 4 4 Governor on May 17, 1769. 4 4 — * •J> A general Congress of the Col- 4 4 onies was proposed by Rhode Is- 4 4 land on May 117, 1774. 4 4> —• 44' The first issue of The Balyti- 4 + more Sun appeared on May 17. 4 4- 1837. + 4‘ — * 4 1 23 steamboats and 15 blocks 4" 4 of buildings were destroyed by a 4 4' St. Louis fire on May 17, 1879. 4 44 4 444444444444 Unsettled weather tonight and Thursday, probably showers; not much change in temperature.

MUSICAL PLAY WAS PLEASING TO AUDIENCE Miss Cherryblossom Given By High School Students Was Very Good MUCH MONEY DERIVED Play Was Given as Benefit ■ for Music Department and Giris’ Rest Room A splendid combination of comedy and music, which always appeals to an audience, characterized the musical comedy,i "Mi;(s Cherryhlossom.” given in the Athletic Hall last night by the music section of the high school. The attendance was good ; and a neat sum of money was derived i from the proceeds, to be used in fin - I nishing the music department and i the girls' rest room at the high i school. Miss Cherryblossom, in reality Evelyn Barnes of New York, but brought up as the daughter of Kokemo, the proprietor of a tea garden ' in Tokio. Japan, was one of the leading characters in the play and the ■roll was well-played by Miss Veronica Anker. Miss Anker has a very I good voice and the musical numbers given by her as well as her acting wete greatly appreciated by the audience. Mr. Gerald Moore, high school athletic coach, played the roll of Kokemo, the comedian in the play, and handled the part well, although it was very difficult to portray. Mrs. May Holthouse took the part of John Henry Smith, a New' Yorker. lon a visit to Japan as a guest f Mr. i Worthington, a New York stock broki er. Mrs. Holthouse handled the masculine roll in an excellent manner and

(Continued on page three) TWtjTiwsufts ARE SENT HERE I Divorce Action and Suit on Breach of Contract From Allen County Two law suits have been venued to the Adams circuit court from Allen 1 county this week. One of the cases 'is a 1 uit for a divorce and the custody i of five minor children, in which Frank I Spillner is the plaintiff and Rosella Splitter is the defendant. The contj plaint states that the defendant in this (case filed suit for a divorce from the plaintiff in the Allen circuit court in October, 1922 but after the evidence was heard, the court denied judgment to either of the parties. Since the time of the former trial, I’Mr. Spillner. says, the defendant has I been guilty of gross and wilfull neglect 'of their children and committed them to a charitable institution without con(Continued on page th "< • BERNE ALUMNI ( BANQUET SOON Musical Operetta to Be Given at Annual Reception Friday Night The annual alumni banquet and I reception to the class of 1922 will be given by the B. H. S. alumni on Fri'day, May 19th. The B. H. S. Alutn'ni Association was organized may I Bth, 1905, and now numbers over 300 I members. “The Merry Milkmaids,” a smart I musical operetta by Chas. H. Gabriel, | will be presented by a picked cast of 1 the Alumni, preceding the banquet. I Both will be held in the fine new ! Berne Community Auditorium, the . musical to be given in the auditorium , proper, and the banquet in the basement mmediately following. Among those singing the leading ■ roles are Mrs. Daniel H. Tyndall of ' Decatur, of the class of ’ll, who apj pears as the Queen; C. T. Habegger, |'IO, who appears as the Judge; Mrs. C. T. Habegger, TO, as Dorothy, and C. O. Lehman, 'l2, as Farmer Jim. These talented singers need no introduction to the people of the (Continued on page three)

LARGE BOND ISSUE SOLD DY ADAMS COUNTY TODAY ISSUE TOTALLING $37,680 WAS DISPOSED OF BY COUNTY TREASURER HUGH HITE TO TWO LOCAL RANKS HERE THIS MORNING.

Bonds from which the money will bo obtained for the building of three macadam roads in this, county were 1 sold this morning by County Treasurer Hugh Hite, the purchasers pat ing par and accrued interest for them. The Old Adams County bank pur chased two Issues totaling $32,240.00, the issues being for the building of the Meshberger road in Hartford township and the Butcher road in Decatur, better known as the Line street improvement. The issue on the Meshbergr road amounted to $8,000.00 while the bonds on the Butcher road totaled $24,240.00. Ar- ! thur Zehr has the contract for the construction of the Meshberger road, it being one mile and a half in length, while William Penning is the | contractor for the Butcher road, which is two and one-half miles long. The Peoples Loan & Trust company purchased the bonds on the Brunner road in Monroe and French township, the issue being $5,440.00. C. C. Arnold has the contract for the improvement of this road which is one mile long. The Butcher road is one of the largest single road improvements ever contracted for tn Washington township. Besides improving Line street. Rod street, Russell ( street, Bollman street and Winchester street and also all approaches along the route will be improved. Up to press time no blds were received for the bonds on the Barkley county line road in Adams and Allen I counties. The amount of this issue | totals $15,680.00, of which. Adams county issues half of th 3 bonds or $7,840.00. The Clark construction (Continued on page two) RALPH JACKSON HAS SUCCUMBED Young Man Died at Home Here This Morning After Three Weeks Illness Ralph Daniel Jackson., age 21 years, died at the home of his parents. Raleigh and Ida May Jackson,, 137 j South First street, at 8:30 o'clock this; morning, following an illness of three . weeks with influenza. Funeral sei -! vices will be held from the Presbyterian chiurch in this city at 2 o'clock i Friday afternoon, the Rev. Cover offi-, dating. Burial will be held in the Maplewood cemetery. Ralph Jackson was born in Ohio, on December 21, 1900. He has lived in Decatur since February. 1921. and has been employed at the Krick and Tyndall Tile Company. He was a member of the Presbyterian church. The 'Continued on nage five)

Class Day Exercises Will Be Tomorrow Morning

Hitfh School Students Will Give Stunts and Yells in 1 Athletic Hall 11 Members of the four classes in the I Decatur high school will hold their annual class day oxerises in the Ath- I letic hall tomorrow forenoon, begin 11 ning at 9:30 o’clock. The custom of devoting one forenoon near the ; close of school to the four classes for: stunts and class songs, was started last year, and proved to be so popu-, lar with the students and faculty that they decided to continue the practice and make it an annual affair. The presidents of the four classes will each make a speech tomorrow morning, followed by stunts by each

Price 2 Cents

■LOFTUS YOUTH : ON TRIAL FOR SERIOUS CRIME f 1 — ' Ohio Boy of Fifteen Years On Trial for Assault and > Attempted Rape ) — TRIAL NOT FINISHED Case May Not Be Completed ' Until Late Today or Tomorrow Morning Proceedings in the case of the . state against John Loftus, fifteen i year old youth from Youngstown, Ohio, who is charged with assault • and battery with intent to commit i rape, were begun in the Adams circuit court here this morning before > Judge Moran and a jury. Indies- ; tions were that the trial would not i be completed before late this even.'ing or possibly tomorrow morning. Miss Edna Brown, the prosecuting : witness in the case, was the first wit- . ness called to the witness stand after the jury had been obtained. Miss . Brown told the court of the attack ■ which occured when she was returni ing home alone following the annual . high school exhibit at the high ; school building last Thursday night. ■ She said her assailant approached her and asked to accompany her home. After she refused his company, the man ‘uttered something, which Miss Brown said she could not understand and then attacked her. She said he placed his hand over her mouth and nose and threw her to the ground. She landed on her face and stomach, she said, and the man kept his hand over h»r mouth and nose, almost strangling her. 1 Mrs. Elzey, the lady who lived close to the scene of the attack and who saw the couple wrestling on tho ground, was the second witness to testify today. She said she saw the couple wrestling on the side walk and heard the Brown girl say “No, I will scream.” She also said she heard her groaning in her efforts to get her breath. It was Mrs. Elzey who notified the men who were attending the Sunday school class social at the home of Ralph Oakley, her neighbor. i Mr Oakley was called to the stand to testify after Mrs. Elzey had finish ed He told of the search made by he and other men for the girl’s assailant and how he and Mr. Frank Bohnke had caught the Loftus boy on Seventh street at the intersection of Monroe street. He said he saw the youth walking along the street and asked him where he was going. (Continued on nage six'

. lass. Each class will also be allotted a certain amount of time for giving their class yells and songs. The senior class will and prophecy will be read by members of the class. The general publis is invited to attend the exercises and the students and faculty would be glad to entertain as many people as the hall will accomodate. Following the exercises in the gymnasium, the classes will hold their j class picnics in groves near the city. : The final examinations for this term were completed yesterday and the students have completed their studies for the present term. They will assemble at the school building at 1:15 o'clock Friday afternoon to receijve their gjrade reports.