Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 20, Number 201, Decatur, Adams County, 26 August 1922 — Page 1

V„lu.nr XX. Num^ 2ol .

INSPECTION of collapse AT GYM WAS MADE TODAY engineers from steel company in MUNCIE WERE HERE TODAYCAUSE FOR SERIOUS CRASH HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED.

yr Carl Russell and Mr. C. M. Pearson, engineers from the Indiana Bridge company, of Muncie, which furnished the steel tresses for the jew high school gymnasium, made an investigation of the collapse which occurred at the building yesterday shortly after noon, in which Several workmen were Injured, some seriously No statement, which would fix the blame for the accident on any individual or company, was made bv the engineers. However, they stated that it was not the fault of the ateel, that the steel had been made and ww ted according to specifications, and that it had been passed upon by the proper authorities. The bridge company was notified of the collapse soon after the accident, and the engineers arrived here this morning. After making an investigation, the engineers stated that in their opinion, the steel could be I straightened and used without being returned to the steel mills. It appears that all four of the tresses buckled lideways near the middle. Later the bridge company will mage a report on the investigation. Mr. Charles Sanders, contractor in charge of the construction, stated todiy that the walls were still in good tondition. and that it would not be tecessary to tear down and rebuild neat It may be necessary he stated, to tear out portions of the walls and rebaiM them, but on a whole the wife are in fine condition. This 1 statement was also made by Mr. Oscar Hoffman, architect. Mr. Sanders carried liability insuraace on all of his workmen. He was very sorry that some of the men were injured and this afternoon he visited those who were injured. He stated that it was one of those accidents that are not uncommon to the building trade and which are always very regrettable. This is the first accident which Mr. Sanders and his son have experienced during their I long period of contracting, they said today. It is difficult to determine how soon work can be resumed on the structure, owing to the different investigations to be made, but Mr. Sanders said today that he believed it would be possible to begin clearing out the debris sometime next week. It is also impossible to determine how long the completion of the building will be delayed, since it is not known what will have to be done. If It is not necessary to return the steel to the mills and it the walls are left as they are, which is very probable, the building should be completed a few weeks after the scheduled time. Everyone considers it extremely lucky that none of the workmen who "ere in the collapse were killed. The steel tresses were very heavy and it would have meant instant death had one of them fallen on a m an. The tresses were seventy feel h>ng and eight feet deep, and each one weighed a few tons, •——— Authorities Are Baffled in Murder Investigation Authorities investigating the mur'“■i of Ed Moyer, the farmer* who was found murdered at his home between Willshire and Rockford, Ohio, last Thursday morning, are completely baffled by the mystery which sur- ■ otimls the affair. The sheriff from ' hna, Ohio, and a few deputies, are working hard on the case, but so far ‘ave obtained no clues leading to the on ty of the slayer or slayers, as Mr 'vf 86 may ' )e ' Ue t 0 tbe f aCt l ' lat hm, i° yer beel > dead several mTs ° re hiß body was found by Partv Ti Ot hIS fam,ly ' the gullty „ ’ a Sll^c * ent time to make a befnr' ? BCape from the community is th eing detcete< l- However, it work' general Opposition that the with h^ 8 . <lone by Bo ® eon e familiar t S'"’ """ '*• ""' u fPUrder * near th ® scen ® of the

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT

DELAVAN SMITH I DIED YESTERDAY I Publisher of Indianapolis News Died at Lake Forest Home Last Night Chicago, Aug. 26 —(Special to Daily Democrat I —Delavan Smith, publisher of the Indianapolis News, died last of acute anemia at his Lake forest home. Smith was 61 years old and widely known as a philanthropist. He had been critically ill for several days and five blood transfusions were made in an effort to improve his condition. The publisher lapsed into unconsciousness shortly after 8 o’clock and died at 8:30. It was estimated that Smith's i estate was worth between $15,000,001' and $40,000,000. He was unmarried. At his bedside were members ot the family of former Vice President Fairbanks, cousins, and Will Smith, of Pacadena, Calif, also a cousin. These are believed to be the only blood relations. Indianapolis, Aug. 26—(Special to i Daily Democrat) —Delavan Smith, publisher of the Indianapolis News, who died a this Lake Forest, 111., home last night, followed his father in the newspaper business. He was burn in Cincinnati, the eon of William Henry Smith, late manager of the Associated Press. Physicians said the acute anemia which caused his death, resulted , from influenza contracted during the i war. Mammoth Cement Plant is New Being Razed Syracuse, Aug. 26—The mammoth plant of the Sandusky Portland Ce i ment Company here and which for ten years gave employment to about 200 persons is being razed. The ma I chinery being transferred to another plant operated by the company at Silica. Ohio and a railroad operated in connection with the plant is being shipped to Toledo, Ohio. The company began making contracts near Syracuse in 1897 and in 1900 the first cement was produced. Eventually the deposits gave out and operations were suspended. Fifth Annual Visiting Day of Union Chapel The fifth annual visiting day of the Union Chapel Sunday School will be 1 held at the Hartford Central School 1 high school building Sept 10. Sunday school will be held at -:30 p. m. and a special program has been arranged. The public is invited and urg- | ed to attend the services. There will be music and talks by many who are • very entertaining. Eugene Lindsey i is Sunday School superintendent and j the Rev. Amos Zehr is pastor of the t church. Five Killed and One Hurt in Train Wreck ’ Haubstadt, Indiana, Aug. 26 —(Sper cial to Daily Democrat)—Five Hend- » erson. Ky„ people were killed and a one injured early today by a Chicago t & Eastern Illinois railroad passenger 1 train when their automobile stalled y on the tracks near here. y The dead: I William Burris, druggest, and his y two children. Dorothy, 3 and James 7. t Mrs. C. P. Sellers and her three e year old child. r Injured: y Mrs. William Burris, e Mrs. Burris was taken to an Evansville, Ind., hospital.,

DEMOCRATS HAD A FINE MEETING FRIDAY NIGHT Committeemen, Candidates and Met at Berne Last Night FINE CROWD PRESENT Taking of Poll, Finances and Registration Main Topics Discussed An enthusiastic and interesting organization meeting of the Democrats from the south part of the county, including workers, both men and women, committeemen and candidates was held last evening at the K. of P. home in Berne, with County Chairman J. Fred Fruchtc presiding. About seventy-five people were present and excellent talks were made by John W. Tyndall, democratic candidate for congress and Attorney Dore B. Erwin of this city. The importance of registering and of seeing that every Democrat registered at his precinct on Saturday, September 9th was emphasized an 1 ixp’.ained and every person was urg•d to register on the above date. The taking of the poll and finances was also discussed and great inter est was shown throughout the meeting. Meeting Here Tonight An organization meeting of the Democrats from the northern half of he county will be held this evening it 7:30 at headquarters above this iffice. County Chairman Frucht-: irges that every person interested in he success of the Democratic party ind a return to old Jeffersonian simplicity and economy attend the meetng tonight. You are invited. PROMINENTVERA CRUZ MAN DEAD Ed Neuenschwander, Hardware Merchant, Died Friday With Heart Failure Edward Neuenschwander aged 66 vears, a prominent hardware merchant of Vera Cruz, died at 9 o’clock Friday morning at his home In Vera Cruz. Death was due to heart disease Mr. Neuenschwander had been in poor health for the last few weeks Two days ago he was stricken with m attack of the heart, but rallied. He remained in bed, however, and was thought to be making progress toward recovery. Friday morning he suffered a second attack and expired before a physician arrived. Ed Neuenschwander was probably the best known man in eastern Wells jounty. He took an active part in community affairs and will be greatly .missed in Vera Cruz. Mr. Neuenschwander was born | April 23, 1856, in Vera Cruz, a son of Ulrich and Anna (Sauer) Neuenschwander. His father was one of the early settlers ot Wells county. Edward grew up in the village of Vera Cruz, had a common school education and in 1872, went to Lima, Ohio, and found employment in a hardware store. In 1576 he entered the service of Prescott Bros. Hardware company at Fort Wayne, and in 1888 engaged in the hardware business at Linn Grove. In 1905 he opened a new hardware store at Vera Cruz and transferred Iris interests there. On May 10, 1894, he was united in marriage to Mary Hiity, who passed away February 13, 1903. He was then married to Frances Biberstein in July, 1906. She survives, as do the following brother and sisters: William Neuenschwander, of St. Louis; Mrs. Charles Waltermuth and Mabel, of Fort Wayne. The funeral service will be held at 2 o’clock, Sunday afternoon at the Vera Cruz Reformed church in charge j of the Rev. O. H. Scherry. Burial , will be at Vera Cruz. I GENEVA RESIDENTS HAD TONSILS REMOVED AT PORTLAND YESTERDAY Elinor Bruhn and Mary Wheat, both ) of Geneva underwent operations for the removal of their tonsils at the hospital in Portland yesterday morning. Jesse Gilbert of route 5, was a visitor in Decatur today.

Decatur, Indiana Saturday Evening, August 2H, 1922

+ 4444 + 444444 + 4 + 4 AMERICAN HISTORY 4 ♦ DAY BY DAY 4 4 BY T. P. GREEN 4 4 4 4 Saturday, August 26th 4 i 4 ♦ + Stamp Act’ caused mob to at- + ♦ tack house of Chief Justice Hut- 4 4* chinson ot Massachusetts, on 4 4 August 26, 1765, 4 + — 4* 4- Inlrenchments were dug on 4 4 heights near Boston by Ameri- 4 4 cans, on August 26, 1775. 4 ♦ — + 4 Fitch, Rumsey. Read and Ste- 4 4 vens received first patents for a 4 4 steamboat, on August 26. 1791. 4 4 — 4 4 New York Sun started publics- 4 4 tion of the famous "Moon Hoax," 4 4 by Richard Adorn Locke, on Aug- 4 4 ust 26, 1835. 4 4 — 4 4 Catastrophe of the McVicker’s 4 4 Theatre fire in Chicago, on 4 4 August 26, 1890. 4 44 4 444444444444 SAYS AMERICA MUST LEND AID James M. Cox Makes Statement in London Following Observations (I lilted I’reiMM Service.! London. Aug. 26 —(Special to Daily Democrat) —America must act to save the nations of Central Europe from complete dissolution, James M. Cox declared in a statement based upon his observations on the Continent. He recommended that Herbert Hoover should be designated by the United States to represent this country on the reparations commission as he holds the confidence of Europe. Cox conveyed a message from Chancellor Wirth of Germany to the people of the United States, given to him during a conference in Berlin The message is: “Unless the United States interests herself in Europe’s affairs within a very short time all in Germany is lost and all in Central Europe ar well." Cox said there are three reasons why it is expedient for America to take a hand in European affairs, these being: 1 — Present conditions afford an opportunity to relieve distress. 2 — Europe must be rehabilitated to provide a market for American pro ducts. 3 — n the world’s debtors are permitted to go to ruin there will be no payment of inter-allied debts. His statement follows: "The storm center of the economic world is central Europe. Those who have visited Austria and Germany are of one opinion regarding th* state of things now and the tragic point to which both countries are drifting. TENNisfoURNEY IS PROGRESSING Three Matches of Singles Have Been Played in City Championship Three matches of singles have been played in the first round of the city tennis championship tournament. The other matches of the first round have been postponed on account of the wet courts, but it is hoped that the first round will be finished by Sunday in order that the second round may be started next week. The results of the matches played so far are: Dr. Mangold won from Ralph Tyndall, 6-3, 8-6; Chalmer Schafer won from Harry Christy, 6-0, 6-1; and E. G. Engeler won from Bob Myers, 6-3, 6-2. The two cups to be awarded to the winners of the singles and doubles, have arrived and are on display in the show windows of the Engeler store. The cup for the winners of the doubles is the larger of the two. Both are beautiful cups and are well worth all efforts spent in winning them. ■ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ + .WEATHER 4 + 4444444-4444444 Partly overcast weather tonight and Sunday; continued cool.

INJURED MEN REPORTED TO BE IMPROVED Victims of Gymnasium Disaster Said to Be on Road to Recovery TWO ARE IN BED YET Vernon Aurand and Silas Whitman Only Ones Unable to Be Up Today AU of the men injured in the collapse of the new high school gymnasium yesterday afternoon, are report ed to be on the road to recovery today. All of them with the exception of two were able to be up and on the streets today. Vernon Aurand, who suffered a severe compound fracture if his right leg, is confined at his home on South Eleventh street, but was reported to be getting along as well as could be expected. He will be confined to his bed for several days however, and will not be able to resume work for some time. He was not injured internally and no bones other than those in his leg, were broken. Silas Whitman is confined at bis home today also. Mr. Whitman received four or five broken ribs and three fingers on his left hand were broken. It was feared at first, that he might be injured internally, but a thorough examination disclosed no other injuries except bruises. Frank Aurand was able to be up town this morning. He walked with great difficulty owing to a severly sprained back. Arthur Current, of Portland, who was badly lacerated and bruised was able’ to be out today also. The other meli who figured in the accident were rapidly recovering from their bruises arid scratches. GAS COMPANY HAS MUCH COAL Northern Indiana Gas and Electric Company Managers Held Meeting Mr. W. S O’Brien, local manager of tho Northern Indiana Gas and Electric company, attended a picnic and business meeting of all of the managers of the company, held at the country club in Peru on Thursday. Mr. W. W. Norris, manager of the Peru plant, was host to the other managers. A very enjoyable time was spent at the club house of the Peru Country Club. The club house is a new one which has just been completed. Fol lowing the dinner, a business meet Ing was held, and the coal condition discussed. Mr. S. E. Mulholland, vice-president of the company and manager of this district, spoke to the managers, ard explained the coal situation as it affects the company. The Northern Indiana Gas and Electric company is well supplied with coal for manufacturing gas and electricity at present. The plant sup plying Decatur is better supplied than any of the other plants in tho southern district of the company. A supply sufficient to last for a period of fifty-seven days, is in the blns of this plant. A few of the cities in the southern division will be out of coal within three weeks unless more is obtained in the meantime. Seek to Pass Bonus Over Harding’s Veto Washington, Aug. 26—(Special to Daily Democrat) —Stampeded into action by authentic information that President Harding would veto the bonus bill, backers of the measure today rallied a final drive to obtain enough votes to override a veto. An unofficial poll, however, indicated that thirty-eight votes—five more than needed—might sustain. On a showdown this vote may be revised, but even staunch bonus senators are not encouraged over prospects that the bill can be enacted inti law should Mr. Harding refuse to sign it. Senator New. Indiana, told the senate he had definite word that the president had not changed his mind and would not agree to any measure which did not provide a revenue-rais-ing plan. This plan the senate is not inclined to include in the McCumber bill, reliable informants declared.

HARDING HAS PLANS FOR OPERATING COAL MINES PRESIDENT PROPOSES FEDERAL OPERATION OF ANTHRACITE MINES AND RAILROADS AS STRIKES APPEAR HOPELESSLY DEADLOCKED.

LUCKY ONCE BUT UNLUCKY TODAY — Carpenter Boss Escaped in Gym Collapse Yesterday Was Hurt Today "You’ll get your’s sooner or later." At least, Clyde Bowman, boss of the carpenters employed by Charles Sanders, the contractor in charge of the construction of the new high school gymnasium and Adams County Memorial Hospital, thinks so. Mr. Bowman left the second story ot the high school building yesterday about five minutes before the collapse came and was standing on the ground out of danger. He considered himself lucky that he was not among those who figured in the accident. This morning Mr. Bowman was working on the new hospital building. While walking about the site, he tripped over something, and fell heavily to the ground. In falling he struck his head against the sharp edge of a stone, and a deep wound was Inflicted above the right eye. The wound bled profusely and he was hurried to a physician’s office. It was necessary to take three stitches o close the wound. Kleinknight-Kunkle Reunion on Thursday The annual reunion of the Klein-knight-Kunkle family, will be held at Washington Park, in Bluffton, on next Thursday, August 31. Several Adams county people, who are descendants of the family, are planning to attend the, reunion. Charles Kleinknight is president of the reunion and John Kunl.his vice-president. An excellent pro-! gram consisting of songs, addresses,' readings, and recitations has been pre pared. The famous Poe quartet has | been obtained to sing. • Entertained in Honor of Son Last Night Mr. and Mrs. O. T. Johnson, south! of Decatur, entertained a party of young folks last evening in honor of their son. Eddis, who leaves soon for Bloomington. Those present were: Rhoda Jones, Mabel Tague. Lena and Veda Hawkins, Homer and Francis Ellsworth. Helen Everett, Mabel and Hazel Tudor, of near Indianapolis, Wil’ bur and Everett Hawkins. Mrs. Fred Gay, Geuise and Lowell Smith, Oscar and Neva Yost, Brice and Ruth Martin, Guy and Mabel Bess, Eddies Johnson, Ruth and Everett Johnson, and Mr. E. F. Miller and family. Refreshments consisting of ice creain and sunshine cake were served. —> Mr Kennedy Liked the Spirit and So Did We Mr. J. H. Heller, Pres, and Gen. Mgr., Decatur Daily Democrat, Decatur, Ind. Dear Mr. Heller:—Before leaving Decatur on Tuesday, the 22nd, I stopped in your office and secured a copy of the “Democrat” and desire to con- j gratulate you on the Yeoman Edition., I read with considerable interest the | editorial column and can say from my observation that you have good reason to be proud of ’.lie community spirit which was displayed in the celebration. It seems to me that all the people of Decatur had but on object ou that day and that to make the undertaking the success which it turned out to be and I sincerely hope the colebra tion will be the means of bringing to Decatur the Yeoman’s School Home. i Do not see how they can do otherwise but select Decatur. Yours Truly, W. V. KENNEDY Gen. Frt. & Pass. Agt.

Price 2 Cents

I oiled I'rt-ow Sluff Corrrspondeat Washington, Aug. 26 —(Special to Daily Democrat) —The federal government will take initial steps Monday toward the seizure and operation of the anthracite mines, unless the hard coal strike is settled by that time. This Is determination of President ' Harding, Senator Watson, Indiana, declared today after a long conference with the executive. The president believes a serious crisis impends unless operations are ■ resumed immediately in the hard coal mines, Watson declared. ' The first step toward seizure will I be made in the senate, he declared, with presentation of a bill authorizing the president to assume full control of production. The president is hopeful that a ' settlement may be arranged today," Watson said, adding that if an agreement was not found the president ; was prepared to press immediately for legislation by congress. i Seizure of railroads is not considered by the president to be as neces- , sr.ry as operation of the hard coal mines, Watson said. i»■ i ■ ' Washington, Aug. 26. — (Special to I I Daily Democrat) —Plans for federal J operation of the anthracite mines and i. railroads that fail to function, have t' been completed by President Harding Land his advisers, it was made known -today as the anthracite and railroad strikes appeared hopelessly deadlockled. A final effort will be made to bring about peace in the hard coal fields. It this fails, Senator Cummins, after a conference with the president said he would introduce a measure next week calling for federal operation of the mines. Seizure of the railroads is not conItemplated until the managements I have been given full authority to dem- | onstrate their ability to maintain sa- : tisfactory service. If the lines show signs of breaking idown, Cummins said another measure ■for seizure ot the roads will be placed : before congress. It is not the intention of the govern- , ment to make a nation-wide seizure of the roads at one time.although the ] bill giving the President the power to ' take over the lines may vest him with blanket authority to operate the entire system at one time, Cummins made it known. First of all the coal carrying railroads that fail to function would be taken over the plans, Cummins stated. After that other roads, showing signs of breaking down would be taken over, he said. The anthracite strike has cut off the coal supply of the great industrial states of the east and New England, threatening actual suffering this winter, while it seems improbable that tile railroads will lie able to handle the record breaking traffic facing them, due to tile settlement of the bituminous strike and the delay in moving the bumper crops. Cummins and Attorney General Daugherty held a long conference with the President at the White House last evening. Cummins said they mapped out seizure plans, m be made effective whenever it was felt the emergency had developed. Another conference jwill be held today. Administration officials have not given up their efforts to bring about a settlement ot both strikes. Secretary ot Labor Davis and Senator Pepper of Pennsylvania, are trying to bring tho ( warring factions together. Pepper is now in Philadelphia with word from the president to tho leaders t of the United Mine Workers and the anthracite operators. & In the railroad strike, the attitude ot the shop workers’ leaders and the ’’ 'die hards" among the railroad executives indicates a determination to fight it out to a finish. Meanwhile under special agreement (Continued on page four)