Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 20, Number 294, Decatur, Adams County, 15 December 1922 — Page 1

Volume XX. Number 294

NIE SHEFFER ON WITNESS STAND IN OWN BEHALF “Curious Man Os Auburn” Shows No Sign Os Fear As/le Testifies DOES NOT CLAIM GUN Deposition Os Father Os Accused Man Read To The Court Yesterday Angola. Ind.. Dec. 15.—Nie Sheffer, ■ the curious man of Auburn" late yesterday afternoon took the stand in his own efforts to clear himself of charge of murdering his brother, James F. Sheffer and his wTTe. Nie’s appearance on the stand brought the trial to a grand climax. Nie, no longer the cowed tentdweller, raised his voice with feeling as he answered the questions propounded to him. He betrayed no fear; his attitude was that of a man who has been injured. "Mr. -Sheffer, did you fire the shot that killed your brother. James?" asked Attorney Gleason. "Most positively, no." was the answer. ‘.Mr. Sheffer, do you know who did the shooting,” again asked Gleason. "Most positively, no.” Nie went farther than to deny that he had nothing to do with the murder. He declared that he did not know it took place in the Sheffer garage until a few' weeks ago. Nie declared that the statement of his divorced wife, Irma, was absolutely raise when she said he had threatened his brother. "I never said that. I don't know why she wanted to say that.” Nie said. Confronted with the gun, which it is claimed he owned at the time of the explosion, he declared that it did not belong to him. The deposition of John Sheffer, ’he father of Jim and Nie, was read to the court. It was filled with rare continent of an old man who wanders back to other days. Like Nie and his wife, the father defended the family love of the Sheffers and said he might have been to blame for his trouble with Nie over the old home farm. One of the questions and answers contained in the depositions, was: "Were Jim and Nie friendly?" "Friendly—passed jokes* to each other —probably kind of tap each other a little bit —you know, 1 can’t explain that. Friendly as anybody I could be.” The case will probably go to the jury tomorrow, attorneys predict. Ladies Os Eastern Star Elect Officers I

Mrs. R. D. Myers as elected Worthy Matron of the Decatur lodge of the Eastern Star at the regular meeting of the ladies last night. The other officers elected by the lodge were: G. T. Burk, patron; Mrs. James Kocher, associate matron; Mrs. Wilson Lee, con ductress; Mrs. Dr. Earl Coverdale, Associate Conductress; Mrs. L. A. Graham, secretary; and Mrs. H. M. DeVoss, treasurer. The other officers are appointed by the Worthy Matron. Mrs. Myers announced today that she had chosen the following ladies to fill those offices: Ada, Mrs. M. A. Frisinger; Ruth, Grace Schroll; Esther, Florence Haney; Martha. Blanche McCrory; Electa, Mrs. J. R. Blair; ( haplin, Mrs. J. M. Wertzberger; Marshal. Mrs. Laura Crill; Warder. Mrs. G. T. Burk; and Sentinel, Mrs. J. T. Myers. —o HONEY IN OLD CHIMNEY An old chimney on the house of Chester Maddux provided an excellent hive for a swarm of honey bees last summer, and an investigation several nays ago revealed large quantities of b.oney in the chimney. The honey taken out weighed 25 pounds. o ♦♦**+*+***++ ++ * + CONGRESS TODAY ++**+++*+ + + + + + * SENATE—Debates—Ship subsidy bill. Special committee continues Stand dard. Oil probe. Agriculture committee in caucus on Norrii farm credits bill. Military affairs committee in executive session. HOUSE—Judiciary committee continues impeachment hearings.

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT

Will Os Paul Reinking I robated At Ft. Wayne Will of l- au| c Rp|nl(ln|t> |1() mltted to probate by Judge Sol A i I r ° 0 , d, l1 Fort *' 1P «'’es to t brothJulius H„ a brush an , ml) set; to anothei brothe, c ar | M . h|g tl( , Pine and cuff | lnka; t 0 h) „ )( I tl>« M. Reinking, Clara M. Wharton. Mia M. Retaking and Alma Louise R"nktng. |io PH( . h . t(> „ (laUMhlei . Margaret Rosanna Reinking, tin proceeds from a life insurance pol ( y. tc his father and mother. $25 each, and to his wife, Emma S. Reinking, his real estate and the remainlug personal property, including atocks in oil concerns and the Fort Wayne Corrugated Paper company. LODGE BUYS A HEALTH BOND Knights Os Pythias Vote To Purchase A Five Dollar Bond Last Night At the regular meeting of th.! Knights of Pythias lodge last night the members voted t< purchase a five I dollar health bond and thereby aid in the annual drive for funds with which gWyvywyi to c < m bat tl: ■

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urging such action have been mailed to all ledges and clubs in the city by W. Guy Brown, county chairman o. the annual Christmas Seal Sale. Other organizations are expected to vote to purchase bonds at their nex. meeting. The purchase of a five dollar health bond is equivalent to buyin.', five hundred Christmas Seals, individuals and organizations who can a. ford to donate five dollars or more to tire cause usually prefer to buy the bonds rather than a large number of seals. Many people ask the questions each year, "what becomes of the pennie: they pay for Christmas Seals. One of the large uses is the clinical work, which is given free to tuberculosis pa tients. Free examinations are giver by county organizations, the State Association supplying staff physician: who work in cooperation with local doctors, who volunteer their services. Another big use to which the pennie: are put. is the aid extended to tuber leular patients in gaining admission t I sanitariums. ' Protestant Church Heads For League Os Nations Indianapolis, Dec. 15. — (Special to | Daily Democrat)—Leaders in Pro I . ■ 1. —i* 4 , o /, O ivi O 11

| testant hurches of America came out flatly for American participation In the League of Nations, the Internation al Court of Justice now established at The Hague, and other Old World ai fairs. The business committee of the fed oral council of the churches of Christ prepared recommendations for sub mission to the executive committee Imeeting tonight, They called for par Iticipation nupon the commission of the League of Nations because they are “the most effective agencies for dealing with imminent tasks with which al Christian peopl' must have tiie deepest concern". The recommendations urged the U. S. to “find its proper place without delay upon the humanitarian commissions of the League of Nnations”. Foundations of Christian faiths artmenaced by themailed Orts of war. the committee declared. Fellow Craft Degree At Masonic Hall I ©night Initiation in the Fellow Craft degree will be given tonight at the Masonic hall at seven o’clock sharp, rhe members are requested to be presen . L. L. BAUMGARTNER, W. M. birth Mrs Robert Garard received a postal card today front Mrs. George Chronister, at Urbana, Ind., stat g Hmt a six and one-half pound baby girl had arrived at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs Pon Weitzel on Sunday evening a o’clock. Mrs. Weitzel was formerly Miss Mabel Harb of this city. Se card stated that the. mother and Httle Phylis Maxine were gett (along tine.

MASSACRE CASE DRAWS CROWDS TO COURT ROOM W illiamson County, Illinois, Aroused Over Proceedings In The Trial LAWYERS MANEUVER Seek To Gain Upper Hand; Testimony Indicates Acts Os Horror By EDWARD C. DERR United Press Staff Correspondent Marion, 111., Dee. 15. —Attorneys for the prosecution in the first “Herrin massacre” trial, prepared today to add further evidence in the case they are building up for the conviction of the five men they ar,> trying for the murder of Howard Hoffman at the Lester strip mine last June. With Williamson county thoroughly aroused over the proceedings and jamming the court room to the utmost of its capacity, rival attorneys were maneuvering in technicalities of the law, each struggling to gain the upper hand in the contest. Although the first day in the taking of testimony had passed without uncovering any evidence that pointed directly to the fiv e defendants as being actual murderers, the state had brought forward witnesses who named three of the five men as members of the mob that surged through the streets of Herrin on the morning of June 22, driving before it six men unarmed and already wounded. Today's testimony was expected to indicate further acts of horror leading up the actual killing of Howard Hoffman. o Is Attorney In Unusual Suit For A Divorce

•-VZ V. v >ll ii U, I It. dreaded diseas ■ oi tuberculosis. This is the 'fir . local lodge or or ganization to n port the pnreha: of a health bon ' this year. 1 stter.;

Lewis C. DeVoss, of this city, is attorney for |he plaintiff in a complaint for a divorce filed in the Allen Superior court. The complain is an unusual one, in which the plaintiff, Mrs. Anna Clough, alleges that the defendant, George Clough represented himself as 22 years younger than he really was in order to induce her to marry him. Before their marriage, it is charged. Mr. Clough told her he was 46 years old. Afterwards she found out that be was actually 68 years of age. They were married on August 5. 1922. and separated before the end of the month, according to othe complaint. "He is a low, licentious, degenerate,” the wife charges. Charles Schenck, of Pleasant Mills, was here today on business. EXPECT LARGE CROWD AT MME Local Fans Concede C. H. S. Team Chance With Fast Fort Wayne Five A large crowd is expected to be on hands tonight when Coach Lank Linn’s Catholic high school basketball team takes the floor against the Central Catholic high school five of Fort Wayne in the local gymnasium. The game will be started at 8:15 o’clock with “Dutch" Flander, officiating. A preliminary game between the eighth grade teams from the Central schools and from the St. Joseph Catholic school will be played, starting at 7: 15 o’clock. Decatur fans and members of the team realize that the Fort Wayne aggregation is composed of fast players, but the local people believe that the C. H. S. players will give a good account of thertselves in view of the fine shoeing they have already made against other teams. Coach Linn announced the following lineup for the start of the game tonight: Holthouse and Myers, forwards; Appleman, center; Captain Christen and Schneider, guards. GERMANY PLANNING WAR? Paris, Dec. 15—Germany is planning another war with a new and deadly poison gas that will penetrate any mask and specially designed airplanes, charged with liquids that will annihilate cities, Andre Michelin, ’speaking before a gathering of polltjical and industrial leaders charged.

Decatur, Indiana, Friday Evening, December 15, 1922

High School Basketball Teams Leave For Game I loth the first and second teams of the Decatur High School iMoketbnll squad will leave at 5 o'clock tlJs eveling for Portland where they will play Ute first and second teams of the high school of that city tonight The Decatur teams, in charge of coach Tommy Moore, planned to make the trip In automobiles. The following players will comprise the first team outfit tonight: Captain Jack Teeple, Myers, Dorwin, Steele, Tucker, White, Swearengen and Farr. The second team players are: Kern, Macklin. Miller, Shackley, Cline, John Teeplo Hunslcker, and Frisinger. ALL MUST SHOW OWNERSHIP TITLE Impossible To Obtain Auto License Without Title; Fifty Get Licenses Approximately fifty 1923 automobile license plates had been issued at noon today from the local office of the Hoosier State Auto Association, in the Schafer Hardare store. The numbers on the license plates issued from tire office here begin with 218,000. Miss Nova Yost, who is in charge of the local office, stated today that several persons had applied for license plates without presenting their certificate of ownership. It is absolutely necessary that the ownership title be presented with the application before the license can be issued. Those who have new cars and do not have certificates of ownership must moke application for the same. This can be done at the local office at the time application for license is made. Miss Yost is a notary of public and all papers which must lie sworn to can be filled out at the office. Residents of the county greatly appreciate the work of the Hoosier State Auto Association in establishing an office here for issuing licenses. Previous to this year, the automobile owners in Decatur and Adams county sent to Indianapolis, for their automobile license. Educational Meeting At Bailey School Building An interesting educational meeting was held in the Bailey school house in Monroe township last night. A fairsized crowd attended the meeting. Talks were given by the Rev. Reichenbaugh; Professor Walter Krick, of Monroe; and G. H. McNanama, county attendance officer. Other number of the program consisted of songs, Instrumental music, and recitations. The Misses Leota Smith and Electra Oliver are the teachers at the Bally school.

RED CROSS ROLL CALL NETS $615 Annual Roll Call In Adams County Shows 608 Memberships For 1923 The total amount Raised in Adams county so far in the annual Red Cross roll call, is $615.05, of which amount S6OB was paid in as membership dues and the remaining $7.05 was donated. Miss Anna Winnes, secretary of the county drive, desires that all supplies in the different townships be returned to the Winnes Shoe Store as soon as possible. Following is the latest report on the results of the campaign: Town Memberships Pleasant Mills $ 2.00 Linn Grove 21.00 Preble 29.00 Berne 63.00 Monroe 27.00 Decatur 464,00 Union Township 2.00 Total $608.00 Town ’ Donations Linn Grove $ -6° Preble 1 -b° Berne •*“ Monroe Decatur 4.2., A Zx.,, piol f DAYS TO ****** * aao

KELLER WOULD NOT ANSWER TO SUBPENA TODAY Representative Defies .Judiciary Committee In Impeachment Case GO AHEAD WITH CASE Observers Think Daugherty Impeachment Proceeding Are Near End (By United Press) Washington. Dec. 15—Representative Oscar Keller, Minnesota, auytor of the impeachment resolution against Attorney General Daugherty, today defied the house Judiciary committee? He refused to appear before the committee in answer to a subpoena. The committee voted unanimously to go ahead with the impeachment proceedings, despite Keller’s refusal to appear and further press his charges. The committee voted to give the Minnesota congressman until tomorrow morning to answer the subpoena. Washington. Dec. 15 —The impeach ment proceedings against Attorney General Daugherty are near an end in the opinion of observers today. I A spectacular climax is expected today when Representative Keller, republican, Minnesota, will be called before the house judiciary committee by official subpoena, placed under oath and a demand made that he divulge any evidence he has in support of his eleven untried specifications against the attorney general. Keller was served with a subpoena last night after he had flatly refused to go under oath voluntarily and had stamped out of the committee room, with his counsel because the committee refused to let him make a statement. This statement, subsequently given to the press, charged the judiciary committee with being biased and intent upon “white washing" At torney General Daugherty. Kellet also made public a letter from Samuel Untermyer, New York attorney, declaring that proceedings in the impeachment proceedings thus far have been "manifestly unfair.” The Minnesota congressman was expected to refuse today to proceed with the introduction of testimony, and to counter with the demand that the committee report out his resolution recommending a final impeadh ment trial before the senate. Counsel for Daugherty, it is understood, will make a statement declaring charges must be threshed out to the bottom. WILL END DRIVE FOR FUNDS SOON Contributions To Good Fellows Club To End Next Thursday Evening The Good Fellow Club will close its campaign next Thursday evening. If you wish to help this cause be sure to join the club by that time. AU you have to do is to slip a coin or bill in an envelope and place it in one of the boxes. The Delta Theta Tau girls, in charge of the campaign are prepar ing their list and have now nearly one hundred children on the list for clothes or shoes or gifts of one kind or another. In order to have every thing ready for distribution by Saturday of next week when Santa Claus will start his trip, it will be necessary to close the fund subscription Thursday evening. Don’t let this opportunity to do a good act and make Christmas a happy day for every one slip by. The Rotary club members did the big thing last evening when they added $32.75 to the fund, bringing the total to $131.11. It is desired to have $250 it possible and to that the goal the ladies are aspiring. Won’t you help them by subscribing a dollar or a dime or two? The fund: Previous total $95.32 A friend 04 H. J. Yager 2.00 Mrs. J. W. Bosse 1.00 Rotary Club 32.75 Total $131.11 ———— • Hen Shirk, of Monroe, was a business visitor here today.

John Stewart In City _ Few Hours Yesterday John Stewart, former city editor of The Dally Democrat and now manager of the Christian Publishing Association, in Dayton, Ohio, arrived in the the city yesterday afternoon for a few hours’ visit. Mr. Stewart was enroute to Huntington on a business matter. He will spend Sunday In Fort Wayne and return to Dayton Monday. While In the city yesterday evening he called on a number of friends and attended the meetings of the Knights of Pythias lodge and the Rotary Club. Mr. Stewart is making good in his new position and he reports that he like his work fine. ELECTION HELD BY K.OF P.LODGE Semi-Annual Election Held Last Night; John Stewart Made Talk The semi-annual election of officers of Kekionga Lodge of the Knights of Pythias was held at the home last evening, Carl Fisher being elected Chancellor commander, succeedidng Joe Linn. The other officers elected are: Ben Hoagland, Vice-Commander; Frank Mclntosh, Pflelate; French Hower, Master-at-Arms; W. A. Ixtwer, Master of Exchequer; John R. Parrish, Master of Finance; Joe Hunter. Keper of Records and Seal; Cover McClure. Inner Guard; Howard Weiler, Outer Guard; A. D. Suttles. Trustee for three years. The other two trustees of the lodge are Fred Blosser and Roy Mumma. Following the election of officers, a social hour was enjoyed and a short talk was made by John Stewart, of Dayton, former city editor of The Daily Domecrat. and past chancellor commander of the Knights of Pythias lodge. The Knights of Pythias have one of the largest lodge memberships in the city and during the fall and winter months the home is the scene of many activities. The bowling alleys in the basement are used about every night by the different bowling teams and the contests are being watched with interest. o Couple Held In Shaffer Murder Indianapolis, Dec. 15 — Rossetta Ruby, 20 and Earl Koontz, 22, were held by police today for questioning in connection wth the hatchet murder of Mr. and Mrs, William Shaffer near New Castle a week ago. Arrested on statutory and vagran cy charges the couple were to be grilled this afternoon. Their bonds were increased to $5,000. Police said the girl’s home was in Muncie and they understood she was acquainted with Mrs. Shaffer, who formerly lived there. New Castle, Ind., Dec. 15 —The first arrest in the Shaffer hatchet murder was expected to be made this afternoon following examination ,of Ben Brookshire and James Davidson, a neighbor at the coroners inquest. Investigators centered their activities on a new clew developed at the inquest. Identity of the suspect was kept secret. Prosecutor Jeffries was informed by Muncie authorities that two women have, been located there for investigation in connection with the murder. Brookshire, a former employe of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Shaffer whose hatchet hacked bodies were found at their farm home north of here five days after they were killed, was questioned for three hours at the inquest. He maintained his story constituting a perfect alabl without\ a tremor. Theory that the Shaffers were connected with a dope or booze ring in Muncie was virtually abandoned by Jeffries. Davidson is said to have made arrangements for a motor trip to Mun cie in company with Shaffer last Sunday. The murder was committed on the proceeding Wednesday night or Thursday. Davidson failed to investigate failure of Shaffer to appear. The authorities asked him why and the answer was kept in confidence. CHICAGO MARKET CLOSE Wheat: Dec. $1.23%; May. $1.22%; July" $1.13%. Corn: Dec. 74%c; May 73%c; July 73%c. Oats: Dec. 45%c, May 46%c; July 42%c.

Price 2 Cent®

ALLEN COUNTY CASE BEGUN IN LOCAL COURT Case Os Ross Vs. Sites Being Heard By Judge Moran ; Other Cases TO FILE NEW CHARGE Prosecuting Attorney Files Different Affidavit Against Heaton The case of John Ross against the estate of Henry C. Sites, an Allen county ease, came up for trial in the Adams circuit court today. The case was originally filed in Allen county, but later sent to Huntington county on a change of venue. A trial of the case was held in Huntington and a verdict rendered, but the court set aside the verdict and granted a petition for a new trial. The case was sent to Adams county orn anothej change of venue. The case is a claim and petition against the Sites estate. In the court here today, the attorneys read the evidence introduced in the trial at Huntington. It is not being tried before a jury and Judge John H. Moran is hearing the proceedings. William A. Lower has been appointed administrator of the estate of his mother, the late Rebecca Jane Lower. Letters of administration were issued by the court and Mr. Lower furnished bond in the sum of $2,000. Inventory No. 1 in the estate has been filed and approved by the court. Andrew Brewster, the Linn Grove youth arrested last week on a charge of grand larceny, in connection with the theft of more than one hundred dollars’ worth of clover seed from the Equity Elevator at Chattanooga. 0., was taken before Judge Moran yesterday afternoon. He asked for an attorney and the court, after learning the youth was unable to hire an attorney, and had no friends or relatives who would employ one, appointed Lewis C. DeVoss to defend him. Brewster was returned to the county jail and will be given a hearing at a later date. So far he has been unable to give bond. After hearing the arguments on a motion to quash the affidavit against 11. H. Heaton charged with issuing a forged check, yesterday afternoon, the court ordered the prisoner held until the prosecuting attorney could file another affidavit. Heaton was arrested in Fort Wayne recently and returned to Decatur to face trial. He is said to be wanted in other cities on charges of forgery. It is alleged that he passed a worthless check at the H. F. Kitson garage In this city. CONDUCTED CHAPEL EXERCISES s Professor Paul W. Linton, principal, had charge of the regular chapel exercises this morning. He made a very Interesting talk on the "Best Attitude for Schools by the Children.” —~o ————— K. OF C. MEETING Regular meeting Monday, December 18th. Lunch smoker and important business. —G. K. o - American Intervention In Europe Is Thought Near Washington, Dec. 15—American intervention in the European crisis is imminent. The United States shortly will take a major step of far reaching importance in the serious situation abroad, the United Press was informed in a highly authorative quarter today. George Harvey, American: ambassador to London has been directly instructed by President Harding and Secretary Hughes to return to Washington for consultation on the European crisis, ■ . a Hundred Dollar Fire At Monroe This Morning Fire starting from a defective chimney, caused a loss estimated at about SIOO at the home of Otto Lobenstein, in Walnut street at Monroe about 6:30 o'clock this morning. Members of the family were eating breakfast when they smelled smoke from the burning wood. An investigation revealed the fact that the fire was eating its way through the walls of the house. Neighbors were called in and a bucket brigade succeeded in extinguishing the blaze.