Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 21, Number 66, Decatur, Adams County, 17 March 1923 — Page 1

V ' o | u me XXI. Number 66.

more activities of GARY MEN RECITED

WITNESSES IN CASE CONTINUE THEIR EXPOSE Names of City and County Officials Mentioned in the Testimony WARNING J_S SENT Letter Threatens Life of District Attorney Homer Elliott (United Press Service) INDIANAPOLIS, March 17—Further operations of Gary and Lake county officials were recited in federal court today in the trial of “the biggest liquor conspiracy case ever uncovered in the middle west.” The names of various city and county officials named in the indictment which listed 75 residents of the Calumet steel regions, were brought into the testimony. "It looks as though I am still king »f the city courts,” Blaz Lucas boasted the morning after the last city election, according to testimony of Mrs. Bessie Ross, city clerk of Gary. Lucas, a lawyer and former law partner of City Judge William Dunn, a defendant, is one of the 63 accused persons standing trial. (Others include Mayor Roswell Johnson, of Cary, and other officials). At the opening of court. Judge Fera hiatal Geiger warned the jury to pay no attention to newspaper accounts of a letter threatening the life of District Attorney Homer Elliott. Even as he voiced the warning and government agents were tightening their guard about Elliott and about prosecuting witnesses to prevent their intimidation. ‘ Didn't Lucas laugh when he made the statement about being king of the city court ” Mrs. Ross was asked by attorneys for Lucas. “He always laughed when he brag ged about things," she retorted. Wasn't he Just bragging when he said that?” "He always does," was the hot shot. Lucas, she testified, appeared as attorney in more liquor cases than any other attorney. • INDIANAPOLIS, March 17.—Extra precautions against violence were token at the federal building here today in the trial of the Gary liquor conspiracy case following receipt of a threatening letter by District At torney Elliott who is prosecuting the case. You will got th P same thing Monti * ot '" the letter said, referring to anpari Monti, king of Gary’s "Little toly, who was shot on the streets of the steel ci t y b y t wo mPn c arr yi n g sawed-off shot guns. '—■ Miss Leona Bosse went to Fort to spend the day with friends. MELLON’S ASSISTANT K X? * Ww Col. Edward Clifford '•aciflc and Atlantic Photo.) Ci^' nfltOn - D ' C.—Col. Edward assistant secretary of the •bove ry ’ H| Sh u Wn in his ,atest photo inat. J- H dutie ® cover a wide field, and nB the CUBtoms ' coast guard, and health departments

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT

Found Brother She Didn’t Know She Had Wabash, Mar. 17. — Miss Laveria Ort. adopted daughter of Mi. and Mrs. Edward Ort, Wabash, has been stir prised ol the existence id a brother she did not know existed and Edward Miller ot Chicago has found the sister for whom he has been conducting a search for five years and who he had not seen in IS years. learning of the brother's existence through Mrs. Earl McCoy of Peru. Mrs Ort went to Chicago where she succeeded in locating Miller, who ac companied her back to Wabash where there was a joyous meeting with the sister, Miss Ort. is a teacher in the public school at Rich Valley. FT. WAYNE MAN IS WINNER IN K. OF P.CONTEST

Harn Zimmerman Wins $25 Prize in Knight Rank Ritualistic Contest ROY MUMMA SECOND Local Man Finished Close Second; Zimmerman to Issue Challenge Harry Zimmerman, representing Phoenix lodge No. 101. Knights of Pythias, of Fort Wayne, came to D.catur last night and carried away the prize of $25 in gold offered in a Rank of Knights Ritualistic contest, stage ! by Kt-kionga lodge, No.fis. of Decatur, al the Pythian home in this city. Roy Mumma of the local lodg ■, on whose behalf a challenge was issued recently finished second in the contest, am! Charles Spaulding, of Fort Wayne, was third. Each man gave ths emir - third rank by himself and it required each about one and one-half hours te give the work, which is usually given by seventeen men. Zimmerman's grade was 89 per cent, Mumma's grade was 87 per cent, and Spaulding finished a close third with a grade of 85 per cent. Mumma led the other two contestants in de livery but Zimmerman's high grade of 94% per cent in correctness of the ritual gave him tile highest average. About one hundred Knights o Pythias attended the contest and the interest manifested was excellent The contest was originated and lost ered by Dore B. Erwin, of the local lodge, who is Grand Prelate of Indiana. Tile purpose of tlie contest is to perpetuate tlie ritual in order that it max be handed down from mouth to eat among members of the lodge. Mr. Erwin, who lias been ill for tlie past several days, was able to attend the contest, last night. Tlie contest started at 5 o’clock with Roy Mumma conferring the rank of Knight on Postmaster Harry Fristzinger. When Mr. Mumma had comipleted his work, a supper was served by the Pythian Sisters. The supper was very delicious and greatly enjoyed by everyone. At 7 o’clock. Mr. Zimmerman began the work of conferring the degree on Alton Hower. When Mr. Zimmerman had finished, Mr. Spaulding conferred the degree on Fred Jones it was about 9:45 o’clock when Mr. Spaulding finished aud the judges began to total up the scores. The judges on delivery were Janies Collett, of Van Wert. Ohio, and William G. Hoffer, of Willshire. Ohio. The judges on the ritual were Arthur Suttles, of Decatur, and Lewis Schroeder, of Fort Wayne. Following are the scores made by tlie different contestants: Delivery Ritual Average Mumma 89 85.5 87 Zimmerman 84 94.5 89 Spaulding 88 81.5 85 The judge took off 1 per cent for words ommitted. 2 per cent for words substituted, 3 per cent for changing the meaning of words, and 5 per cent for being.prompted. Mr. Mumma was not prompted once during the contest. (Continued on page four)

* W - r L‘ OiilML ’ Magfc' s?f« (Pacific and Atlantic Photo.) Evans Fontaine, former Follies Dancer, and baby which she claimed was the son of Whitney. She has been indicted for perjury Nyack, N. Y.—Evans Burrows Fontaine, former Follies dancer, whe leaped into prominence by suing Cornelius Vanderbilt (Sonny) Whitney for $1,000,000 charging breach oipromise must face trial for perjury. Miss Fontaine alleged that "Sonny,” who is the son of Harry Payne Whitney, was the father of the baby. The suit was dismissed shortly after the first of the year following which freed the dancer from Sterlin g Adair, a young Texan since dead. Now Miss Fontaine has been indicted for perjury in connection with hertestimony in her suit. “Sonny” Whit ney is in Italy honeymooning withhis bride, formerly Miss Marie Nor ton of Washington, D. C.

PHONE COMPANY HEARING MONDAY Citizens’ Telephone Co. Wants Ordinance for Tax on Poles Set Aside A hearing on the petition of the Citizens' Telephone company of this city to set aside the city ordinance which provides for the taxing of all telephone poles in Decatur, v ill be heard by tlie Indiana Public Service commission at Indianapolis on Wednesday, March 28, at 1:30 p. in. For mal notice of the hearing was re ceived today from L. C. Loughrey. secretary of the commission. Several months ago the Citizens’ Telephone company filed an objection with the council against the paying of a tax of 25 cents on every telephone pole owned by the corn pany and later appealed the case to the Public Service commission. Dur ing 1921 the company did not pay the tax and when billed in 1922 they counteracted the charge by filing a bill with the council for ’’services rendered," meaning the answering and dispatching of the fire alarm and police calls. The council did not allow the bill. The present ordinance was passed a number of years ago and the tax of 25 cents on a pole totals about $l5O per y«ar. The matter will re definitely crcti'ed by the Public Service commission at the hearing on March 28. The New Phone System Although no definite announcement has been made by the management concerning the new proposed tele phone system for Decatur and Berne, the directors and manager of the tele phone company hope that the new system can bp installed. The improvement is practically assured in Berne, the patrons in that town to the number of 212 out of a total of 300 to 350. including those who have two phones, having signed a petition asking that the new system be installed there. In Decatur progress is being made and it is thought that enough signers to warrant the investment for the new equipment will be secured. It was learned today that over 200 Decatur patrons had already signed the petition and it is thought that many others will signify their desire to have the new and more modern equipment installed by signing the petition. e - Earl Crozier, of Union township, was a business visitor here today.

Decatur, Indiana, Saturday Evening, March 17, 1923.

( HORUS BEAUTY INDICTED FOR PERJURY

Ellenberger Will Probated Yesterday The will of Henry Ellenberger. late of Berne, was probatisi in the court here yesterday afternoon. The entire estate, after all debts are paid, was given to the widow, Katharina Ellenberger. When Mrs. Ellenberger dies, the estate is to be divided among the children, with the exception of a special bequest of SIOO to Rosina Steiner, a daughter, for certain services. Noah Klienberger, a son, was appointed executor. RAILROAD MEN PAY RESPECTS Officials and Employes of I Erie Attend Funeral of William Murtaugh Officials, employes and section men so tlie Chicago and Eric ra*ilroa.d paid their final respects to William Murtaugh. well known Decatur citizen and road supervisor of the Marion and Huntington division of the Erie by attending the funeral services held this morning st 9:30 o’clock at the St. Mary’s Catholic church, Rev. Father Seimetz. officiating. A requiem high mass was celebrated. Mr. Murtaugh died suddenly Wednesday evening, a few minutes after he retired for the night, death being due to heart trouble. For ten years he was division supervisor of. the Erie. Among those who attended the fun era! services this morning were: J G June, division superintendent; E. E. Wollery, train master; Ed Booth train master; J. R. Sexton, division engineer; A. W. Harlow, and A. Burgett, master carpenters; Charles Folgren. supervisor; C. A. Nichols, signal superintendent; Frank Haggin and L. M. Swope, office engineers; J. J. Hevey, safety superintendent; Michael Keefe, telegraph superintendent; N. O. Egleson, bridge superintendent, W. T. Drake, inspector of transportation: Bert Myers, engineer inspector; W. W. Lemon,, general yard muster. Tlie section men who were under the employ of Mr. Murtaugh were also represented at the funeral. Beautiful floral offerings were sent to the Murtaugh home by the Erie men. Mr. and Mrs. Jose Croaier, of Union township, were here shopping today. J. A. Zerkle, of Root township, was here today looking after business interests.

-jfe 1 * » «wMf'U t - < ’ >' 1 * Co-defendant. Mrs. Florence E. Fontaine, Evan's mother, is also indicted for perjury. Mayor Orders Three Youths to Leave City The three “Bills," Bill Jones, Bill Smith and Bill Brown, the young men arrested Thursday afternoon by Officer William Doehrman, of the Pennsylvania Railroad company, when he caught them in a box car in the local yards, were given a lecture byMayor DeVoss yesterday evening and then ordered to leave town immediately. The youths, who gave fictitious names, were charged with train climbing. Following their arrest Thursday they were placed in the county jail where they were held until yesterday evening, pending an investigation to learn it' they were guilty of any other crimes. ■ o SEVEN CASES VENUED HERE Allen Superior Court Sends Cases Jo This County 1 for Trial y Seven Cases, ventted from the Allen Superior Court, were filed in the Adams Circuit Court this morning. Six of the cases were actions brought by insurance companies against Fort Wayne corporations and individuals. The cases were as follows: Massachusetts Fire & Marine Insurance company vs. Pioneer Coal corporation et al. complaint for negligence and trespass. demand $50.; Queen Insurance company vs. Edward H. Moellering et al, complaint for negligence and trespass, demand $500; Hamilton Fire Insurance company vs. Pioneer Coal corporation et al, complaint for negligence and trespass, demand $500; Great Lakes Insurance company vs. Pioneer Coal corporation et al. complaint for negligenco aud trespass, demand $2oo; the Netherlands Fire and Life Insurance company vs. Edward H Moellering et al. complaint for negligence and trespass, demand $200; North British and Mercantile Insurance company vs. Pioneer Coal corporation et al, complaint for negligence and trespass, demand $1,600; Irene Weber vs. William Weber, suit for divorce and for the restoration ot the plaintiff's maiden name of Irene Landes. The first six cases) were filed by Attorneys L. B. Harper and the firm of Vesey & Vesey. The Old Adams County bank, administrator de bonis non, with will attached of the estate of Elizabeth Welley, filed a suit on a bond against Florence Fruit and the Hartford Ascident and Indemnity company, demanding judgment in the sum of sl,000. The divorce case of Fernwait vs Fernwait, venued to this county from Fort Wayne, was being tried in the circuit court here today. The court was still hearing evidence late this afternoon. ♦ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ + WEATHER ♦ ♦ + ♦♦♦♦♦ + ♦+ ♦♦♦♦ + INDIANA — Increasing cloudiness with probable snow beginning late tonight or Sunday. Warmer in southeast portion tonight. Much colder Sunday and in northwest portion tonight Cold wave Sunday night; zero in northwest, a 10 to 15 above in east and south portions; strongshifting winds.

TWO TEAMS LEFT IN STATE NET TOURNEY

Farmers Met at Fuelling School A farmers’ meeting held in the school building near the Fuelling church last evening was well attended by residents of the community. Motion pictures showing the proper methods of spraying orchards and of culling poultry were shown. A discussion of orchard spraying and general care of poultry followed the pictures. —l, An assistant chief of the examining board of the Comptroller of the Currency, Miss Adelia M. Stewart, of Washington, has the distinction of being the first and only woman in the country to hold the commission as a National Bank Examiner. ASKING EVERY ORGANIZATION TO AIO DRIVE Dan Niblick, of Industrial Association, Calls Meeting for Tuesday RILEY HOSPTAL FUND Chairman for Adams Co. to be Named at Meeting Here Clarence Bell received a telegram at noon today advising hint that Albert Stump, well-known attorney of Indianapolis would address the Riley meeting in this city Tuesday afternoon. Dau M. Niblick, president of the Decatur Industrial association, has sent a letter to every church, club, lodge, fraternal and civic organization in the country inviting a repre tentative to attend a meeting Tues day afternoon at 2:30 o’clock at the Decatur Industrial rooms at which time a chairman for the Riley Memorial Hospital fund will be selected. The raising of Adams County's share toward this worthy movement is going to be a community affair and it is hoped that every organiza tion in the county who receives an invitation will see that it is represented at the meeting. A representative, probably Mr. Collier, representing the Riley Memorial Hospital organization, will attend the meeting and explain the purposes and aims of the state organization. The Riley Hospital for crippled children is now under construction at Indianapolis and when completed will be the mecca for thousands of crippled children in the state who will be treated free of charge. One mil lion dollars is being raised by popular subscription from over the state and although no fixed quota has been assigned to Adams County it is safe to predict that our people will live up to former records and donate freely to this worthy cause. Attend the meeting Tuesday afternoon and help plan the campaign. u Enthusiastic Basebail Meeting Heid Last Night • An enthusiastic meeting ot' local baseball players was held in the American Legion hall last night. Preliminary plans for the coming season were made. The American Legion will back a team which will play under the name ot the legion. The players do not have to be members of the legion to play on the team, but most of the players will be local men. it is said. Hurbert Cochran was elected temporary captain last night and Vincent Borman was chosen manager, to go ahead with the plans. Another meeting will be called in the near future. It is planned to turn ten per cent of all profits into the legion treasury and the divided remainder among the players. EXPIOSION AT MONROE An exlosion, which jarred the houses in Monroe and Curryville, and the surrounding community, occured early last night. No one was able to explain the nature of the explosion late this afternoon.

Price: 2 Cents.

MUNCIE TEAM WINS RIGHT TO PLAY IN FINAL Springs Surprise by Defeating Richmond and Crawfordsville Teams MANY CLOSE GAMES Tournament is Featurned by Exceptionally Hardfought Contests Last N.ghts Score Vincennes, 38; Lyons. 10 Muncie, 33: Richmond. 30. Morning Scores Crawfordsville. 23; Bedford. 21. Anderson. 35; South Bend. 22 Vincennes, 22; Franklin. IS. ’ Afternoon Scores Muncie, 26; Crawfordsville. 19. Vincennes. 29; Andersen. 27. Indianapolis. Mar. 17.—(Special to Daily Democrat) —Vincennes was red turned victor over Anderson in a thrilling contest in the second game of the semi final of the state hgh school basketball tournament here this afternoon, score 29 to 27. Vincennes will meet Muncie in the final game tonight. INDIANAPOLIS, March IR—(Special to The Daily Democrat) —Muncie high school's basketball team won its way into the final game of the state tournament here this afternoon by-de-feating the fighting Crawfordsville five, 26 to 19, in the first semi-final contest. Every point was stubbornly contested by the Crawfordsville players. but Muncie held tile advantiduring' most of the game. Muncie led at the end of the final half. 12 to Id With three minutes left to play. Muncie was leading, 23 to 18. Muncie will meet the winner of the AndersonVincennes game in the final contest for the championship at 8 o'clock tonight. Muncie. Crawfordsville. Anderson and Vincennes remained in the play for semi-finals of the state high school basketball tournament here today, after eliminating Bedford, South Bend and Franklin. Muncie was matched with Crawfordsville and Anderson with Vincennes in the semifinals, the first game being scheduled for 2 o’clock and the second for 3 o'clock. -— » Germany Lays Case Before United Stales By A. L. Bradford Initpel PrewM MnlV < 'orrtNpoii'lriii WASHINGTON. March 17. Germany has officially laid her case in the Ruhr crisis before the United States government, it was learned authoritatively today. A communication from the Berlin government outlining in a general way how far Germany is willing to go to bring an end to the Ruhr occupation was placed before Secretary of State Hughes last night by the German embassy here. UNION CHIEF DIES £ A (Pacific and Atlantic Photo.) Death comes to W. S. Carter, former head of firemen.