Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 21, Number 118, Decatur, Adams County, 17 May 1923 — Page 1

Volume XXL Number 118.

GIRL REVEALS INSIDE STORY OF COLT LIFE Former “Spotter” for King “Ben” Tells of Splendor of Shiloh I RICH FURNISHINGS Modern Sultan Lived Luxurous Ease and Ate From Golden Platters St. Joseph, Mich., May 17.—Search for "King'' Benjamin Purnell, missing ruler of the House of David was centered in eastern Canada to day. Judge Harry Dingeman, conducting a "one-man” grandjury probe into charges of immorality the strange cult, received information that Benjamin had been seen near Ontario. (ny J. L. O’SULLIVAN) (United Press Service) St. Joseph, Mich., May 17—Ben1 jamin Purnell, the man who would h< king ruled with regal pomp and splen lor in Shiloh Palace ot the House oi : David. Surrounded by his harem of “vir gins,” the "Seventh Angel.” who is being investigated by Judge Harry Din genian’s "One man” grand jury, lived a life oi luxurous ease and splendor ill this Michigan "Valley of Kings." Food was served to the modem hub tan who maintained his corns ot n>:- d ens long after the abolition of the Turkish ruler's nest, on plates of gold. Rare liquors were poured to suit his moods and tastes in glistening gobleta studded with emeralds anil rubbles, by the young girl attendants. Trained Hula Hula dancers furnished entertainment at his biding. His long grey beard was combed and primped by a maid in waiting His bath was prepared , clothes care fully arranged and every want antici pated by the score of select “Sisters' who vied with each other for the hon or of administering to the personal wants of the self-styled Brother ot Jesus Christ. The chosen Shiloh girls arrayed in the finest silks while their less fortunate “Sisters” in the colony were al lowed only roughest cotton clothes ot plainest styles. The king’s rooms were furnished with rich trapestries and furnishe I with luxurious conches and divans Valuable paintings graced the walls. A thousand workers from ever)’ walk of life from preaching to peanut selling furnished the gold fortheup keep of this retinue. The inside story of life in this twen tieth century American harem was re vealed to the United Press today a 20 year old girl who acted as a ' Spotter' (Continued on page five) ABEND MEETING AT INDIANAPOLIS Rev. and Mrs. Covert Go to Capital For Presbyterian General Assembly The Rev. B. N. Covert, pastor of the First Presbyterian church of this city, accompanied by Mrs. Covert, left for Indianapolis this morning where they will attend the 135th general assembly of the Presbyterian church. They will remain in Indianapolis until next Tuesday. Dr. W. H. Johnson, of New York, secretary of the Board of Temperance and Moral Welfare, will fill the pulpit of the local Presbyterian church next Sunday morning. Dr. Johnson comes very highly recommended. He is the author of several books, foremost of which is his “Abraham Lincoln, the Christian." In the evening the Presbyterian congregation will join in the baccalaureate services at the First Methodist church. — — • In the Boulder glacial district, which may be visited in a one day trip out of Denver, is Arapahoe glacier, the largest in the Colorado Rockies, nearly 1 uare and which n ves 27 feet a year.

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT

Postoilice Now Has Parcel Post Carrier Charles Kitson has been employed at the local poatofflee as parcel post deliverer. Postmaster Harry Fritzinger stated today that the postofflee department had made sufficient appropriation to employ one man to deliver parcel post puckages .from now until July 1, when the present quarter ends and th" regular appropriation for an auxiliary currier will be made. No appropriation for auxiliary carriers was made this quarter, this being a method taken by the postoffice department to make up a ment. Carlisle Flanders was auxiliary carrier previous to this quarter, portion of the deficit in the departHe has moved to Fort Wayne and i.s engaged in the contracting business with his father-in-law at present. o — — CONVENTION AT GENEVA SUNDAY Annual Wabash Township Sunday School Convention; Fine Program The Wabash Township Sunday School Association will hold a convention in Geneva, May 20th, 1923. The afternoon session will be held at 2 o'clock in the Church of Christ and tlte evening session will be held at 7:30 o'clock in the Methodist church. The Bliss orchestra will give a concert, beginning at 7 o'clock. Th.) best of talent in the way of entertain ment and speakers has been obtained The speaker of the afternoon will b > E. H. Hasemeir, of Richmond, Indian: ex- state Sunday school president, and at present numbered with the state Sunday school officers. Mrs. Clara Anderson will deliver the Welcome address. The speaker for the evening will be C. L. Walters, of Decatur ami E. H. Hasemeier. The speakers come well recommended ami will be interesting as well as instructive. A splendid program con sisting of songs, readings and musical numbers will be one of the strong features. Adams county has been a gold star county lor the past two years and it the people, attend this convention they will learn how the high standard can be maintained. Wabash townshif Sunday School workers know how to got together. Fred Lindsey is presi dent of the township organization. Fol lowing is the to be given in Geneva next Sunday: CHURCH OF CHRIST Afternoon —2:00 o’clock Song—Congregation. Devotional—Rev. Zeir. Song—Menonite Quartet. Welcome —Mrs. Clara Anderson. Solo—Adrian Scheer. Address—E. H. Hasemeier. Song—Menonite Quartet. Solo—A. Loyd Munro. Solo—Hrs. Ina Briggs. Benediction. METHODIST CHURCH Evening—7:oo o’clock Son g— Co n grega t ion. Devotional—Rev. Mrs. E. O. Brown Trio —Leslie, Vincent and Sprunger Reading-Mrs. E. B. Gauker. Address—C. L. Walters. Song—G. H. S. Girls. Solo —Margaret Greene. Address —E. IT. Hasemeier. Song —Menonite Quartet Quartet— Saxophones. Song —Menonite Quartet. Benediction. Fred E. Lindsey, president. — Nebraska Governor Names New Senator Denver, Colo., May 17.—(United Press)—Alva B. Adams, prominent democrat leader and attorney of Pueblo, today was appointed by Governor Nicholson of Colo. Adams is considered a "mild pro gressive.” He bad the endorsement of a number of labor organizations. His appointment was favored by both wings of the state democratic party—the progressive and conservatives. Adams favors the world court plan; has a “wealth of sympathy" with the farm bloc and friendly with LaFollette and other progressive- in their economic measures. Fred Eichenberger, of Borne was looking after business hem this aftm noon.

CHAUTAUQUA TU BE HELD JULY 3 ITO AUG. 4 Much Hijjh Class Talent Wil! Appear Here DurWeek’s Program NOTED MAN COMING Sen. Harrison of Mississippi Will be Headliner of Entertainment The Decatur Chautauqua will be held July 31, August 1,2, 3 and 4th. Definite selection of these dates was made by Mr. James L. Loar, Bloomington, Illinois, who is general manager of the Independent Co-oper-ative Chautauqua. Tneodore F. Graliker, president of the local association. received word this morning from Mr. Loar that the above dates had been sleected. The dates first selected, were July 23rd to July 27th, hut as the Northern Indiana Fair Association selected this week, it Was necessary for the Chautauqua association to select new dates. Mr. Loar, in his letter to Mr. Grab iker, states that the Mercer Concert company will give the opening program. The Sidney Military Band, of Sidney, Ohio, has also been secured. The Gibsonians, Fisher Shipp, the Weber Male quartet. Goforth's celebrated orchestra. Hazel Dophelde, Fred G. Bale. Bttrgderfer, Allen and a number of other well known entertainers will be on the program. Senator Harrison Coming Mr. Loar has routed Senator Pat Harrison, of Mississippi, to deliver a lecture during the Chauatauqua here. The program promises to be one of the best and most entertaining ever given here and within a short time the tickets will bo placed on sale. o HIGH WATERS DAMAGE CROPS Flood Waters Came Late in Season Causing Greater Damage than Usual The damage from the high waters this week will be greater than usual for the reason that the floods came later in the season and at a time when the corn had been planted and the oats and wheat were far advanced. The waters were receding today and within a day or two, unless heavy rains should come, the rivers will be back in their banks. W. P. Schrock, manager of the Fonner Stock Farms north of the city, stated that eighty acres of corn planted in the 160 tract bordering the east bank of the St. Mary's river have to be re planted and the ground disced, thus entailing considerable loss to the owners. At the Holland-St. Louis Sugar company the water backed up and the basement under the office and the pits in the factory were filled, and was necessary to start the big pumps to working. The water grounds and low lands were flooded in that vicinity. D. E. Studebacker, who owns considerable land southeast of the city, bordering the St. Mary's river, stated that in all probability twenty acres of corn on the farm tenanted by Peter Loshe would have to he replanted. Many other farmers along the river and in the lowlands wil have to replant their crops as a result of the flood. o To Begin Repainting City Hall Next Week Peter Gaffer and Son will commence work Monday morning on the repainting of the interior of the city hall on Monroe street, the board of safety awarding him the contract on his bid of 427.80. The Enterprise Drug company was awarded the contract for the paint on their hid of $204.00, making a total of $631.80. Oil paint will be used. The fire department room downstairs, the hallway and corridors, mayor’s office and council chamber, clerk’s, treasurer’s engineer’s and superintendent’s offices will be repainted and redecorated. The city hall was painted about six years ago.

Decatur, Indiana, Thursday Evening, May 17, 1923.

ATTORNEY ASSISTS SON 7“ , ■ < Or nrL ■ 8 / fflk ■■ ? I vM Wi ’ (Pacific and Atlantic Photo) VIRGIL FITCH Chicago -Virgil Fitch, an attorney of Ludington, Mich., arrives in Chicago to assist his son, Roscoe Conkling Fitch, Northwestern University student, who has told of the Leighton Mount and Louis Aubere hazings. Young Fitch assured his father he was being well treated and entertained by the state. _ CHICAGO MARKET CLOSE Wheat: May sl.l9 7 »; July $1.17%; Sept. $1.15' 4 • Corn: May 81c; July 79%c; Sept. 79%c. Oats: May 43'. 4 e July 43> / ic; Sept. 41 ' ( c. •— ■ —- WANT LIQUOR CASE RE TRIED Indanapolis, Ind., May 17. Petition for rehearing of the Crabbs ease, in which the supreme court held the mere possession of liquor was not punishable by law, has been filed with the clerk of the supreme court, it was 'announced today. , o BACCALAUREATE SERVICE SUNDAY Program for Annual Service for High School Graduates Announced The program for the annual baccalaureate services for the 1923 graduating class of the Decatur high school, was announced today. Th" services will be held in the First Methodist church, corner of Monroe and Fifth streets, at 7:30 o’clock Sunday evening. May 20. The Rev. U. S. A. Bridge. D. D., pastor of the Methodist church, will deliver the sermon. Thg special music has not been definitely arranged for yet. Mrs. Dan Tyndall will have charge of the music for the evening. A large attendance is expected at the service. Seats will be reserved for the seniors, their parents aud the teachers of the high school. They will receive tickets which they are asked to present at the door. The Rev. R. R. Klliker, pastor of the Zion Reformed church, who is president of the Ministerial Association, will preside at the service. Following is the program: Prelude Invocation —Rev. 11. W. Thompson, of Christian church Hymn—No. 355 Prayer—Rev. F. W. Loose, of Evangelical church Special music Scripture Rev. F. D. Whitesell, of Baptist church Special music Announcements Special music Baccalaureate Sermon —Rev. U. S. A. Bridge, D. D„ of M. E. church Doxology Benediction —Rev. B. F. Dotson, of United Brethren church. Weather Fair tonight and probably Friday; slowly rising temperature.

TWELVE KILLED DURING PICNIC CELEBRATION Match dropped into Explosive Sul)sta n ce by Drunk Causes Explosion MANY ARE INJURED Seven Persons Burn to Death; Others Jump Into River and Drown Ensenada, Lower Cailoriiitt, May 17 (Special Daily Democrat) Twelve persons were killed and a number injured in an exposion al 1 upam. state ol Avar!, on the west coast ol Mexico, according to reports, receivetl here today. 'l'he dispatches said the explosion occurred during a picnic celebration when a drunken man dropped a lighted match into a container of essence. The fiery substance was scattered over the crowd igniting their garments. Seven persons were burned to death and five others who plunged into the river to extinguish their burning clothes were swept away and drowned, the advices said. A large crowd had gathered to celebrate the restoration of community lands adjacent to the town, with speeches of congratulations. CONDEMN FAIR SMOKERS Mi<mtie, 17—(Special 'to Daily ’Democrat)—Resolutions condemning the growing habit of cigarette smoking among the school girls and women o‘s the country were passed by the Women’s Relief Corps of Indiana in session with the Grand Army encampment. THIRD DIPLOMA TEST SATURDAY Last Chance for Eighth Grade Pupils to Win Their Diplomas The. third and last eighth grade diploma examination for the year 1923 I will be held next Saturday. All eighth grade pupils in the county who failed to pass either of the first two examinations or were conditioned in one or more subjects, are entitled to take this examination in an effort to make a passing grade and become eligible to enter high school next tall. The examination will be held in the school buildings at Monmouth, Mon roe, Berne, Geneva and Decatur. Ihe two examinations were held in the various district and consolidated school buildings. Ou the first examination. only 19 out of 217 were successful. In the second test, a larger percent of the applicants made passing grades, there being 88 out of 220 who were successful. The commencement exercises for those who ill receive their diplomas will be held some time in June. Die date and speaker have not been chosen definitely. —o ENTERS JUDGMENT ON JURY’S VERDICT By agreement of both parties, Judge Jesse C. Sutton today entered judgement on the verdict in the case of Joseph Schmitt, by bis next friend, Herbert Schmitt, vs. Avon Burk. Judge Sutton was formerly counsel for the defendant. The case was tried before a jury and the late Judge John C. Moran, aud jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff. SIOO and costs as the result of an automobile accident. Judgment was not entered on the. verdict before Judge Moran met his untimely death. In the case of William A. D. Parry vs. MRurgaret B. Parry, the assignment of the case for trial on June 1 was set aside and the case set for trial on June 7. Tn the case of John A. Hendricks vs Abort Luse et al, a demurrer was filed by the defendants Ulae and Luse. Martin Boerger, of Monroeville, war a business visitor here today.

Funeral for Shifley Child This Evening Short funeral services will bo hold nt 7 o'clock this evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. George Ogg on South Seventh street for their granddaughter. Mary Elizabeth Shifley, age 4 years, who died at their homo yesterday morning, following a brief illness of double peumonia. The child was the only child of Mrs. Mary Shifley. who has been making her home here with her parents. The body will be shipped to Bluffbon Kentucky, for burial, leaving here at 12:02 o’clock tomorrow morning. 0 Dan 8 Moser of Berne, delivered twenty head of good beef steers to the Mutschler Packing Co., in this city this afternoon The steers averaged nearly 1,000 pounds per head. TEAGHERLEFT BILLS UNPAID Berne Grade Teacher Disappeared Leaving Bills Amounting to SSOO Berne, May 17—Emory Ghamness, teacher of the eighth grade in the local schools during the last half year, is missing and his whereabouts are being sought. As souvenirs for the Berne people, in order that he may not be forgotten, are unpaid loans, fraudulent checks, un unpaid hoard bill and unpaid accounts at local business places, amounting to at least SSOO. Besides these, the exteacher also sold about eighty SI.OO accident policies, for which he collected the money, but failed to deliver either the policies»or a receipt. On the night of Sunday. May 13th, Mr. Chamness had reported to the local night watchman that he had been robbed on the streets of Berne of a sum of $260. The story at that time was not given much credence; as it was known that he seldom had much money. Mr. Chamness had promised both banks in Berne to make a part settlement on Monday, May 14th and gave as his excuse the next day that he was unable to do so because he had been robbed of $260. At that time it seemed strange that Chamness could give no other description of his assailants except that one was a tall man and the other short. Chamness stated that he carried so much cash, because he wanted to pay debts in Berne and that he had collected this money Sunday morning and had been unable to deposit it in any bank. Monday he failed to return here from his home at Richmond. Richmond police were notified and upon investigation learned that Chamness had left his home in Richmond Sunday night, telling his family that he was’coming to Berne. His family claim that thoy do not know his whereabouts. Only last week Chmaness hail written checks on local banks in which he had no funds. Some of these checks he had cashed at Geneva, some at Decatur and one he had paid to a Richmond grocer on an account of more than $30.00. Besides these, he had other over-drafts in the Berne banks, as well as loans, amounting to a few hundred dollars. As was previously stated, his obligations in this town amount to about SSOO, which include a board bill of about sl3 at the Fred Kamholtz home. Last winter when O. A. Potter had resigned his position as teacher ot the eighth grade, Emory Chamness of Richmond made application for the position. He had come herewith strong recommendations from a teachers’ agency. He had been held in quite high respect in this community, although he always seemed quite reserved and did not mix much with people. From the very first he had always told hard hick stories of much sickness in his family, and of other misfortunes, which had befallen his family of seven children. Quite frequently he had told how he had walked back and forth from Richmond in order to save money. With these stores lie had won the sympathy of many. A few weeks ago Chamness started selling accident insurance. His proposition offered a cheap policy for $1 a year and of these policies he sold about eighty in Berne aud Genova. Because of his hard luck stories, many had been prompted to buy. He had always promised to deliver the (Continued ou page two)

Price: 2 Cents.

CHALLENGE TO HERESY HURLED BY DR. C. C. HAYS Retiring Presbyterian Moderator Says Charge of Unbelief is False SELECT MODERATOR Selection of New Moderator Takes Place at Indianapolis Late Today i ■’ (United Prees Service) Indianupolls. May 17 —(Special to Daily Democrat) —A challenge to heresy was hurled by Dr. Calvin C. Hays, retiring moderator of the Presbyterian church, in his annual sermon al the opening session of I the 135th general assembly of the church. He declared that the charge that , rationalism and unbelief are widespread among us and even creepine into many of our pulpits is a charge that cannot be sustained. "Those of us who have been much over the church in the last year have found no evidence of this widespread f heresy, but only depeest regn-t every i where exhibited that such sweeping . assertions should be made.” This was taken as a direct answer I to intimation ifi some qnarti rs that I there was dissention between faction of the clergy and that a fight would ( be precipitated on the floor of the assembly over the preachings ot the , liberalist group, of which Dr. Harry Emerson Fosdick, a Baptist fillin;; a Presbyterian pulpit, is a leader. Indianapolis, May 17 —(Special to Daily Democrat) —Selection of a ! moderator for the coming year held ( the center of interest among all , commissioners to the 135th general t assembly of the Presbyterian church j of the United States as the assembly [’ formally Convened today. t William Jennings Bryan still stood I out as the most-discussed candidate. , in spite of his backwardness in let- , ting his attitude toward the position bo known. It is understood that ; some of Bryan’s friends believe he . does no want to be presented as a candidate unless he is certain that ■ the election will be without opposi- . tion. Commissioners from the Pacific . coast were discussing two or threa ■ favorite sons who may be pu' f(r . ward as dark horses in the event that the assembly fails to agree upon . one of the men mentioned earlier for . the place. i The two men who will probably be i put forward by the western delega- . tion are Rev. Frank M. Silsley .of i Oakland, Calif., and Dr. E. H. Pence • of Portland, Oregon. ; The new moderator is to be selected late this afternoon after the as- - semhly has formally organized. i o VETS DISLIKE MCCRAY'S VETO I — - —» G. A. R, Vets Say Governor's Explanation is “Entirely Unsatisfactory” I (United Press Service) , Muncie. Ind.. May 17 —(Special to Daily Democrat)—With enthusiasm ' marked by shouts and the throwing of huts in the air Indiana Civil War Veterans iu fromal business session J today passed by unanimous vote a resolution declaring "entirely unsatisfactory” the explanation offered ' Wednesday by Governor Warren T. McCray as to why he vetoed the re- ! cent legislative bill prohibiting the holding of automobile races on Me- ( mortal Day. After considerable discussion Frankfort was selected on the first ballot for the 1924 encampment. Evansville, Bluffton and Terre Haute r were also seeking next year's meeting. 1 Muncie. Ind., May 17 —(Special to Daily Democrat) —Resolutions deI nouncing the Klu Klux Klan and condemning the action of Governor W. T. McCray for vetoing the memorial day bill, were presented for action 9 at the opening of the business meeting of the state Grand Army encampment today.