Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 21, Number 120, Decatur, Adams County, 19 May 1923 — Page 1

Volume XXI Number 120.

WOMAN ADMITS SHE IS CLARA PHILLIPS

FIRE VICTIMS ARE BURIED IN SINGLE GRAVE One Large Mound Marks Grave Os Victims Os South Carolina Fire governor attends Eight Pastors Take Part In Burial Service; Relief Committee Works (United Press Service) Cleveland, S. (’., May 19 — (Special to Daily Democrat) With the simple nvcrenee: of village people stricken by a calamity almost too great for them to comprehend, this little town ship today completed burying its dead—the 76, including 41 children, who perished in the school house finThursday night. One mound in the cemetery on the edge of the township marks the grave Into which sixty bodies were lowered amid touching scenes last evening. Today the ten remaining victims were tu be buried. The common grave today was covered with a mass of flowers. The grave in which the sixty-six victims were hurled is forty feet by 12. It Is in the little cemetery of Beitla'i Methodist church. Creed is Forgotten Creed, doctrine, sect were all forgotten In the services marking th.' interment at sunset of the charred remains. Eight pastors, including a bishop assisted in the burial service Governor McLeod of South Carolina attended. Thousands, of people from adjoining counties, stood at the grave side. A selected choir of forty voices rang the hymns. The same ministers, the same choir and many of the same mourners gather here this morning to bury the other ten victims. A permanent relief committee for the families and survivors was formed at. a meeting this morning. The temporary relief committe was flooded with contributions and offers <1 assistance from many points. “On behalf of Camden ami of Ker show county, I think the thousand of friends who in person, or who though far removed physically, came in spirit through their offers ol assist ancc, to Camden and Beulah church and Cleveland school,” said E. I Reardon secretary of the Camden ano Kershaw county chamber of com meree. today. Stories of Heroism As the first paroxym of grief waned today, stories of groat and simple heroism came to light. Two men who lie in the common grave stood at the windows of the hurtling school lowering women ami children as far as their arms would reach and then dropping them to safe ty below. They stayed at their posts until the collapse of the floor sent them to fiery death. A young lad, also nameless, saved 17 by placing a flagpole against a ledge, and shouting to those in the hall to slide down. Parents, ncoirning safety without their children, fought their way back into the fire to find lost ones. Some of them perished with their children o Ahrs Are Motoring To Uniontown, Pennsylvania Mr. and Mrs. Ed J. Ahr. son Lloyd, and Arthur Marker, of Van Wert, Ohio, are motoring to Uniontown. Pa., where they will attend a horse sale. Mr. Ahr shipped a car of 27 horses to Uniontown this Week and they wil bo sold at public sale the first oi next week. The horses will be used in pulling the little cars of coal in the Pennsylvania coal mines. The Ahrs left Decatur al live o’clock Frlday morning and expected to reach Columbus, Ohio, last night and to be in Uniontown this evening. The horses were bought from the farmers In this territory. o Glen Jackson, of Fort Wayne, is spending the week-end with her parents, Mrs. and Mrs. E. W. Jackson, east of the city.

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT

J. C. PATTERSON ON VACATION J. c. Patterson, well-known man ager of the W< tern Union tidegraph office, started yesterday on his annual two weeks’ vacation. Mr. Patterson usually takes a fishing trip, but Mrs. Patterson is ill at present and it is doubtful if he will take a trip. During Mr. Patterson’s vacation, a Mr. Rich, of Sullivan, Indiana, is taking care of the Telegraph office. IANNUAL JUNIOR RECEPTION HELD Entertainment, Banquet And Dance Given For Seniors And Faculty The Junior class of the Decatur high school gave a reception for the Seniors last night which, undoubted Iv, will linger in the minds of the Seniors for many years to come. The reception was held in the Knights of Pythias Home on Third street the more than one hundred who attended included the Senior:. Juniors, faculty members and a few invited guests. The K. of P. Home was elaborately decorated in purple and gold the high school colors; orange and black, the senior colors; and green and white, the junior colors. Streamers of crepe paper of the different colors were suspended from the lights throughout the building and from a network of wires in the dining room. Green foliage was nsed in the decoration. also. The guests were assembled tn the dance hall on the second floor aho it 8:30 o’clock ami were entertained by a program given hy the juniors. A group of the junior girls gave a comi* stunt, irritating the famous Ishim Jones orchestra. This stunt produced much laughter. Next on the pre grain was an imitation of the famous senior male quartet rendering a selection. The juniors staging this stunt were Don Farr, Niles White, Paul Castle and Chauncey Clem. Don Farr and Margaret Zwick gave a dialogue which was intended Io be a conversation which took place in «Contfn.)P<l on page two) THIEVES TAKE VALUABLE HENS 125 Pure Bred Hens Valued At S2OO Taken From Fann Near Berne Chicken thieves stole 125 pure bred White Plymouth Rock hens from the D. .1. Schwartz farm, north of Heine, last Wednesday night. The chicken taken were valued at $206. That the thieves took time in rifling the Schwartz tio< k, was evidenced by the tact that only pure bred hens were taken. The roosters, the setting hens and about twenty White Leghorn hens were left. Some of the hens which had been roosting in the barn were even stolen. The thieves had a fine chance to work unmolested. The Schwartz farm is along the slate, highway, two miles north of the Mennonite church. Mr. Schwartz is building a new house on his farm and at present the family is living with Mrs. Schwartz s parent:, in Berne. During the nights no one is at. the farm, and thus the culprits could help themselves unmolested. Evidence indicates that, the stealing was done hy Im ai talent and that the chic kens are being disposed by an organized gang in tills county. The hens were first missed at 8 o’clock yesterday morning. Foot prints ol two men were found in the soft ground and the evidence that has (been gathered seems to center about two local parties. Officers have been notified and it is thought that arrests will follow in a short time. A number of farmers of Monroe township, living north of Berne have missed chickens within the past few weeks. Lt Is hoped that the officers can get the thieves who are making entirely too easy a living at the expens© of others.

FIVE MONTH’S SEARCH FOR AVIATORS ENDS WITH FINDING THEIR BODIES ALONGSIDE WRECKED PLANE. z%. jI • Pacific and Atlantic Photo) Where army flfcrs met death. Five month's search for Colonel Fran is Marshall and Lieut. ( harles Webber resulted in the finding of this wreckage and their bodies near Sa i Diego, ( al.

MORE AUTOS IN COUNTY; HORSES SHOW BIG LOSS Assessors’ Reports Show That Old Dobin Is Rapidly Losing Ground TOTAL ASSESSMENTS Large Decrease In Personal Property Valuation Is Forcasted According to the listings and assessments of personal property made by the tawualup esse shots to county assessor Wm. Zimmerman, the people of Adams county own 288 more automobiles and trucks than they did in 1922, the total being 2,620 as compared to 2,392, while the number of horses in the county this year has decreased 771, the total being 5,087 as compared to 5,798 in 1922. The total of the personal property assessed by the township assessors, exclusive of grain and hay, poultry, machinery and equipment, improvements on real estate and all articles ami personal property not reported to tiie State board of tax commismissioners, is |5,556,262.00 an increase of $135,606.00 over lite assessments turned in by the assessor.; last year. Other gains made The gain in the number of hogs was the largest increase made this year, the asessor's reports showing that an increase of 5,660 was made over last year. The total number reported was 22,950 as compared to 17,293 in 1922. However the average price this year is lower than that of last year, the hogs being assessed at an average price of $5.79 as compared with $7.00 last year. Seven teen more mules were reported this year, 465 more cows, 128 more head of cattle, 811 more head of sheep. 267 head of sows, pedigree stock, and 79, more diamonds. The decreases There was $51,376.00 less money reported this year, 50 farming implements and 37 less stocks of household goods were reported this year as compared to 1922. The total assessments , It is thought that the total assessment of personal property will decrease from a half to one million dollars this year. l*ast year after the county board of review had adjusted and equalized the assessments and the state tax board had asseessed the railroads, telephone and telegraph companies and other utilities assessed by the state, the total of all personal property was over $14,000, 000.00. Os this $7,811,030.00 was assessed locally and $6,254,068.00 by the state. The assessed value of real estate last year was $28,729, 330.00. This year a few* real estate assessments are being made, hut a general assessment of real estate will not be made until 1926. Improvements on real estate are assessed this year however. The county board of review will meet in regular session on June 4th. County Assessor William (Continued on page tour)

Decatur, Indiana, Saturday, May 19, 1923.

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS In order that we can a«t to press “On time” it is necessary that we re establish the rule that all advertising copy be in this office not later than 10:30 a. m. and 9:30 on Friday, and we will appreciate it if advertisers will get their copy to us earlier. It will be to the advantage of every one if your copy is in the hands of the print ers the day before and this is especially true on Fridays. We want to give you a snappy paper and we will do our best to get it to you early in the afternoon and we ask your co-operation. The "dead line” on copy must be enforced to permit this. BIG OIL WELL WESTJF BERNE Fine Strike Made Eight Miles From Berne; 100 Barrels In 20 Hours A big oil strike was made Wcdnc ■ day, eight miles west of Berne, in what is practically a new oil territory. At least there has been no drilling in this locality for 23 years. William Mason and others, residents ot that neighborhood, are the lucky men. The well, which was drilled in Wednesday, made lt»u barrels in 20 hours in the tank. When struck. Hie oil raised 700 feet in a 6’l hole. The well has not been shot, and Mr. Mason said this morning that he did not think it would l*e, as it was not neecessary. The locality where this well was struck, one and one-half miles west of Linn Drove, is near what was, 2'l years ago, one of the best oil terri tories in Indiana. Oil was struck at that time in this Immediate vicinity, but as the price of oil was low, drilling ceased, since which time the entire field has been abandoned. The company of which Mr. Mason is a member, is made up of men liv ing nearby the new well, and own their own tools. They have 1,060 acres under lease nt the present time and tire preparing to drill other wells. Experienced oil men, who have visited the well say that, it is remarkable in the fact that such an excellent showing is made witli out being shot. In fact, it is said this is the best well ever struck in this field, even when the oil boom was al its height. This well promises to start another oil boom in that territory, as oil men are flocking to the field. It Is likley that a few weeks will see many other rigs up and work started. Mr. Mason has made arrangements to dispose of the oil to the Portland refinery. He with his partners are well pleased with the well, and say they are preparing to fully develop this field, as quick as arrangements can be made. •— Paul I,eichtensteigeT, of Wren, Ohio, was a business visitor here this morning. ■ . ....... 11 1 Weather Thunder showers probably tonight: Sunday partly cloudy and cooler.

SEN.RALSTON : MAKES A FINE TALK AT BERNt United States Senator 1/ livers Commencement Address Last Night A LARGE AUDIENCE Senator Also Speaks At Alumni Banquet Following The Commencement Samuel M. Ralston, United States Senator from Indiana, delivered a wonderftrF address to the graduates of the Berne high school and their i many friends at the Berne community auditorium last night. A large croud attended the commencement service. Thirteen (pupils received diplomas, which were presented by Dr. It. von Gitnten. A number of Decatur people attended the exercises . Music for the commencement was furnished by the following trio: Paul G.Dannecker, violinist; Henry .1. i Dannecker, eellist; and Miss Valette Lageman, harpist. The invocation was given by the Rev. P. R. Schroeder. Flora Franz gave the salutatory ami Beatrice Brewster gave the valedictory. The following graduates received diplomas last night: Beatrice Brew ster, Helen Burkhalter, Florence Liecbty, Flora Franz, Olive Winteregg, Ethel Taylor. Florence Hilty, Frieda Sprunger, Naomi Lieehtv, Roman Miller, Myron Habegger, Palmer Eicher and Walter Schttg. In his address, Senator Ralston re furred to the ordinance of 1787, a fundamental law for the northwest territory, as showing the vision of the forefathers in regard to the necessity of schools to a free government. After quoting from the document that “knowledge and learning generally diffused through a community being essential to the preservation of free government, schools and the means of education shall for ever be ecottraged,’ he sain: "That declaration, my young friends, is the basis of our free school system, which has meant up to this time so much for you, and for which Indiana is paying more than $40,000,000 a year. “This ordinance is a precedent for nil time to come in governmental affairs. It guaranteed free soil and provided that sentence should be inflicted for crime only. It guaranteed free religion; that meant the elimination of the thumbscrew and persecution in the case of a man who dared to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience. It guaranteed civil liberty and free speech and free press and the right to petition for redress of grievances and the right to trial by jury. Eliminate these provisions which are a part of this wonderful ordinance of 1787 and you will cut the heart out of the form of government we enjoy in this country, the form of government for which we are willing to fight and if need be to die." Industrious Ancestors Senator Ralston said that the set(Continued on page six)

BIRTHS Arthur Anton, is the name of the ten pound boy bahy born to Mr. and Mrs. Ben Anker at the home of Mrs. Anker's parents, Mr. and Mrs. (’ria Beiberich. The mother was formerly Miss (Tara Bciherich, and this is the first child. William Fuiton, is the name of the eleven pound boy baby born to Mr. and Mrs. William lifehold, of Root township. NATIVE CITIZEN OF COUNTY DIES William IL Tiernan Succumbs To Erysipelas And .Apoplexy This Morning. . William H. Tieman, age 62 years, I an esteemed and respected citizen of, Adams county, died at his home in Root township at 2 o'clock this morning after a protracted illness of erv-' sipelas, which was followed by two strokes of apoplexy. In all Mr. Tie-! man bad been ill for three months J but was always cheerful and full of hope that he would recover ultimately. [ Mr. Tieman was born tn Root township, Adams county, December 2, 1861). and spent his entire life in that location. He was a true and honest] Christian, one of the best encomiums mat could be- bestowed upon any[ iran. On April 21, 1887, Mr. Tic-1 man wa- married to Miss Lodge Gerke, and to this union were bo-T five children, one eattghlcr dying in infancy. Ida. Harold and Harvey are unmarried an I reside at their parents’ home. Charles was married to Miss Hattie Rodeck. to whom has been horn one son. Two sisters, Mrs. Edward Ey and Mrs. Henry: Wt< tfeldt, of Fort Wayne, also rurv ,’ve. Funeral services will be held f.omi the St. Peter's Lutheran church at; 2:20 a cleek, sun time, Monday after ] iioon. May 21. Short services will be held at the home at 2 o'clock. Interment will take place at the cemetery in the church yard. The Re’’.] A. Muller will conduct the services. | Miss Van Buskirk, of Monroeville.) was hero today shopping. o SEND ANOTHER NOTE TO CHINA U. S. And Other Powers Dispatch Another Note Concerning’ Prisoners ■ (United Press Service) Washington, May IS (Special to. Daily Democrat) The United States and the other powers decided to send another note to the Chinese govern-j ment demanding that the govern-I merit troops surrounding the Shantung bandits be withdrawn. This announcement was made today by the state department in mak-| ittg public further reports from the American legation in Pekin regarding American and other foreign prise; oners of the brigands. A meeting of the diplomatic corps at Pekin today decided to address the note to the Chinese foreign office calling on the government to fulfill its promise to withdraw the troops. Pekin, China. May 19—(Special to Daily Democrat)—The situation arising of foreign citizens captured by Chinese bandits near Lin Cheng two weeks ago was getting darker today. The government announced that further negotiations with the bandits looking to release of the captives seemed impossible. The announcement declared that the bandits evidently have gained in numerical strength and have demanded not only the withdrawal of gov eminent troops from the zone considered bandit territory but from all of Shan Tung. Granting of such demands would leave the bandits master of the entire situation. - —o Barney Kalver, was a business visitor in Fort Wayne yesterday.

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CAPTIVE HELD IN HONDURAS IS IDENTIFIED Woman Breaks Down And Tells Sensational Story; Still Has Hope A DRAMATIC STORY Confessed Hammer Slayer Being Returned To California By Detectives (United Pfps*’ Service) Teguirgalpa. Honduras, .day, 19.— | (Special to Daily Democrat) —A sensationul confession that she is none jother than Clara Phillip-’, "hammer i slayer” sought throughout the western world since her escape from u Ixts Angeles jail last year, was made I today by the woman who has been I held here on that suspicion. I American detectives arrived to 'identify the prisoner, and simultan .eourly with their arrival, the woman who previously had maintained a i soic silence, attacking any one who i sought to learn her eve ret, broke .down and confessed she is the woman •who was convicted of beating to •death Mrs. Alberta Meadows. Although the. woman held prisoner I here had displayed a fierce temper that made approach dangerous, it hud not been determined that she was actually the “tiger woman” of California. Her <• companions, a man and a woman, the former detained on sits piclbn of being Jesse ('arson, wsnt-d in lavs Angeles, had denied she was I Clara Phillips. _ j But when the detectives arrived jat Amapala, Honduras, ant} a group iof reporters to the cell in which the ; strange women prisoner was kept. | site startled all by bursting into la dramatic confession that she was (indeed the woman who was convicted 'of wielding a hammer with deadly of | tect upon the friend she suspected of stealing her husband’s affections. The high spirits that had kept her head up through the ordeals to which she was subjected here fell from her like a garment. As she broke down, she told u ■ n national story; her eyes grew blank, then wild. She showed symtoms of n dangerous desperation. It was feared I the caged "tiger woman” might at tempt her own lite. But later, after she had said yes that she was Clara Phillips, she | brightened somewhat, expressing the i hope that she would be absolved of i the crime upon her arrival at la*-* Angeles, whither she will he taken. Former Bryant Resident Killed In Auto Wreck j Martha Spade, 60. wife of John Spade, died Thursday evening at Roll- | Inson. HI. Death was < aused from hi- | Juries received in an auto accident ■received several weeks ago. The deceased was born May 21. 1862. west of Bryant. She was a for mer resident of Bryant. The body I will be brought hack to Dunkirk, the home of her daughter, for burial. Surviving are the husband, and the following children: Frank Spade and Hoyte Spade, of Robinson. III.; Sylvester Spade, of Mendon Mich.; Di< k Spade and Mrs. Zelia Baker, or Dunkirk. Two brothers also survive, J. F. Miller, Beacreek township; Milo Miller, of Geneva, and one sister, Mrs. Lucas, of Bryant. Irvin Metzner. undertaker of Bryant. will meet the body at Dunkirk Friday evening at 8 o'clock and go to the home of her daughter, Mrs. Baker. Funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock nt the West Liberty Christian church. Burial will be made in the Gravel Hill cemetery. AMERICAN GOLFERS WIN Standrews, Scotland, May 19. — (Special to Daily Democrat > America's amateur golf team, coming frout behind, with a great rally in the last round won the Walker international • cup here this afternoon from the British team.