Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 21, Number 286, Decatur, Adams County, 4 December 1923 — Page 1

• • . - . • — • DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT "— . x . ■ — - ...

Volume XXI. Number 286.

COMPROMISE MAY END DEADLOCK SOON '* - . - .1 , , — - ... ■ -— - -- .... , ... .

BANKS TO REST CASE AGAINST M’CR A Y TODAY ✓ — Ft. Wayne Banks Seek To Show That Governor Is Not a Farmer. SPECULATED IN GRAIN ; Witness Testifies That McCrav Lost Heavilv On Board of Trade. (United Press Kervic") Indianapolis. Dec. 4 -(Special t<> Dailv Democrat)—Dealings in grain futures of the Me- 1 Crav Grain comnany. of Kcnt)f<nd. of which Gov. Warren T. McCray was president until 1910. were described in the bankruptcy hearing nsninst the rtovernor today by Edward C. Brown, former manager of the conmanv. He testified that McCray occasionally placed orders for purchase or sale of futures and that he and McCrav had taken orders from farmers and residents of Kentland for such Iransarf'ons. I I'he petitioners, the three Ft. Wavne banks, rested their ca«e v i|h the testimony of W. E. Towers, bookkeeper for McCrav. who spent most of his time on the stand identifying records. Attorneys for McCrav began the introduction of witnesses to testify to the the governor's land in Newton county.[ Indianapolis. Dec. 4—(Special to Daily. Democrat)— Attorneys for the three Fort Wayne banks seeking to have Governor McCray declared bankrupt expected to rest their case today after presentation of additional evidence tending to show that McCray is not a farmer and therefore is not exempt from involuntary bankruptcy. i The bank's attorneys put William Simons, president of the defunct Sawers Grain company, on the stand yesterday in an effort to prove that McCray gave a great part of his time to grain speculation, and that his greatest profits or greatest losses wore sustained through ventures on the Chicago board of trade. Simons testified that an account held jointly by McCray and himself closed its books last summer with a loss of $140,000. He was unable to say exactly how much of the loss Mecray stood, but admitted it was a big part of the total. The speculation in grain futures, Simons testified, was made through “Account 201" of the Sawers Grain company. McCray remained a silent partner in the speculation, accord-; ing to Simons and very seldom asked whether the account was making ot losing money. Speculated In Grain Futures McCray also speculated in grain futures through the Dawson Park Grain company of Dawson, 111., the Harland Grain company, and Morrison and company of Kentland, the witness said. Simons testified reluctantly, and tried to assume most of the regponsi hility for the losses. He was preceded on the witness stand by E. E. Blackburn, president ot the Marion National bank, at whose request the grand jury investigation leading to the indictment ot McCraj was started. Blackburn told of investigating the notes McCray had given the Marion bank and finding them practical)) worthless. Some of the persons whose names appeared on the notes told him they had never heard of the notes, Blackburn said. . Ficticious Names Signed One note held by the Marion bank was signed by the “Howard Cattle company” of Kentland. Investigation revealed that no such company existed. according to Blackburn. Clyde Walb, republican state chairman, was to arrive in Indianapolis late today for a series of conferences with party workers and a sub-com-mitete of the state committee on the action the party is to take towaid McCray.

Washington, Dec. 4. (United Press.) —Here is how the two i parties divide in the House and Senate in the Sixty-eighth Congress, which met at noon Monday: HOUSE Republicans, 225; Democrats, 207; Socialist, 1; Parmer-Labor, 1; Independent. I.—Total. 435. SENATE Republicans, 51; Democrats, 43; Farmer-Ijihor, 2.—Total. 96. HIGHWAY BONDS BEING REDEEMED — County Auditor Redeemed $94,462.17 In Bonds Last Month. Since November 15th of this year County Auditor Martin Jaberg has redeemed $94,462.17 in principal and interest coupons on the 197 macadam and concrete roads in Adams county, figures and the bond record book book show. This is about one-tenth of the total amount which will lie outstanding on January 1. 1924, in addition to the eleven' roads constructed this year, totaling in price, $122,240.SS. On January Ist. the road bond indehtness in the twelve townships will be $981,484.92, which figure does not Include those constructed this year. Final payment of the bonds on several of the roads were made this year I Mr. Jaberg stated. Under the old three-mile road law the bonds were issued for a period of ten years, the interest and part of the principal beI coming due evary six months. Those roads built in 1923, and for which bonds were issued, were liquated this year. Previous to the enactment of the the old law provided that bonds be issued for twenty years. Mr. Jaberg stated that the county is still paying on one or two of these twenty year bonds. The interest at that j time was limited to four per cent, but even then the amount paid in interest totaled about half or more of the principal in the twenty years. Eleven roads totaling sixteen miles the Badertscher and Braun, the David Zimmerman, the David Mazelin, the Joe Lehman, the W. F. Meyers, the Ross Harden, the Phil Sauers, the A. N. Sprunger, the A. C. Butches, and the Warren Striker roads in Wabash township. Very few roads, if any, will be constructed next year. Washington town--1 ship being the only township which is not bonded beyond the two per 1 cent limit, fixed in the "holiday road ' law" passed by the legislature. Including the eleven roads constructed 1 this year, Adams county has 2U9 im--1 proved roads on which bonds have . been issued. _ • Men’s Brotherhood Elects New Officers The Men's Brotherhood of the Evangelical church at their regulai meeting last evening, held in the Sunday School rooms, elected officers I for the coming year, as tollows: S. ■ e Black, president; C. E, Hocker, vice president; Adolph Kolter, secretary, and Gregg McFarland, treasur- | er. This is an entirely nbw stall of 1 officers except the v.ice-president. Mr. Hocker, who was re-elected. Chair--1 men of the different committees will 1 be appointed by the executive board ’; at a later date. The club was organized one year ago, ami since that time ' has grown in membership until at the 1 presen t time about forty-five men of ’ the church belong. In the coming ' few months an effort will be made to ' liave everv man of the church join. ’ s',i kind Ita ohrd Ihnihmhtnh hhhhrr Property of Old State Reformatory Is Deeded 1 j e ff,rßonville,"lnd-. Pec. 4.-The of the oH J till convert the buildings a factory- The original purchase 1 jor.l 000. The state won an add 1 Honal SIOO,OOO through early evacuation of the buildings.

JURY APPEARS DEADLOCKED IN LIQUOR TRIAL Jury Unable To Reach Verdict So Far In Case of Fountain. TRIAL ENDED TODAY Ca irt Goes To Jury Shortly Before Noon • Defense Makes Fight. The jury in the case of the state against Alfred Fountain, for violation of the prohibition law, appeared to be deadlocked late this afternoon. Th" ease was given to the jury at 11:30 o'clock this morning. The hearing of evidence in the case was completed late yesterday afternoon. The attorneys in the case presented their arguments this forenoon and the court instructed the jury. The defense put up a strong fight| for acquittal. Mr. Fountain declared that the stil) did not belong to him,, that he did not have possession of 'he barn at Bellmont Park where the still was discovered. and that he knew nothing about it. Col. Fred Reppert. owner of the park, testified that Fountain had not had possession of the barn since tlie race horses were removed shortly after the close of the fair. Mr Fountain, bis wife, and two others testified for the defense. When tlie raid was made on the barn, bv Sheriff John Baker. Deputy Sheriff D. M. Hower anil Chief of Police Joel ttevnoMs. there was no one in the l(prn. However, while the! three officers were in the barn, looking for tlie still. Fountain walked in-j to the barn, and the officers placed him under arrest. o CHICAGO GRAIN CLOSE Wheat: Dec. $1.05%; May $1.11%; July. $1.09%. Corn: Dec. 74c; May 75c; July 75%c. Oats: Dec. 43%c; May 45%c; July 14%c. OFFICER TOO LATE TO STOP WEDDING 16-Year-Gld Portland Girl Marries Glass Worker Here Yesterday. Within a few hours after Miss Esther Jordan. 16-year-old daughter of Isiah W. Jordan, of Portland, and James G. Hagan. 21. a glass mechanic from Kentucky, were married in tlie office of Justice of the Peace A. C. Butcher here yesterday afternoon, a juvenile officer from Portland came to this city and took the two youths to Portland. The girl gave her age as 21 years, and her address as Adams county when she applied for the marriage license at the county clerk’s office here. Sheriff John Baker received a call from the juvenile officer at Portland yesterday to apprehend the girl and hold her until an officer came after her. Sheriff Baker finally located the girl but learned that the iparrlage had been solemnized already. He notified the Portland officer. The groom is employed by a window gla -s company and has been working in this city tor the past few .days, putting glasses in the windows of the St. Mary's Catholic and the Baptist churches.. He met his youthful bride while working in Portland recently and they decided to get married. The marriage was solemnized by JVIr. Butcher at 3:30 o'clock. Tlie girl's mother is dead and it is slid that she had been living with her step-mother and father. Her father is a machinist in Portland. Tlie juvenile officer arrived here about 7 o’clock last night and found the couple at the glass company’s wa-ons near the Catholic church. It is not known what steps the Juvenile officer and father of the girl intend to take In tlie affair.

■ - ■ - - - - Decatur, Indiana, Tuesday, Oecemher 4, 1923.

Oldest Representative Washington, Dec. 4.—Representative Isaac It. Sherwood (Dem.), Ohio, oldest member of the new house of Representatives, served iis a member of that body 22 years ■ before Representative Clarence J. McLeod (Rep. H Midi.. youngest member was born. Sherwoqd, who fought in 43 battles of the Civil War. serving 123 days under five, is 88 years old and GO years the senior of tlie young- ; st< r from Michigan. M< Lend, a veteran of the World War. was first elected to the House | I to fill a vacancy caused by the death of Representative Nichols. He was not a candidate for re-el- , ection to the G7th Congress. MINISTERSPICK NEW OFFICIALS Rev. Bridge New President of Decatur Ministerial Association. — The Rev. U. S. A. Bridge, pastor of tlie First Methodist church, was elected president of tlie Decatur Ministerial Association at the regular Meeting held yesterday afternoon. The Rev. Harry Thompson, pastor of the Christian < hurch. was elected secretary of the organization. The new officers succeed tlie Rev. R. R. Elliker. pastor of the Zion Reformed church, and the Rev. H. N. Covert, pastor of the Presbyterian church, respectively. , A very interesting discussion on the ( subject, •Tiller-church Relationship in I Decatur." was led at the meeting yesI terday by tlie Rev. B. F. Dotson, pas | tor of the United Brethern ehurch. Several important and interesting plans have been made by the Ministerial association, to lie carried out in the near future. The organization meets on the first Monday of each month. The officers elected at tlie meeting yesterday will take office at the next meeting, tlie first Monday in January. NEW YORK SUGAR MARKET The raw sugar market opened lower. Dec. Jan. $5.16@ II 5.19; March [email protected]; May $4.59@ 4.60. GOOD FELLOWS CLUB J Sponsored By Delta Theta Tau Sorority For Purpose Os Bringing Christmas Cheer to file Poor I Kiddies. Get your bit for the kiddies in • early and Help make tlie Good Fellow Club a real sjiccess this year. Boxes have been placed at the Old Adams County hank, the Murray Hotel and the Daily Democrat office 1 today. Drop your coin or a bill in ’ one of the envelopes, place your name ’on it and place it in the box. Tlie ‘ Delta Theta Tau sorority will appre--1 ciate it. So will the children when we make them happy at Christfas 1 time. ' If you wish to send a check or i money, address it to Miss Florence j Holthouse or Miss Lois Connell. Tlie subscriptions to date are: ’ Delta Theta Tau Sorcritys2s.oo Tri Kappa Sorority ’• 5.00 Total $30.00 1 Help the good cause along and BE A GOOD FELLOW. Weather f Rn’n in east and south, cloudy in ■ northwest portion tonight: colder toj night; Wednesday probably fair; rising temperature in northwest portion. I I 21DaystoChristmas

COMMISSIONERS FINISH SESSION THIS AFTERNOON ----- County Commissioners Accept Lewton Bridge; Roads Inspected. REPORTS ARE FILED Residents of Monroe Petition for Location of Road In That Town. * The board of county commissioners adjourned this afternon after disposing of routine business and making I inspections of certain roads and bridgies >n the county. The commissioners Inspected the ; A. J. Lewton bridge in Root township, ami accepted it. This bridge spans the St. Marys river and was ■recently completed by Yost Brothers, the contractors. The matter of erecting a new smoke stack at the county infirmary was discussed and the motion made that a new stai k be erected, the present one after years of use being ready to crumble. Reports Are Filed The reports, of County Treasurer Hugh Hite and Harry LaFountain, superintendent of the county farm, were filed and approved. Mr. I-'i-Fountain reported that admission to, one inmate was given during tlie ■ month of November and that tlie to-, tai number of infirm people now cared for by the county is 33. Twenty-one j being men and 12 women. No deaths | 1 oecured st Hee infirmary during the past month. The requisition for supplies at the county infirmary for the quarter lie-! •'i'-ning January Ist was filed and bids will be received on January 7th. ; Location Os Road Viewers on the location of a road. 1 approximately 500 feet in length run ! ' ning along the west corporation line in tlie town of Monroe, were appoint(Continued on Page six) SEEK MEMBERS FOR AUTO CLUB Representatives of Hoosier State Auto Association Here Today Messrs. 11. N. Hinton and K. E. Welidling, representing the Hoosier State Automobile Association, are here today to interest new members ( in tlie good work being done by that organization and to renew a number of old members who are now delinI quent. They will attend the meeting at the Industrial rooms this evening and will assist in making it a session ( of real interest to every one. The Hoosier State Auto Associa- ( tion has been working for the welfare of the Indiana automobile owners ( since the earliest days of motoring. The association is incorporated, but | with no capital stock, every dollar obtained from membership fees being | spent witli a view of increasing benefits to members. Any one must know that the danger and direction signs j don't “just grow" like Topsy. It is ( done by the association. Only last week new signs showing directions ) over the state road 21 and the I-O-'f , were placed through here. Through this organization branch bureaus • have bee norganized in many counties where license plates may be secured without tile trouble of sending to Indianapolis. ) The Hoosier attends to legls'ati e . i matters, backing those bills which • will assist the motorist and livli'inc ; those which are against the interests of the auto owner. They furnish information to tourists, affiliate with the National ■ Motorists Associatio.i. have free emergency road and legal s"iv ices and a number of capable men devote all their time to rendering real service. Every automobile owner should be a mi tuber of the association and a booster for it.

, .... t CONGRESS TODAY (By United Press) Senate i Plans to meet and adjourn until house is organized Teapot Dome investigation erfn- ' tinuys. House Continues efforts to elect speaker. PROGRESSIVE EXPLAINS BLOC Prepresentative Tells Why Progressives Are Fighting Editors Note:—ln the following article written exclusively for the United Press, Representative John M. Ne'son, Wisconsin, leader of the, I progressive bloc in the house, tells what the progressives are fighting for and why they believe they have a right to prevent organization of the house in defense of a principle. (Written for the United Press) Washington, Dec. 4—(Special to Daily Democrat) —Progressive republicans in the house are battling to knock out the gag rule so that a majority of that body will have a chance to vote on constructive legislation. Under tlie present house rules, a i committee chairman can pocket a report ami refuse to obey the orders ofj I his committee and the wishes of a| ! majority of the house. The old guard ! is trying to saddle that rule on the . house again. The progressives are not trying to improve their will upon the majority of the house. They are merely fighting t<> let the majority express its will on vital changes in the rules necessary to break tlie secret control of the house and put the steering wl" lof that body back in the hands of a i majority. Changes Are Proposed This Jhe old guard leaders refuse to do. The fact that they are in a position to deny the majority an opportunity to express its will proves the present rules are vicious and the following changes proposed by tlie progressives are necessary: 1. Provision for replacing incompetent ami negligent chairmen of committees by men who will discharge their duties. 2. Procedure for discharging committees failing to act on bills and placing measures before tlie house for a vote. 3. Changes to prevent the rules committee from prohibiting mem hers from offering amendments to bills. 4. Hun on pocket vetoes by chairmen, 5. Require tlie speaker to give a week s notice of business before the house to prevent surprise legislation. 6. Provisions for obtaining a record vote in the house on amendments ! to bills. 7. A method whereby house members may get information from government departments upon demand by resolutions. The progressives demands are 1 reasonable. They do not even ask | that the changes in the rules proposed sh.ill be accepteii". They simply ask for assurance that the changes will be given a chance for presentation to the house for action. And that is all the progressives ask. They are not obstructions!. They stand for constructive legislation, lint are asking no guarantee for its enactment. But they do want tlie right to vote on it. Progressives are not demanding choice committee places. They want tlu 1 shackles taken off the committees so they can and will act on measures before them and send them to tlie house where a majority will rule. Old guprd leaders well know the piogresslves are making their fight ■ <,n tlie principle that a majority of tlie house represents a majority of i the people A majority of the people’s ; representatives are entitled to determine Hie actions of the house with i out the dictation and gag rule so i notoriously imposed during the last congress by a select few.

Price: 2 Cents.

SPEAKERSHIP OF HOUSE STILL IS UNDETERMINED House Leaders Oller Compromise With Progressive Leaders. EIGHT BALLOTS TAKEN Garrett. Democrat. Held a Lead On Last Ballot Taken Today. Washington, Dec. 4.—Atlmin- ; istration house leaders today of. ! sered to compromise with progressives. After four futile ballots had been taken today on the speakerchip, representative Longworth, administration leader, adjourned the house and gave out a statement outlining a compromise offer he had submitted to progressives. Longwith proposed the rules of the last congress be adopted for one month. Moanwhile members of all parties and groups may submit and work out amendments desired in the rules. These changes would be submitted to the rules committee which would report to the j house. I "Full opportunity to adopt smb rulcH as the majority of tlie house may desire ’will be afforded," Longworth said. This is what the progressives have been fighting tor. Lenders of the group indicate ilthat the Longworth compromise would be accepted and the deadlock ended tomorrow. Tlie eighth ballot, the last taken today, showed no break in Hie deadlock which was holding up election of a speaker. Tlie results were: Gillett, 197; Garrett, 19S; Cooper. 17; Madden, 5; present, but not voting, 3. Total vote 417, majority neeeasary to elect, 209. There were indications that the White House had a hand in eading the deadlock. Long before it was intimated at the' capitol that a compromise was being worked out. a spokesman for tlie President saitl at the White House that an enil to the detidlm k was expected today or tomorrow. CONGRESS. Washington. Dee. I A coalition of progressives ami democrats to force liberalization of house rules wa in prospect today ns the house met on the second day of its attempt to or ganize. Representative Nelson, leader of tile house progressives, conferred with Representative Garrett, democratic leader, to agree upon a program of rule revision whi< li both could sup port. Democratic members in general favor the same amendments for which the progressives are fighting. Nelson had annoiim ed earlier in th- day that he wauled the revision to lie enacted by the republican party and that lie would enter into a coalition with tlie democrats only as "a last resort." It was indicated just before the house met, however, that tlie progressive group had already decided to accept the support of democratic votes in securing the rule revision. Little Change In Vote. When the house convenes at noon . today, the clerk proceeded immediate- | ly to call the roll for the fifth time in ; tlie attempt to elect a speaker. As I the balloting went on. it became evi- . dent there was to lie little change in II the lineup which produced the deadv loc k yesterday. I Tlie smiate held a two-minute sesI sion. As soon as tlie chaplain liad 0 concluded n brief prayer. Senator Curt lls, republican whip, moved that the f formal reading of the minutes of the ,f previous session be dispensed with, s Then Curtis moved that the senate ad- •- journ until noon tomorrow. i-l The republican lenders went over o to tlie house side of the capitol to use ,t' their iulluenee in an attempt to break | tlie deadlock there. I