Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 21, Number 294, Decatur, Adams County, 13 December 1923 — Page 1

Volume XXI. Number 294.

WITNESS SAYS HE SOLD DIRK 1 TOPHILE. FOX; 1 Damaging Testimony Intro- ( duced Today In Trial , Os Klan Scribe I SHOOTING DESCRIBED Eye-witness Os Murder Os ’ Clarence A. Everett Tells His Story Atlanta, Ga.— Clarence A. Everett the first witness called in the trial of Phil E. Fox publicity director of the Kit Klux Klan charged with murder- ' ing W. S. Coburn today told of sell-, Inga lons dirk Knife to the accused man. Everett is a clerk in a sporting goods store. Mrs. H- 1- Heyman of Cleveland was then .ailed to give an eye witness description of the killing. Mrs. Heyman said Fox after talking a moment with Coburn went out of th a office. -He immediately reopened and poked a gun in and began firing" the wit. ness continued. "The first shot passed near my elbow and splintered the desk. One shot passed so close to my face I fell back in the chair and got out of the way. ■When the shooting stopped Captian Coburn slumped down in his . hair and fell to the floor," j Mrs. Heyman took the same position at the Coburn desk she had occupied the afternoon of the killing and partially reenacted the scene. (By J. F. Beaman I (U. P. Staff Correspondent) Atlanta, Ga. —A jury was ready today to hear the story of the killing of W. S. Coburn, leader of one faction of the Ku Klux Klau by Phil E. Fox, palace. - •' ■* — When evidence taking gets tinder way in superior court today, the way is expected to be opened for revelations of some of the inner secrets of the hooded organisation. *■— I .11, —I 0 111 ■ ’—■ —— — Snow Fell Here This Morning; In Other Cities Nearly an inch of snow fell early this morning, the largest snow of the present winter. The large white flakes continued to fly until nearly noon Reports indicate that the snow was general over the state, Vincennes reporting that a light skift of snowfell there today. Vincennes, Dec. 13 —(Special to Daily Democrat) —A light skift of snow covered the ground early today. The temperature dropped several degrees over night. The Wabash river was rising slightly. Warsaw. Dec. 13 —(Special to Daily Democrat) —An inch of snow fell here early today. It was the heaviest snowfall of the season. The temperature dropped rapidly during the morning. o Senate Democrats Refuse To Join The Progressives Washington,—Senate Democrats today definitely refused to enter a coalition with Senate progressives against administration Republicans. Senator Robinson Democratic leaded declared Democrats would “stick lo the organization" when the fight to break the deadlock over election of a chairman of the interstate commerce committ is resumed. o Isaac Decides To Stop Making His Children Sleep With White Mule (United Press Staff Correspondent) Indianapolis, Dec. 13— (Special to Daily Democrat) —Isaac Lewis Levi today decided to accord his three infants sole possession of their cradle, Instead of making them bedfellows "’ith bottles of white mule. Isaac and his wife, Grace. vers before juvenile Judge Frank J. Labfor “neglect of child" as the result °f police finding a quart of “mule In the baby cradle. The judge explained that Isaac would have to •boose between white mule and his three babies. Isaac chose the infants.

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT

Union Meeting At Bobo Next Sunday Morning The Methodist and United Brethern churches in Hobo will hold a unio: meeting in the Methodist church next Sunday morning at 10:30 o'c lock. The Hev. F. W. Loy a member of the 111. inois conference, will be the speaker, representing the Anti-Saloon League. Rev. Loy will speak at the- Clark’s Chapel church at 7:30 o’clock Sunday evening. The public is cordially invited to attend either or both of thosF meetings. DISCUSS CHURCH PROBLEMS TODAY Federation Os Protestant Churches Meeting At Columbus, Ohio Columbus, 0., Dec. 13.—Inter racial problems and protestant solidarty were discussed by prominent churchmen of the country at the meetings here today of the executive committee of the federation of churches. "Much of the sectarian enlmority among the denominations has passed away," Bishop Thomas Nicholson, of the Methodist Episcopal church of Chicago, told the committee. He said he did not believe in the abolition of denominations. “They are necessary divisions in the great Christian army," he said and the federal council is to these divisions what Marshal Foch became to the allies in the late war.” This view met with sharp criticism from Dr. Robert E. Spear, president of the council. Interviewed, Dr. Spear declared a merger of all the 29 protestant denominations represented in the committee meeting here is "just around the corner.” “The merger is hardly likely to receive definite action at this conference,” he said. "In all probability, it will be- considered at the next annual meeting, however." The part protestant America may play in breaking down interracial harriers was to be laid before- the afternoon session. The executive committee, deliberating problems for 50.000.000 church members in the United States is regarding «s the most powerful protestant church body in the world. Leaders said inter racial disc ussions at the afternoon session probably would lead to the council taking a definite stand on the Ku Klux Klan. Jail Delivery Plot Discovered At Marion Marion, Dec. 13—Three ring leaders of a plot among prisoners in the conn- , ty jail to efect a wholesale delivery ’ were insolitary confinement today , while extra precautions were taken to guard other prisoners. A prisoner who was in on the plot tipped the sheriff to the fact that three men in the “hull pen" were going to slug Nelson Stauffer turnkey, with an iron pipe and then take his keys and free their confederates. Investigation revealed a saw, rope and two large iron bars which were to have been used in the escape. It is believed the articles were smuggled into the men by visitors. The alleged ring leaders were DeWitt Talbert. Chester Shrock and Joe Shane. Typhoid Fever Victim i Formerly Resided Here Funeral services for John F. Christ ianer, of Fort Wayne, whose death occured Monday from typhoid fever, were held Wednesday afternoon at the Concordia Lutheran church. Rev.. Walter Klausing, officiating. Buna) was made in the Concordia cemetery. Mr Christiancr is a former its. | - this city is a cousin. Air. wa. IHonly ten days with -He fever, he being the eigth victim ot the dis eaBP developed into an epidemic Fort Wayne the past ewo meeks Re hitives ftom this county attended the services. Favor Another Federal Court For This State nee 13—Members of rrt Wayne., Dec a • * ( ♦ Mr have almost un- * e Alien county bar have anV-Bly tderan esta. ’ishment toi a sec , court in diana. Members ot he bar beltev. a s court will expedite .the hanndng crowded dockets of Heral cas j

COMMISSIONERS LET CONTRACT FOR SUPPLIES Terre Haute Firm Successful Bidder For Printing And Supplies SEVEN FIRMS BID Winning Firm Is New One In This Locality; Burford Co. L T nderhid The contract for the furnishing of blank books, records, printing, and office supplies to the county offices was awarded to the Moore-Langen Printing and Publishing company, of Terre Haute, by the county commissioners in session yesterday afternoon. Proposals were received on the four different classes of printing and supplies and the Moore-Langen company was the low bidder in every class. Seven bidders filed proposals, five of them bidd-ng on all four classes, one on class three and one on class four. The bidders who submitted proposals on all classes, besides the successful bidder, were W. B. Burford company, Indianapolis; Auburn Printing company, Auburn ;| Woodburn Printing company, Terre Haute; and the Fort Wayne Printing company, Fort Wayne. The Commercial Print Shop submitted a bid on class three, which includes office supplies, such as ink. pencils, erasers, rulers, etc. The Decatur Democrat company submitted a bid on class four. The Moore-Langen company was represented by Fred W. Powell, a former newspaper man and for ten years a member of the staff of the Terre Haute Star, the last seven years of which he was advertising manager. For nearly twenty-five years the Wm. B. Bu'rtdrd coTiipany. of Indianapolis. had the county contract for all books ami printing furnished to the county, and some of the smaller forms, such as letter heads and envelopes was sublet to a local printer. A number of the large printing companies in the state ary putting up a stiff fight for the printing contracts in the ninety-two counties in the state. o Libelled Winston Churchill ll’nheil Press Staff Correspondent) london. Dec. 13—(Special to Daily Democrat) —Lord Alfred Douglas was found guilty today of libelling Wins- ! ton Churchill and sentenced to six months in prison in the second division. which does not include hard labor. The libel occurred in connection wiih Lord Alfred’s charge that Churchill, secretary of the navy had falsified a communique issued after lhe battle of Jutland. MUCH SICKNESS IN THE SCHOOLS County Attendance Officer Reports Much Absence Over County Sickness has interfered greatly with the public schools In Adams county recently, Frank Armantrout, county attendance oficer, stated today. Ihe (attendance has been very poor in the schools, but al present it is showing I improvement, he said. There has been several epidemics of various kinds of contagious diseases such as mumps, scarlet fever, chicken pox. diphtheria, measles and other. A diphtheria epidemic was prevalent In the vicinity of Berne and one cWth centred front tills disease, but it is practically under control now. Chicken pox broke out at Monmouth i and other places, and a few weeks ago 'an epidemic of small P«x prevalent at Pleasant Mills . The county attendance officer Ikept busy these days. He no more than answers ard number of calls md is beginning to believe the pupils are practically al! in school than be reelves word that a number are absent. The roads are beginning to get bad over the county, which adds to his | troubles.

Decatur, Indiana, Thursday, December, 1.3, 1923.

I- - ' GOOD FELLOWS CLUB Sponsored By Della Theta Tail Sorority For Purpose Os Bringing Christmas Cheer to the poor Kiddies. Tito Good Felows club was helped along today with several contributions The Moose lodge last evening voted ten dollars and several other organizations, we are told, will take similar action this week, all of which is appreciated by those who are working to give the children a happy Christmas. The returns: Previously announced $62 39 Friends 1.61 Decatur Democrat Co. 5.00 E. B. Adams .50 Total $70.50 LG. DEVOSS HAS LIGHT STROKE Prominent Attorney Sutlers Light Stroke Tuesday; Is Improving Attorney Lewis C. DeVoss, well known resident of this city and a prominent member of the Adams county bar. suffered a light stroke of paralysis at his home on Marshall street Tuesday night. The stroke affected his throat and one side of his face and prevented him from talking until today, when he was able to speak a few words. Mr. DeVoss appears to be improving and the physician believes that he will recover from the attack. Mr. DeVoss was up town Tuesday , night and went to h's office, where he sat down for a few minutes. He ! became drowsy and remained at his office until about 10 o’clock. After ! leaving his office he walked to his home and was seized by the attack shortly after arriving home. Mr. De- ( Voss is the father of Mayor Huber M. De Voss. > Funeral For Detective Pinkerton On Saturday Chicago. Dec. 13 —Funeral service- • will be held at the Fourth Presbyteri ian church here Saturday for William ' A. Pinkerton, head of the Pinkerton ' National Dectective agency, who died Monday at Los Angeles, Cal The body will arrive tomorrow. o. — HEW MEXICO IS HIT BT BLIZZARD i Ten Dead In Severe Storm; Three Women And 2 i Children Frozen I * I Alberque, Dec. 13—Ten are dead in ■ a severe blizzard which swept New Mexico Wednesday, according to reports here today. Three women and two children were found frozen to death on Blue Springs ranch. 50 miles southeast of Alberquerque. Bodies of two boys and a man were found near Vaughn, 1 N. M. A railroal eployee, blinded by the snow, fell into a canyon near Bisbee and a sheep herder was found ’ frozen in his camp near Vaughn. At Blue Springs ranch. Mrs. Montoy with iter daughter, daughter-in-law and two grand children were frozen ! to death while driving wagons containing households effects from Lincoln to the ranch. .Q. ■ ■ +++++ + + + + + CONGRESS TODAY t + + + <•♦♦♦♦♦ (By United Press) Senate 'Not in session. House Meets to receive committee slates. Weather >1 * (| Fair tonight and Friday; colder tonight. ' [ DAYS TO CHRISTMAS nSAO OUR ADJ

MOOSE LODGE PAYS HONOR TO FRENCH QUINN Local Order Votes Life Membership To WellKnown Citizen BUY HEALTH BONI) Lodge Also Donates $lO To Good Fellows’ Club; Change Meeting At a regular meeting of Adams lodge. 1311. Loyal Order of Moose last evening the first life membership ever i voted here was unanimously given to Mr. French Quinn. The action was taken when a resolution which told of j the many kind services of Mr. Quinn, his loyalty to the community and his always eager readiness to assist every i good cause his studied desire to help [ others and to spread good cheer, was offered and approved in a manner | which left no doubt as to the sincerity , of the members. The constitution of j the order provides that one such membership may he issued if desired and if the members unanimously feel it is deserving. The selection by the lodge is one which will meet the popular approval of every one here. It is planned to received Mr. Quinn as a qtember of the lodge, together with several other candidates on New Years afternoon. At last night’s meeting the Moose also denionstrated in other ways their desire to he a real part of a real community by voting a donation of SIO.OO to the Good Fellows Club and sl'l'lo for a Health Bond. It was also decided to send M. F. Worthman. superintendent of the city schools, to Mooseheart for an inspection of the wonderful school and home for children that he may report back o those interested here ns to what he sees and learns. Mr Worthman is not fl member of the lodge but is sent at the request of Rodney H. Brandon, national secretary, who visited here a few days ago and urged that this be done (hat more people may know from other sources just what the Moose are trying to do and are accomplishing. A debate of several weeks concerning the change of the regular meeting night of Adams lodge concluded last evening when a motion carried to make Tesuday of each week the regular meeting night. The lodge is | •onsidering. seriously, plans for enlarging their hall which with a m 'in bership of nearly 500 is much to small This matter will be taken up soon as will several others for the benefit o. he community. SUGAR MARKET New York Sugar—Market is high-[ er. Dec. $5.64 @5.67: Jan. $5 42(f« I 5.43: March [email protected]; May $4.89 ©4.90. RIVER BRIDGE NEEOS REPAIR Railing On Monroe Street Bridge Said To Be Unsafe: Repairs Likely A number of the concrete spindles between the railing and floor of the I Monroe street bridge spanning the St. Marys river on East Mjtnroe street have been broken out. maring | tlie looks and appearance of this j beautiful structure. A number of the; bulbs and globes on the ornamental light posts have also been broken,! either by boys or some reckless person who evidently does not have, much civic pride in his heart. The; spindles could be repaired in some! manner at a small cost mid new globes and bulbs placed on the light posts, thus adding much to the appearance ol the bridge. Tile Monroe street bridge was constructed in 1912. The county tom missloners will more than likely ord , er the repairs aj a future meetingj and those who take pride in pointing| to worthy improvements and civil betterments in Decatur and Adams j county feel that it should be clone. [ Highway Superintendent Magley said [ litis morning the broken spindles; make the side rails unsafe and that the repairs are necessary.

G. E. Basketball Teams To Play Here Tonight The men's ami girls’ basketball tennis from the local General Electric plant will play at the new high school gymnasium tonight. The men’s team playing the Saratoga Independents and the girls' meeting the girls’ team from tlie Hoosier Paint Company of Fort Wayne. Both games promise to he good ones. The girls' game will be played first starting at 7:15 o’clock. KOHLER INDICTED BY GRAND JURY — Adams County Farmer Is Charged With Violation Os Volstead Fred Kohler. Adams county farmer residing near Berne, was arrested to- ; day on an indictment returned by the Adams county grand jury recently. charging him witlt violation of tlie j prohibition law. in three counts. The ' indictments charge Kohler with pos session of intoxicating liquor with intent to give away. sell, barter or exchange; with manufacture of intoxl eating liquor with intent to sell, give away, barter or exchange; and witii maintaining and assisting to maintain a common nuisance, namely, a place where intoxicating liquor is made, sold. etc. Kohler was brought before Judge Jesse C. Sutton in circuit court at 2:30 o'clock this afternoon He filed a recognizance bond in the sunt of SSOO and was released. He did not enter a plea to the charge. A charge of violating the prohibition law is already pending against Kohler in the circuit court. The case was first filed in the Bluffton city court, where Kohler was tried and found guilty. Kohler then appealed the case to the Wells circuit court and that court sent the case to Adams county, after finding that It had no jurisdiction in the matter. Kohler was first arrested several months ago when Sheriff Noah Frauhiger. and Ills deputies, of Wells county, raided Koitier’s farm and located a still. Two other men were arrested at that time in connection witlt the still and they were found guilty. Tlie indictment returned by the Adams county grand jury sets out that the violation occurred on December 5. 1922. —-o— —— Start World-wide Hunt For Millionaire Clubman — tt'nltel Press Staff Correspondent) Chicago. Dec 13 —(Special to Dully Democrat) A world wide search was start, d today for Leo Koretz. prominent clubman and reputed millionaire, charged with operating a $5,000.0(10 ■oil swindle. State's Attorney Robert E. Crowe took personal charge of a raid on Koretz's offices, occupying an entire floor of a downtown building, and [after a preliminary investigatfn an- ' nounced lie would enlist the aid of police in every city in the United States in a search for Koretz. who has been missing for more titan a week. Investigation of Koretz's operation was started when E. N. Matthew, an attorney, complained to Crowe that he lost $40,000 in one of the man’s latest oil promotions. Scores of wealthy and socially prominent men lire believed to be victims of Koretz’s alleged swindles. One man lost $200,000 In a pronto- | tion scheme. Crowe said lie learned from records In Koretz's offices. o Two Fined For AJfawir"' Minors To Flay Pool Sob,n G. I’aiTer and John Lose, t local pool room proprietors, were each I lined slo and costs lit the circuit I court tills afternoon, after they had (pleaded guilty to grand fury indict ments charging them witlt allowing minors to play pool in their places of business, l-’arrer was arrested Tuesday and Lose tlie warrant was served this afternoon. o— — — HAVE A BABY DAUGHTER I Mrs. W. A. Kuebler received a tele--1 gram yesterday bringing tlie glad : news of tlie birth of a girl to Mr. and (Mrs. Leon Crawford, of Klamath Falls loigeon. The little Miss has been [named Margaret Celia. Mr. Crawtord is a so, liter Decatur hoy and a nepit'ew ot Mrs. Kuebler.

Price: 2 Cents.

OBREGON TAKES FIELD AGAINST MEXICAN REBELS Mexican President Plans Extensive Attack On Rebel Forces DRASTIC CENSORSHIP Battles Reported Underway Today; Rebel Forces Well Equipped , I’nllwl Press Staff Correspondent) San Antonio. Tex., Dec. 13—(Special to Daily Democrat) —President Alvora Obregon has taken the field against the revolutionary forces of Adolfo De La Huerta. Dispatches received here stated Obregon was conferring with his militaiy leaders at Irapuata. planning an extensive attack on the rebel forces. Secretary of War Serrano will have the Mexican capital today to review- troops who will leave for the Vera Cruz front. Squadrons of federal government airplanes ate making flights over the ti ltitory held by the revolutionists to map out a pan of campaign for the Obregon forces, according to reports. Drastic Censorship Larndo, Dec. 13—(Special to Daily Democrat) —screened by a drastic censorship, the battles of the revolt against President Obregon were reported under way. Well equipped revolutionary forces who last night were dosing in on La Piedad in Michoacan are believed to have clashed with the federal garrison. according to advices from De La Huerta headquarter* at Vera Cruz. The fate of the Mexican capitol hung upon the outcome of the battle these dispatches said. n - ... Train Kills Three fl’nltcl Press Staff Ccirreapondent) Waukesha, Wis.. Dec. 13 (Special to Daily Democrat) —Three persons were killed near here today when a freight train struck the automobile, in which they were riding at a crossing. The dead are: Mr. and Mrs. William McLoughlin, Milwaukee. Arthur Minturn. West Allia. o Will Spend Few Days Hunting And Fishing Amos l-’ishet, local fire chief. Frank G essingi-r and Tim Sp yesterday for Adams Lake, near Woolcotvtlle. to spend a low days hunting ami fishing. The men have a cabin on (ice lake where they will live while there They will return the first of next week. o . Bluffton High Schoo! Pupils Neglect Teeth Bluffton, Dec. 13 Only a little more than five per cent of Bluffton high school students keep their teeth clean. This was the discovery of dentists in their examination completed last evening. Seventy-five per cent of the pupils have cavaties in their teeth In tlie lower grades where mother still has jurisdiction, tlie pupils have cleaner teeth and are users of the tooth brush. It is supposed that increased social and business duties keep the older ones from the task. Dentists forsee a lot of work if the pupils do not get busy and use the tooth brush regularly. 9-Year-Old Forger it ii|tv,l I'resM Staff Correspondent) Indianapolis, Dec. 13 (Special to Dnilv Democrat) Indiana's youngest forger, a boy nine years old, was sent to the Indiana Boys' school today to stay until he is 21. It was the old story. Trending the primrose path of ail day suckers and movies brought about the downfall of Harry Boxer. First he imide a raid on a newsstand that netted him fifteen cents and when that failed to provide enough means for riotious ivting lie fiig' cl a $25 check, according to the ■ charges. I o- — I CHICAGO GRAIN CLOSE i Wheat: Dec. $1.01%; May sl.o9>i: I July $1.07. Corn: Dec. 71%c; May 73%c: July 74%c. Oats: Dec. 42%e; May 45%c; July 43%c.