Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 25, Number 200, Decatur, Adams County, 24 August 1925 — Page 1

"\ o \ Number 200.

I INVESTIGATION I OF MUMMA FIRE I RESUMED TODAY I orfi?r I fl ß,|urns To City I jiO retort to make I , olfme nt Reyardiny lncenI diary Fire Rypected ■ Within Few Days IF Fowler. of lt>o S.ttto Fire. ■ jell's t.r.'R. returned to this city B |toda? to coniintie- his invesngaUon of I which destroyed the home of I oonte Mnmnia. -a Fourteenth street I Friday morning The fact has been ■ that the lire was of in- ■ jury origin and ali efforts possible ■ math to ascertain the per- ■ wtlo caused the tire, it is said- ■ Several facts have been secured by ■ Hose investigating ihe blaze, but no ■ public statement wil be made eon- ■ Jgin* the fire until the investiga- ■ tion is completed. Mr. Fowler said. I Sr Fowler, stat'd, however, that ■ |hen all the facts had been verified ■ |B( | a jj the rumors had been run dow n I te would make a public statement ■ concerning the fire ■ y r fowler will work on the case ■ |o r several days yet. he said, and prob- ■ j|,|y »il be able to make a statement ■ Ut Wednesday or Thursday. Local ■ authorities, also, are working on the I cue am! are aldy assisting the state ■ official. I Mr Pow er has been with the State I Fire Marshall's department for about ■ two years. Prio rto that time he was I deputy sheriff of Grant county for i sixteen years and sheriff for four | years. He was appointed to his preJ sent office in 1923, and is regarded t as one of the most efficient officials f in the department. gevera! neighbors and Mr and Mrs. Kumma were, questioned regarding the ire last Saturday and several more peop.e will be questioned today, it was indicated. Mr. Fowler, however, I said Saturday that he would not make a public statement until, the entire ■ tiling had been investigated and that ! he would not incriminate anyone uni less there was sufficient evidence to t do so FRENCH DISCUSS DEBT TO ENGL AND Views Os Two Countries Regarding Payment ' Vary Greatly (By Lloyd Allen, United Press Staff Correspondent) London, Aug. 24 —With’ their views l u to terms for France’s debt repays ment to England widely diverging, French Finance Minister Caillaux snd Winston Churchill, chancellor of tie exchequer, met today at the treasury for their first conversations.

Reports here pictured England as ' urging annual payment of 20,000,000 Pounds sterling (about $100,000,000), | with Cailfaux ready to offer about that amount in clearing up France's debt of 623,279.000 pounds > Weriing, (about $3,116,396,000).* , Cai laux came prepared to make a | sentieman's offer. This kind of of I fer, he explained, before leaving France yesterday, would be “one which would be assured of fulfillI s nenh" He had words, too, of confidence 1 in the noble British peopi’e,” sug- ? testing he would rely on their fair- } ness to give France terms she could J meet. Some politicians here foresee that, should Caillaux take home a settlement agreeable to his countrymen, e would become before long premier the nation that once banned him, claiming he was dealing with the ® p nemy. ' — —o ~ baptist oung Peoples Union Elects Officers Franklin Ind., Aug. 24—Rev. Louis , ra ton, Indianapolis, was rp-elected President of the Baptist Young Peo- ? es . union of Indiana at the state conntion which closed here Sunday.

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT

Schooner Drifts With Ice In North For Three Years

Connersville Man Hurt On Way To Legion Meet

Fort Wayne, Aug. 24 — Thomas P.rown. "8 ,of ConnersvMe, was in a serious condition in a hospital here today with a fractured skull received in an accident yesterday. An auto driven by Fmle Hopkins, son-ln law of Brown, overturned and pined the aged man beneath. The parfy was on its way to the legion convention. 11. B. CONFERENCE TO OPEN SEPT. 1 Rev. Dotson And Other Decatur People To Attend Sessions The eighty-first annual session of St Joseph Conference, Church of the United Itrethren in Christ, will convene, Tuesday September 1. at Winona I,ake. Ilishop H. 11. Fout, D. D., bishop of the Nortwest District of that denomination, will be present and preside over the sessions. St. Joseph confer ence territory occupies the northern portion of Indiana, the central and southern portions being the territory occupied by White River and Indiana conferences, respectively. Ha* Large Membership St. Joseph Conference has a membership of more than 2. r >,ooo members ami a list of strong churches through out its territory. The Rev. J. A. Groves, D. D„ of Ixigansport, is Superintendent of the conference. The program for the week will be of high order. Dr. Robert L. Moyer, pastor of the First United Brethern Church, Minneapolis, one of the great Bible teachers of the country, will be present to give devotional period adresses of the conference. Other -prominent speakers of the rhrm h will ap pear o« the program, among them being, the Rev. J. 1 Balmer Showers, D. D.. professor lii Bonebrake Theological Seminary. I>ayton, Ohio; Dr. Wm. E. Schenn, D. D., Th. D., Secretary of Education, and Dr. I. J. Good, President of Indiana Central College, of Indanapolis. Decatur People Going The assignments of ministers to the different churches will be made Sunday September 6 at the close of the morning sesaion and service. The Rev. B F. Dotson, pasor of the local United Brethern church, and B. C. Hoagland, delegate, will attend the sessions, and perhaps others will go for part of the sessions as visitors. Including local current expenses and building funds contributed, which means a total for all purposes, the local pastor will be able to report about SIO,OOO, raised in cash by the local church during the'past year. The local congregation was never better situated and prepared to minister to the spiritual needs of the people who care to cast their lot, with it, it is said. Rev. Dotson is ending his third year as pastor of the Decatur church.

LAWSON IS BURIED Dean Os Chicago Journalism Laid To Rest With Simple Honors; Scores Pay Tribute To His Memory Chicago, Aug. 24.—(United Press)— i Victor F. Lawson, dean of Chicago journalism, was buried with simple honors today. Although scores from ail paits of the nation paid tribute to his memory, only a few close friends and relatives were admitted to the church where the brief service was held. Iver N. Lawson, nearest of kin and * only living brother, was present. He came from his home in San Diego, Cal. Lawson denied reports that he would take active part in the management of his brother’s property, the Chicago Daily News. The will, directing the handling of the newspaper, was to be made public today or tomorrow, o Small Roof Fire Today The fire department was called to the Emmet King home on Johns street at noon today, to extinguish a roof fire, which had been started by sparks from the chimney. The fire was extinguished by chemicals without any damage. The property is owned by Mrs. John A. Mumma.

I Amundsen Ship Is Hack In Alaskan Port After Strange Adventure (T*nltr<l Pr»»fla Sr-rvlcoj Nomem, Alaska, Aug. 24—Returned from more than three years’ Imprison, ment In the ice packs of the north, the Amundsen schooner Maude was In port here today, with the six men of its crew detailing strange stories of their adventures. The Mamie ventured unsuecessfu.ly Into the Arctic regions, hoping to reach Ihe north pole by drifting with the ice. Gross currents carried the vessel northwest instead of north, thwarting the aim of the expedition. But although the pole was not reached, Captain (’. Westing and his men have none the less an interesting story of adventures which they related to the United Press for the first time. With Captain Wpsting on the Maude were Chief Officer Carl Hansen, rrnef Engineer afld Radio Operator M. O’.onkit, Assistant Engineer A Malmert, Assistant Engineer S. Sy.vestern, Aviator O. Dahl and Dr Harold Sverdrup scientist of the party. Assistant Engineer Sylvestern died July 28, 1922, fron) complication or diseases brought on hv Polar hard ships. The body was wrap lied in a Norwegian flag, covered with canvas and after funeral services were read by Captain Westing, the remains were lowered into the water through a four foot hole in the ice. ‘’lt was a severe strain on all the Maude’s crew to see our shipmate go into Davy Jones’ locker, especially with our only means of transportation locked in thp ice and the probability we would never get out" f Captain Westing said. The anly eskimo aboard the vessc.l deserted in the winter of 1923, taking with hem a gun and shovel. Land was 400 miles distant and the native head, ed in the wrong direction Days later he wandered hack to the Maude, neary frozen. The~eskimo was warned noto leaove again under penalty of bPing placed ’n irons, but hardly needed the amonitwfl. He was lated landed at his homp at East Cape Siberia The Maude, in northwest drift, passed south of the Jeanette islands, 300 miles from the Herald islands, thence toward the r.ennett islands, where Captain Westing received orders to return to the United States-

ANNUAL PICNIC FOR VETERANS W. R. C. Plans Second Annual Event For Civil War Veterans Friday The second annua! picnic, to be given by the Women's Relief Oorp, for the veterans of the Civil War, in celebration of the aniversary of the enlistment of the local veterans, will be held at the Saineul Chronister home 935 Mercer avenue, next Friday, September 28. All veterans of the Civil War, Spanish-American War and World War and he members of their families are Invited to attend. Each is expected to bring a basket dinner The first picnic was held at the Chronister home last September and proved to be an enjoyable affair. Hie local veterans of the Civil War enlisted on September 28, 1861. The picnic diner will be spread on the lawn at the Chronister home. o — formal report made State Exarrvners Find Auburn Man Short $5,117.28 In Accounts Os Water Company Indianapolis, Aug. 24 A formal report of examiners of the state board of accounts in investigation of the books of Walter Modnts, treasurer of the Auburn Light and Water company, was made public today. The report charged a shortage of $5,117,28 in Mount's accounts. During the period from January 1, 1923, to July 31, 1925, Mountz iollected $304 724.41 and turned over only $299,124.97- according to the report. When the result of the examination became known in Auburn in advance of the formal report, Mountz disclaimed any wrong doing in the conduct of his office and offered to turn over his farm to make good the alleged shortage.

Decatur, Indiana, Monday, August 24, 1925.

SIX ARMY MEN KILLED BY BOMB AT GAMP GRANT Trench Mortar Explodes During Practice; 15 Men Are Injured OTHERS MAY DIE Victims From Chicago; Investigation Begun By Commanding Officer (United Press Service) ('.amp (irant. 111., Aug. 21— Six men were instantly killed and 15 were injured, some perhaps fatally, when a trench mortar exploded here today. The victims were all from Chicago. The injured were taken to a hospital at Rockford, near here. Brig. General Foreman, in command of the camp, has started an. investigation All victims were members of fthe Howitzer company of the Eighth Infantry. Captain Browning, in charge of the firing squad, was directing his men when the bomb was placed, according to the story, A terrific roar burst, followed by a flame and a deadly hale of shreaded metal. The six men grouped around the mortar were instantly killed while the pieces of metal wreaked havoc among those in the vicinity. The detonation and the shrieks brought officers to the scene. There was momentary confusion, however, and under the sharp commands of thei rofficers guardsmen placed the wounded in ambulances. MEDIUMS FACE FRAUD CHARGES Arrested In Raid On Religious Cult Headquarters at Anderson

Anderson, Ind., Aug. 21—-(United Press) —Fourteen spiritualistic mediums, some of them of national reputation, gave bond today for their appearance in court to answer charges of obtaining money under false pretenses. Eighteen policemen, led by sheriff Daniels of Madison county, raided Oamp Chesterton, headquarters of a religious cult near here, last night and arrested the mediums on warrants sworn out by Virginia Swain. Miss Swain, a newspaper woman from Cleveland, Ohio, filed the warrants after a secret investigation of ictivities at the camp. She charged the mediums were conducting seances at extertionate prices and holding conversations with the dead that were “obvious flint fiam and hokum.” During a seance Miss Swain said one of the mediums held conversation “in the spirit world” with the newspaper woman's grandmother who is still living. The medium, according to Miss Swain, also succeded in establishing communkutions wVh a \ * brocket' * when she gave a fictitious name and asked word front the supposed relative. Intense excitement prevailed among -nearly four thousand persons staying at the camp when the officers went from house to house rounding up the mediums. Klan May Launch Move Against Agnosticism Columbus, 0., Aug. 4. —(United p resg ) —The Ku Klux Klan may launch a nation-wide campaign to check the alleged spread of agnosticism within the Protestant church, it was announced today on the eve of a national council meeting at Buckeye Lake tomorrow. Supported by the klans of Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, and Kentucky, the proposal to declare war on agnosticism will be presented to the council by Clyde W. Osborne, grand dragon of the Ohio realm. Two'hundred thousand knights were expected to assemble for the council at which Imperial Wizard Hiram W. Evans will preside. *Weather Fair toight and Tuesday; not so much change in temperature.

Chapman Speaks In Defense of Anderson

“Prince Os Bandits” Says Pal Did Not Kill Muncie Couple (United Press Service) Hartford, Conn., Aug. 24—Gerald Chapman has spoken in defense of his pa( George "Dutch’* Andprson, who Is wanted in Muncie, Ind., as the slayer of Den fiance and the fattens wife. “I’ve known Anderson a long t me.” the superbandit said. "He is incapable of such a rotten dped, especially in view of the kindness shown us when we were staying at the Hance farrai" Ilanee, in a dying statement, sals he had been killed by Anderson. The Hoosier farmer and his wife were murdered on the highway near Mun- | t ie, and it was assumed that Anderson had done the killing to avenge I the rapture of Chapman. The latter was arrested in Muncie and later | Hance testified against the bandit at Hartford. “It is incredible that Anderson had a part in the murder,” Chapman said through his attorney, Frederick J. Groehl. “Why, he wouldn’t be within a thousand miles of the place. “Mrs. Hance was kind to us when we (stayed at the farm, and besides, I I can’t conceive Anderson shooting a woman in cold blood.” Despite the fact that the bandit, who is to be hanged here Dec. 3, was understood to have borne a deadly | grudge against Hance, Chapman sa id; | “Anderson and I left Muncie with the best of feeling towards the farmer and his wife. I never have had cccasion to change my feeling towards them. Hance testified against me here, but he had to. He never wou d have gone back on us.” o Budget Classification Books Are Furnished Indianapolis, Aug. 24 — (United Press i — ttidget; are being spot out by the state hoard of accounts to all city clerks or comptrollers in the state. All classes of expenditures are listed in the book, which makes easier a uniform accounting of the city's money. The books are kept b ythe comptroller or clerk, signed by the mayo’ and later returned to the accounts board. MCCRAY PETITION RETURNED TODAY District Attorney Sends Pardon Plea Back To Attorney General (United Press Service) Indianapolis, Aug. 24 —The pardon application of Warren T. McCray was sent back to the department of justice at Washington by Albert Ward, U. S. distrit attorney, today. The petition had been referred to Ward by Attorney General Sargent. Although Ward refused to make a statement, it was understood that no recommendation that the pardon be granted, was made. Ward received the application a week ago and submitted it to Homer Elliot, U 9. district attorney, who prosecuted the McCray case and to Judge A. B. Anderson who sentenced McCray to ten years in the federal prison for fraudulent use of the mails. E.liot declined to say what his recommendation was, but it was known that his attitude has been unfavorable to the release. Judge Anderson is also understood to be opposed to the pardon. _o Gasoline Price War Rages In Three Cities Indianapolis, Ind., Aug. 24—(United Press) —Auto owners in three Indiana cities today sought liberal supplies of gasoline while the price war waged. At Richmond, Winchester and Union City prices were slushed. Some dealers were reported selling gasoline as lo was 17 cents a gallon In Indianapolis, where a two cent reduction was made last week, dealers said no further cut was contemplated.

Millers Outnumber The Smiths In Fort Wayne; Fori Aug. 24—(United Tress) —The name of Smith U under a shadow in Fort Wayne. The name, distinguished for nppejr Ing more often than any other name in most city directories, is outclassed by representatives of the Miller clan here. Six hundred and eighty nine Millers are listed in the dlreetory and only 533 Smiths. PARADE OPENS LEGION MEET Marshal Airs Sound As World War Vets Gather At Fort Wayne I (Unite] Press Service) Fort Wayne. Aug. 24 —The starring note of martial muffle sounded through the streets of Fort Wayne this afternoon as hundreds of the Indiana department of the American Legion fell into line for their annual parado. The parade was the feature of the state convention. Business houses were decorated. Eight bands and ten drum corps furnished music for the occasion. Discussion among delegates to the convention indicated that W. P.: Evans, former prosecutor of Marion 1 county, and Clarence Jackson, of Newcastle, are the chief candidates for chief commander. Fort Wayne, Ind., Aug. 24 —(United Press)- —Five candidates were it the running today for election as commander of the Indiana department of the American Legion at the annual state convention here. The large Indianapolis delegation threw its support behind William Evans, former prosecutor of Marion county. Newcastle legionaires boomed CTarpnee Jackson and the Rushvilie post called the name of John Killngpr, judge advocate of the Indiana mentFort Wayne sought the honor of Robert Gaskell, and W. T. Simmonds, of Gas City, was the fifth candidate. lndianaolis and Marion were .“Peking the 1926 convention city. New officers and the convention will he selected at the closing business session tomorrow. Convention festivities began yesterday Hith'& atag p.cnie for legion m-eiii-bers at the .Elks Country club. An j aerial circus of 40 planes furnished j thrills for the picnickers. James A. Drain, national commander, reviewed the achievements of the national organization during the past year and urged the Hoosier members “to continue in peace the services they gave in war.” The first business session of the convention opened this morning. Mayor Hosey of Fort Wayne and Albert Schaaf, president of the chamber of commerce, welcomed the visitors to the city. Tom McConnell s.tate commander, responded for the legion. David Strouse, state commander of the G. A. R., extended greeting to the legion from the boys of ’6l. The annual parade of the state department will be held this afternoon. Nearly five thousand visitors ure here for the legion convention and the of the women's auxiliary and the Forty and Eight socoety. o Prince Os Wales Is Invited To Deer Hunt Buenos Aires, Aug. 24. —(United Press) —After a mad round of “official” entertainment the prince of Wales is about to taste of the pleasures of hunt. He has been invited to a large estate or ranch nearby, where a deer hunt and broncho busting are providede for his entertainment, while a jazz band troupe of "American Mack Sennett girls" will offer distruction so his idle hours. o Price Os Milk Boosted — Indianapolis, Ind-, Aug. 24—The price of mi k was boosted one cent today by Indianapolis dealers, making the price twelve cents a quart. A fall shortage and higher prices paid farmers were given as reasons for the advance.

Price 2 Cents.

FUN FESTIVAL OPENS TONIGHT ON LIBERTY WAY Elks Start Big Indoor Fair This Evening; To Continue All Week MANY FEATURES Plenty Os Amusement For All Persons, Young And Old, Is Promised Amid the discords of Fred Schurger's "Gally-snipper” jazz band, the Elks Fun Festival will swing open in this city at 7:30 o’clock tonight, under the big tent on Liberty Way. Amusements have been p anned for young and old. Admission to the tent will he free and everybody is invited to attend. Several features will be on the program every night. A prize calf will be presented tonight and another tomorrow night. Other presentations will be made each night and on Saturday night several gifts, including a Ford automobile., will be presented. Contribution tickets will be sold each night for the Saturday presentation of gifts. The popularity contest, which starts tonight, promises to be one of the chief events of the fun festival. Several entries will be made ton'ght and a complete list of entries will be pub ished tomorrow. Dr J. W. C'ark. acting chairman of the popularity contest, said this morning that he expected at least eight entries in the conte-it by tonight. A1 Elks are requested to turn in their money for the automobile tickets to D. M. Hensley tonight, so that a check can be made on them before Wednesday of this week. A large stage has been erected at the west end of the tent and special attractions will be held there each night. These concerts will be free. A dance w ill be held each night this week at the K. of C. hall after the Fun Festival. The dance will be on the park plan and will begin at 9:30 and last until 1 o'clock, according to present plans. Everybody is invited to attend the festival and Walter Wilkinson, general chairman, expressed the desire, this morning, to assure everybody that a good time is in store for them. The Elks home on North Second street will be open to the public all week during the Fun Festival and a cordial invitation is extended all visitors to inspect the home.

to attend

BONOS FOB TWO ROADS ABE SOLD Fletcher-American Bank, Os Indianapolis, Buys Two Issues Here The Fletcher-American company, of Indianapolis, submitted the highest bid to County Treasurer Louies Kleine today for the purchase of the bonds on the Ed Green and Ben Eiting road improvements in this city. The premium offered on the Eiting road bonds was $193.75, the issue being $17,400. Other premiums offered by companies bidding on the bonds were, Merchants National Bank, Muncie, $175.40; City Securities corporation, $121.80. The highest premium on the Green road bonds was $280.85, the amount of the issue being $25,200). Other bids were, Merchants National Bank. $256.78; City Securities Corporation, $176.40. If the transcripts are approved, the bonds will be issued for the two road improvements. Contracts have been awarded to Julius Haugk of th's city for the improvement of the roads witli emulsified asphau’.t. It was stated today that work ion the improvement of the two roads probably will not begin until next spring, as Mr. Haugk has contracts for building two brick streets in Decatur and, in all probability, will not be able to begin work on the new roads this fall. The Green road takes in South Winchester street, around the bend to the state road, while the Eiting road runs south from Adams street to the Intersection of the Green road south of tho city. These two roads are the first emulsified asphalt roads to be constructed in this county. The old road beds are in poor condition.