Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 23, Number 218, Decatur, Adams County, 15 September 1925 — Page 1

y"ol. XXIH. Number 218.

elephant rock chosen FOR PORTER MEMORIAL

DEFINITE steps IIKENTOHONOR MOHS AUTHOR Memorial Association Decides To Move Hock To This City plans areToutlined Committee Expects To Solicit Residents Os County For Fund Elephant Hock, th.e 50-ton boulder lying in the St. Marys river, 5 miles southeast of Decatur. has been selected as the marker which will form the memorial to 7>e erected in this city to Mrs. Gene Stratton-Port-er. noted author who met an untimely death in Los Angeles, last December, and who for nearly twenty-five years was a resident of Geneva and Adams county. At a meeting of the county and general committees of the Gene Strut-ton-Porter Memorial association, held at the Decatur Industrial rooms last evening, it was decided that Elephant Rock be moved from the bed of the river and placed in front of the court house or at some suitable place, a tablet placed upon It and the rock dedicated to the memory of Mrs. Porter and her works. To Employ Contractor. Mr. A. M Meads, contractor of Convoy, Ohio, believes that the rock can he moved from the feed-OX the river and has agreed to do the work for the sum of S3OO. He will be authorized to commence work as soon as possible and it is hoped that no unforseen impossibilities will develop in attempting to move the great rock, of glacier formation, and estimated to be many centuries old. Clifton Striker, county superintendent of schools and president of the Cene Stratton-Porter Memorial association in this county, presided at the meeting last evening, and. with members of the county and general committees. plans for erecting the memorial to Mr Porter were discussed. A

(CONTINUED ON PAGE TWO) RROSSING CRASH AROUSES CITIZENS Residents Os Edgewood Demand Sneed Limit I or Traction Cars Indianapolis. Ind., Sept. 15. — (UnitPress) —Aroused by another cross. v n'K accident which cost three lives, citizens of Kdgwood, a suburb, today sought to limit speed of interurban cars between Indianapolis aud Greenwood. Prank Skinner, 42, a street car motorman. and two of his children, Pucille.g, and James, 6, were the vie•ims of the latest crossing tragedy m the Edgewood neighborhood. Skinner started to a drug store to i"iy a newspaper while his wife washed ,he Ofshes last night. The two children climbed in the car with him *°r the ride. A fe w hundred yards from the home, Skinner swung on to the tracks of the interstate Public Service Interurban ' ne in front of the Louisville Limited. The limited tossed the auto fifty ,et graying the side of the interur’■m with flaming fluid and setting the wreckage of the auto on fire. The bodies of the thre victims were 1 "own clear of the wreckage and were not burned. That of the boy was 10 red 11Ra rly 100 set down the tracks. Death of Skinner and his children ir "igs the total grade crossing acci<ents in the vicinity to twenty withln the past four years. At a mass meting at the Edgewood St tool house last night a committee was appointed to ask traction officials i*mit speed of the interurbans to miles an hour between Indianap--0 18 and Greenwood.

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT

Seven Indiana Masons To Receive 33rd Degree Indianapolis, Sept. 15. — (United Press.) -Seven high Masons of Indiana were enroute to Pittsburgh today. where they will receive the 33rd degree of the order this week at the meeting of the supreme council of the Scottish Rite. The thirty-third degree, the highest degree in Masonary, is conferred by election and not on petKion of 'he member. MANY ENROLL IN TRAINING SCHOOL New Churches In Rural District Sending Students To The School Enrollments for the Decatur Community Standard Training School ure coming in splendidly, especially from new churches in the rural districts. Every indication is that the school will he considerably enlarged over the last year. There are especially two courses that should attract many students One is the course for young people. In last year's schol there was a compartively limited group of young people. The school is set up to serve not only the present teaching force of the church but those who are to be the teachers of tomorrow. attractive and strong course for the young people and young people leadership has been planned for. It will be carried on through both terms. A very special effort should be made by all pastors and superintendents to I, r.,1 1 . i'uja immlu-r, juf (.Ufiil' yftung people. Young people who are sixteen years of age, or who have reached the Junior year in high school, or who, If younger, are now teaching in the Sunday school, may be enrolled' as students. A second group that was poorly represented in the Community Training School of last year was that of the Adult group. The Adult Bible classes of the Sunday schools ought to be among the moat powerful forces in the church. If they were properly organized and functioning, having adequate leadership, both in officers and teachers, they would be doing an outstanding Christian service. The Community school has set up for this winter a very attractive course for adult class teachers and leaders. A vital problem of the day is that of religious training in the home.V A course in this subject will be provided for adult teachers and leaders as well as for many others in the Community school. Then, a course in the Administration of the Adult Department is being given. The teacher of every adult class should aim to attend this year’s course, if the of(CONTINUED ON PAGE FIVE) Shenandoah Probe To Open Next Monday Washington. Sept. 15 —The offical naval court of .inquiry to investigate the causes of the smash of the Shenandoah in Ohio tyo yeeks ago will meet at Lakehurst, N. J.. next Monday, it was learned today. The scope of the investigation w-ill be off’ciaVy announced by the navy department later today.

Knights Os Columbus To Attend Hyland Rites Members of the Knights of Columbus are urged to meet at the hall at 8:30 o’clock Wednesday and then march to the St. Marys ( atholic church to attend the funeral of P. J. Hyland, which will be held at 9:00 o’clock. Housewife Wields Her Rolling Pin And Bandit Is Knocked Unconscious Indianapolis, Sept. 15. (United Press.) — Emmett Cook, 21, alleged apartment house Windit. had a morning after" headache in his cell in the city jail today. Mrs. Emil Rugenstein knocked him unconscious with a rolling pin when he was found ransacking an apartment last night.

Decatur, Indiana, Tuesday, September 15, 1925.

Instructed v , JJA if SVg SayW-M Silas H. Strawn, Chicago lawyer, lias received his final instructions from President Coolidj»e and Secretary Kellogg. He Mill represent the United States in the conference in China on the customs, tariff and revision of China’s treaties. GIVES FREE HAND TO INQUIRY BOARD President Decides To Let Investigators Handle Affair Alone Washington, Sept. 15. — (United Press.) —President Coolidge will give

a free hand to his air inquiry board which will convene at the White House Thursday. All questions relating to the scope of,the investigation, its conduct and the witnesses ’caned wilTbedetermlned by the board without advice from the president. Hoover To Furnish Data. Washington. Sept. 15. — (United Press, i — Secretary of Commerce Hoover will place before* President Coolidge’s aircraft inquiry board a large amount of material obtained in a survey of the possibilities of commercial aviation. Hoover expects to furnish an important part of the matter under investigation The survey by Hoover’s department has been in progress for several months and much other data on the general problem of commercial aviation and navigation of the air also will be submitted, he announced today. — o END PRESBYTERY MEETING TODAY Fort Wayne Presbytery In Session at Bluffton; New Church Admitted Bluffton, Sept. 15. —The business session of the Fort Wayne Presbytery of the Presbyterian church of northern Indiana continued today with the Rev. B N. Covert, of Hecate,v, presiding. Rev. Covert is moderator of the Fort Wayne division. A new- field was admitted to the Fort Wayne Presbytery at the session this afternoon. A church will he opened near the International Harvester at Fort Wayne and the Rev. J. A. Laurens, of Kansas City, will have charge. Other business was disposed of and the session was scheduled to close its meeting late this afternoon. The two-day program opened last night with an open meeting which was addressed by Kev. Covert. Pastors and delegates from all churches n the Fort Wayne presbytery were present at yesterday's opntng session — o Condition Os Hammer Bandit Victim Critical Indianapolis. Sept. 15. — (United Pi ess.)— Mrs. Jack Steffey, victim of a hammer bandit, remained in a critical condition at the city hospital today. Police continued their efforts to identify the negro who beat her with a hammer aud a chunk of cement at her home early Sunday. Seven negroes are held as suspects.

ADAM LIBY DIES MONDAY EVENING Preble Township Farmer Succumbs To Stroke Os Paralysis Adam l.lby, aged 54. prominent Adams county farmer, died suddenly In his farm yurd in Preble township, at 5 o’clock Monday afternoon. Death was said to bo due to a stroke of naratysls. Mr. I. by had not been feeling well all day and had gone to a doctor in tiie morning, stating that he had pains in his chest. He had made a trip to Decatur yesterday afternoon, bringing in some seed corn to enter in the exhibit at the fair. Mr. l,iby left this city late yesterday afternoon and was apparently feeling better. He arrived at home about 5 o’clock. »nd was opening the gate to drive into the barnyard when he fell over on hiis face- His son rushed to him. hut death was sudden, and the physician arriving a few minutes after the stroke, pronouned him dead. Adam Li by was born in Adams county in 1871. He was educated in the Adams county schools and in early life he began to follow the profession of farming. He has farmed several tracts of land in various parts of the county. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Lula Liby, three sons. Alva, of this city. Homer and Lawrenve, of Preble township, and a daughter. Lucille. Five brothers and one sister also survive. Funeral services will be held at rtine o’clock Thursday morning from the Magley Reformed church, of which Mr. Liby was a member. Burial wH take place at the Magley Reformed cemetery. TO HOLD CHUBCK CONFERENCE HERE

Christian Churches Os County To Meet At Local Church Wednesday A county conference of the Christian churches in Adams county will bn held at the First Christian church in this city. Wednesday, September 16. The meeting will open with devotional* at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning. Another session will be held during the afternoon and the conference will close with an evening session starting at 7:30 o'clock. There are three Christian churches in Adams county. They are located at Decatur, Genea and Maple Grove. Following is the program for the conference: Morning Session 10:00 —Devotional, led by Rev. H. W. Thompson. 10:20—Announcements and Appointment of Necessary Committees or any Other Necessary Business. 10:45—"Some Facts About Our Indiana Churches," A. L. Martin. State Evangelist 11:15—“Interesting Things About Missionary Work in the Phili'npine Islands,” Miss Dale Ellis, Laoag, P. I. 12:00—Dinner. Afternoon Session 1:00—Song and Prayer I:lo—Reports of Chrches and Election of Offioers 1:40 —Mrs? Thomas Paddock. Indiana pel's, will speak and have charge of the Presentation of the Woman’s Work at this time 2:ls—“How Education Helps Solve Our Problems,” D. L. Richardson, Anderson 2:-»5 —"What the Gospel’. Does for the Philip vino,” Miss Dale Ellis 3:lo—Conferences. Mrs. Paddock wjll have charge of the Wo-! man’s Conference of the Women i Workers. 4:00—Benediction. Evening Session 7:30 —Devotional in charge of Rev H. W. Thompson 7:4s—“Developing Leaders,” D. L. Richardson i 8:10 —"And How Can You Help?" A. L. Martin 8:20 —“My Mission,” Miss Dale Ellis. Robert Mills Pledged To Sigma Chi Fraternity Robert Mills, of Decatur, has been pledged to the Sigma Chi fraternity at Purdue University, where he has enrolled as a freshman. Bob was graduated from Decatur high school in 1924. He was a star football player while in high school. Weather Partly overcast tonight and Wednesday; somewhat warmer.

Hankrupt j Vj&k • ***& • WQCP.J&] Leonard Wood, Jr., son of the Governor-General of (lie Philippines, filing a petition in bankruptcy in New York, said his assets. .s9l cash and one dollar in the bank. SAYS BODY IS NOT ANDERSON'S j Postoffice Inspector Fails To Identify Remains As Chapman’s Pal (United Press Service) Washington. Sept. 15.—The postoffice department was advised today by one of its inspectors at Dubuque, la., that the body of a man found there was not that of George “Dutch'' Anderson. pal of Gerald Chapman. The inspector attempted to make identiTTcation from finger prints and scars Anderson is known to have had. Other inspectors familiar with Anderson's features are still on their way to Dubuque to make a complete investigation before official announcement. — o Drunken Driver Gets Six-Month Sentence Indianapolis, Sept. 15. — (United Press.) —Convicted of drunken driving, Rotlis Seybert today was under sentence of six months on the state penal farm at Putnamville. Five members of the family of James F Morgan werp injured Sunday night when their auto was struck by a machine driven by Seybert. TOWNSHIP T AX RATES COMPILED Levies Lower In Six Townships, Higher In Five And Same In One Estimating the state tax rate at 28 cents 'on the hundred dollars, tentative tax rates in the townships and towns in the county, collectable in taxes next year, were compiled today by Martin Jaberg. county auditor. In Decatur, the rate is reduced 12 cents on the hundred dollars, the tentative rate being $3.33 as compared with $3.45 this year. The rates in Berne and Geneva are higher, while the proposed rate in Monroe is lower. The tentative rate in Union township is the same, $203 on the hundred dollars. In six of the townships the rate will be 'lower, while in the other five the rates will be higher. If the state rate is lowered from the 28-cent figure, several more of the townships will have lower rates, at (CONTINUED ON PAGE FIVE) o Bell Telephone Company Seeks Increase In Rates Indianapolis, Sept. 15. — (United Press.)—The Indiana Bell Telephone company today died a petition with the state public service commission for a general increase in rates over the stateThe petitiou for a rate increase is in connection with the investigation being made by the commission of the value of the phone company's property.

OPENING OF FAIR IS BELAYED. HUE TO RAIN

Aged Recluse Injured And Robbed By Bandit Indianapolis, Sept, 15. — (United Press.) — Rufus Dare, aged recluse, lay In a serious couditlon In the city hospital today with injuries inflicted by a bandit who robbed him at his home last night. Beating Dare into submission, the bandit tied and gagged him and searched the home, finding only a small sum. Dare is 84 years oldARGUMENTS MADE IN OUSTER SUIT Further Action Taken In Contest Over Supreme Court Justiceship Vincennes! Ind., Sept 15— (United Press) —Further legal auction in the contest over the supreme court justiceship froir. the first district today awaited filing of briefs by Attorney General Gilliom. Judge John R. Emison in superior court late yesterday gave Gilliom two weeks in which to file the briefs . Oral arguments were heard by Judge Emison yesterday on the ouster suit of George Denton, democrat, of Evansville, against Benjamin Willoughby. republican of Vincennes. Willoughby was declared elected to the supreme court from the first district by a margin of one vote in the official count of the election last November. The suit here is the third attempt of Denton’s to oust Willoughby. Their suit clams the correct returns would have given the election to Denton by a plurality of 500. Attorney General Gilliom. representing Willoughby, contended during the oral arguments that the compliant failed to show sufficient evidence to support tlie claim. He pointed out that Denton waited until six months after the election before asking for a recount, making more difficult thi* task of checking ballots and voting machines. o

TWO FIREMEN KILLED Fire Sweeps Storage Tanks Os Oil Company In Mount Vernon, O.; Loss Is $50,000 Moujit Vernon, 0.. Sept. 15. — (United Press) —Two firemen were killed and a d>zen burned in a $50,000 fire which swept the Knox Oil company storage yard late last night. The victims were near a ten thousand gallon gasoline tank when it exploded. , » The dead: Lloyd Squires, 18, volunteer fireman. Ralph Simpsch, 50, substitute city ftrem an. o Fred Rohrer 11l At Martinsville Sanitarium Fred Rohrer. editor of the Adams County Witness, and a prominent ■ citizen of Berne, is seriouslyy ill at a sanitarium in Martinsville, where he has been taking treatments for his rheumatism. Mrs. Rohrer was called to Martinsville last Saturday, Mr. Rohrer having lost his speech and become helpless. However, word has been received in Berne this week that Mr. Rohrer is improving and has regained his speech. Mr. and Mrs. Rohrer expect to return to Berne as soon as the former is able to make the trip. o Child Bride Attempts Suicide After Quarrel With Young Husband Princeton, Ind., Sept. 15. —(United Press) —Fred Zimmerman, 17. and his fourtton-year-old bride, quarreled hecause he,tease dber and Zimmerman took revenge by staying out all night. While he was away the girl bride attempted suicide with a shotgun. The charge mutilated her right leg so badly that it was amputated. She is near death in the county hos. • pital from loss of blood and the shock of th' operation.

Price 2 Cents.

EXPOSITION IS SCHEDULED TO OPEN WEDNESDAY Tonight's Program Postponed On Account Os Downpour Today GATES OPEN AT 7 A. M. Exhibits And Concessions On Grounds; All Races Are Filled The Northern Indiana fair, whic hwas to have started tonight with a grandstand entertainment and fireworks display, will open tomorrow morning at 7 o’clock, E. B. Williamson, secretary and general manager, stated at noon today. Cloudy weather and rain caused the postponment of the grand opening tonight. The gates will be thrown open at 7 o'clock tomorrow morning and the big fair w.'ll get underway at about 8 o'clock*. Exhibits are all in their places and ayait'ng the crowd. Several features, suefi as free acts, exhibits and displays yill start the program tomorrow morning. Races wilt start at. 1:30 o’clock and two good races have been scheduled for tomorrow. Dan W. Beery, superintendent of the races, said this afternoon that unless there yas rain all night the track would be in good condition for tomoi row's events. All Races Filled AU races for the three days are fi led. About 75 head of fi-st class race horses are awaiting the starter’s “Go" and predictions are that this year's races yill be closely contested. Several record horses will be in (he various events. Shows, rides, concessions, in fact all that goes to make a successful fair are set up and awaiting the opening tomorrow. Schools will be dismissed Wednesday and Thursday afternoons for the fair and a large crowd is expected. Feature acts wil 1 be shown in front of the grandstand and (CONTINUED ON PAGE FIVE)

K, OF C, LODGE ELECTS OFFICERS Joseph Laurent Re-elected Grand Knight; Others Are Re-named Ail the old officers except one were re-elected by Decatur Council, No. 864, of the Knights of Columbus, at the annual meeting of the council held last evning. Joseph Laurent was re-elected grand knight. Other officers who were elected were, Joe Lose, financial secretary; John Starost, recoiling secretary; Charles Niblick, treasurer; David Teepie, warden; Will Shoemaker, advocate; Ed Case, outer guard; Charles Miller .inner guard; H. J. Yager, trustee The other two trustees who hold over are Dyttois Schmitt and Charles N, Christen. The newly elected officers will assume office in October and appropriate installation ceremonies will lie held. The local couucil ot' the Knights of Columbus lias h membership of about three hundred and the lodge is the owner of the three story brick building at the Corner of Second and Madison streets. o Two Carloads Os Beer Headed For Sewer Today Hammond, inti., Sept. 15. —(United Press.)—Two carloads of beer enroute from Lawrence, Mass., to Morton’s Grove, 111., were headed for the sewer today following an order ot destruction issued because the cii't todian of the Federal building here declined to store it. Three federal agents seized the shipment in the transfer yards of the Indiana Harbor Belt line. i gj