Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 23, Number 300, Decatur, Adams County, 21 December 1925 — Page 1

\ o |. XXIII. Number 300.

STRIKING COAL —— '

BAUGHMAN STORE LOOTED OFSIOO IN MERCHANDISE Thieves Break Into Local Store Early Monday Morning; Take $5 Cash AUTO USED TO HAUL LOOT AWAY Thieveß entered the Baughman Five and Ten Cent store early Sunday morning. rifled the cash register of «« in cash and stole merchandise valued at sl<'O. An effort, also, was made to break into the safe, but this attempt proved futile. The robbery was first discovered by Night Policeman Arthur Clailc Officer Clark passed through the alley about 3:30 o’clock Sunday morning and noticed the rear door partly open. The door had been closed on his previous round and he immediately investigated. Sam Franks, night watchman, was notified-and the two men went through the building. The thieves had left, but the cash register had been left open and the two officers immediately notified Mr. and Mrs. Ilanghman. Rear Window Pried Open The thieves had gained entrance by prying open a rear window and then unlocking the rear door so that they could carry the merchandise out. Among the things stolen were several pairs of blankets, two dolls, a tricycle, some waste paper baskets and other valuable toys. The knobs which hold the outer door of the safe in place had been removed in an effort to get the money from the safe. This attempt was unsuccessful and the money was still in the safe Sunday morning when | the owners arrived on the scene. Night Watchman Franks said that | about 3 o’clock Sunday morning he ■ saw an automobile drive down the alley and head east across the river. It Is his opinion that the thieves were in the car and that they had stolen all they could carry in the automobile. Ixtcal police are working on several clews. The merchandise was not insured. O' — NOTICE CLASSES 1891 TO 1900 All those who attended the Decatur high school during the years from 18t»i to 1900, inclusive, are requested to meet at the Industrial rooms, over Graham & Walters office at 4 o'clock tomorrow, Tuesday, afternoon to plan for our part in tne Alumni program. Please come as we have to work fast. E. B. Adams, Temporary Chairman.

RAWKINS CASE IS TRIED HERE One Os Many Suits Filed Against Portland Man Heard In Local Court

One of the numerous cases filed against Morton S. Hawkins, former Portland financier, and his associates in the Welfare Loan business, as a result of the alleged fraud in the manipulations of the business, was tried in circuit court before Judge Jesse S. Sutton here this morning. The case was taken under advisement by the court. The case tried here, which was venued from Jay county, was that of Joseph M. Aldridge and others, against Morton S- Hawkins, and, others) There are sixteen plaintiffs in the case and judgment for a total, of H. 783.33 is demanded. The judgments asked range from ?90 up to SI,OOO. The particular loan society in which the plaintiffs in this case invested their money was the 'y* 1 ' fare Loan Society of Jacksonville, Florida. They allege that there was fraud in the manner in which the business was conducted. In addition to the judgment for cash, the Plaintiffs ask that the funds, money, assets and property of the plaintiffs and the Welfare Loan Society of Jacksonville be declared a trust and (CONTINUED ON PAGE THREE)

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Old Note Fo r $225 ( osts Ex-(Jovernor Os Indiana, $6,522 Anderson, Ind., Dee. 21-An old note today cost Winfield Durbin, forX° VPrnOr ° l ' ,ndian!l, snni of Forty-four years ago he borrowed »22f. from his wife and gave her tho note, bearing x percent interest. Both of them forgot the note until he found it in clearing out an old desk Durbin promptly figured th interest and gave his wife a check.

REV. HINZ TO LEAVE DECATUR Pastor Os Lutheran Church Os 3 his City Accepts Call To Cleveland The Rev. Arthur W. Hinz, pastor of the Lutheran church in this city, has accepted a call extended him by a congregation in Cleveland. The call has been in tho hands of Rev. Hinz for several weeks. After deliberation in a special meeting of the church yesterday, Rev. Hinz was given a peaceful release to take up the work in the new charge. The congregation to which he has been called is one of the larger ones of the Missouri Synod on the West Side of Cleveland. Rev. Hinz will deliver a farewell address in the services next Sunday morning. The German service will be held at 9:30 o’clock and the English service at 10:30 o'clock. Christmas services will lie held at those hours, December 25. o

NEWSPAPER SELLS FOR $14,326,513 Chicago Daily News Bought By Syndicate, Including Lowden And Dawes Chicago, Dec. 21 —Sale of the Chicago Daily News for $14,326,573 has been consummated and the official announcement of the deal is expect-

ed today, according to reports in local hanking circles. Walter Strong, business manager of the News, is head of the syndicate which has taken over the property, it is understood. Members of the syndicate inc'ude Frank C. Lowden, former governor of Illinois. Joseph Otis, of the Central Trust company and Representative of Vice President Charles G Dawes, Samuel A. Paton, millionaire Board r f Trade operator and George F. I’ori ter, lor some years national republican committeeman f r Illinois. The Illinois Merchants Trust and Savings company, trustee for the estate of Victor Lawson, received I approximately 20 bids for the newspaper property, it was said. Bidders were said to include Frank A Munsey, New York publisher, ( Frank E. Gannett, another big eastern newspaper publisher, the Curtis interests of Philadelphia. The Booth Syndicae of Michigan, former Governor James A. Cox. of Ohio, and Illinois democrats supported by Governor Al Smith of New York. Tentative plans for financing the deal call for the issuance of $8,000,000 of six percent bonds and $(1,000,000 1 jn preferred and comon stock. There is to be 150.000 shares of preferred stock and 600,000 shares of common stock. I —— Catholic Church Bazaar Nets Profit Ot $4,400 A little more than $4,400 was cleared 'from the bazaar given by the congregation of the St. Mary’s Catholic church during Thanksgiving week in the auditorium of the new school budding. The report of receipts and expenditures was read Sunday at the masses More than $6,000 was received during the week. The congregation is grateful to those who patron‘;°e; [he bazaar and to those who assisted in making the event a success. The proceeds will be turned over to the new school fund.

SNOWFALL IS GENERAL OVER MIDDLEWEST Hopes For “White Christmas” Receive Boost; Heaviest Snow In lowa COLDER WEATHER IS FORECAST FOR INDIANA Chicago. Dec. 21—Heavy falls of snow covered parts of the middle west today, disrupting i transportation and communication facilities, rin- snow fall was accompanied by zero temperatures and biting winds which added to the miseries of the pool in the larger cities. The fall was heaviest in lowa. Six inches of snow covered the ground at Council Bluffs. Additional snow fall today gave the middle west hopes of "White Christmas." Bureau forecasts indicated almost continued snowfall all week. Rain Turns To Snow Indianapolis. Ind., Dec, 21 —Rain turning to snow and colder weather was forecast for Indiana today by the local weather bureau. A light snow fell in the central part of the state Sunday but melted as it hit the ground. Smoke and fog today made the early morning hours in Indianapolis as dark as night. Kansas City, Mo., Dec. 21 —Western Missouri. Kansas and Oklahoma will have a white Christmas if the present weather continues. A snowstorm is reported raging in Kansas, while Oklahoma reports flurries. A temperature ol' 22 degrees and a cub ting wind brought a light snow to western Missouri yesterday and today. St. Louis, Dec. 21 — Christmas week was ushered in today with a light snow storm and indications of freezing temperatures tonight. The snow followed after a dismal day and night of mist. Indications are that colder weather will prevail through most of the week, the weather bureau announced. The first ice of the season was apparent today on the Mississippi (CO.VTINt HP ON PAGE THREE) O

FARMERS PLAN TO HOLO BANQUET Members Os Corn And Ton Litter Contests Arranging Event For .Jan. 4 Another “Five Acre-Ton Litter" banquet is in prospect for Adams county farmers interested in these features of agricultural work, according to plans which are now being put under way. The banquet will be held in Decatur, on the evening of January 4. A highly entertaining affair of this nature was held at Monroe, two years ago, when ing every part of Adams county, gathered for a big feed and a celebration of their accomplishments in growing corn and feeding hogs. Although details have not been worked out, it is definitely known that Dr. G. M. Frier, who is head of the Department of Agricultural Exhibits at Purdue University, will be here to address the gathering. Dr. Frier is said to be an accomplished speaker and those who attend are sure to find it well worth while. The “Schmitt Trophy." a beautiful silver loving cup, which is awarded each year to the feeder of the heaviest ton litter in Adams county during the year, will be presented to the 1925 winner. In addition, cash premiums will be awerded others who won in the contest. Other details, in relation io the honor to be accorded winners in the fiveacre corn contest, are being arranged by a committee of farmers, according to L. M. Busche, county agent. . Admission to the banquet will be by ticket and those wishing to attend should watch this paper for names of farmers having them.

Decatur, Indiana, Monday, December 21, 1925.

MINERS ARE HARD HIT

CHRISTMAS PROCRAM All churches in Decatur and Adams county are invited to st nil In copies of their Christmas programs, to be given this week, for publication in the Daily Democrat. Programs of the rural churches will be published in Wednesday's edition and those of the city churches will be published on Thursday. There will be no issue of the Dally Democrat on Friday. Christmas Day. and there will be no mail deliveries that day.

AUCTION SCHOOL TO OPEN DEC. 28 Class Work To Be Held In Room Above Lose Bros. Cigar Store The twelfth semi-annual term of the Reppert School of Auctioneering will open on Monday, December 28, Col. Fred Reppert, president and founder of the school, stated todayThe class room work will be belli in thp room above the Lose Brothers cigar store and billiard hall, on Second street. For the last several terms, the classes have met in the Niblick building, corner of Second and Monroe streets. Approximately forty applications for entrance have been received from prospective students. It is expected that this term will be attended by one of the largest clasess in the history of the school. Very few changes will be made in the faculty of the school this term. o AUTO STRIKES FREIGHT TRAIN Frederick Schulte Escapes Injury In Accident Early This Morning Frederick Schulte, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Schulte, of this city, escaped injury early this morning when he drove his Overland touring car into a moving Cloverleaf freight train at the crossing on Thirteenth street. Frederick was returning from Blufftop and he said that a dense fog hindered him from seeing the train. He was driving at a moderate rate of speed, thinking the railroad crossing was several blocks farther away. Suddenly, his car crashed into one of the freight cars, and the automobile was thrown to the side of the road. The car did not turn over and only the front was damaged. Mr. Schulte, the only occupant of the car, was shaken up considerably, but was not seriously injured. He was able to walk on into Decatur. The car was brought to a local garage this afternoon for repairs. It is thought that, had the car been going at a high rate of speed, the occupant would have either been thrown

(CONTINUED OX PAGE THREE) o —— Nine Masses To Be Said Here On Christmas Day Nine masses will be said on Christmas day at the St. Marys Catholic church in this city. The three regular masses will be held at five, seventhirty and nine forty-five, while six other masses will be celebrated in between the scheduled masses. An out-of-town priest will be here to assist Father J. A. Selmetz, rector, and Father Otto Peters, assistant, at the Christmas services and on Wednesday and Thursday in the confessional. Weather Snow and cloudy tonight. Tuesday mostly cloudy. Snow flurries in extreme north portion. Colder.

COL. MITCHELL REPUDIATED IN DIRIGIBLE RHODE Flying Colonel Called Witness Os No Expert Standing In Investigation ADMITS HE NEVER PILOTED AIRSHIP (United Press Service) Washington, Dec. 21. —Col. William Mitcliell was repudiated today as a witness of no expert standing by Shenandoah survivors after he had been cross examined for two hours by the naval board investigating the dlrig'ble disaster. Major Harry Leonard, judge advocate, demanded to know if Mitcliell ever piloted the Shenandoah or any other rigid airship. Mitchell replied in the negative and further stated he had never made a flight in a rigid air ship but he had been on three British dirigibles and the Los Angeles when they were on the ground. Asked if he knew of his own knowledge of facts concerning the loss of the Shenandoah. Mitchell replied that ■his knowledge was made up of both hearsay and experience but he knew from weather conditions as much about the disaster as anybody aboard the ship. "I am in a position to judge,” Mitchell said. "In my own knowledge lhe Shenandoali could not stand storms of more than three meters convection velocity. Mitcliell said that possibly there was no one in the United States to design properly a rigid air ship to withstand America nstorms but that he could build one o Employes Os A. & P. Co., Get Insurance Policies D. H. Redding, local manager of the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Store, stated today that the company was giving, free to each of Its 40,000 employes, a life insurance policy, ranging in amounts up to SIO,OOO. in addition to the gift. Mr. Redding stated that arrangements had been made by tlie company for the empleyes to purchase additional insurance at a low premium rate. o PROPOSE CHANGE IN TOURNAMENTS Sweeping Revision Os System Os High School Tourneys Is Considered Anderson, Ind-, Dec. 21. — (United Press.) — Sweeping revision of the system of state high school basketball tourneys which would shift the final meet from Indianapolis to some other city is under consideration by officials of the Indiana high school athletic association. This fact was revealed today by A. L. Trester, permanent secretary of the association, following a closed (COSTISI ED OX PAGE TIIHEE)

Premier Mussolini Tells Os His Aspirations For An Italian Empire Fascist Leader Gives Exclusive Interview To United Press Correspondent In Which He Discuses Wide Range Os Topics; Most Comprehensive Interview Ever Granted By lhe Premier.

By Thomas B. Morgan (U. P. Staff Correspondent) Rome, Dec. 21. — Premier Benito Mussolini, in an exclusive interview with the United Press today told of his aspirations for an ‘'ltalian Empire” But he was careful to explain that “when one speaks of an 'imperial Italy,’ no definite territorial conquest I is alluded to, but rather an attitude of mind, the rule of virile conduct! combative if needs be, which Italy must observe in great international problems.” The interview, the most comprehensive Mussolini has ever granted.] occurred in the Chigi Palace and cov-|

Steals SIOO From Roommate To Finance Wedding; Gets 30 Days Evansville, Ind . Dec. 21. -(United Press) -The wedding of Sidney Woods today was postponed a month. He stole 1100 from his room mate to finance the nuptials. A sentence of :!0 days was given him in city court. PRINTINGBIDS ARE RECEIVED County Commissioners Postpone Letting Os Contract For Supplies Bids for the furnishing of books, blanks and printing supplies for the county offices during 1926 were received today by the Adams county commissioners and action in the awarding or rejection of the bids was postponed until December 29. Three companies, the Fort Wayne Printing Co.; William B. Burford. Indianapolis; and the Auburn Printing company. Auburn, filed proposals. The printing is divided* into four c'asses. The Fort Wayne Printing company had the contract this year and. after tlie commissioners had tabulated and compared the three b'ds, they decided to take the matter under consideration until next Tuesday, when they will hold another session. There will not lie any changes on tlie board of commissioners next year, all three commissioners holding over. STORES REPORT HEAVY DOSINES S Cold Weather And Snow Flakes Add To Christmas Spirit Here Cold weather and scattered snow flakes acted as a stimulant for Christmas trading and Decatur merchants reported the best business day of the year last Saturday. Hundreds of shoppers were in Decatur all day and practically every store in tho city remained open until almost midnight Saturday. Extra clerks were necessary in most business houses to take care of the overflow of medium late shoppers Weather conditions were ideal for shoppers Saturday. Most supplies of Christmas trees were completely exhausted and several grocery stores j were forced to replenish their stocks today from nearby cities. Christmas (CONTIXI’ED OX PAGE TWO) O — Red Men To Give Party For Children Wednesday The Red Men lodge will give its third annual Christmas party for the I children at their hall on Wednesday! evening. December 23. Santa Claus j will visit the hall and will distribute a sack full of gifts to the children There will be a Christmas tree and a treat will be given to the childfen | The program will begin at 7:30 I o'clock and all Red Men are urged ' to bring their children to the party.

ered a wide range of topics. Ease, grace and composure niarked the manner of the Fascist leader as ho ■ talked. "What is your opinion regarding an i Italian Empire alluuded to several ! times in your speeches? What wuold be the political, geographical, mili-1 tary and economic aspects of the empire?" Immediately he explained: ; "The word empire,” he said, "has ' more than one meaning in the Italian language. It may mean a form of ' government and more especially that ! marvelous state organization which in I (CONTINUED ON PAGE THREE)

Price 2 Cents.

PESTILENCE ANO WANT ABOUND IN HARD COAL FIELDS Conditions In Regions Os Strike Are Unbelievable, Investigation Shows FAMILIES ARE BEING FED IN BREADLINES (United Pleas Service) Wilkesbarre, I’enn., Dec. 21 —Hardship, i>estilonce. privation and want the horsemen of war ride havoc in the hard coal hills today. Families arc being fed in bread lines, women and children tire being doled out clothing. savings are being drained, schools tire closing, mortgages are unobtainable, hospitals have only a day’s fuel ahead, buying has fallen off. precious coal is being bootlegged as contraband. scarlet fever epidemics have broken out in some districts and Friday is Christmas A careful investigation through the region where 150,000 anthracite minrrs have been out of work for 15 weeks shows unbelievable conditions in the outlying poorer districts and even tlie larger cities are being hard hit. o — GOOD FELLOWS CLUB 3e A Good Fellow And Help Provide A Merry Christmas For The Kiddies. Contributions to the Good Fellows Club today totaled $10.50 in cash and all the gloves, dolls and story books needed to supply the unfortunate fortunate children of the city. The John T. Myers company gave $3, the Red Cross gave s">. and the Waring Glove company made an offer of all the gloves needed, tlie Smith. Yager * Falk drug company offered to supply all dolls and story books needed. Three smaller donations were made, also. The gloves, dolls and story hooks are large items, as large numbers of each are needed annually for tho children. The cash donations so far amount to $257.14. Today's cash donations were: Previous Total ... $246.64 John T. Myers Co. 3.00 A Friend . 1.00 Wm. Floyd Wilson 50 Red Cross 5.00 Geraldine Hower 1.00 Total $257.14 LOCAL OPTION SOUGHT IN BILL Amendment To Eighteenth Amendment Introduced In Senate Today Washington. Dec. 21. — (United Press) —An amendment to the eighteenth amendment to provide local option on the liquor question throughout the country was proposed in the senate today by Senator Bruce, Maryland. Communities or states desiring pro--hibition could maintain it under the proposition while other states would be released from lhe provision of the ISth amendment. Bulletin Washington, Dec. 21. — (United Press)—America faces a condition of lawlessness "amounting virtually to anarchy," due primarily to recent con- ' stitutlonal amendments which have | “undermined'' tlie government. Representative Phillips. Pennsylvania, republican, declared in the house today. "We cannot expect a citizen to be 1 law-abiding." Phillips said, "unless our ' laws are reasonable." Phillips criticised the last five conH stitutional amendments and condemn’ed tlie methods unplovcd in enfeorcemem of tin prohibition amendment.