Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 23, Number 301, Decatur, Adams County, 22 December 1925 — Page 1

Vol- XXIII. Number 301,

14 AUTOS

Portland And Ohio City Have Costly Fires _ ma aam a■■ L on** T\ ii l —' 1 — - ~■■

WEILER STORE ATPORTLAND IS DESTROYED Three -Story Department Store Building Burns, Causing $500,000 Loss ORIGIN OF BLAZE NOT DETERMINED Fire of unknown origin destroyed the Weiler Brothers department store, the largest store, in Portland and one of the largest in northern Indiana for a city of that size, early this morning, causing a total loss estimated at $500,000. The fire was discovered in the basement of the building at 6 a. m., and by 8 o’clock the building had been razed by the flames. A large amount of insurance was car- > ried on the building and contents, although the exact amount had not been determined at noon today. Flames Spread Rapidly The fire wns discovered by James iemlc. who has charge of the shoe depaitment. He had opened the store and started to the basement. When he opened the basement door, the flames burst upon him and he was burned about the face. He sent in the alarm, but the flames spread rapidly before the city firemen afrltvd. and they were unable to save the budding. The firemen concentrated their efforts on saving adjoining buildings. The Model Clothing store, adjoining the Weiler building, was damaged to the extent of a few hundred dollars. Several other buildings, including the post office, were endangered by the flames. Building Erected in 1898 The Weiler store building was owned I by Weiler Brothers. It was erected t in 1898, and the old style construction caused the building to burn more rapidly than it would, had it been of niodI ern construction. The building was built of brick and stone and was three stories in height. The Weiler Brothi ers store occupied the first floor and basement. rooms of physicians, lawyers and other individuals and companies were located on the second and j third floors. R H. Hartford, prominent Portland ( CONTINUED ON PAGE THBEEt CHRISTMAS FUND TO CLOSE SOON Good Fellows Club To End Work Wednesday: Santa To Distribute Gifts The Good Fellows Club Christmas fund will close Wednesday evening and all contributions must be in the boxes by that time, members of the Delta Theta Tau sorority, sponsors of the club, said today. The buying of clothing, toys, candy and othei articles for the unfortunate and “eedy children of the city had been in progress for several days ami Santa Claus will make his roundand dlsribute the gifts Thursday evening Contributions to the fund today totalled $12.55. At the regular meeting of the Knights of Columbus lodge ] ast night, a total of $5.30 was raised f or the fund. SeveraT smaller contributions were reported today, swelHng total In the fund to $269.64. Tory’s contributions were: Previous total .i... $257 14 A Belt Friend 100 A Good Fellow 1,0() Robert; and Ned Johnson - 50 Leo Kirsch ~ 1 00 p - B. Hebble Charles Hickman 50 ' Jimmy Toughy „ ’ Priends ((total) 2 n 75 . ! Total .. 526864 .

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four budden Deaths Are . Reported In Hammond Hammond. Ind . Dec. 22. — (United Press)—Four sudden deaths were repotted in Hammond today. Richard Pope dropped dead witli heart trouble while seated at the wheel of his automobile. An attack of heart trouble killed R. E Wood, advertising man. as he was starting to Elburn. 111., to i * spend Christmas with his family. An unidentified man was killed by a train and Leonard Aguilera stepped in front of a heavy bus am! was crushed ' ’ | 'o death. FRANK 11. MUNSEY, ' 1 PUBLISHER, DIES — Prominent Newspaper And , Magazine Publisher Ex- ; pires Following Operation < i New York. Dec. 22. —(United Press) ! — Frank A. Munsey, newspaper and ( magazine publisher, died today at the Lenox Hill hospital here after a short 1 illness following an operation. Munsey had rallied for a time front 1 the original operalion performed last 1 Sunday but yesterday a second opera- j tion was necessary. During the night he suffered a relapse and died at 6:39 a. m. today. The publisher was in his 72nd year. Frank Munsey had earned in newspaper circles the sobriquet of a dealer , in dailies.” During his life time he , owned at different periods 17 news- ( papers, but at the time of his death had only two, the New York Sun and , New York Telegram. Munsey was born in Mercer. Maine, , on August 21, 1854. He was a telegraph operator and early in life be- j came interested in the publishing field. , With $49 as his sole capital he came . to New York at the age of 28 and . founded the Argosy, an illustrated , weekly juvenile magazine. The eon- t trihuCons of Horatio Alger. Jr., aided < in making this effort a success. 1 Munsey’s weekly then was started i but fared differently. It was changed to Munsey's monthly and its circulation advanced to 700.000 at the peak > of its popularity. His first venture into the newspapei field came in 1890. He bought th- < Dallv Continent here and later merIt wi th the Star, old Tammany organ ; ThP New York Da’lly News, the Mash Tim... 'he ■ Philade’phia Times and Baltimore News and the New York Press wer purchased and sold within the next two decades or so. ex- i Munsey's most recent joutn. ■- the merger oi tne XZ X'. T"« C*. ( i dor, RoosrrPl' -nd B be || B ,pd elected in 1912- _ o— — - < SiX , ~ " pee 22—Six young , LaP °T' Smr-oltl woman who j metl 1 “a country school lured a 12. jld - bo oze »«- — « are. .«»»»•“■ v X-”.bor., penal farm, while J n Walk Thomas McMah °”’ “ were committed aDd LaW mont e hs HelZn Fritzen, the xx -'-“Xi: ,he an's prison for s partieS amo ng gc S ß s!° - — officers led to the arrests.

Decatur, Indiana, Tuesday, December 22, 1925.

ARE DESTROYED IN FIRE

TWO BUILDING 8 AT OHIO CITY ME DESTROYED City Garage, Pool Room, Barber Shop And Jewelry Store Burn TOTAL LOSS IS PLACED AT $20,000 (Special to Daily Democrat) Ohio City, Dec. 22.—The City garage, managed by Martin Johnson, a pool room on the second floor of which Ora Schafer was the proprietor, a barber shop and a frame building in which P. W, Pennell conducted a jewelry store, were completely destroyed by fire here early this ! morning. Loss is estimated at i $20,000, part of which is cover-! ed by insurance. The fire originated in the garage building, which was owned hy Amos Brubaker. Gasoline and oil stored in the brick building soon caused the flames to spread and the entire building was am ass of flames within a few minutes. Volunteer firemen were unable to control the flames. Four Automobiles Burned. Four automobiles were destroyed and several thousand dollars worth of accessories. •YMMWTtM supplies were lost in the fire. Several pool tables, and a supply of cigars, candy and soft drinks were lost in the second floor rooms. A barber shop, containing several chairs and other equipment, was also destroyed. Four automobiles were taken from the burning building before the flames made it impossible to re-enter the building. Firemen and Ohio City citizens fought hard several hours in an effort to save the rest of the town. A frame building in which P. W. Pennell conducted a jewelry store, was also burned to the ground. The stock of the jeweyry store was removed, before the flames from the garage spread to the adjoining building. The fire was not under control until day break, but the efforts of the many who aided the firemen proved successful and the loss was held down to $20,090. It is not known to what extent the property was insured, but early estimates are that insurance on the entire loss was not more than SB,OOO. o— Youth Has 14 Bullet Holes In His Intestines Madison, Ind., Dec. 22 (I lilted Press) —Lying on a hospital cot here, with fourteen bullet holes in his intestines, Irvin Henry, 21, of Trimble county, Kentucky, is calling for food which physicians and nurses are afraid to give him The youth, who was wounded by the accidental discharge of a revolver, cannot recover, it is said. o—— —~ Saving’s On Auto License Plates For 1927 Announced Indianapolis, Ind., Dec. 22.—(United Press)—A saving of approximately SB,OOO on the 1927 auto license plate contract, was announced by Secretary of State Frederick Schortemeler today. The contract for the plates was awarded the Hill-Standard company of Anderson on a bid of 10.9 cents per pair. This year’s contract price is 12 cents a pair. CHRISTMAS GREETINGS The Daily Democrat will carry a jarge number of Christmas greeting advertisements in the Thursday edition. Stores, business firms and individuals who wish to convey the season’s greetings to their many friends and customers are invited to take advantage of this opportunity, by calling the Dally Democrat at once.

J) AII.Y DEMOCIIAT

Winter Starts In Northern Hemisphere Washington, Dec. 22. — (United Press)—Winter stole upon the northern hemisphere this morning and threw its icy arm around it at 3:17 a. m. Summer was ushered Into the southern hemisphere at the same time. Caresning on its monotonous jourCareening on its monotonous journey around the sun. the earthly globe at that precise moment swept through that astronomical point of time that marks our winter .solstice. Unseasonable cold waves became 1 seasonable here and reports of hot waves came from Argentine and related regions. ERIE TRACK IS REPAIRED Damage Caused By Freight Wreck East Os Decatur Sunday Is Repaired — The track which was torn up by the piling up of several freight cars on lhe Erie railroad east of Decatur, near the state line, Suniiay morning, is practically repaired again, according to word received here today. A wheel on one of the coal cars of the freight train came off and caused nine cars to pile up, tearing up about a half mile of track. Section crews worked all day Sunday and yesterday repairing the track. No one was Injured in the wreck, but transportation was held up while repair work was done on the line. NAME RECEIVER FOR EUS LINE Red Ball Line And Union Bus Station Fail; Inadequate Fares Blamed Indianapolis. Dec. 22. — (United ress)—The inadequacy of fares charged by bus lines in Indiana today was blamed for the appointment of a receiver for the Indiana Red Ball Lines, Inc., and the Union Bus station company. Fred I. Jones, president of the Red Ball Lines and named as receiver, said the suit was a friendly procedure and that nona of the other bus lines operating from the Union Bus station would be affected. 0 — Anderson Police Set Out To Dry Up City Anderson, Ind., Dec 22. — (United Press) —Local police set out today to make it a dry Christmas for Anderson residents. In the first raid of the crusade, a big quantity of home brew was

seized at the home of Earl Crouse and the owner was placed under arrest. . To Resume Campaign For New Church At DePauw Greencastle, Ind.. Dec. 22.-(United Press)—Plans for resuming the state- . wide campaign for funds to construct a , $300,000 DePauw-Oreencastle Methodist church here were being made toi day. Officials in charge of the campaign ’ have announced that approximately ' $200,000 already has been pledged. Weather Cloudy tonight. Colder in east portion. Wednesday mostly fair, with continued cold.

CITY CHRISTMAS PROGRAM TO BE HELD WEDNESDAY Municipal Observance to Be Held On Liberty Way Tomorrow Evening SINGING OF CAROLS WILL BE A FEATURE Decatur’s municipal Christmas program will be held on Wednesday evening, Dec. 23, at 5 o’clock, instead of Thursday evening, as was first planned, it was announced today by the committee from the Woman’s Club, which is sponsoring the event. The change to Wednesday evening was made in order that the program will not interfere with the Christmas programs in the various churches on Christmas eve. The large Christmas tree was being erected on Liberty Way today. The tree was purchased from Henry Reiter, who resides on the DecaturFort Wayne road about six miles north of Decatur. A truck furnished by the Confer ice (’ream company hauled the tree to Decatur and the city light and power department employes set the tree up and wired it. The men donated their services in hauling in the tree and erecting and wiring it. The tree will be kept lighted every night during Christmas week. The tree will be kept light. Ucompa thth banks of lhe city are helping the Woman's Club finance the event. The program for the municipal event includes the singing of three well-known Christmas carols, namely, “Away in a Manager," “Silent Night.” and "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing." All school children of the city are urged to come prepared to sing the carols. The church bells will ring for tlie opening of the program at 5 o’clock. Following the singing of the Christmas carols, Santa Claus will distribute a treat among all children present. Arrangements have hern made whereby the program can be held in (CONTINUED ON PAGE FOUHI o— Woman Clerk Runs Out Os Store And Locks Bandit Inside Indianapolis, Ind., Dec. 22. —(United Press)—A bandit’s bluff failed to strike terror to the heart of Mrs. Clara Karras, clerk in a store here. Ordered to hand over the money in the cash register, the woman ran out of the store and locked the visitor in. Police arrested Thomas Gupwell. 53, 1 and held him today on a charge of ' robbery

o — To Ask Life Sentence For Gary Hold-up Man Gary. Ind., Dec. 22. — (United Press) —A life sentence will be demanded for Charles Mohler, holdup man. charged with being a habitual criminal, it was learned today. Mohler was arrested after a daring daylight holdup here last week. — — Probe Os Shenandoah Disaster Closes Today Washington, Dee. 22 —After an attack by Lieut. Commander C. E. Rosendahl. senior surviving officer of the Shenandoah, against Col. William Mitchell and other critics, the naval court of inquiry into the disaster, today ended its long investigation and took the case under advisement. Woman And Son Hurt Greencastle, Ind., Dec. 22. — (United Press)—Police today are seeking the driver of an automobile which collided with a car driven by Prank Thompson, of Valparaiso, seriously injuring Mrs. Thompson and her small son.

Elks Home Is Taking On Air Os Christmas Cheer The Elks' home is taking on an air of Christmas cheer today. Two trimmed and lighted trees are being placed i in front and in the sun parlor is a handsome tree, all decorated with colored lights and gold trimmings. A number of the member sos the lodge have contributed gifts to the home and 1 the house committee announces that if any one else feels so inclined the gifts will lie carded and placed on the tree so that those who attend open house on Christmas day may see them. Greeting cards were mailed to all members today, also. FORMER MONROE RESIDENT DIES — John Peterson, Father Os Joseph Peterson, Dies At Redkey Today John Peterson. 88. former Adams • county resident, died ar his home in i Redkey, at 7 o’clock this morning. Death was due to senility. I Mr. Peterson was born In Ohio, and came to Adams county shortly after his marriage. He resided near Monroe for several years, moving to Jay county about thirty year sago. He had resided at Redkey for the last twelve or fourteen years. Surviving, are the widow; two sons. Joseph M. Peterson, of DectPnr. and James • Peterson, of near Redkey; and two daughters. Mrs. William Dugan, of near Redkey, and Mrs. Ola Whaley, of Kansas. Funeral arrangements have not been completed. Joseph Peterson left Decatur at 1 o’clock this afternoon for Redkey. — Q— Sheriff Takes 75 Gallons Os Alcohol From Automobile Plymouth, Ind., Dec. 22—(United Press)—Tlie sheriff of Marshall county waited in vain today for the owner of seventy five gallons of good grain alcohol to claim his property. The alcohol was taken from an automobile which was wrecked and burned near here. The driver of the automobile fled before the sheriff arrived. o Disregard Os Watchman’s I Warning Proves Fatal ! Sheridan, Ind.. Dec. 22—(United Press) —Chalmers Rarldan. 67. is dead 1 here today as the result of injuries re- ' ceived when he drove his buggy in 1 front of a Monon train yesterday. The buggy was completely demol--1 ished but the horse escaped uninjured 1 Rarldan is said to have disregarded a crossing watchman’s warning. • _— o

Army Deserter Gets Drunk On Canned Heat And Is Apprehended Lebanon. Ind.. Dec. 22. — (United Press) —Intoxication, caused by drinking "canned heat” today led to the apprehension of Robert Anderson, 35. wanted as a deserter from the United States army at Fort Benjamin Harrison, in Indianapolis. — -oEnidemic Os Measles Raging In Putman County Greencastle, Ind.. Dec. 22. — (United Pres9 )_Health authorities of Putnam county today struggled to check the epidemic of measles raging in the southern part of the county. The largest number of cases reported is at Cloverdale, where 165 children have been taken ill with the disease. — Updike To Seek Nomination Again Indianapolis. Ind.. Dec. 22. (United press)—Ralph Updike, republican, will seek renomination as representative . in congress from the seventh district ; at the primary next spring, he an [nounced today.

Price 2 Cente.

HEBELE GARAGE ANDP.L.MACKLIN BMNMEBURNEO Fire Starts In Garage At 3 A. M. Today; Total Loss Is $16,700 INSURANCE CARRIED TOTALS ONLY $6,400 ESTIMATED LOSS Brick and cement block garage building, $6,500. Turning lathe and equipment, $1,500. Accessories and office fixtures, $2,000. Automobiles. $2,700. Tools and mechanic's equipment, $1,500Barn and contents, $2,500. Total estimated loss. $16,700. Total insurance, $6,400. Fire, of disputed origin, destroyed the Chevrolet garage on East Monroe street and the Phil L. Macklin barn at the rear of his property on First street, at about 3:15 o’clock this morning. Fourteen automobiles were completely destroyed in the blaze, together with several thousand dollars worth of equipment and some valuable surveying instruments. The estimated loss is $16,700. The loss was covered bv insurance to the extent of $6,400. The fire originated in the garage conducted by P. B Hebble and Charles Hickman in the Daniel and William Stepler building. People residing in tlie neighborhood were first aroused when they heard a teriffie explos'on. which is thought to havo been tlie alcohol tank settng in the front part of the building, just behind the office. Immediately after the explosion, the building burst into flames and before firemen were able to get control, the blaze had spread to tlie Macklin building. Explosion Is Heard. Charles Wise, who resides across the street from tlie garage, heard the explosion and immediately turned in the fire signal. Mrs. B. L. Macklin, who resides around the corner on I First street, also sent word of the I fire. Wendall. Robert and Richard 1 Macklin managed to get two autoI mobiles, their horse and pony from I their barn before the flames made it hoxi ixi r.i> ox PACUR 'rnt«i:i:> HOUSE VOTES DRY OVERWHELMINGLY

Lower House Votes 139-17 On First Test Os Prohibition Question Washington. Dei 22. (United p reKH ) —Ti>e house voted overwhelmingly ' dry" o nits first prohibition vote today. Amendments to the treasury postoffice appropriation bill to eliminate prohibition agents was defeated 139 to 17. — o Greenup. Illinois. Has $25,000 Fire Today Greenup. II!. Dec. 22. (I nlted Press)—-Fire today destroyed one main street building and damaged others, bringing about a total loss of $25.00». I). H. S. Alumni Banquet Chairmen To Meet The heads of the various committees will meet with Chairman French Quinn tomorrow afternoon at 2 I o'clock at the Industrial rooms instead of 7 o'clock tomorrow night as 1 previously announced. Mr Quinn 1 sold that he would like for all beads e of committees to be prompt and the t meetijng tcmciin I afternoon would 1- not hist more than an hour. All members please be on time.