Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 24, Number 95, Decatur, Adams County, 21 April 1926 — Page 1

fy o l XXIV. Number 95.

ANTI-SALOON LEAGUE OFFICERS CITED

■Engineer files I SPECIFICATIONS I FOR NEW STREET ■ I Plans For Improvement Os I Winchester Street Filed I With Council II REGULAR MEETING I HELD BY COUNCIL I Plans and specifications for the IB improvement o; Winchester street, II south of the Nickel Plate tracks to KB i; ne street, in connection with the [ | general improvement of the street by l| the township, were filed last evening II with the city council by Engineer H Orval liarruff. | I The township will improve the || street with emulsified asphalt to a Il width of 22 feet. This will leave a 11 space of three feet on each side of the II road not improved. Property owners along the street petitioned that it be improved on both sides of the main track. The plans, as filed by the engineer. call for the additional improvement of the street with enmsitied asphalt, three feet on each side of the road, and the placing of a I curb and cement sidewalk along the street. Objections to the proposed improvement will be heard on May 18. The aditional improvement will be paid for by the property owners. The legal notice, notifying the public that the city would ask the county commissioners to convey to the city of Decatur the old cemetery on South Winchester street, so that it could be made into a city park, was placed on file. The commissioners will bear the petition at their May meeting. The petition for a sidewalk on Walnut street was referred to the street and sewer committee. The committee reported that a contract had been entered into between the city and John Harnett for sprink- < CONTINUED ON PAGE TWO) -16-Year-Old 16-Year-Old Gunman Sentenced To Death At Indianapolis Today Indianapolis, Ind., April 21 —(United Press) —Death in the electric chair was imposed by a jury in Marion county criminal court today on Wallace McCutcheon, 16-year-old negro gunman. McCutcheon was found guilty of first degree murder for shooting John Ward, 42, a white man, because gave him only 35 cents in a holdup. The jury recommended the extreme penalty, McCutcheon will be formally -sentenced April 26 0 EXCESSIVE “TIP" CAUSES ARREST Evidence Furnished By Taxi Driver Leads To Capture Os Mail Robher Chicago, April 21.—(United Press) —An excessive "tip" to a taxicab chauffeur was blamed today by Daniel Hesley, 26, former .star Chicago athlete, for his capture as the bandit who stole $37,000 from the mails at Indiana Harbor last week. Federal investigators picked up the trail of Hesley when a taxi driver reported a man had given him a $lO bill for a $5.75 fare and had told him to "keep the change.” From this report federal investigators followed Hesley until he finally was trapped In his room at a downtown hotel. He was carrying $12,000 of the loot in his pockets and most of the balance has been recovered. Hesley admitted the robbery. Hesley stopped Frank Watson, driver of an Indiana Harbor mail truck, forced him to transfer mail sacks containing the currency to his own automobile, and drove away with Watson until his motor car broke down near Joliet, 111. From there he made his escape by taxicab, but in paying the large tip— he took from one of the mail sacks—his arrest was brought about.

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT

I Women’s Self Government Associations Convene I’.loonilngton, Ind.. April 21.—(United Press)—The twelfth annual midwest convention of Women's Self Government Associations opened here today. Approximately 50 women students from universities and colleges throughout the middlewest are expected to come to Indiana for the convention. Mirs Hueldu Davis, of Muncie, is president of the local association. ALLEGED FORGER ON TRIAL HERE Lloyd Bieberstine, Young Farmer, Faces Trial In Adams Circuit Court Lloyd Bieberstine, young Wabash township farmer, faced trial in the Adams circuit court this morning on a charge of forgery, the third time within the last several months. On the other occasions, the jury was in-1 structed to return a verdict of not I guilty, after flaws had been discovered in the affidavits. The entire forenoon today was spent in obtaining a jury to try the case. When twelve men finally wore accepted by both sides, only four members of the regular panel remained in the jury box. The twelve men .selected for the jury were: O. L Vance Ira Fuhrman, George Shassenberg. William Winnes, John Stoigmeyer, Charles Burr. Charles Merryman. William Drake, Charles A. Fuhrman. Horace Butler, Abe Bebout and Conrad Gillig. The first witness called this afternoon was Charles .AiilL who arrested Bieberstine while serving as special policeman in tills city, during the week of the Northern Indiana fair here last fall. Bieberstine was arrested after (CONTINUED ON PAGE FIVE) TO MAKE STUDY OF PROHIBITION League Os Women Voters To Sponsor Study Os Workings Os Law St. Louis, Mo., April 21.—(United Press) —Women throughout the nation will study the workings of the prohibition law if delegates to the seventh annual convention of the National League of Women Voters here have their way. Dispersing to their respective homes as the convention come to a close today, a majority of the presidents of state leagues announced their intention of recommending the study of prohibition and possible prohibition legislation to their respective leagues. This determination came largely as a result of yesterday's clash on the convention floor, when delegates urged that a resolution expressing opposition to any change in the eighteenth amendment, lie put over study. “Women have long been studying the prohibition law and its workings,” Mrs. Charles E. Elliott, Baltimore, president of the Maryland league said. "Particularly have members of the league been turning their attention to it of late. “We may make 1 it a subject for official study in Maryland," Mrs. Elli- ' ott said. “I. myself, am unalterably ’ opposed to any change in the law and in my entire experience have not found a woman who favors a change in the eighteenth amendment.” o Neuenschwander Found > Guilty Os Larceny Bluffton. April 21.-A jury in the Wells circuit court returned aver- • diet at 4:10 o’clock Tuesday after- , noon, finding Everett Neuenschwan- • der, of near Vera Cruz, guilty of petit • larceny. The jury assessed a fine of i SIOO and a sentence of one year in • the reformatory. Neuenschwander was disfranchised for a period of five - years, also. He was charged with - the theft of chickens from the Ed I Meyer farm, east of this ’city. The . jury deliberated less than one hour.

Scene of Herrin Election Riot MKH ■—- - W ■ ' if' & ■ .. ~ iii '/l- **’’’*’"""* — " * The Smith garage. where hostilities started in II rein, LI., residing in the death of six men. is shown being patrolled by Illinois National Guardsmen. .Machine guns, rifles, shotguns an< pistols were used in a battle between a group of barrica led Klansmen in the garage and their attackers in the street. All the fatalities occurred later in a street light.

nm views of LABOR PRESENTED Witness Claims Wets Exerted Influence Upon Labor Leaders — Washington, April 21. — (United Press)—lnfluence has been exerted, upon labor leaders to prevent them from starting an organized movement for prohibition, it was charged , before the senate prohibition committee today by Charles Stelsele, a member of the International Machinn . w -r» J. - ists Union. His charge was contained in a series of allegations which included: The late Samuel Gompfrs. president of the American Federation of fatbor, wuld not permit discussion of the prohibition question in conventions because he was afraid of “splitting" the labor movement. Unions which ''Were involved in (CONTINUED ON PACK FINK) Pennsylvania Is Being Dried Up By Gov. Pinchot Washington, April 21. — (United Press)— Pennsylvania, “probably the wettest state in the union," ip 1923, when Governor Pinchot assumed office, has enforced prohibition since then and bootlegging has been suppressed and driven under cover, Pinchot told the senate prohibition committee today in a letter. There are only 52 breweries operating in the state, 48 of which have federal permits, compared with 166 in 1923, Pinchot said. COMMENCEMENT HELD AT GENEVA Fifteen Pupils Graduated By Wabash Township High School Fifteen pupils received diplomas at the annual commencement exercises of the Wabash township high school at the First Methodist church in Geneva, last night. A large crowd attended the commencement. Music was furnished by the Geneva high school orchestra. The commencement address was delivered by Prof. V. F. Schwalm, dean of Manchester college, North Manchester. Talks were given by Charles Blum, class valedictorian, and Miss Viola Burry, class salutatorian. Don Collum, principal of the school, made the presentation of the class, and Clifton E. Striker, superintendent of the county schools, presented the diplomas to the graduates. The members of the graduating ' class were: , Clarence Potter, Burley Drew, ■ Charles Blum, Viola Blurry, Esther ■ Mettler, Mabie Stewart, Mabie Wisi well, Hugh Kramer, Haul Stahly. Wendell Long, Orvel Glassburn. > Eugene Fields, Gerald Skyock, Sid- , ney Buckmaster and Nellie Brennan.

Decatur, Indiana, Wednesday, April 21, 1926.

I ___ — ... . — STARTS TONIGHT The first installment of the story, “Judith Os Blue Lake Ranch,” Is printed in the Daily Democrat this evening. Start with the first installment and read the entire story, one installment of which will be printed in the Daily Democrat each day. Turn to page 3. FORMER DECATUR RESIDENT DIES Anthony Schurger Expires At Home In Manistee, Michigan, Tuesday Anthony S< hunger. 51, formerly of this city, died at bis home at Manistee, Michigan, yesterday, according to word received by relatives in this city this morning. Cause of the death was not stated in the wire. Anthony Schurger was born in Adams county on the Schurger homestead west of this city. April 26, 1875. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Schurger, both of whom preceded him in death. He received his early education in the Decatur Catholic school. In April, 1908, he was married to Miss . Gertrude Brentakamp, of this city. To this union were born five children, all of whom survive. They are, Severine, John, Rose Mary, Mark Jean and Clara Ann, all at home. About 15 years ago, Mr. and Mrs. Schurger moved from this city to Michigan, near Manistee, and a few' years ago they moved to Manistee so that their children could have the advantages of the Manistee schools. Relatives in this city did not know of Mr. Schurger's illness and the cause of his death was not stated in the message received. Besides the widow and five children, the following brothers and sisters survive: Kate S<burger, Fostoria, Ohio; Sister M. Isadora, Marquette, Mich.; Lena Rohr, Pine River, Michigan; Louisa Kurber, Delphos. Ohio; Albert Schurger, White Cloud, Michigan; and Tens and Fred Schurger, of this city . i No arrangements have yet been made for the funeral services. It is, thought, however, that the services ( will be held at Manistee. The relatives of this city will leave for Manistee tonight. i 0 Photoplay Indorsers I Close Annual Meeting Fort Wayne, Ind., April 21.—(United Press.) — Mrs. Ferd Lucas, of Greencastle, today headed the Indiana Indorsers of Photoplays. She was elected president at the close of the annual convention here. Other officers included: Mrs. Arthur , Twining, Fort Wayne, first vice-presi-dent; Mrs. Bertha Smith, Terre Haute, second vice-president; and Mrs. H. T. Stephenson, Bloomington, 1 secretary. Weather Increasing cloudiness with showers north portion tonight or Thursday and by Thursday in south portion. Slightly warmer tonight in east and south portions. Cooler Thursday.

ANTI-KLAN WINS IN HERRIN VOTE Klan Elects Only One Os Four Aidermen In Election Held Tuesday Herrin. 111., April 21. — (United Press.) — Anti-klan forces will rule Herrin for the coming term as Tuesday's peaceful election —peace brought about through presence of bayonetted guardsmen at each polling place — gave the klan ticket only one of the tour city aidermen. There was an attitude of indifference throughout the election and only a small vote was cast. The one klansman tmsucceed in the balloting was John Ford, former chief of police and a brother of Harlan Ford, one of the klansmen killed in the bitter election fight a few weeks ago. Ford has long been prominent in klan affairs and defeated his anti(CONTINUED ON PACK FIVE) BULLETIN Washington. April 21.— (United Press) — The senate late today approved the United States debt funding commission on Italy’s two billion dollar war debt to this country. The aprovai was a victory for the administration as President Coolidge personally had enforced the lenient terms granted under which Italy will pay $5,000,000 a year increasing over a period of 62 years to $80,000,000. The house has approved the settlement. The vote for ratification was 54 to 33. T 9 OPEN SOFT DRINK PARLOR Russell Melchi And Edward I Miller To Start New Business Here A new business will be opened in i the Bowers building on Monroe street, in this city, it was learned to- ! day. The new establishment will be j known as the M. and M. Soft Drink parlor. It will be conducted by Russell Melchi and Edward Miller, both Decatur young men. The new' establishment will be opened in a few days, it was learned today. Both of the proprietors went to Fort Wayne today to complete transactions for furniture and other supplies and the date of the opening could not be ascertained, but it is thought that the opening will be in the next few days. Both men are well known in this city. Russel! Melchi is the son of Sephus Melchi, chief of police, and Edward Miller is the son of the late Mathias Miller. Mr. Miller has had considerable experience in the soft drink business, being employed for .several years at the Anker Cigar 1 store.

Two Sisters Os King George In Auto Wreck London, April 21—(United Press) —Queen Mamie of Norway and Princess Victoria, the princess royal, both sisters of King George wore in an automobile accident today from which both escaped without injury. Their motor car collided with a taxicab in Knights bridge, near the American embassy. Both cars were slightly damaged. o-. ■——- FATHER FETTIC LEAVES DECATUR Assistant Pastor Os St. Mary’s Church Assigned To Gary The Rev. Theodore Fettig. assistant pastor of St. Mary's Catholic church in this city since February 18, of this year, has been assigned by the Rt. Rev. Bishop John F. Noll, D D.. of Fort Wayne, as assistant pastor of St. Luke's Catholic church at Gary. The appointment to the Gary church becomes effective at once and Father Fettig left this afternoon for Gary to assume his new duties. St. Luke's congregation was recently organized in Gary. The church is located in South Gary and has a membership of several hundred families. Rev. Fettig succeeded the Rev. Otto Peters, for six years assistant pastor of St. Mary's congregation, who was transferred to Summitt, Indiana, as resident pastor of the congregation there. During his short residence here he made many friends and was liked by all who knew him. He. took, an active part in school athletics and was a member of the school athletic board and a booster for the Boy Scouts. Father Fettig was ordained a priest (CONTINUED ON PAGE FIVE) ABSENT VOTERS BALLOTS MAILED Thirty-Seven Applications For Ballots Received By Countv Clerk Twenty-five democratic and 12 republican absent voters’ ballots already have been applied for at the office of County Clerk John E. Nelson, and it is expected that at least 1 that many more will be applied for before May 1, the last day before the primary election on May 4, on which application may be made. Interest is being manifested in the approaching election and all candidates are actively engaged in canvassing the county. Persons who will not be in their voting precinct on election day may apply at the county clerk’s office, either by writing or in person, and obtain a ballot. Yesterday was the first, day on which ballots could be obtained. One person already has filed his ballot at the clerk's office, it was announced today. The republican ballots have not 1 yet been sent to absent voters be- ! cause the printing has not been com- . pleted in all precincts. It is thought that the printing will be completed either today or tomorrow, the elec- [ tion commissioners said today. A • complete list of candidates in the i primary, May 4, was published in last night’s Daily Democrat and the entire list will be published again on April 27, in accordance with the 1 election laws of Indiana. t Tho county chairmen of the two ? major parties are urging that every r resident of tho county take an active , interest in the coming election, and i that they obtain an absent voters’ 3 ballot if they will not be in their voting precinct on May 4. 9 o f Jackson At Michigan City i e Indianapolis, Ind., April 21.—(Unit:1 ed Press) —Governor Jackson and t Pliny Wolford, his secretary, went to r Michigan City today to attend a r meeting of the Indiana state prison board.

Price Two Cents.

MUST ANSWER TO CONTEMPT CHARGEMAY 11 Dr. Shumaker, E. A. Miles And Jess Martin Ordered To Appear In Court SHUMAKER’S REPORT CAUSE OF ACTION Indianapolis. Ind., April 21.— I (United Press) The state sui preine court today cited three (/Hicials of the Indiana AntiSaloon League for contempt of court. The three officers, Dr. E. S. Shumaker, superintendent and E. A. Miles and Jess Martin, attorneys for the league, were ordered to appear before the court Muy 11 to show cause why they should not be punished. Tlie action was taken on request, of Arthur Gilliotn. attorney general, who objected to statements made in the annual report of Shumaker as superintendent of the league. Arraigned Supreme Court In tlie report. Shumaker severely arraigned the supreme court for its decisions in liquor cases and the attorney general’s department for the manner in which it has enforced the state dry laws. Shumaker openly asserted that some members of the court were of wet sympathy. Miles and Martin, according to Gillium, aided Shumaker in preparation ot the report. Both Miles and Marlin, however, denied they had a hand in preparation of the report w.l-ui Gllliom filed his reqnest for contempt proceedings. Several members of the hoard of trustees of the Anti-Saloon League asserted Shumaker’s report was ordered toned down by the trustees, but that Shumaker failed to comply with their instructions. Fire Causes $50,000 Loss At Muncie, Tuesday Muncie, Ind., April 21. — (United Press) —Loss from a fire which swept the Anthony block here late yesterday was estimated today at , $50,000. The fire started in the Michael Drug store and caused damage to half a dozen other firms occupying the building. Dense clouds of smoke hindered firemen in checking the blaze and several men narrowly escaped being overcome. WILL ISSUE NEW 'PHONE DIRECTORY Citizens Telephone Company To Issue New Book About July 1 The Citizens Telephone company, of tills city, will issue a new directory about July 1. and tile preliminary work of correcting the list of names has already started. The directory will contain the names and street or rural route addresses of all the patrons, including those in Decatur, Berne, Monroe and Linn Grove, which comprise the local exchange. The directory now contains about 2.500 names and, within the last year, lines and service has been extended in the county. As has been tho custom, the company has consented to accept local adver--1 tising in the directory. Any firm or merchant who operates a business in ' the county may purchase space in 1 the directory, but no out-of-town or mail order advertising will be accepted. The job of printing the directory has been awarded to the Daily Democrat, and the book will be rushed to completion as soon as possible. H. F. Ehinger, manager of the il Citizens Telephone company. Stated a that those patrons who were contenta plating changing their address ben tween now and June 1 to notify the office as soon as possible.