Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 24, Number 254, Decatur, Adams County, 27 October 1926 — Page 1

LEATHER Increasing cloudiness tonight probably becoming unsettled Thursday. Warmer tonight and In southeast portion Thtirsday.

DEMOCRATIC LEADERS GIVE TESTIMONY

train strikes GASOLINE TRUCK: DRIVER ESCAPES Lein Merriman Has Narrow Escape When Nickle Plate Train Hits Truck 600 GALLONS OF OIL and gasoline spilled urn Merriman, truck driver for the Elebraon Service Stat.on In this city', had a miraculous escape from death at 8 o'clock this morning when a fast meat train on the Cloverleaf division of the Nickel Plate rqlroad struck his tank truck at the Twelfth street crossing. The truck was almost totally destroy<|e. hut Merriman escaped with a few minor cuts and several bruises and sprains. The truck was loaded with 200 gallons of gaisollne, 876 gallons of kerosene and 30 gallons of lubricating oil and all was destroyed when the large truck was puno(-itred in the collision. Mr. Merriman had just filled the big tank on h's truck at the storage tanks located on Eleventh street and gone west to Twelfth street, where he started to cross the railroad track on to Patterson street. The fast freight, which was east bound, came" around a curve In the track about a block west of the crossing and the driver of the truck was unab'.e to.see tig. approaching train until it was almost upon him. Tank Tore Off Truck "* The locomotivfe strujck tjie rear end of the truck. The large tank was torn loose from the truck and hurled several feet. The driver's cab was torn off. also, and Mr. Merriman was thrown ten or fifteen feet, the heavy cushion alighting on his back and ehculders. A woman, residing near the scene of the wreck, saw the accident and ran to Mr. Merriman. She asked him if he was hurt and he replied by arising to his feet. The train stopped about two blocks from the scene of the accident. The big Noble truck was badly damaged. All ditches and holes jn the vicinity of the act .t.f li•mil kero* etie, causing great danger of fire, but,, luckily, the fluid did not catch fire. - Mr. Merriman did not work during the remainder of the day, spending the day at home, but his injuries ai>e not thought to be serious. ANOTHER TON LITTER WEIGHED D. C. Nussbaum, Monroe Township, Wins Gold Medal With Eleven Pigs Another member of the Hoosier Ton Litter Club lias succeeded in winning a gold medal, awarded by the Indiana Livestock Breeder’s Association, fohaving weighed a ton litter. D- C. Nussbaum, who resides three miles south of Monroe, weighed a litter of eleven cross bred Spotted Poland China-Dvroc Pigs to a weight of 2.378 pounds in exactly 180 days. Prom the time the pigs were weaned until they weighed approximately 100 pounds they were fed a ration oonsiatiug of shelled corn with a slop made of ground corn and a commercial feed soaked in semi-solid buttermilk. After they weighed approximately 100 Pounds, the same ration wds fed except that the shelled oom and tankage were placed in a self-feeder where it was available at all times. The pigs ran on rape Pasture during the entire summer. Mr. Nussbaum states a small area of approximat !y three-fourths acre furnished plenty of pasture for the pigs even daring the hot months when other pastures were dried up. The hogs liked it very well and only the dead stalks of repo now remain. Mr, Nussbaum is the eighth man to feed a ton litter In Adams county this year.

DECATUR DAIRY DEMOCRAT

Vol. XXIV. Number 251.

McDermott Withholding Story; Seeks Better Terms Canton, 0., Oct. 27.—(United Press) — Patrick McDermott's Inside story of the Don R. Mellett murder was still untold today. In solitary confinement at the Canton workhouse. McDermott was understood to be withholding a complete statement to gain better terms for himself. McDermott, long hinted as “kej* man” in the murder mystery, was captured early this week. He Is believed to know every detail of the plot to assassinate Mellett, editor of the Canton Dally News. MEETINGS HELD IN THREE TOWNSHIPS Good Attendance Reported At Democratic School House Meetings Good meetings were held by Democratic speakers in Kirkland, Blue Cree and Hartford townships last night and good attendances were reported at each of the three schools. The meetings will continue tonight, Thursday night and Friday night. Thursday night., two out-of-county speakers will be scheduled for two of the meetings. Claude Ball, Democratic congressional candidate, will speak at the Geneva high school, and Judge David E. Smith, former Decatur resident, will speak at Friedheim. Other meetings will be held as scheduled the rest of the week, and a smoker will be held at Democratic headquarters iu this city. Saturday afternoon and efehfng.’ Bandit Robs Auto Salesman Indianapolis. Ind., Oct. 27. —(United Press) —Police practically without clues today in their search for the bandit who thrust a revolver agalnst tne ribs of R- W. Carlson, auto salesman, as he stepped from his bcm>d forced him to drive his car to an •other section of tile city. There the robber took SI,BOO from Carlson and f’-ed. SUGAR FACTORY TO OPEN FRIDAY Local Plant To Begin Annual Sugar-Making Campaign After 3-Day Delay The Decatur plant of the Ho mdSt. Louis sugar company will open, full force, Friday morning at 6 o’clock. This was the announcement mads by officials at the local plant today. A three-day delay was made necessary because of inclement /weathe'. the opening date formerly being set for yesterday. It is p:edicted that this year’ ssi gar run will be one of the longest in the history of the local plant, and present plans will run the fatcory i til the holiday season, at least. All persons hired by the local eoncer are requested to be at the plant on time Friday morning. When the whistle sounds Friday morning the plant will not close down until the entire supply of beets is exhausted- Two shifts of men will be used this year, each sfiift working from 6 to 6 o'clock. About 250 men will be employed during the campaign. Many Beets Arriving Beets are arriving in large numbers and are being weighed in at present in preparation for the opening Friday. Several men already have started work and the rest of the force wil. begin not later than Friday morning. It is estimated that about 55,000 tons of beets will be sliced at the local plant Ulis year. Tests of beets are to the effect that the sugar content will be satisfactory this season and a successful tun is predicted by those in charge. About 10,000 tons of the beets to be sliced in Decatur are from Holland, Michigan, district. The first beets arrived at the local plant more than a week ago, and since that time cars have been arriving daily Most of the beets arriving in good shape.

ONLY DAILY NEWSPAPER IN ADAMS COUNTY

Era Os Terror Prevails In Toledo As Authorities Hunt For Maniac Clubber

Toledo, 0., Oct. 27.—Two men were arrested today as suspects in the hunt for Toledo’s maniac clubber held responsible for the murder of two women in the past 24 hours. One was a dernented white man and the other was a negro. Both were held for questioning by detectives. At the same time Police Chief Jennings asked the city for a fleet of automobiles, equipped with shot guns to patrol the residential districts immediately. Toledo, 0., Oct. 27.— (United Press) —A "phantom clubber” believed responsible for the mysterious deaths of three women a year ago, has resumed his murderous prowlings here. Two women have been beaten to death within 24 hours under circumstances which were similar and which bear the marks or the same fiend who terrorized the entire city up until last January. The latest victim of the marauder is Mary Ann Alden, 47 years old. She was beaten and shot to death and her clothing stripped from the hody. Toledo already had been aroused by the murder the night previously of Miss Lily Croy, 26. a school teach-

SEN. ROBINSON, COMING SATURDAY, i; Senator Billed To Speak At Court House At 2 o’clock Saturday Afternoon Senator Arthur R. Robinson, of Ind- 1 ianapolis- Republican candidate to succeed himself, wi l speak at the court house in this city, at 2:30 o'clock Saturday afternoon. Senator Robinson was billed to speak here last Friday but the date was cancelled when he was subpoened to appear before the senate investigating committee on the Indiana political situation. This mornhig, County Chairman L. A. G:aham received a ca.l fiom state headquarters asking him to bill the in the'state iti which he has* not appeared and the date was fixed, for Saturday afternoon, the only available time during this last week of the campaign. o Two Ossian High School Boys Missing From Homes ' Lawrence Mills, star Ossian high school basketball player, and George • Ramsey, another Ossian high school, pupil, have been missing from their, homes in Tocsin since Monday morning. it was learned from the boys’, families today. The two boys left their homes Monday morning, presumable to go to Ossian to school, but they did not return Monday night and no word lias been received from them. Friends and relatives of the boys believe that they left to Join the navy. 1 A friend of the two boys enlisted in the navy, recently, and both boys have said several times that they were going to enlist. Mills was a star athlete at Ossian and both boys were known in this city. SESOiil MUST CLUSE SUNDAYS Permanent Injunction Closing Exposition On Sunday Issued Today Harrisburg. Fa., Oct. 27.— (United Press)—A permanent injunction closing the Sesqui-Centennial international exposition in Philadelphia on Sunday was issued in Dauphin county court today. , The injunction wail granted on the application of John Robert Jones, counsel for a number of Philadelphia associations, interested in the closing of the expositions on Sunday.

Decatur, Indiana, Wednesday, October 27, 1926.

Mis? Croy was on her way home from classes at night school when she was attacked, beaten and clubbed to death. A large blood smeared Iron belt was found by police today near where Miss Croy met . her death. Police found the supposed death dealing instrument buried in an ash heap near the scene of the murder. The Wecond brutal murder brought an era of terror in the city today. Women were warned to kepp oft the streets at night and when alone at home, day or night, to keep their doors bolted and be wary of strangers. , A well organized manhunt was vigorotJhly initiated. All police leaves were cancelled. The entire police department was assigned to track the "phantom" murderer. Hundreds of American Legion members volunteered for duty. Authorities were working on the theory thwt a maniac, released from the state hospital for insane here, was the key to the mystery. A roundup of all mentally deficient persons was ordered. The hunt was spurred by a reward fund of $2,600 offered by civic organizations and authorities. >

Prices Os Bituminous ' Coal Soars To Ndw High Levels; Trouble Brewing Pittsburgh, Oct. 27. — One of the greatest industrial struggles iu the 1 United States was forecast by observers as prices of bituminous coal “<iars to new high levels today. Important retail concerns raised their prices of coal delivered in front of the consumer's home to $9 a ton. Simultaneously with this development, the Pittsburgh Coal company, largest bituminous operators in the world, announced a new wage scale which runs higher titan the union rate. This company started a lone light with the union forces here a year ago and is now employing 3,300 men on the open shop plan. It previously employed as high as 14,000 men. * o PROPERTY OWNERS AT ROAD MEETING State’s Proposal To Improve Decatur-Monroe Road Is Discussed About half of the property owners ! along state and federal highway No. 27, between Decatur and Monroe, atI tended the meeting called tor last 1 evening and held in the Industrial rooms, for the purpose of talking over the proposal to grant easements of ten feet on each side, q promise having been received from the state commission to construct this road early next year, if this is granted. I While it necessitates a hardship on the property owners, the inclination seemed to be favorable and another meeting will be held, probable Friday evening of next week, when representatives of the commission will be here to explain everything concerning the road and when it is desired that every owner either be present or represented. If action is taken on this road, it must be done speedily as the commission is anxious to complete the program for next year and desire, if possible, to include this stretch. o — New Commander Os Legion Assumes Duties Indianapolis, Ind., Oct. 27. — (United Press)—-Howard Paul Savage of Chicago, today took over the duties of National Commander of the An” lean Legion at National headquarters here Clarence Jackson, commander of of the Indiana department, and other Legion leaders greeted Savage when he arrived in Indianapolis yesterday Savage was elected National commander at the Philadelphia Legi m convention, succeeding John R McQuigg. of Cleveland-

ELECTION BOARD MEMBERS NAMED BY DEMOCRATS County Chairman Announces List Os Officials For Election Next Tuesday INSPECTORS, SHERIFFS, .JUDGES,CLERKS NAMED The Democratic members of the election hoards for the general election to be held next Tuesday have been appointed for the various precincts, it was announced by county chairman. Dick Heller, today. All members of the boards will report to the election booths where they are to serve an hour before the opening of the polls. The time is usually designated by the inspector. The members for each precinct in the county are as follows: Democratic Electron Boards Decatur, lA—lnspector. Alva Nichols; Judge, Mrs. Fred Engle; clerks. Mrs. F. V. Mills and Will Linn; sheriff, Oliver Jackson. Decatur, IB—lnspector. Glenn CoWan; judge. Frank Krick; clerks, Harvey Stevens and Will Parent; sheriff. John Kelly. Decatur. 2A —Inspector. Huber DeVoss; judge, Mrs. Ruby Durkin; clerks. Nellie Blackburn, Minnie (CONTINI ED OX PAGE THREE) FARMER FALLS FROM LADDER Richard Harker Seriously Injured In Fall While Picking Apples Richard Harker, a farmer residing four miles east of Decatur, lies in a serious condition at the Adams County M moiial Hospital, suffering from injuries sustained Tuesday when he' fell from a 20-foot ladder while picking apples on his farm. Mr. Harker sustained a fracture of the pelvis bone, in addition to numerous sprains and bruises. His condition was ieported satisfactory today and he is expected to get along alright Mr. Harker was picking apples by himself when the accident happened | •’•■ wards off the ladder The ladder did not fall. Neighbors heard his cries of pain and called Mrs. Harker. A doctor was summoned and later Mr. Harker was brought to the hospital- Mr. Haiker move dfrom this-city to the farm only a few weeks ago. oMother And Daughter Leap 11 Stories To Their Death New York. Oct. 27.—(United P east —The spectacular suicide of a : other and daughter, who leaped 11 stories from the Martha Washington Hotel in the center of the city, i emained unexplained today. The woman. Mrs. Bertha Washauer, 50, and her daughter, Dorothy, 32, carried with them to death the secret of why they chose to die and in such a manner. The suicide occupied just before six o'clock last night. PONZI MUST SERVE TERM Boston “Financial Wizard” 'Loses Fight Against Extradition Austin, Tex-, Oct. 27.—(United Press)—Charles Ponzi. Boston "Financial Wizard," in jail at Houston, lost his fight against extradition to Massachusetts, when the court of criminal appeals today denied his application for a writ of Habeas Corpus. Ponzi is to be returned to Massachusetts to serve a sentence of from seven to nine years imposed after conviction of being “a common and nororious thief.”

South Ward Pupils To Hold Halloween Festival The pupils at the South Ward school will hold a Halloween Festival, Friday night, at the school building, at 7 o'clock. An interesting play wil! be given by the third and fourth grades. Candy, pop corn balls and,peanuts will be sold. A fishing pond will also be a part of the entertainment. The public Is invited to attend. DECATUR WOMAN CALLED GY DEATH Mrs. .John Lenhart Dies Tuesday Evening After Heart Attack Mrs. John Lenhart. 51. of this city, died at her home on North Fifth street, at 5 o'clock Tuesday evening after a short illness following a heart attack Sunday. Mrs. Ijenhart had suffered several attacks, but her death was unexpected at the time, her condition having been greatly improved the last several weeks. Myrtle Steel Lenhart was born in Ft. Recovery, Ohio, November 10, 1875. In early life she was united in marriage to John Lenhart, of this city, and lived the reest of her life in this city. Mrs. Lenhart, had previously suffered several heart attacks, but recently she had been enjoying good health.' She was a member of the F.rst Presbyterian church of this city, and of the Rebecca lodge, of Decatur. Surviving, besides her husband, are three children. William and Adr.an, of this city, and Mrs. Ed Weiss, of Cleveland, Ohio. Two grandchildren also survive. They are Rutli and Esther Weiss, of Cleveland. One brother, Chauncey Steel, lives at Celina, Ohio. Funeral arrangements have not been made definitely, but it is thought that the services will be held Friday morning at 10 o’clock from the home on Fiftli street. Jlie Rev. B. N. Covert will have charge. Burial will take place at Ft. Recovery. Ohio. o JOE STEIGMEYER EXPIRES TODAY Prominent Retired Farmer Dies At Home In This City This Morning Joseph Steigmeyer, 65, prominent Adams county retired farmer, died at h s home on North Fifth street, iu this city at 10:30 o’clock this morning. Mr. Steigmeyer had been in ill health for some time, but he had been able to be around until this morning. Death was, said to be due to complications. Joseph Steigmeyer was born in Switzerland, in 1861. He came to the United States in 1862. and. two years later, came to this county where he has since resided. Mr. Steigmeyer is survived by his widow Joanah Kintz Steigmeyer; three sons, Clem J., Herbert F., and Emanuel T.. all of Fort Wayne; eight grandchildren, and the following brothers and sisters: John and Fred Steigmeyer, of this city; Andrew, of Fort Wayne, and Sister Aldegundis, of Fondulac, Wisconsin. Mr. Steigmeyer was a member of St. Mary's Catholic church of this city and a member of the St| Joseph Society. He was active in the farming profession until about six years ago, when he moved to this city where he has since resided. Funeral services will be held Saturday morning at 9 o’clock at StMary's Catholic church and burial will take place in the St. Joseph cemetery west of this city. Rev. J. A. Selmetz will have charge of the services. o Earthquake is Registered Madrid, Spain. Oct 27- (United Press) - The seismograph at I’o ed > University registered an earthquake today. It wis estimated that tremors were 1,875 miles distant.

Price Two Cents.

TAGGART,PETERS AND GREATHOUSE ARE QUESTIONED Leaders Quizzed About Reputed Off er From Klansmen To Sell Documents INDIANAPOLIS G. O. P. BOSS IS SUMMONED Indianapolis, Oct. 27.--(lnit-ctl Press) Three lenders of the Democratic parly in Indiana wt re quizzed today by the Marion county grand jury in the investigation of alleged Ku Klux Klan influence in state polities. Thomas Taggart, former I'. S. senator. Charles A. Greathouse, Democratic national committeeman from Indiana, and R. Earl Peters, Democratic state chairman, were before the jury at the morning session. After hearing the tr o of Democratic chieftains, the grand jury called Boyd Gurley, editor of the Indianapolis Times, and Will am H. Armitage, Indianapolis Republican boss. jWmitage was informed at the noon recess that he would he called again for further testimony this afternoon. * It was believed the three Democrats were questioned concerning a reputed offer from Georg” Elliott, former klan cyclops, and Harvey Bedford, former Indianapolis policeman, to sell certain documents shedding light on the political activities of D. C. Stephenson, former klan dragon. Taggart was in the grand jury room for about half an hour. H” was the first witness called when the session was opened. Two republican leaders. Hany Leslie. cf Lafayette, and Olin R Bolt, of Kokomo. were under subpoena to appear today. Leslie was speak r of the house at the’last session of the state legislature. Holt han for the Republican short term senatorial nomination at th” primal.v ...st spring and was defeated by Senator Arthur Robinson. Supboenaes have also been issued for Charles York, secretary of the . .. jmliiiisoolis City C.>-rk Jesse McClure, anotr.er official of the Indianapolis City Adminlstrati n. Indianapolis. Ind.. Oct. 27. (United Press) —The scope of the M.ion county grand jury investigation of charges that the Ku Klux Klan under leadership of D. C. Stephenson as grand dragon exercised a corrupt influence in state polit'es was broadened today with issuance of (COVI'I Nl Ell ON I’AGE THREE) MRS. MARGARET BETZEL IS DEAD Former Adams County Resident Dies At Home In Long Beach, California Mrs. Margaret Betzel. 69. former resilient of Adams county, died Saturday morning at her home in Long Beach. California. Death was the result of heart trouble, with which Mrs. Betzel had been ill for a long time. The body is being brought back here for burial, and will arrive in Fort Wayne this evening. It will be taken to the Mungovan undertaking parlors where friends may call from 7 to 10:50 o'clock. Funeral services will be held at 2 o’clock Thursday afternoon at the United Brethren church. Burial will be made at Geneva, also. Mrs. Betzel formerly conducted a millinery store at Van Wert, Ohio, leaving there about fifteen years ago She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Tina Giffin and Mrs. Katharine Christie, both of Long Beach, three brothers. 1) wald L'nlnger of Chattanooga, Ohio. George Lining- r cl' Albany N. Y., ami William Lining:’, c,f Fcrt Wayne, and two sisters, Mrs. Fred C. Schaudt of Van Wert and Mrs. Andrew Harb, of near Rockford.

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