Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 45, Number 118, Decatur, Adams County, 19 May 1947 — Page 1

I XLV- no.

p Graduates | Rural Bth Lades Listed ■Annual Graduation ■Exercises Saturday ■At Geneva School ■ of the 229 eighth grade j n the rural scboola of ■*" county, wl*" wl, l be grad K, Miiy 24 at 2 p m in cereat the Geneva hiK»» school K announced t.xlay by Lyman ■ Hann. county t"**® ol ! " , P’ ,r ' flt ■ h( . fra ,iuate-. by townships are: B Blue Creek ■ rhl *' l ‘ :i,h * >r - Wa *“ Kf ”' Km <•’ (i ‘‘ r, ’“ ri 0,0r,a MerriK porothy Elaine Myers. Iler K Kelsey. Jacob E. Schwartz. Eum F «»!*• William Don ■rtM«f. | Hartford ■ 1(( ., Alt. Lavera Alt. Godfrey Kelt Eloin* Brewster. Kay K inland FJkrote. Hubert Ker Samuel Lehman. Robert Kihberrer. Ularlecn Monee. Vlr- ■ Strait tn ■ Jefferson Knlrrtr fl Coblentz. Dan S K. s’ortnan U-e Haines. Patsy K Johnm.n. I'arrel Wayne Kuhn. Kb Wary Lehman. Floreine Rose Kinbill Anna Utilise Smltley. K >Wlght Tumbleson. Betty K Wvndel. David Lee Whitt- | Kirkland Ktiirry Sue Andrews, Carolyn K" E|[| r- , ’ w, K h ’ Earl Km Miry lane Fiechter, James K:. Mvron V. Hackenjos. Ken ■h Iwb. Leroy Allen Kolter. Kilyn J Resh. Paul Solin. Wen K H Sowards Flossie Jean Stef ■ Helen Patricia Teeple. Mary ■> Troxel. Raymond Don WorK Monroe Kklllb Jean Baib y Mary Anna ■ ymrartner. Helen Gracia ■lidyberry, Beulah Arlene Khtenrr. Diana Sue Crist, Shir ■ Ann Fluecklger. Lorie Leon ■rrtnan. Marilyn Joan Fox, Nor ■ J«n Funk. Delores May Gra K Helen Habegger. Marie Habeg Pauline ilabegger, Donald ■ine Donald Wayne Harvey, ■-•n Winston Hendricks. !<a ■i A Hilly. Robert Etiegene ■tr Joseph Lehman. Beverly ■b Lobslger, Romayne Magda ■e Utwiller, ixtren D. Moser. ■nM Wayne Nussbaum, Hill ■ae Reinhart. Alice Shrock. ■x>< Schwartz. Andrew David ■br.sk Andrew W. Schwartz, K' l! Schwartz. Clara Schwartz, ■ninth Schwartz. Fannie N". ■bvartz, Irene May Schwartz, ■hin II Schwartz, Rusina H ■btartr. Ruben Schwartz, Ru■pb M Schwartz. Fannie J. Shet ■ Edith Steury, Mary Jane ■eury, La von no Edna Strahin. ■arwayne Strahm, Fanny M. ■artwntniber. David J. Wlckey, R. Yoder. ■ Preble ■ Gilbert Rradtinueller, Wilbert ■Uhnwlier, Leroy Bulmahn. ■»niyn Hulterneier. Norvin Hulte ■>r Eileen Bultemeyer, Frank ■ liuuik Bernlta Ehlerding. Don ■ Eldora Ewell. Phyllis ■****yar. Lloyd Kiess. Jr.. Krauss. Aldine Macke, ■durd Macke. Eugene Mailand. ■•ttie Metter, Elvlera Otter■•HL Anna Si-heuman. Garnita a *tn. Ethel Schmiege, Al K Srh b»der. Donald Selking. ■l’ 1 ' 1 ’ Stoppenhagen, Letter Marie Witte. Kenneth ■beamann. K Ro °’ K 6 *" l-*roy Hutton. Leroy K iT ' Wl| mer Gene Miller. K* rt Edward Harvey, Charlee K’ 4 " 1 Butler. Donald Bleeke, ■7 Fleming, Frederick Bryce ■* Rosa Lee Boston, Ethel K"* RbnadM - Harriet Jane E^ r ' Betty Joann Fegley. Mary K?** 1 ”' l-orna Scheuinann. K”,**"'' Brown. Norma Ruth Kr rdl Datorta Davis. Ku? Jeann Shoaf. Carolyn Kl r, ‘ r,, » Paul Jones. ■^T* 4 y Dale Duane K. . y, ‘ Boer K er - Willmott KF* |.r unknn Crotby. Frank K,,s* . K J*nnlen Kimberlln, K '“V Kukelhan. ■ Dm., D Masy ’ a K k . 4 Allen, Dorothy Belle K, h ' • Erma late Fortney. ■7 Arlene Margaret ■^_^J M, rge Geyer, Florine ■ ! 'r» p,„<-7t„„ ir . S1 B %IL. WtATHtR ■ 'h** uftwrnoon and ■ Hyuu ,rt,y ete ‘ , *y T ««»- ■ by ahow.r. . B ,in ■ Pw-u*. n ' 9h, ‘ No ,m P°rt»nt

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT

Dies Suddenly Feliv Maier Lowell Smith Heads Associated Churches Eight Churches Now Members Os Group l,owell J. Smith was elected president of the Associated Churches of Decatur and Edward Jaherg was named vice president at a meeting held Sunday at the Zion Evangelical and Reformed church. Other officers are Earl Chase, secretary, and Harmon Kraft, treasurer. At the present there are eight local churches officially members of the new association. They are Church of God. First Christian. Bethany Evangelical United Brethren. Trinity Evangelical United Brethren. Union Chapel Evangelical Ignited Brethren. First Methodist. Missionary and Zion Evangelical and Reformed. Four others are expected to become affiliated as soon as official action Is taken by members of the individual churches. ♦ The purpose of the new organization is to provide interdemoninational services In Christian ••ducation. aocial relations, united worship and other Christian activities. Each church has four voting rep resentatives. They include the pastor, a man, a woman and a young person under 25 years of age. An executive committee is composed of all officers, president of the ministerial association and the chairman of each department. A nominating committee to name department chairmen includes Dr. Charles E. White, chairan, and C. W. Strickler, Mrs Robert Mills. Mrs. Harold Hoffman and Mrs. Elmer Darwachter. The various departments of the association are Christian education. evangelism, publicity, men's work, civic affairs, women's work, young people's department. The next meeting of the group will he the latter part of June, the exact date to be set by the president. o Pilot And Two Boys Die As Plane Falls Plane Crashes Into Sandlot Ball Game Burlington, la. May 19. IUP) - Witnesses told navy Investigators today how a navy Corsair plane participating in an air show crashed into the midst of a sandlot basebail game and exploded, killing the pilol and two boy* and injuring seven others. The exhibition by a squadron of nevy planes was part of an air show before a crowd of WOW persons at Municipal airport a few blocks from a school baseball diamond. The dead were Roland H'ge rneier. 14. and Richard "Skip" Grant. 17. both of Burlington, and the pilot. Lt. (J. G.l John Peeler. 25. St lavuis. Mo. Peeler's body was found In a part of the wreckage a block from where the plane crashed The two youths died of burns on the way to the hospital. Harry Darrah. 19. a navy veteran of 20 months In the Pacific, was playing third base He said he knew there was trouble coming when he saw the plane zooming toward the playground, apparently out of control. ••When 1 saw 11. I hit the ground fast,” he said. "Then the plane crashed into the backstop-by li» batter’s box and exploded “Pieces f»f the plane started (Turn T« L Column 4)

Felix Maier Is Heart Attack Victim Sunday Prominent Decatur Businessman Dies Suddenly Sunday Felix Maier, 49. well known Decatur businessman, died suddenly of a heart attack at 2:25 o'clock Sunday afternoon at the St. Joseph hospital in Fort Wayne Mr Maier, owner and operator of the Maier Hide tt Fur Co.. West Monroe street, was stricken shortly before I o’clock yesterday afternoon at the home of hls wife's sister. Mrs. Harold Sachs, 3731 South Harrison street, and was taken to the St Joseph hospital. He was placed under an oxygen tent but died shortly after admittance Mr. Maier had taken his wife and daughter and Carol and Barbara Kalver, daughters of Mr and Mrs. Roy Kalver, to Sunday school at Fort Wayne Sunday morning. After the service, he placed the Kalver children <>n the bus to Decatur, and then returned to the Sachs home. He complained of feeling ill while eating dinner, and a physician nas summoned when his condition be<-ame worse. Mr. Maier was a native of Fort Wayne hut had resided In Decatur for the past 30 years. He was a member of the Rie tary club and the Moose lodge in this city, Achduth Vesholom Temple, the B'nal B’rlth lodge, the Fort Wayne Scottish Rite, and an associate member of Wayne lodge 14. Fraternal Order of Police. He was active In civic and social affairs in Decatur for many years.. Surviving are the wife. Hortense; the daughter, Charlene, at home; his father. Sigmund Maier of Fort Wayne; a sister. Mrs. Sophia Johnston of Fort Wayne, and three brothers. Simon Maier of Ixirraine. 0.. Jack Maier of New York City and Edwin Miller of Fort Wayne Funeral services will be held at 2 p m. Wednesday at the Scheumann Van Buskirk funeral home in Fort Wayne, with Rabbi Fredrlc Doppelt officiating. Burial will be in Lindenwood cerne tery. Friends may call at the funeral home after Tuesday noon. o —— Assessed Valuations Show Increase Here Assessing Work Is Finished In County With the exception of poultry, the average valuation of all property from household goods to filling stations, recently assessed for taxation purposes. Is higher this year than 1948 totals. Albert Harlow, county assessor, an nouncel today. The township assessors com pleted their work last week and the assessment sheets have been sent to the printer for binding The hooks will be returned prior to the meeting of the county board of review on Jttne 1. A large Increase is showa In the average value of automobiles and trucks. Last year the value was 8277 and this year the aver age for 5.847 vehicles Is 3324. Merchandise I retail stores made the biggest most. Mr. Har low's summary s «ws l«ast year the average value vas 82.849 and this war. for the '37 stores assessed. the average s 87.204. Mr. Harlow stated that a large Increase in the total of |»ersonal property would he shown in this year's assessment. hut that It was impossible to estimate the gain until the assessor books were totaled. The summary of averages and the number assessed this year, compared with the average in 1946. follows: Household gimds. 5.455, 3174, 8116; autos and trucks. 5,847, |324, 8277; farm implements, I 612. 8830. 1298; farm tractors. 1.505. 8310. 1252; horses. 1.691. 856. 848; mules. 19. $29. |25; milk cows, 11.033, 8103. 8101; other cattle. 9,059. $59. 851. sheep, 4.752, |l4. 812; sows. 3,726. >59. 851; other hogs. 16.539. 118. 811; poultry, 14.212 dozen, |7, |B. ~Turn To P»S» «. Column •)

ONLY DAILY NEWSPAPER IN ADAMS COUNTY

Decatur, Indiana, Monday, May 19, 1947

‘Yarn* With A Happy Ending - 'Z I yRKLjCZj|| i' 4 ** \ I K < < I ‘ r. ,1 'ifw-V I - ■wfi OVERJOYED AT HIS SUDDEN WEALTH, William Tristano, l«. beams in the police property clerk's office, New York City, as he holds half of 81.536 which he ami a playmate. Robert Martinez, found in a ball of yarn two years ago. Pictured with the youngster are Mrs. Grace Tristano tlefti and Mrs. Carmen Martinez, mother of Robert, who was given a 50 50 split on the lucky find when no I'laiinaiits turned up.

President's Mother Still Gravely 111 Truman Remains At Mother's Bedside Grandview. Mo. May 19,—(UP) —Members of President Truman's family today camelled other plans In order to join the chief executive In hie anxious vigil at the bedside of his gravely 111 mother. Miss Margaret Tnitnan. due tomorrow night to make a concert tour debut, cancelled her plans and was understood due to arrive here by TWA late today. Mrs. Bess Truman announced in Wash ington she would leave tomorrow for Grandview after cancelling or postponing social engagements through May 28. At Pittsburgh Miss Truman said that her ailing grandmother relayed to her, byway of her father. a request that she go ahead with her concert plans. “But there are some things you just can’t do.” she added. The 23-yearold soprano said she had not yet cancelled other singing dates on hw tour but probably would if her grandmother's condition does not Improve. Mr. Truman, who was reported standing up very well under the strain of the long vigil, was visibly encouraged again today as he re turned to the little yellow cottage here. He told newsmen that his 94 year-old mother, Mrs Martha E. Truman, was feeling better again. Mother Truman was too tired toI urn T<> Page 2. Column i> Defense Rests Case In Lynching Trial Surprise Move Made After Court Ruling Greenville. S. C.. May 19 — (UPl —The defense in the mass lynch trial of 3! white men rested Its case today In a surprise* move after winning acquittal for three of the men and reduced charges against seven others. Without calling one witness, stocky Benjamin A. Bolt rose right after the decision by Judge Robert Martin and said: “In view of your honors ruling. the defense rests its case" The jurist had ruled that “confessions” made by 26 of the 31 defendants and which had been the basis of the prosecution's case could be used as evidence only against the defend ant making it. and not to Imp* < ate others. Judge Martin, after studying for two days a defense motion for directed acquittal, ruled at the opening of court today that three of the men must go free because of Insufficient evidence against them and that seven others must be tried only as accessories to the crime and not for murder. (Turn To Pago $. Column 4)

Four Persons Killed In Traffic Accidents By United Press At least four persons died In traffic accidents in Indiana during the weekend. State police listed the victims as: Mr*. Alliie Anderson. 84, Piqua. O.; Paul Royal, 4u. Fowlertown; Miss Patricia Fox. 21. Indianapolis; .Mrs Edna Jean Robinson. 17. New Albany o Baccalaureate Rites Held Sunday Night Decatur Graduates Hear Local Pastor "There is a vast class of people who have the wrong attitude to ward life They expect to find life valuable because of what they call get out of it They ex pect to find happiness and peace of soul by 'getting'.” This was the assertion ot Dr Charles E White, pa dor of the Trinity Evangelical Unit e d Brethren church, in un Inspiring and devout baccalaureate sermon. entitle! "Two Altitudes Toward Lite" delivered Sunday night before the 79 graduating members of the 1946-47 class of the Decatur junior senior high school In the school auditorium “There Is another cia- s wh. have the right attitude ami are the people who seek not mereh to take from life, but who see an opportunity to give for the bene tit of humanity." asserted Dr White as he likened the first group to King Solomon and tin second to St Paul Speaking of those who have the right attitude. Dr White said that "such individuals seek to follow the will of God. to minister to their fellow men and to bring abundant blessings unto all whom they contact in life This type of person accepts life precious trust, rejoices In it coming at last to life's end say Ing with St. Paul: 'I have fought n goml fight I have finished my course. I have kept the faith Henceforth there Is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Ixtrd. the us judge, will give me at that day ' "Any student of history knows that the sands of time are strewn with the wreckage of Individuals and of nations who have tried to get along without God.” he stat ed. Following the processional of the graduates, class and school leaders. Dr. White opened the service with invocation and the hvmn "Our God. Our Help" was sung bv the audience. The Rev. F H Willard of the Bethany Evangelical United Brethren church conducted the scripture reading and the Rev John W McPheeters. Jr . of the First Presbyterian church, delivered a prayer as well as pro nouncing the Irenedlctlon The Misses Mary Leitz and Anna Marie Steury sang a duet. “I Waited For the Lord.’ Organ and piano furnished accompani■Turn To Pags $. Column »)

Secretary Os Treasury States Period Os Tax Reduction Approaching

Compromise Is Offered Phone Workers Union Western Electric Makes Compromise Offer On Increase Washington. .May 19 (UP) Western Electric company made a compromise wage offer to Its lemalning 20,1100 striking workers early today in an effort to end the last major dispute in the six week old telephone strike. The company made the offer to the association of communications equipment workers after alm<«t 18 hours of continuous The union promised serious con sideration and was to give its answer at a conference this afternoon. Dewpite a plea from government conciliators, however, the At'EW refused to recind an order to its members to restore picket lilies this morning a<ound telephone ex changes in major cities This threat ened another setback in telephone service in many place* where It was returning to normal for the first time in weeks Ernest Weaver. At'EW president, said he expected other telephone workers to respect the picket lin«* even though their disputes have been settled. Western Electric is a Bell system affiliate The At'EW is the last national union still on xtilke l.ocal unions, however, are still out tn Michigan. Maryland and Nebraska. The Michigan Bell Telephone company and the federation of I telephone employes had reached a tentative settlement lu t week but the union announced last night that it had been rejected by the rank anil file At'EW was one of two unions which hud struck Western Electric. The other Iho Western Eleetiic Employe* Association, representing 22,mm employes at the Kearny, N. J., plant reached an agreement yesterday for average wage increases of HS cents an hour That agreement still must lie iTuiirn Tu Page ■■lumn 2t o Several Injured In Five-Auto Accident None Os Occupants Seriously Injured Three persons were hospltaliz ed and several others less ser lously Injured Saturday night in a pileup of autos north es Deca* tur that involved five cars None of those taken to the hospital Mis Anna K Roth Mrs. Annabelle Vorick and Mrs Nina Worthington — all of Fort Wayne, was seriously injured Sheriff Herman Bowman and state policeman Wallet Sellin I ler, who investigated, said that the first crash occurred aa a northbound car driven by Ralph Alverson. 22, Fort Wayne, start ed around a car driven by Phillip Schott, 52, also of that city, ala place six and one half miles north of Decatur on I'. S 27. The Alverson car collided nearly headon with a southbound vehicle, operateil by Frank Vor lek. Jr., 31. Fort Wayne and then the rear end of the Alverson car is believe! to have swung back and struck the Scott auto The Vorick car turned over on the west side of the highway and the Alverson car rolled over on the east side Time of the aid dent was set at 7:30 p m l<ess than five minutes later Jesse Jauregui. 29. Fort Wayne, driving north came upon the scene and when he attempted to bring his car to a sudden halt it was struck In the rear by an auto driven by Paul E. Stulls, 40, Portland. Sheriff Bowman nnd officer Schindler arrive! on the scene a few minutes later and began directing the work of removing the Injured and directing traffic. (Turn To Pag« 2, Column I)

Heads Ministers / I ■ Rev. John W. McPhcctrrs. Jr. Rev. McPheeters To Head County Pastors Annual Election Is Held This Morning The Rev. John W McPheeters. Jr. pastor of the First Prenhy terian church of Decatur. was elected president of the Adams county ministerial axsociation at I the annual organization meeting of the group, held this morninc at the Cross Reformed church 'I in BermThe Rev M< Pheeters succeeds the Rev. C. A Schmid, pastor 1 ' of lite Cross Reformed church, who has served forth»- past year The Rev Carey R pas n tor of the First Baptist church of this city, was elected vlce ' president, an I the Rev. < I! I Wimlerkehr. pastor of the Berne j Missionary church, wus named ; secretary treasurer Permanent committees appoint ed for the year are as follows Program The Rev C. P • Maas. Berne Evangelical United 1 Brethren < hutch, chairman Dr M. (). Lester, First Methodist church, Decatur, ami the Rev Schmid. Civic The Rev E E Isen hower, First Christian church. 1 Itecutur. chairman: the Rev J 111 Richardson. Geneva Metho l dist church, and the Itev. Oscar Eichar West Misloliary al Berne Membership The Rev Olin A Ktehbiel, Betne M< nnonite chairman; the Rev Dwight It McCurdy, Decatur Church «rs God. and the Rev R S Miller. Geneva Evangelical United Turn To Page 2 t'olunoi I) (J Attend Community I Planning Institute City, C. C. Heads Attend Institute Chamber of Commerce and city oflcials today went to the Turkey Run state park at Marshall to at tend a commun'ty planning in Htitnte, staged by the In liana economic council Mayor John B Stults. city cn gineer Ralph E lUmp. with Carl C. Pumphrey ami Clarence Ziner of the .Chamber of Commerce, made up the delegation They expect Io attend se-*|ons of the institute today. Tuesday and Wednesday before t eturning to thia ; city. Training and study ot commtin ißy planning will feature the in , stitute. including a comprehensive i "short courst" in troth broad as pecta and operational details Trained experts, nationally re cognized in the various aspects of planning, are to direct the sessions The delegation will report to the city administration and Chamber of Commerce organization ti|s»n its return here. Subjects in which the local delegation k» especially Interested include: New planning legislation and re luted acts, studies for planning I operation, planning for zoning for 1 small cities, building codes, traffic and pa<klng and long range financial programs

Price Four Cents

Opposes Slash In Taxes At Present Time; Modernized * Tax Plans Urged Washington, May 19 —(UP)—• Secretary of the treasnry John W Snyder, who Is nn record against cutting Income taxes now said today "a period of tax reduction |« approaching.” He did not say when. But he told the hoii •• ways and means committee that, with federal exTenditures at peacetime levels and national income at a high level taxes should be reduced at some future date. Snyder urged modernization of th> entire federal lax structure He said that when the committee revised the tax code, it should give "careful ’consideration” to lite family tax plan used in nine sta’eHe testified as a close contest shapeil up In the senate over a Democratic move to delay action on Republican sponsored Income tax reduction until June 10 But senate Republicans believed they had the votes to beat the proposal when the senate takes up the tax cut bill, probably tomorrow: Other • congressional developments Included' « Postal rate« The housp post office committee approved a bill to boost postal rates about slD>.pnO.IMMI a year The bill would Im reuse air mail from five to six < cuts an ounce, special delivery from 13 Io 15 cents and continue first clas- rale- at three cents an ounce. It also provides various other Increases, Including some on parcel post and on newspapers an I periodicals. Health Insurance Pre-idem Triiin.it! asked congress to set up national health ami disability insurance programs In a special message flown from Grand view, Mo. Mr Truman emphaslz ed the need to make it possible for patients to pay the cost of sickness laibor Senate bouse iotifureei resumed efforts to compromise the differing union-control bills passed by the house and senate Senate It* publican leaders urged acceptance of their milder version so that Democratic senators who voted tor passage would have "no exi-use” for switching votes in event of a presidential veto, Foreign spending >en Joseph 11. Ball. It . Minn , said congress may halve the s2<ui oim.mm aid program which the adminlstra tion Is expe. ted to pro|>oß<- for Korea Ball said U S foreign policy makers must realize that congress will not authorize "un limited' foreign sp>-n<llng and that foreign countries should be told that tlo-ir salvation lies "primarily In their own efforts" Presidential succeiwiion Sen. Alexander Wiley, It . Wis. Intro duced an amendment to the presi lential succession bill so that the highest ranking army or navy authority could take over the presidency in event an atomic attack wipes out all eligible men ■ —-O —■ —— Avert New Disaster At Texas, City, Tex. Texan City Tex . Mav 19 (UP) Teamwork by the coast guard and Texas City's depleted fire department was < redited with averting another disaster In this explosion »•• red harlior today after they had successfuly etrnck out a gasoline fire aboard a l»,wn) ton tanker. Coast guard flrehouta played streams of water against the sides of the Pan Massachusetts for four hours yesterday morning, while the Texas City fire department battled to smother the flames aboard the ship with 25 tons of toamltf ... Q .... Memorial Services Held By Moose Lodge A large crowd attended the annual memorial services for de- ■ eased members of the Moose lodge, held here Sunday afternoon at the Moose home The Rav. John Michael, pastor of the Maglay Evangelical Reformed church, delivered thu memorial sermon.