Decatur Democrat, Volume 40, Number 45, Decatur, Adams County, 21 January 1897 — Page 1

, Record «r'!i Oflic* aug 2< W The Decatur Democrat.

VOLUME XL.

Henry Fruchte of Magley, was a cash up caller here Tuesday. W. H. Shepherd of Hartford township, is here on ditch business this week. Trustee Buckmaster of Jefferson was here Tuesday on business. Rev. Horton of this city and Rev. Hawk of Bluffton, exchanged pulpits last Sunday. Pete Holthouse & Co., have a few remarks on overcoats, for inspection this week. Note the change in the advertisement of Kern, Brittson & Beeler. They want to see you. Revival services are now in progress at the Presbyterian church and will continue through next week. Two broken window panes on Second street was the record on Wednesday for the small boy and the snow ball.

A party of young folks went to Fort Wayne last night to see the exhibition of Kline’s Canematography at the Masonic Temple. Miss Ellen Spencer of the Ind - ianapolis Pension office, and Miss Emma Jenkinson, of Fort Wayne, who have been the guests of W. G. Spencer and family for a few days, returned home Wednesday. Judge Studabaker was again elected a Director of the Bankers National Bank of Chicago for the ensuing year. A large amount of Decatur capital is invested in this institution, and it is one of the solid financial institutions of the Windy City. Wm. Kritzman of Preble township, brought a hog to town last Tuesday that weighed 661 pounds dressed. Competent judges claim that when the hog was alive and well it weighed 800 pounds. Who can beat this! Don’t all answer at once. Neighboring counties are not barred. At the election of officers held at the Catholic, church last Sunday the following persons were elected to serve for the ensuing year. J. BWeber, Secretary; E. X. Ehinger, Treasurer; H. H. Bremerkamn, C. P. Ehinger and J. W. Voglewede Collectors; David Cofiee, Cemetery Trustee; Henry Eiting, Orderman. Our neighboring city of Portland has adopted a plan by request of the township trustee which will prove a good thing. The street

commissioner is obliged to give preference to the needy poor who may apply. This removes a great burden from the trustee and the city has suffered no hardships while extending the hand of charity-

At a meeting of the Indiana poultry association in Indianapolis last week, A. W. Biting of Purdue spoke on the subject of “Poultry Raising.” During the course of his remarks, he said the value of poultry in Indiana is estimated at $240,000 and the annual number of eggs reaches 30,000,000 with an average value of 12| cents per dozen.

The supreme court of Indiana has affirmed the decision of the lower court in the erase of the City of Decatur vs The G. R. & I. R. R. Co., for the opening of Madison street. This means that the property owners must pay $5,100 damages awarded to the railroad company by Judge Dailey, or the street will remain closed. The city will file another motion for a rehearing in this case, which means another trial if the court grants the petition of the city. Daniel Webster in the famous White trial in Salem, Mass., years ago declared that “murder will out.” This maxim has been found applicable to many other things besides murder. Housewives know it to be true when there is alum in baking powder. A bitterness in the bread at once betrays the alum’s presence. It can’t conceal its true nature. The alum bitterness “will out,” and because it will, physicians, who understand the harmful effect of alum on the system, are at a loss to know why people continue to buy baking powders containing it. All baking powders sold for twenty-five cents a pound and less contain alum.

There is surely no economy in using these cheap powders. For a pure cream of tartCr powder, as Dr. Price’s was shown to toe at the World’s Fair, goes so much farther and gives so much better results, there is no doubt of its being more economical in the long run.

Sheriff Ashbaucher sports a new phone at the jail residence. Mr. and Mrs. Ed Peltz were taking in the sights at Fort Wayne this week. A large number of the high school pupils spent Tuesday evening with Supt. and Mrs. Moffett. Marriage licenses have been issued the past week to Henry Bovine and Lillie Potter, Ernst Conrad and Minnie Bohne. A Diamond Garment Cutting school will open here soon, for the teaching of scientific cutting and fancy dress making. Only five measures to cut on entire garment. Lady teachers in attendance. The much renowned Coxey and his celebrated son-in-law Carl Browne passed through the city last week on their way to St. Louis to attend a meeting of a party styling themselves the Hotpots of America. Rev; B. M. Price of Dennison, Ohio, will preach next Sunday morning and evening at the Presbyterian church, and will assist the pastor the remainder of the week in the special services. Rev. Price is an excellent preacher. Come and hear him. Put on your epees and read carefully the advertisement of the Spohn Medical Company, of Goshen, Indiana, 'they manufacture medicine that will knock distemper higher than Gilderoy’s kite—have yon got it. It is the best thing in the market. Be sure and investigate its merits. The proposed law now before the legislature to the effect that no quads shall ''e killed for six years meets with approval in this vicinity. At the rate that quails have been wantonly slaughtered in these parts in the last few years, it can not be many years till a quail will be a curiosity in natural history. An Indiana preacher, while preaching on the significance of little things, the other Sunday, said: “The hand which made the mighty heavens made a grain of sand; which made the lofty mountains make a drop of water; which made you make the grass in the fields; which made me make a daisy.” And here the congregation bolted* Marshal Eugene Barnes of Geneva, was a cash caller here yesterday. Eugene has been a constant subscriber and a weekly reader of every paper published by ye editor. The initiation dates back to 1887, when the now prosperous Geneva'Herald was born. We presume that when we join the angels and begin anew the profession there, that Gene will be the first to subscribe.

The large heavy set woman with auburn hair who visited this city some time ago, and stopped at the best hotel without paying any bills is in this neighborhood again and may possibly reach this city by the time we go to press. She gives her name as Mary Jones, and Muncie as her home. She solicits aid from house to hous, and gives as her reason for so doing the fact that her pocket book had been stolen. This is only a canard, as in all probability she never had a pocket book. If she puts in an appearance it will be well to give her a wide berth. Bluffton has just reported that her appetite is growing better. The social topics section of the Shakspeare club met last week with Mrs. Holloway. Mrs. Blossom read a very thoughtful paper on that common but juggling question the “Tramp Evil.” The causes of which were largely responsible for the evil were thought to be, the closing of factories, the general use of modern machinery, the employment of child and convict labor, immigration ofcheap laborers, and finally a habit of laziness “and a “tired feeling” engendered by long abstinence from healthful employment and by association with others of like ilk. The remedy was not easily found. The paper set forth that because in need, even' 1 though that need might be of their own producing that they were still our and entitled to, at least, the back door charity of a Christian. Some of the topics discussed jn connection were the effect of strikes and lockouts-dn labor. Re lation of the tramp to the saloon or vice versa. Duty of the state and muncipality towards this evil, uniform laws being considered imperative if any permanent good can result.

DECATUR, INDIANA, THURSDAY. JANUARY 21, 1897.

P. W. Smith returned to Richmond, yesterday. Attorney Cottrell, of Berne, was in the city yesterday on business. Grace Miller made her usual trip to the Fort Wayne Conservatory, yesterday. John M. Smith of Portland, was a business and professional caller in the city Tuesday. Misses Mattie Young and Lou Baughman left Thursday to attend school in Valparaiso, Indiana. The commissioners will receive bids for the construction of the Decatur and Bluffton gravel road, on March 4. Rev. Hawk, of Bluffton, addressed the Christian Endeavors in tLi» city last Thursday evening, returning home next day. Miss Bertha Sellemeyer entertained at tea Monday evening the Misses Clara Strict, of Lima, and Anna Vitz, of Delphos, Ohio, and Bessie Christen. Miss Mann the 18 year old daughter of Ashley Mann d'ed Tuesday of consumption. The funeral was held this morning at 10 o’clock at the residence. Interment at the Reynolds cemetery north of the city. A heavy wind prevailed all of last Sunday and Sunday afternoon, changing during the night to colder weather, mixed with a small amount of snow. Some damage was done to fences, trees and small buildings by the wind, but up to this time no other serious damage has been reportedRepresentative Babcock introduced a bill in the legislature Friday providing for the apportionment of the state for congressional purposes. According to Babcock’s apportionment Adams county together with Wells, Jay, Huntington, Whitley and Allen counties will compose the Tenth district. Up to the time we go to press no word has reached us from our • Indianapolis brethern, regarding the division of this present judicial circuit. They are expected home today, when the prospects will be fully known. Judge Heller, John T. France and Richard Kenney Erwin went down to Indianapolis Tuesday morning to impress that body of law-makers with the fact that the business of the twenty-sixth judicial circuit is too much for one judge and one circuit. The bill dividing the circuit has passed the senate and if it is treated with as much consideration in the house, it will become a law and the circuit will be divided. Tuesday evening, January 14th a pleasant party was given at the home of Mr. and Mrs. H. Magley in honor of their daughter, Hattie’s twentieth and C. D. Lewton’s twen-ty-fourth birthdays. Those who were present and partook of the good things prepared for the occasion were, Mr. and Mrs. S. S. Magley and femily, Mr. and Mrs. L. W. Lewton and family; Grandma Magley, Misses Libbie Fleming, May Cline, Lizzie Wolford, Messrs. A. J. Lewton, F. A. Peoples and CD. Lewton. The evening was pleasantly spent in music and games and at a late hour the guests departed, wishing these two people many more such pleasant birthdays. The revival service at Alpha M. E. church closed on last Wednesday evening. As a result of the meeting, the ehurch was greatly revived and ten new members were enrolled. The pastor in charge was ably assisted by Rev. W. E. Murray of Monroeyille, who by his genial manner and earnestness for the salvation of souls made many warm friends in Alpha neighborhood. Thursday evening following, the Epworth League held a business meeting and elected the following officers for the ensuing vear: Ferd Peoples, president; D. M. Rice, Ist vice president; Mrs. Charlea Harkless, 2d vice president; Belle Evans, 3d vice president; Charle Harkless, 4th vice president; Mrs. Ed. Luttman, secretary; Ella Magley, treasurer; Mary Cline, organist. A litirary program was next carried out, after which the pastor, and wife were given a liberal donation. D. M. Rice, retiring president, in a few kindly spoken words, presented them with many pounds of good will. Rev. Tinkham responded with a tew remarks and the services closed with singing “Blest be the ties that binds our hearts in Christian love.”

Sleighs has been numerous on the streets for the past few days. Revival services are still being continued at the U. B. church with good success. Rev. E. T. Gregg went to Peru Monday evening where he visited his parents a few days A museum will occupy the Stone building for a few days. Freaks will be on exhibition at the usual price. Messrs, and Mesdames D’French fiiiinn and D. M. Hensley were guests of N. K. Todd and family at Bluffton laat Sunday. The Daughters of Rebekah will give a cake walk in the I. O. O. F. hail on Tuesday evening, January 26. All lovers of fun and cake are invited to attend. Admission 5 cents. The firm of Falk & Erwin has dissolved, the latter now having the entire stock and business. The firm has been doing an excellent business, and will continue so to do under the genial business supervis ion of Dan N. Erwin. M. E. church services at the court house next Sunday. S. S. at 9:15 a. m. Preaching at 10:30 a. m., Junior League at 3 p. m. Senior League at 6 p. m., Preaching at 7 p. m. All are cordially invited to attend these services. At an election of directors of the Decatur National Bank the following persons were elected to serve for the ensuing year: P. W. Smith; J. H. Hobrock, J B. Holth rase, W. A. Kuebler, Dan Sprang, C. A. Dugan, J. D. Hale. They in turn elected P. W. Smith, Pres.; J. B. Holthouse, Vice-Pres.; C. A. Dugan, Cashier; E. X. Ehinger, Asst. Cashier.

According to the Berne Witness Adams county will in all probability have a fine sectarian college located in her midst. The Mennonite church is thinking seriously of locating the new Mennonite College at Berne. If it should come to pass, it will be a great thing for Berne, and the committee who have charge of the location will make no mistake by choosing thisenterpris ing little city, wherein to locate their foundation of knowledge. George H. Martz of Monroes Adams county, for eight .year, president of the Adams county Institute, who was down for a paper in the forenoon was present and read a most valuable and interest ing essay on the “Value of Farmers’ Institutes.” Adams county started out with four institutes each year, but finally dropped to two, one held in midwinter and the other in midsummer, the latter in some cool, shady, wellwatered grove in the,, central part of the county and called “The Young People’s Farmers’ Institute and Basket Dinner of Adams Connty.” In this way more young people attend, took more interest and a good time was had generally. The paper will be published in full at an early date. —Portland Sun. Os the many notable mid-winter social functions none surpassed in grandeur and magnitude the “at home” given by Mrs. Catherine Niblick and her children last Thursday evening. The spacious apartments of the Niblick homestead on North Main street were brilliantly illuminated and beautifully decorated for the occasion. Nearly 200 invited guests were present and partook of the extended hospitality. After the arrival of guests an elegant repast was served after which the following musical program was carried out Trio; Mandolin, Guitar, Piano, Hattie, Josephine and May Nib lick; German Song, Katherine of Berlin; Piano, Amelia Niblick; Song, Jesse Niblick; Violin and Piano; Hazel and Mintry Foreman; Solo, Jessie Townsend; Last But Not Least, Latest Song, McGibney Family. During the evening the guests found a great deal of amuse ment in visiting the attic of the house, and its huge propensities filled each visitor with wonder and araazemement. Enough space presenting itself in the attic alone to comfortably shelter several families. At the conclusion of the musical program numerous games were introduced in the parlors, which afforded amusement until it came time for the guests to seek th«ir respective homes, and then with the usual congratulations the Niblicks were accorded a pleasant “good night.”

P. W. Smith of Richmond, was looking after his business interests here the first of the week. Miss India Helm, who has been a guest of Lulu Marquette at Bluffton, returned home Friday evening. John Forner, who has been employed at Atlanta, Ga., for the past year, came home Wednesday to visit for a while with relatives. A group of Italians were in the city yesterday, with grind organ attachments. The strains of sweet music filled several ot our business houses before they took their partureChria Bohnke now plays the piano, a handsome musical instrument lately purchased of Falk & Erwin. He guessed the lucky number of forty five which ended the guessing contest there and made him the owner of a fine piano. The City Orchestra is talking of giving a musical entertainment in the near future. This is an excel lent musical organization and should be encouraged by the music loving public of Decatur. The boys are devoting a great deal of time to practice and if they continue this city will sport an orches tra second to none in the state.

On last Monday night the Rathbone Sisters had things all their own way. They installed officers and after the installation ceremonies they. feasted on good things prepared by their own dainty hands. One notable feature of the occasion was the absence of Knights usually numerous on occasions of this kind, but the ladies were de termined and even the brothers who were sisters, were denied the privelege of feasting at the festal board. Everything passed off nicely and when the joyous occasion terminated it was in the wee small hours, and the husbands were at home fast asleep with the beds nicely warmed for their better halves; the young ladies no husbands were between the cold and Shivering sheets with nothing to warm them but the thoughts of the merry time just passed. The council met last Tuesday evening with all members present. The committee on streets and al leys to whom had been referred the report of the enginner on the completion of the Bowers sewer reported that they had not met at the time fixed by council and that a new notice would have to be given. The council passed a resolution fixing Monday the first day of February 1897, as the day when they should meet to hear the objections and directed the clerk to give notice accord'ngly. A resolution was passed rescinding the resolution passed at the last meeting demanding that the school trustees investigate the rumors regarding Prof. Moffett or resign, and commended the action of the school board, and requesting all patrons of the schools to assist the trustees in restoring quiet in the schools. All councilmen voted in favor of it except Knoff and Hart, and they were still of the opinion that the council had done right in passing the original resolution and did not want to go back upon their action. The final report of the engineer upon the completion of the alley improvement was filed, and the street committee was instructed to meet at the same time set for hearing the objections to the Bowers sewer report for hearing objections to the report of the alley completion and assessments. The street commissioner and engineer were entusted with the duty of requiring Emanuel Buhler to put the walls of the old mill recently burned in safe condition. The finance committee reported that they hnd no money on hand to meet the obligations of the city, and they were instructed to make such arrangement as they could with the two banks to have the orders caraied until the treasury was replenished. The street comcommissioner was instructed to open Thirteenth street. The ,r teity attorney was instructed to file a petition for a rehearing in the case now in the supreme court regarding the opening of Madison street over the railroad. The following bills were allowed: Street com. pay roll $18.90, Journal 130, Gas Co., $49.93, Smith & Callow $1.25, Charles Smith, $1.25, J. W. DeLong 58c, G. R. & I. R. R. $3.30, Ohio Rubber Co., $27.14, Miss Ada Snow sl6, Press Co., $1.50.

NUMBER 45

DISCHARGED. The Nchool Board Gives A. D. Moffett The ‘Robber Boot.” ■'■ 1 \ The evidence in the Moffet immorality case v as all heard by last Thursday evening. After ranch confab between the attorneys on both sides of the case, it was decided to submit the case to the board of school trustees without argu ment. They set the following Saturday evening as the time they would meet and render a decision. The time was changed, however, until Saturday morning at ten o’clock, at which time they made the following record: “After hearing the evidence and being fully advised in the premises, the school board unanimously finds that the said Alonzo D. Moffett, the superintendent of the Decatur City Schools, has so indiscretely conducted himself on divers occasions as to cause the patrons of said schools, the pupils thereof and the taxpayers and citizens of the city of Decatur to talk and converse of and concerning the same to the extent of greatly disturbing the said schools, and he has been guilty of conduct unbecoming a teacher and superintendent of schools, .which has resulted in being very detrimental to the interest of said school. That we unanimously find from the evidence that he has not been guilty of any immoral or criminal conduct with Miss Josephine Congle ton as charged, but that his acts toward her has amounted to gross indiscretion on his part. So much so that the same has become current among the patrons of the schools, the pupils thereof, the taxpayers and residents of the city of Decatur, Indiana, and has destroyed his usefulness and influence as a superintendent of said schools, and we therefore hereby discharge him as the superintendent of said schools, from this time on.” The above decision clearly defines the position of the board. They have removed him from further action as superintendent, and did it for the reasons set out. We believe the board did right. The position held by the superintendent is of such moment and importance, that indiscretion is a failing that can’t easily be over looked. The defendant’s testimony on examination and especially on cross examination was damaging and really the only convicting evidence in the case. His admissions that he sought the company of Miss Congleton after knowledge had come to him that criticisms weie being hurled at her for being in his company; his saying to Nellie Krick that in all probability he would be the new county superintendent in which case he knew her qualifications and would see that she got a school; his sending her flowers, his own picture and letters; his sitting in parlor until one o’clock simply to converse on edutiOnal topics; and several other damaging admissions. We don’t for a minute conclude that anything downright immoral or criminal was indulged in or even thought of, but such conduct is so downright indiscrete, that forgiveness is hard to think about.

The board will most likely retain Miss Segur at the head of the schools for this present school year. They argue that a change in management would prove more or less damaging, and in this they are no doubt right. The duty thus imposed upon Miss Segur is not a light one. A singular suit has been instituted m the Clinton court at Frankfort. A teamster named William Jones had a goat for sale, and at’a recent meeting of the K. of P.’s, three persons constituted themselves a committee on goat, and applied to him for its purchase, explaining that a large class, some were to receive degrees and that one goat ttje lodge already possessed was not able to do all the work- The animal was bought and was to be delivered at the lodge room. Friday evening while several of the candidates were in the anti-room waiting for the work the goat was delivered to the lodge and the door was opened and the animal was permitted to enter. Many of the more timid members climbed upon.chairs, and for several minutes the goat-" held sway. When Mr. Jones was informed that the lodge did not want a goat he left a wiser but sadder man, and he is now siting the committee for the contract price.