Decatur Democrat, Volume 41, Number 52, Decatur, Adams County, 10 March 1898 — Page 1

ALL THE NEWS ALL THE TIME.

VOLUME XU.

BRILLIANT ENTERTAINMENT. Oratorical Contest held Monday Evening at the Opera House. Hisses Woodward and Schrock Selected to Lead the Decatur Hi|{h School to Victory at Muncie. April 30. 1808. The oratorical contest of the Deca tur high school for the selection of orators and declaimers to represent our schools in the Eastern Indiana Contest, to lie held at Muncie, Saturday, April 30,1898, was held at Bosse’s opera house last Monday evening and was one of the greatest treats of the season. The opera house was opened at 7 o’clock anil long before the curtain went up the house was crowded with the many friends of the various contestants, The first class cry was given by the sopomore class about eight o’clock and from that time on until the curtain went up, some half an hour later, it would have been difficult for a Comsauciiee Indian to have made himself heard. At length, however, the orchestra struck up the "March of the Brownies" and the curtain was raised. The contestants, headed by Rev. Gregg of the Methodist church, and Rollin Laughner. secretary of the’oratorical association, entered and took their seats upon the stage. The exercises were opened byprayer by Rev. Gregg. Then followed the opening address by the secretary, Rollin Loughner. in which that worthyjunior welcomed the large audience, who were so willing to show their interests in our schools by their attendance at the contest and their enthusiasm. Mr. Laughner told of the meeting held at Portland last year and gave the purpose and details of the present meeting. He announced that there would be two principals and two alternates selected to represent Decatur at Muncie in oratory and reading. He closed his speech by announcing the first contestant tp lx* Miss Nora Smith and her subject “Napoleon." Miss Smith is a freshman in the high school and that class have many reasons to be proud of her. She told of Napoleon, described how after he had finished his brilliant career he was not even then satisfied, when he compared his history to the lives of great men of other ages, she compared his life to a glacier and the simile was indeed beautiful. Miss Smith showed that she had spent no little time on her effort; and it was highly appreciated bv the audience. Miss Anna Sellemeyer followed with an oration on "True Womanhood.” i Her effort was indeed excellent and there were many present who would have selectt 11 her for the representative in oratory had they had the power. She said, “Woman holds a great position in the world to come and must prepare herself accordingly. Most women’s lives are great possibilities and little accomplished. Every woman should have an ideal whether she accomplishes that end or not or her life will lx> low. shapeless and end in hopeless ruin. An ideal is as neees- ■ sary to a true woman as the line and plummet are to the builder. The highest ideals are reached by culture of the mind. The way to proceed is not which is popular but which is right. Be a Christian and although you do not receive your reward on earth it will be recorded in heaven. The work of today makes a victory for to-morrow.” The next oration was the one which won the honors of theevening.and which will no doubt lay all competitors in the shade at Muncie. “The Orchestra of Life” was the title of the oration and Miss Else Woodward, the orator, and -7 well she deserves to be called an orator. Her effort was well deserving of its reward. She said. “In attending a concert in a large city have you ever noticed the difference lx»tween the first and second violinists. The first violinist, if you have noticed, was fashionably dressed, held a prominent position in the orchestra and was a leader in all the selections played, while the second violinist was a very ordinary man and was scarcely noticed by the audience. Life is an orchestra. We eanhot all play first violin, some I must befltecond fiddlers. But when Lt ajl is summed up and the music is [ o’er, it is the second fiddler who is the hero, for he has done his best. So in life, no man was ever great who wanted to lie so. W ashington, Shakespere and all other leaders of the world have been second fiddlers. As has been the past so will the future be.” The secretary then steppixl forward and announced that owing to the illness of Miss Mabel Edwards she could not take part in the entertainment and therefore the oratorical part of the contest woidd be closed by Arthur Suttles on the subject of "Honor in Politics.” Mr. Suttles spoke at length on his subject and showed careful study. His manuscript was probably I the best of the orations, it having re i ceived a full grade from the judges. I He spoke as follows: “The honor of a nation is the honor of its citizens. If ' the people were undefiled we would need no political parties. Our country > of today is divided into two great poli tical parties. Both try to succeed and

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in the conflict counscious is deafened, business is crippled and even the principals involved and laid down by their platforms are lost. Show me a man who is willing to put into the treasury what he draws out and 1 will cite you to an honorable politician. Votes are treated too much as merchandise. Can you expect justice when the Vice-president of the United States runs a dram shop in what should be a temple of justice? The only remedy for these evils is the education of the future voters for him it is born, with him it dies.” Miss Ethel King then sang a beautiful solo which was so well received that she was encored until she appeared and favored the audience with another selection. This being the end of the oratorical division of the contest, Robert Schrock was introduced and his declamation, "Bill Nye on Oratory,” brought down the house. Robert did well and we will no doubt hear of him in some of our future contest. Miss Josephine Niblick followed and recited “Hanna Jane” in a pleasing manner. Miss Niblick was well adapted to her piece and her delivery was excellent. Miss Agnes Schrock, winner of the first prize, was the next on the program. Her selection was “A New Lochinvar", a humorous poem from the pen of the famous writer, \\ ill Carelton. Miss Schrock did great credit to herself and class and our sister cities will know they have been in a contest when they hear her at Muncie.

It remained for Miss Fannie DeVilbiss to close the contest and right well she did it too. It was Miss Fannie's first appearance as an elocutionist and she was a surprise to her many admirers in the audience. Her subject was, “A Horse Race of Fifty Years Ago”, and the speaker was so much in earnest that one could almost imagine he was an eye witness to the race. Miss Fannie was quite a favorite with the audience and if the decision would have been left to a popular vote she would have very probably been an easy winner. This ended the program and while the judges retired to bring in their verdict, the orchestra played a selection and the various classes kept up a veil for their respective candidates. In about five minutes the curtain went up again and Prof. Brittson stepped forward and thanked the people for their attendance and requested that all who could should go with the school to Muncie. He then announced that the judges. Prof. R. J. Hamilton, of Huntington, Miss Mary E. Stephens, of Fort Wayne, and Prof. H. A. Hartman, of Van Wert, Ohio, were ready to report. Prof. Hamilton made a few remarks as to the instructions under which they had made their decisions and then read the names of the winners as follows. Oratory, Principal, Miss Effie Woodward; Alternate, Arthur Suttles. Declamation. Principal, Miss Agnes Schrock; Alternate, Miss Josephine Niblick. The classes then gave their yells and sang their songs in honor of the victorious speakers and the First Oratorical Contest of the Decatur high school was at an end. The successful candidates each received a prize of $5 and will represent the Decatur high school in the Eastern Indiana Oratorical Contest. The Women’s Home Missionary Society of the Methodist church of this city, held their regular monthly meeting last Thursday evening. This is the last meeting prior to the departure of Mrs. E. T. Gregg, who has been president of the society for several years, and in token of the high esteem in which the society held their leader, she was presented with a handsome mahogany center table, Mrs. Jennie Studabaker, president-elect delivered the presentation speech. During the time Mrs. Gregg has been president of the Missionary Society, that organization has fairly outdone itself it its effort to do good and many a family who would have otherwise lieen cold and hungry have many times over given thanks to the generous members of this society. John Hisey, an old and respected citizen of Jefferson township, and one of the pioneer settlers of this county, died at his home March 2, 1898, and was buried last Friday in the Loofburns cemetery near New Corvdon; aged seventy-seven years and six months. He leaves a wife, four daughters and one son. Funeral services were conducted at the home by Rev. J. S. Huber. Mr. Hisey is well known in this county having moved here many years ago and has lived on the same farm since 1851. He has experienced many of the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life. He has witnessed many changes that have taken place during the past half century, seeing the country change from a wilderness into well cultivated farms and prosperous towns and vil-1 lages. Mr. Hisey has always taken an active interest in the affairs of his township. He has served as a member of the town lx>ard under the old organization and also as trustee under the new organization and for many years held the office of justice of the peace. He was a staunch democrat and cast his first vote for James K. Polk.

DECATUR, INDIANA, THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 1898.

Holthouse & Callow are having their new drug store repainted inside and out. The boys are fixing up an elegant business room. Call and see them when they have finished their brushing up. Mrs. John S. Peterson and Mrs. L. G. Effingham entertained the members of the Cecillian Club at the home of the latter Tuesday evening. An excellent musical program was rendered and light refreshments served. The members of the Junior League of the M. E. church will give an entertainment in the lecture room on Friday evening, March 11. These juniors workers, who are very earnest in all their efforts, have prepared an excellent program and will try to please and entertain you royally. As a closing feature the new Galatea has been added. All are invited. Admission sc. Stock in the Citizens Telephone Company seems to be good property and in demand. The last transfer took place last week and four shares that orignally cost S4O sold for sll6. Prosecutor David E. Smith being the purchaser. The companv have a corporate property of considerable value. The best kind of service is given the patrons both at home and out of town. Communication can be had with Portland. Bluffton, Briant, Nottingham, Reiffsburg, Geneva. Berne, Monroe, Markle, Huntington, Fort Wayne, Hartford City, Keystone, Petroleum, Montpellier, Rivarre, Ohio City, Willshire, Pleasant Mills and Van Wert, Ohio. There has been much comment on the financial condition of the Toledo, St. Louis & Kansas City railroad, and it may be interesting to know that Receiver Pierce, of that road, has filed a report in the United States court to the effect that he has taken up the claims and judgments held by the American Surety company in accordance with the orders recently issued by the court. The amount paid on the claims were: The American Surety company, $394,360.41; State Trust company, $52,639.15; Northern National Bank, $108,759.86. Os this amount $125,759.42 was paid in cash, and the balance, $430,000, in receivers' certificates, bearing 5 per cent interest. One hundred certificates were issued and registered by the court. One of the largest houses of the season turned out last Friday night to Daisy and Fred Raymond in their return date of the “Missouri Girl.” The company no doubt appreciated the large attendance' for they did their best and the crowd laughed and were sober at the will of the actors. Daisy and Zeke are great favorites in Decatur and should they play here next season Mr. Bosse will need an addition to his opera house to hold the crowd. The play is a mixture of comedy and fun. There is just enough comedy to make the play interesting. The specialties of Zeke and Daisy and other members of the companv were first-class. The “Missouri Girl” is probably the most popular comedy which has shown here this season. The time of year has now arrived when fakirs and grafters of all description start out to catch the “suckers.” It is a noticeable fact that whenever a person is caught by these slick tongued individuals they are the people who do not take the county papers. A new scheme to rob farmars has recently been put into practice. A couple of men drive on the premises and present false papers purporting to give state authority for examination of wells and cisterns under the pure food laws. They inspect the water through a miciroscope and find all kinds of microbes, bacteria, cholera germs, and typhoid fever bugs, permit the farmer and wife to look through the microscope they carry, when, of course, they see the menagerie that always was and always will be contained in a drop of water. The frightened farm folks are then advised to apply certain remedies which the fakirs sell to them at a high figure, a little plain soda and nothing more and then go on their swindling way. The Al. G. Field Real Negro Minstrels, traveling on their own train of palace cars, and with their own brass band and superb orchestra, are billed to appear at Bosse s opera house, Monday, March 14. This company comes highly recommended by the press of other cities. They have had a continuous succession of triumphs since they inaugurated their tour two years ago. The company is composed of nearly the same people who were first brought together by Mr. Al. G. Field, some forty genuine negroes. The entertainment truly is entirely different from that of any similar organization. The wardrobe, stage effects and everything pertaining to the exhibition has Ijeen gotten up regardless of expense. It is a very big show. The street parade is a unique feature and will take place at 11:30 a. m. Headed by their brass band the company will parade the principal streets of this city after which a musical concert will be given. The seats are now on sale at Holthouse A Callow's drug store and are going very rapidly. That the house will be crowded goes without saying and we predict there will be one of the most pleasing entertainments of the season.

William Grommeyer, son-in-law of Fred Bohnke,of Union township, died at Fort Wayne last Sunday morning and was buried on Wednesday at the family cemetery in Woodburn. A number of citizens from this county attended. An oil test will be given for the benefit of the ladies of Decatur, at the vacant business room formerly occupied by A. Gilliom as a dry goods store, today, (Thursday afternoon,) from 2 until 5 o’clock, by an experienced oil tester, Mr. A. S. DeGolia, from Toledo, Ohio. All ladies invited. Come one, come all and learn how to obtain the best light.

W. Floyd Brittson very clevery entertained the members of the Metho- I dist choir last Thursday evening by | taking them to the Missionary Tea, | given by the ladies of the missionary society at the M. E. church. Mr. Britt son was recently voted into the choir | and it has been the custom for some | time that when a new member is taken ' into that organization it is his duty to treat the other members, in token of his appreciations of the high honors conferred upon him and this was Floyd’s method of performing that duty. Mann vs. Linn, slander, demand $5,000, is the title of the case which has occupied the time of the Adams circuit court the past week. The case was commenced last Thursday and was given to the jury this morning. The complaint alleges that Mrs. Fred Linn on or about February 1, 1897, made false remarks concerning the character and chastity of Mrs. J. K. Mann, that on account of these remarks the character of the said Mrs. Mann has been greatly injured, wherefore she demands the sum of $5,000 and all further and general relief. The nature of the case is such that a detailed account of the same would be offensive to public decency and we therefore withhold it. The jury will no doubt reach a verdict today. The Decatur Choral Union, under the leadership of Prof. F. M. Schirmeyer, will give a musical next Thursday evening at the opera house for the benefit of the starving Cubans. The entertainment promises to be a grand treat. Everybody knows who and what the Choral Union are and this is an opportunity to hear them and at the same time do an act for those who need it. The entertainment will consist of twelve numbers. Os these ten will be musical selections by members of the Union and two will be readings by that well known elocutionist, Miss DollieSchaffer. Themusical part of the program will consist of quartets, duets, solos and several songs by the Union. You can not afford to miss it either from a social or Christian point of view. The price of admission will be twenty-five cents to any part of the house. Now while all the talk of war between this country and Spain is going on, it would be well for you to know something of the island over which all this controversy has indirectly arisen The island of Cuba is 750 miles long and has an average width of about 50 miles. Its area is 43,220 square miles and it is about one-third larger than Indiana. Its population in round numbers is over one and a half millions or about three-fourths of that of our state. About two-thirds of the inhabitants are of Spanish decent. The soil is wonderfully productive and since 1865 the sugar trade has greatly increased and in good years amounts to $100,000,000, about 75 per cent of which comes to the United States. Porto Rico, lying east of Cuba also belongs to Spain. The war in Cuba by the patriots for the independence was begun in 1869 and has dragged along ever since with varying degrees of success, taking new energy at times and almost doomed to failure at others. Spain has a population of 17,000,000, and an era of 196,000 square miles. There has been much speculation during the last few years as to who was the real owners of the greatest oil company in the world and it may lx? interesting to* many of our readers to know that, the Standard Oil Co., the greatest trust company in the world, made known for the first time its stockholders at Columbus, Ohio. Saturday. They filed it in tlie supreme court in answer to interrogatories filed by Attorney-General Donnett in the ouster proceedings originally begun by Hon. D. K. Watson when he was Attorney-General. The stockholders are as follows: John D. Rockfeller, Charles W. Harkness, H. M. Flager, Benjamin Brewister. H. H. Rogers, J. D. Archbold, W. H. Tilford. Walter Esther Jr., Oliver and Anna B. Jennings, Emma B. Auchincloss, Oliver i H. Payne, A. M. McGregor, of New \ York; Martin Snyder, Frank Rockfeller, F. B. Squire, L. H. Severance, of Cleveland; estate of Charles Pratt, Brooklyn; S. V. Harkness, Greenwick, ■ Conn.; W. L. Harkness, Bellevue, Ohio. The total number of shares' held by them was 17,806. Another answer states that there were 20 companies represented in the trust at the time of the alleged dissolution, with a capital of $102,233,700, and that there has lieen no change in the com panics or their capital since the "dissolution.” The company declines to answer a number of questions as to profits.

The bakers of this city have formed a union and raised the price of bread. Beginning with last Monday the bread wagons were taken off and the price of : bread raised to five cents per loaf. The rise in the price of flour is said to be the cause of the advance of this very necessary article. Every patriotic citizens of this city should patronize the concert to be given at the opera house next Thursi day evening. The proceeds of this | entertainment are to go to the relief lof distressed Cubans. The exercises ' will be first-class as the best talent in ' the city, both musical and literary, j have been secured. The admission | will be twenty-five cents and there are but few who cannot spare this when the good it will do will no doubt be | many times that amount. The white cap case, State vs. Smith I et al, will be the next ease of importj anee to come up in the Adams circuit i court. It will in all probability begin j this morning. Fifteen of the worthy | citizens of this county have been subI poened in addition to the regular i panel, from which a competent jury is jto be selected. It will be remembered that this case was tried some time ago and the jury were unable to agree. The extra venira facias is composed of the following: John C. Thomas, Augusta Studler, Noah D. Sheets. Jas. Fravel, Martin Beery. John S. Moser, Wm. Kuklehan, Martin L. Smith. Henry A. Marrow, J. R. Moses. Daniel Shalley, Chris Stogdill, Conrad Stapenbager, Daniel Welty, Peter E. Fugate. Yesterday afternoon a test was made of burning oils handled by the different dealers of the city. All the lamps were arranged in the same condition, filled with three ounces of oil, the flames turned to the seventh point on the chimney and at 2:50 were sent on their way rejoicing. After burning an hour the flame of the eocene stood at the seventh point, water white electric seven, diamond light six and onequarter, carbon water white six. The eocene flicked out at 5:03, registered at 6|, water white electric 6|, diamond light 5, and carbon water white 5:16. They rank in the order named. The test was made to the entire satisfaction of all the dealers, and was a fair . I demonstration of the superiority of the Standard’s goods. The water white > | electric oil is the one mostly favored I and is handled by all dealers at ten > I cents a gallon. The result was praised ,by every one. Another test will be ■ I made this afternoon by their experienced tester, A. S. DeGolia. The test is for the benefit of the ladies and will last from two until five o’clock.

We have been having excellent spring weather during the past few days but, never the less, these are not to last always. Weather Prophet Foster says: On the 7th and Bth falls a reactionary period of storms and change. The barometer will fall and warm winds from the south will usher in storms of thunder and rain about the 7th to 9th. In the north the rain will turn to snow and a cold wave with high barometer will rush down from the northwest. This period will be affected by many causes, and like other periods this month, will bring storms on land and sea. From the 11th to the 15th runs another regular storm period, in which storms of much violence are to be anticipated. Venus, Mercury. Volcan, Earth and Moon are all involved. From 17th to 21st falls a very decided period of reactionary storms. Rain, thunder, sleet, snow and wind may be expected. From the 24th to 27th falls a narked storm period. It will be wise to provide refuge for man and beast against all these equinoctial perturbations. March ends a reactionary storm period.

The board of commissioners met in their regular March session Monday, since which time they have been busy disposing of the large volume of business that came up for consideration. The petition of Henry Magley to vacate highway was continued. The viewers reports upon petitions of S. W. Smith and H. Wildus Williams was approved and the roads ordered opened. The petitions of William Hall, Lewis Fruchte, W. F. Schug, John Brown, C. E. Stuckey, W. V. Buckmaster and Jacob Wechter for bridges were continued. Licenses to retail liquors was granted to David J. Dilling of Preble, J. C. F. Manley and Jacob Wegmiller of Geneva, Matthias Schaffer, John Meyer, J. J. Tonnelier, and C. Radamacher of this city, and Eugene Ashlemann of Berne. Henry Kohne, William Miller and Phillip Gephart were appointed viewers on the John P. Brown ditch petition. George H. Martz B. J. Terveer and H. H. Meyers on the Charles C. Miller petition, H. S. Michaud jun., W. V. Buckmaster and Samuel Soldner on the James W. Barr petition, and W. H. Shepherd. A. J. Sipe and James Kinney on the James Emenhizer petition. The viewers reports on the Fred Schaffer, William A. Ripley and A. S. Burley ditch petitions were approved and the work ordered constructed. David Hirschey was allowed S3O for three months care of David L. Mersehaund, a person of unsound mind. Eli Crist was ordered to attend a meeting of the state tax commissioners at Indianapolis. The quarterly reports of the auditor, clerk and recorder were approved.

CIRCULATION 2400 WEEKLY

NUMBER 52

We stated last week that the StandI ard oil company would send representatives to the various homes in Decatur, for the purpose of instructing the people on the important subject of how to properly keep your lamps trimmed and burning. They report that they were kindly received and that gotxl results will follow the instructions given. Many lamps examined were found in a very bad condition. On some of them pieces of dress goods were found sewed to the wick, pieces of wick pinned together, wick buried in red flannel, the perforated plates in burners stopped up with charred cuttings of wick, the ventilating tube entirely clouded, &c., &c. The company propose to thoroughly impress the public that their oil will burn the brightest and the longest and give better satisfaction than any other oil on the market. Court proceedings for the past week includes Albert D. Reynolds vs. Arthur E. Reynolds, cause dismissed and costs paid. Emma E. Mann vs. Nora Linn, evidence concluded and case submitted to the jury. Town of Geneva vs. William Drew, motion bydefendant for change of venue. Decatur National Bank vs. William H. Schnepp et al. cause dismissed and costs paid. Albert Peltz vs. Elmer Johnson, cause dismissed and costs paid. State vs. Charles E. Everett, set for trial May 4th. J. H. Vogle wede vs. City of Decatur, interrogatories filed by plaintiff for the treasurer of the city of Decatur, also interrogatories for certain defendants to answer, and March 17th set for the final day to answer same. City of Decatur, L. C. Miller, Sol Linn, Sylvester Spangler, Henry Hite and Harry R. Moltz appointed jury commissioners. Thomas G. Hood et al vs. George W. Bolds et al, judgment vs defendants for $274.60. Philetus A. Argersinger vs. George W. Bolds, complaint cn account. State vs. Lee Smith et al, special venire issued for the following jurors: J. C. Thomas, J. R. Moser, James Fravel, Conrad Stapenhagen, William Tunkerhan, Henry A. Marrow, Noah S. Sheets, Chris Stogdill, John C. Moses, Peter E. Fugate, August Studler, Daniel Shelley, Martin Beery, Daniel Welty, and Martin L. Smith. Frank A. Huffman vs. John R. Porter, cause continued. W. V. Buckmaster vs. Jeremiah Belt et al, complaint to release mortgage. The white cap case is next on the docket. In last week’s issue of the Democrat we published an account of the arrest in this city of Roy Huffman. We have been informed since the issue of that publication, that we were misinformed as to part of the story and requested that in justice to Rev. Hoffman we publish the following statement of the occurrence taken from the Ossian News which we gladly do: An incident transpired in the east part of town last week, the mention of which is not an agreeable task for the editor of this paper. Nevertheless it has become public through the medium of that most unreliable agency, rumor, and in justice to all the parties concerned. and following our best construction of the meaning of the promise to give our readers the news, wo relate the facts as faithfully as wo have been able to learn them. Improper approaches of young Roy Hoffman toward the little five year old daughter of William Short was discovered by the child’s mother, and by her reported to his parents. Acting on the suggestions of some of our best citizens Mr. Short held a consultation with the boy’s father, at which time two courses of action were considered. One was to have the boy committed to a term in the reform school; the other to have him sent away to live with his brother in Ohio. The latter course was decided upon, and with the approval of Mr. Short. Mr. Hoffman promptly started with his son for the proposed destination. No sooner had they started than Mr. Short followed them with a warrant detaining them at Decatur. A plea of guilty was entered, and the young man released upon a bond. The case will be disposed of ere long, and a term in the reform school will probably be the verdict. No one attempts to defend the conduct of the boy, and the rumor that Rev. Hoffman was endeavoring to shield his son from justice was altogether without foundation. Throughout the whole affair Mr. Hoffman and his family have manifested a disposition to do everything in their power to right the wrong. Both families concerned in the matter have the sincere sympathy of the community, and we are sure that when the matter shall have been disposed of there will lie no real cause for reflection or recrimination. It is greatly to be deplored that an indelicate subject such as this, must of necessity be made so prominent and discussed by the smallest school children in the village. Parents cannot be too careful in guarding the conduct and conversation of their children, and great care should be exercised in order that only wholesome lessons shall result from a painful publicity. Each individual is responsible for the influence of his own life. Purity and innocence in cliildhood is a priceless virtue. Temptations arise continually, and the avenues of approach should be protected by ceaseless, and ever increasing vigilance.