Decatur Democrat, Volume 42, Number 9, Decatur, Adams County, 12 May 1898 — Page 1

aIL the news all the time.

[OIUME XLIJ.

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING he Eastern Indiana Oratorical Association. ' Decatur Proves Herself Equal to Larger Cities. T- i a st Friday evening, at Muncie, Second annual contest of the EastIndiana Oratorical Association . he d her climax. The several wls had worked with untiring en- ■ that each might pluck the rich"flower on this occasion Nothing t would lend to the excitement, as i . 1S enchantment, of the occasion ' loft undone. The special tram [ Decatur, via Winchester, at 2:30 Lk, with parents, pupils, teachers J friends aboard. The city band bmpanied the crowd and blew a btberof beautiful selections. Enkasni ran high. Bursts of joyous nhterand shouts of happiness filled L ear until the destination was c bed When the train arrived at ncie there was much confusion. A nching rain was falling. Street 5 cabs and reception committees e nowhere to be found, and the f throng of strangers were left to . care of themselves. The meni■of the accompanying schools scatd each person sought his own [ter. The Decatur delegation clung heir original plans and marched in session, headed by their band, to i headquarters at the Kirby House, m all the schools had arrived it found that the delegations were follows: Portland. 350; Decatur, Winchester and Bluffton, about each. The crowd began to asseinat the Wysor Grand Opera House it seven o’clock. For one hour a half street and entrance ways > jammed by those seeking admisWithin 'could lie heard the loring tones of voices. Some were ■ng. others yelling. Seemingly the tors” had made as much preparaas those who represented them, nptlv at 8:30 o’clock the curtain and' the following program was wed: ie "The Beggar Student.’ Opera House Orchestra. ■cation Rev. Oxtoby. Pres. Nellie E. Diggs. ■ "Indiana.” The schools. _ yn "The Orchestra of Life." ■Effie Woodwards, Decatur. ■ion “Joan of Arc.” Kill Lucinda Wright, Winchester, ■ion "American Jury System." I Walter Kunce, Portland. ■on "Woman’s Sovereignty." Helen Hurd. Muncie. ■mation- "The Swing.’. I Agnes Schrock. Decatur. ■mation “The Rhyme of the ■hitchess Mary.” ■Crete Higgins, Winchester, ■mation “ The Pledge With ■Vine." Zola Zook, Muncie, ■mation "The Fall of Pemberton ■fill.” Ethel Sower, Bluffton, ■mation —‘‘The Gypsy Flower Kiri.’’ Bessie Humphries, Portland. ■of the above contestants proved ■' Ives worthy of the honors be■d upon them by their respective ■s. They were admirably ac■d. and. with one exception, per■d their duties without a single ML Miss Ethel Sowers, of BluffBn account of throat trouble, was ■‘lied to leave the stage when her ■on was but half rendered. The ■rize in oratory was awarded to ■ Hurd, of Muncie. Her theme, ■>an s Sovereignty,” was well preand well delivered. Second ■HI to Miss Wright, of Winches ®i’ >r subject was “Joan of Arc.” herself would not have felt could she have heard it. to whom was given place, pleased the people calm, thoughtful and forcible >■?• Many from our neighboring Fw thought she merited second M In declamation, Miss Schrock first called. Her rendition of ’ was faultless. She held ■dience seemingly breathless. As the different characters swain, the dude, the F>t and the fair maid —the entire responded to the rapidly moods of character. The |Biudienee heard every word, and they could set* the swing and prattling voices of the chilShe was awarded second prize, competitor, Miss Humof Portland, winning first of having what was tabulated list of the decisions schools in the following oryß' I| ieie, first in oration and third HBination: Decatur, third in orasecond in declamation: Port in oration and first in deWinchester, second in ora|W. 'u declamation. Bluff “ 111 oration and fifth in de rß°u. From the above we see C! j toads with eight points: ail< ' P° r ttond ties with seven Fftteh r i W inchester and follow with six and two After the proE^P um ber of musical selections Ethel King, in her MqPleasing and interesting wav. vocal solo, “Merrily’l b Jt. Bessie Schrock plavinl r^o? Paniament ' to‘ contest on e " as a complete success.

The decision of the judges was satisfactory to everyljody. While the preparation for such a contest takes much time from the regular school work, it is felt that more has been gained than lost. The next contest will be held at Portland, since neither Winchester, Bluffton nor Decatur has a building in which so large a crowd could be accommodated.. It has been announced by dealers in Hags and bunting that they have recieved advices from headquarters of their goods that the price of bunting advanced 100 per cent, within ten days. The demand for nation’s colors has reached an unprecedent amount and the factories have been unable to fill all their orders for bunting and flags. Every one who attended the oratorical contest at Muncie are loud in their praise of the gentlemanly and lady like appearance and actions of the Decatur delegation. Prof. Brittson. as well as every one else connected with our schools were highly pleased. Such recommendations are of more value than any prize could possibly have been. Tuesday’s Huntington Herald gives an account of “Tacks ’ Owens being beaten almost to death by tramps a few days ago. Owens was riding on a freight train to his home near Kenton, Ohio, when he was attacked by a gang of tramps and after being beaten into insensibility he was thrown from the train. "Tacks” was a member of the Decatur ball team in 1895. If the news department of the Democrat is somewhat deficient just attribute it to an open house this week. The entire front of our office has been bombarded, and we have been trying to work the local and editorial bread knife to the tune inaugurated by Elijah Mann’s noisy carpenters. The war is about over and we will try and assume our natural gait by the time our next issue is due. City Engineer Tyndall tendered his resignation to the council last Saturday evening, the same being accepted. His business interests, being the junior member of the firm of Krick & Tyndall, prompted him to resign. During his Jconnection with the city as their civil engineer he has displayed excellent business judgment and a thorough knowledge of his duties. He has a peculiar way of knowing well everything appertaining to his business or labors. The commencement exercises of the Geneva schools were held in that city last Tuesday evening and the program was highly interesting and instructive. Seven of the young ladies and gentlemen of Geneva did honor to themselves and their friends. The oration of the evening was delivered by Prof. Swain of the State University of Bloomington, and was an excellent effort. Several other good talks and plenty of first-class music and the usual delivering of diplomas concluded the evening’s exercises. Quite a number from this city attended. Joseph Lower left a copy of the Ulster County Gazette at this office a few days ago. which is worthy of especial mention. The paper was published nearly a century ago at Kingston, Ulster county. New York, and tears the date of January 4, 1800. The copy contains the obituary und funeral notice of President George Washington. Also a copy of a message from the United States Senate to President John Adams and his answer thereto. The paper is a neat four column folio and is certainly a relic worth keeping. It has teen an heirloom of the Lower family for many years and Mr. Lower says he would not sell it at any price, The advertising columns of the paper are filled with displays. Among the articles offered for sale is a stout, healthy, active, negro winch. Decatur now has a militia company again. Some two weeks ago a meet ing of quite a number of the enthusiasts was held in the law office of R. S. Peterson, and a military company was organized and the proper officers elected. Committees were appointed to draft by-laws and make other necessary arrangements for the completion of the organization. Captain King immediately set to work to receive some recognition from the proper authorities. He has received several favorable letters, one of which received last Tuesday says that his company has teen recognized. He has teen assigned to the Second regiment of Indiana Volunteers, and his organization is to be known as Co. H. The letter also states that arms will be provided in a short time as will also uniforms, and that the company should learn all the duties of soldiers, for what was learned now would not have to be taught them when the company would be called into rendesvous, as the author of the letter seemed to think would be the case. Company H now has over one him-1 dred members, many of whom are well drilled men. and if ever called to the front we prediet that they will return with wreaths of laurels resting , upon the head of each and every one. I The boys have teen meeting some j trouble on account of not being able ; to have a drill hall, but this obstacle will very probably soon be met by the State.

DECATUR, INDIANA, T1

Examinations have teen going on all week in our public schools, prepara-1 tory to promotion to higher grades, j The students have teen working hard and it is safe to say that a good majority of them will be able to pass. Last week’s Bluffton Chronicle says: Berkley Walker, who has been in jail since the first of last September, is to be released. Judge Vaughn has allowed him to go without giving bond, and he will be taken home. Walker’s ill health is the cause of the leniency shown. If he is as bad as he claims to be his chances of a long life are not good, The country is alive with patentright swindlers and the farmer will have to set the dog loose if he wants to escape. The new schemes for working gullible people out of their money are wonderful in design this season. The fact that these swindlers all live off the fat of the land can be explained only in the fact that Providence is good to them in allowing a fool to be born every second. Rochester Sentinel. If the Americans capture Havana it will not be an althogether novel experience for that city. The French besieged, captured and destroyed the town over three hundred years ago. In 1762 a British fleet took possession of the city, landing men and defeating a Spanish force of 28,000. It was restored to Spain in 1763, and since 1821 has remained the last important colonial possession of the Spanish crown in the western hemisphere. The Decatur city band gave their first street concert in the band stand last Tuesday evening. The members of this organization are musicians, every one of them, and our citizens should encourage them to continue these concerts. Some of the members will call on you shortly asking for assistance to continue the open air entertainments. When they do, you should not fail to “shell out” to the boys. A good band enlivens a town wonderfully. The World’s Greatest dog and pony show exhibited here yesterday to large crowds at both the afternoon and evening performances. Many good features were noticeable at this entertainment an J we know of no class of shows so well adapted to please and interest the young folks as this. The street parade given by the World's Greatest company was excellent and large crowds turned out to witness it all along the line. There is nothing which catches the children’s eye so quickly as ponies, dogs and monkeys. They even prefer them to a long string of elephants, camels, etc. A dispatch from Indianapolis dated May 9. says; Orders have been received here from the war department directing the removal of two Indiana regiments of infantry and one battery of artillery to Chickamauga as soon as the same can be got in shape. The two first regiments to move will be the Second and Third, and probably the Indianapolis battery. The expectation now is that these forces will be moved Thursday. The other two regiments have been notified to prepare to move, and they will probably follow to Chickamauga about the last of the week. Members of the Indiana National Guard have about despaired of the appointment of Gen. McKee to a brigadier generalship, and the expectation now is that he will go as colonel of the First regiment. Col Pennington of that regiment having had his leg broken by the fall of his horse. The l'nion Sunday School Convention will be held at Union Chapel church, in Union township on Sunday, May 22. Those who have this meeting in charge are endeavoring to make it the most entertaining and successful ever held in this county. John D. Stultz, superintendent of the Sunday school, wishes on the part of that organization to extend a hearty welcome to everyone and promises a good meeting with splendid music, essays and lectures. The services begin at 9 o’clock a. m. and continue through the entire day and evening. You should not fail to attend this meeting if you are interested in the Sunday schools of the county. Your presence may be of unknown value there. Below we give the program of the day: Morning session. Song Service. l'nion Chapel School: Devotional Exercises, Rev. C. F. Betts; Words of Welcome, Jno. D. Stutlts; How to get the Intermediate Class Interested in the Lesson, C. S. Mumma; Discussion: Importance of Statistical Reports. A. S. Burley; Song, Mt. Pleasant Sunday School; Essay. Ethel Mann; What has Become of the Sunday School Library, Jno. D. Stults; General Discussion; Quartette Song. Concord School. Afternoon session. Song, Alpha School; Should the Catechism be Taught in the Sunday School? Jonas Cline; Rank of Township, School and Class, Jno. Christen: Song Mt. Pleasant School: Address. A. Van Camp: Teachers’ Meetings. Do we need Them? How run Them? Charles Rabbit; Query Box. Collection. Evening session. Song. Decatur Quartette; Address. How to Create an Interest in the Sunday School. Song, Decatur Quartette; Address, Rev. Shepherd; Benediction.

URSDAY, MAY 12, 1898.

President Baker of the Bi-metalie I League, informs us that a league i meeting will be held at the court house at 7:30 next Thursday evening. Important business regarding the or- ; ganization is to be attended to and a ! full attendance is desired.

Don L. Quinn who has teen acting as war correspondent forthe Democrat, while in Camp Mount, has been rejected on account of not being able to pass the physical examination- He returned home last Tuesday morning. His place as correspondent will be tilled by Edward B. Macy, so that our readers will still be kept posted as to what becomes of company B. Don feels quite bad over not being able to pass, as he had teen appointed regimental clerk. Not long ago a man living in a western town made the assertion that it costs a good deal to rear a boy, and then proceeded to add: “I opened an account with mv oldest son when he born and kept it faithfully, charging him with every cent paid out on his account, except board, while home. The boy was 21 years old notlongago, and I nearly paralyzed him by handing him a bill of $5,948.60, being the amount paid out to keep him alive and reasonably happy.” The colors of the American flag, red, white and blue, were portrayed in a beautiful manner in the sky Monday morning. The phenomenon appeared in the south and was indeed beautiful. Old settlers say such an appearance of the heavens lias not been seen since the civil war, and that it was surely a sign of victory for Sampson and his American fleet. Whether this is a true prophecy or not only the future can tell, but we are certain that if the Spanish and American fleets ever meet the old settlers can say “I told you so.” In the dead of winter, when it is next to impossible for a laborer to secure work, it is all right to feed the hungry tramp who applies for aid, if a person feels like it, but at the present time there is plenty of work in the city and country and there is no excuse for hobos tramping about from place to place. A vast majorty of the tramps would make very good soldiers, but so far as heard from none of them have enlisted. As has teen stated time and again, the average tramp is a worthless vagabond, who will steal and commit other acts of lawlessness, and the citizens do wrong who feed them when it is known that they could find work if they looked for it. The circuit court disposed of the following business during the week past: State vs Amos Herrman,trial by jury and found guilty of receiving stolen goods. Edward P. Simmerman vs John H. Thomas, judgment vs defendant for $214.60. Jacob Baker vs Pleasant Valley Class, Methodist church, judgment vs plaintiff for costs. William H. Thorn vs Samuel Denlinger, set for trial seventh Monday of the present term. John Robison vs Almy B. Robinson, et al, set for trial sixth Monday. State vs Amos Herrman, Judge Heller sentenced defendant to the state reformatory for a term of from one to fourteen years. Lavina King vs William Drake, sen., set for trial seventh Friday. City of Decatur vs John D. Edwards, et al, issues to be made fifth Saturday of the present term. German Building & Loan Fund Association vs Clarissa Tucker, et al, judgment vs defendants for $208.58, order of sale issued. Again has Adams county teen called upon to furnish her quota of men for the defense of the glorious stars and stripes, and again has she willingly responded by sending twenty-one of her best young men to the front. On last Thursday evening John Meyers received a telegram from his brother, Sergeant Meyers, asking him to secure about twety good men for the service and let him know at once when they had teen secured, and that transportation would be forwarded at once. The news soon became noised around town and by noon of the following day twenty-one sturdy looking fellows had agreed to sacrifice themselves if necessary, to defend “old glory.” The sqad left at 1:19 Friday afternoon under command of Harry E. Bell, and arrived in Indianapolis about six o’clock the same evening. Several hundred men from Angola, Auburn and Fort Wayne were on the same train and were going to Camp Mount to fill vacancies in the companies of their respective counties. The Adams county boys were a nice looking lot of fellows, and if the Spaniards take the advice of the Democrat they will keep clear of this sqad of men. Two of the boys who went, George Conrad and William Foreman, were among those who had teen in the company originally and who had refused to volunteer. They said they would rather stand the hardships of camp life, however, than the jeers of their friends since their return. Following is a complete list of the members of the squad: Wash I Burrell, Jonas Fisher. Huter DeVoss, | William Barkley, Chauncey Hossler, O. H. P. Markins, Gust Ehinger, R. J. Bobo, Harry Bell, Arlie DeVoss, C. H. Woodward Louis Burris. Frank Ruby. Edward Closs, Daniel Railing. David Hughes. French Parrish. J. M. Russell. Ed Toney, George Conrad, and William Foreman.

A merry crowd consisting of Misses Olive Dailey and Fay Edwards and Messrs. Henry Heller and Wid Dorwin. drove down to Geneva Tuesday evening and attended the commencement exercises. Miss Dailey was formerly a teacher in the Geneva schools. Allen B. Porter, who has been connected with the law firm of Lutz & Snow for some time, several months ago being admitted to practice before the Adams county bar, has received a commission from Governor Mount and Secretary of State Owen, which entitles him to act as notary public. Any work in that line will be faithfully and well transacted and highly appreciated by Allen. The new company of volunteers in this city met at the armory Tuesday evening and went through several drills. The boys are a nice looking set of fellows and will make an excellent company if the present interest is kept up. There will be another meeting Friday evening and all those who have already joined or who wish to join should attend. Captain King received a letter this week which said the officers of the regiment were making arrangements to secure arms and uniforms for the men. The Decatur public schools will close tomorrow. The lack of school funds makes this necessary. The high school course of study having been lengthened to four years, there will be no graduating class. However, the schools will close in away Which is hoped will be pleasing to the people. Tomorrow evening at the opera house Hon. R. K. Erwin will lecture upon interesting historical characteristics of the south. Proceeding and following the lecture, selections of music will be given by the test talent of the city. Miss Agnes Schrock and others will favor us with declamations. All turn out and spend a pleasant evening on the last day of the school year. Admission 10 cents. Hicks the well known weather prophet says in speaking of the month of May: A storm period is central on 12th, hence it will turn warmer about then, and during the 12th to 15th a very low barometer and storms of rain, wind and thunder will pass eastwardly over the country. Very cool nights with possible frosts in the north, will attend the high barometer which comes behind the storms. Reactionary changes to fallingbarometer, warmer and more storms are due about 18th to 20th. Rising barometer and colder, westerly winds will always divide one period of disturbance from another, except in cases where numerous causes combine to bring on “spells of storms.” A storm period runs from 23rd to 26th. On the next to these dates there will be a return to warmer weather, low barometer and storms. The 29th to 31st are also storm reactionary dates. The solar energy during May produce in various sections. Watch the clouds.

The members of the city council were called together by Mayor Quinn last Saturday evening for their final session. Coverdale, Knoff, Niblick, Rice, Vail and Teeple were present. Mayor Quinn was present and after calling the meeting to order the business of the evening was immediately taken up and disposed of. The resignation of John W. Tyndall, who has served for several years as city engineer and superintendent of the water works plant, was first taken up and read. On motion of councilman Coverdale the resignation was adopted. The following bills were then allowed: Street Commissioner's pay roll, $10.75; American Carbon Company, $36.00. The bill of A. P. Beatty was referred to the electric light committee. The report of the finance committee was read and on motion adopted. The certificates of election were then filed, read and accepted and ordered spread of record. This being all of the business to te* transacted the members of the council, whose time were out, retired, and those elected at the recent city election took their places. Those retiring were, First ward, Coverdale; Second ward, Rice and Vail; Third ward, Teeple. Those who entered upon their term of office last Saturday were, First ward. Suttles; Second ward, Haefling and Chronister; Third ward, Mann. All of these will serve four years except Chronister, whose term of office will only te two years, as he takes the place of Rice who was acting by appointment to fill out the term of Henry Hart. In case a two year and a four year man are to te* chosen for the council, the law provides that the councilmen shall choose by vote which shall te the four year man There must be three ballots, and the one who receives the most votes twice out of three times is thus elected. Haefling and Chronister were elected in the Second ward, and at the meeting of the council each received a majority of one ballot, and it was decided that the two contestants should decide their fate by throwing pennies. This was done and Haefling won, thus securing the four year term. After organizing, the new council decided to adjourn, until Tuesday evening, May 17, which was done and the councilmen-elect will hold their first business meeting on [ that date.

CIRCULATION 2400 WEEKLY

NUMBER 9

Latest information says that the Second and Third regiments of Indiana volunteers will very probably leaveto-day for New Orleans, and that they will soon be taken from there to Cuba. The First and Fourth regiments will go to Washington and be used as a reserve. The little town of Bobo seems to be keeping up her record in weddings. On the evening of May 8, at the M. E. parsonage, Bobo. Ind., by Rev. U. P. Barton. Mr. Elmer M. Elery and Miss Leotia V. Martz; Mr. Charles E. Martz and Miss Hila M. Wagers. On the Bth of May. at the home of the bride’s parents, occurred the marriage of Miss Priscilla E. Tinkham and Mr. George W. Shady, Rev. U, P. Barton officiating. They were the recipients of many useful gifts. There were some fifty guests presents. All wish them a happy and usefel life. The Adams county medical society held their regular meeting in the office of Dr. Beavers last Friday evening. An interesting paper on “Antiseptic treatment of Tuberculosis” by Dr. J. W. Miller was read and discussed. Then followed the election of officers which resulted in the selection of Dr. McMillen as president, Dr. J. S. Boyers, vice-president, and Dr. J. M. Miller, secretary. The meeting then adjourned to meet Friday, June 3, at the office of Dr. Boyers, at which time Dr. Holloway will favor the members of the society with a paper on “Anisthetics.” The physicians of the city say that these meetings are of untold value to them and that great interest is taken by all members. But a handful of republicans answered the call for a county convention last Thursday, and as a result the same was deferred by those present until July 28. The only business attended to was the appointment of a committee, whose duty it was to have full power to make delegates to every convention that is on the boards this summer. C. L. Walters as chairman of the meeting delegated B. W. Quinn. C. F. True, R. O. Elston. W. A. Ripley and R. O. Johnson as this committee. As a result of that power invested in them, the following delegates were appointed: Congressional R. K. Allison. E. S. Moses, P. S. Arnold. Albert Brittson. J. R. Dennis, Joseph Beery, J. J. Watson, H. J. Andrews, Leander Reefey, J. W. Dagner, jr., and Lase Rape. State Barney Kalveriski, William Redding. Vince D. Bell, Joseph Lower. J. W. Teeple, William Sheets. Jerry Andrews and John Brown. Senatorial C. S. Mumma, Samuel Schangenareff, S. E. Shamp, R. O. Johnson, Jacob Spade. Andrew Holmes, B. W. Sholty and Frank Cottrell. Our readers will no doubt be pained to hear of tjie terrible fate of a number of missionaries to Africa, a short account of the details of which was published in a number of last Saturday’s metropolitan papers. Especially will they be grieved to know that among them was Miss Ella Schenck, one of Adams county’s bravest, purest and most earnest Christian workers. The dispatch as it appeared is very meager and is as follows: “Sierra Leone, west coast of Africa, May 7.— Additional advices confirm the reports of the assassination of Miss Are) er. Miss Hatfield and Mrs. Cain, add to the list of murdered the name of Miss Kegg, probably a missinterpretation of the name of Miss Schenck. Mrs. Cain fled into the bush and her fate is not known. All these missionaries were Americans who were sent out here by the United Brethren in Christ Mission, of Dayton, Ohio.” Another dispatch from authorities at Springfield is as follows: "Springfield. 0.. May 7. The missionaries killed at Sierra Leone, Africa, are well known here. Miss Marietta Hatfield lectured here last July. The correct names of the others are I. N. Cain, Mary Cain. Mary Archer, Ella Schenck.” Miss Ella'Schenck is well known in this county, she being a daughter of Rev. Schenck of near Pleasant Mills. Some five years ago she made her first trip to Africa as a missionary. She returned to this county about a year ago and spent several months with her parents, and during her stay here delivered several ex<*ellent lectures on the work she was so interested in. About February first she again left for Africa to continue in the great and holy labor for which she finally sacrificed her life. Her parents have as yet received no news of her death except that appearing in the newspapers. They are almost heartbroken with grief, and the sympathy of their many friends go out to them. They have sent to Cleveland. Ohio, for further particulars, that citv being the headquarters for the society for which Miss Schenck was employed, and a full account of the death of their beloved daughter is expected hourly. Full details will be given by the Democrat as soon as obtainable. Several of the missionaries who met death at the same time were also well known in this county, among them Miss Hatfield a physician. Rev. I. N. Cain was a member of the Minnesota conference of the U. B. Church but has been at Rotafunk. Sierra Leone. West Africa, for som6 time, serving as a missionary sent out by his church. Dr. Mary Archer was a minister as well as a physician and a member of Des Moines, lowa. Conference of the Church.