Decatur Democrat, Volume 42, Number 40, Decatur, Adams County, 15 December 1898 — Page 8

A MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL. THE NEW FAIR STORE j Proprietor. Originator of Low Prices. We Carry a Full and Complete Line of the Following Articles.

TOYS, DOLLS and HOLIDAY GOODS. Shaving Cases, Work Boxes, Manicure Sets, Toilet Cases, Necktie Boxes, Hankerchief and Glove Boxes, Trumpets, Tool Chests, Pewter Dishes, Iron Toys, Dolls, Tin Toys, Pianos, Work Sets, Toy Dishes, The New Fair Store. Davs Van Cleef Prop. Originator of Low Prices

THE Holiday Business at the New Fair Store is now in full blast. The youngsters are tickled , to death with the Toys that we have. Nowhere will you find a more acceptable place to ' buy Christmas Gifts; nowhere will you find guaranteed qualities at our unequaled prices. Bring , the Children to see our window display, and Santa Claus. J

THE DEMOCRATIC MINORITY. Legislative Plans Discussed in an Informal Way. Monday’s Sentinel Gives an Account of a Democratic Meeting Held at the Grand Hotel. Several of the minority members of the legislature remained over yesterday and held conferences at the Grand Hotel. These conferences were of an entirely informal character and were held where groups of legislators met in the lobbies, amounting practically to little more than an interchange of views. There was one question of moment that was discussed pretty thoroughly, and on it the consensus of opinion of the minority members who were obtained. That was the question of county and township reform. As stated in the Sentinel yesterday the policy of the minority will not be to block any legislation in the interest of the people, but that will not deter the minority members from advancing their own views and exercising individuality as to the best methods of the needed reforms. The general run of expressions indicated that the members of the minority do not feel themselves obligated to Chairman Hernley’s scheme of reform, which, according to views expressed by quite a number of members is considered too broad in its scope. Neither do members of the minority, according to views expressed in the hotel lobby yesterday, hold to the view that there are quite as many rascals in official position as seems to be assumed by Mr. Hernley, and they believe that this assumption will lie a very serious obstacle in getting the proposed reform bill through on account of the antagonism that will create. The democratic representatives in their conferences agreed that it is a great deal more feasible undertaking to eradicate the abuses that exist in the present system of county and township reform than to seek to create an entirely new system as is proposed by the reformers who met at the call of Chairman Hernley. To that end a committee was appointed to investigate into the shortcomings of the present system with a view of legislating to relieve those shortcomings. That committee is composed of Representatives Brown. Eichhorn, Cunningham. Wise and Hedgcoek and Senators Nusbaum, Drummond and Winfield. Mr. Brown is chairman of the committee.

Representative Luther U. Downey of Gosport, who was a prominent member of the last house, and would probably have lieen a candidate for speaker had the democrats attained a majority, had this to say yesterday on the prospective county and township

; legislation: "I anticipate a great deal of trouble | in getting through the legislature any I such scheme of reform as is being i formulated by the Indianapolis execu- ; five committee. That bill will Ire . constructed on the general theory i that every township and county officer ■ is a thief and a cut-throat, and the re-. suit will be that the opposition to it ! will be tremendous. Now there is no doubt that abuses exist in county and township government that should be stopped. The general opinion among the members of the minority at this meeting has Ireen that we should pass such bills as will reform those abuses. It is a great big undertaking to create an entirely new scheme of county and township government in the limited time we will have for the purpose. There will Ire a serious opposition to the plan of reform, also, because of the large number of offices it creates." Representative Wise, was a member of the last legislature, fully indorsed the views held by Mr. Downey, and said that he understood the members of the minority to lie generally of the opinion that it would be better policy to undertake to right the wrongs that exist than to create a new system. Senator Nusbaum, a prominent hold-oversenator representing DeKalb and Steuben counties, arrived yesterday morning and stayed until' about noon. He lias prepared a bill to reform county and township offices, but he was not prepared yesterday to divulge its provisions. CHARLES MURPHY OF BROOKSTOX. A newly elected representative, who appeared on the scene yesterday, was Charles Murphy, representing White and Pulaski counties. He is a young man, hail-fellow-well-met, and seems to have very solid ideas on matters in general. He styles himself a fanner, although he is interested in a bank and is quite well-to-do. He has reason to Ije especially interested in the prospective squabble between the state and non-state schools, lieeause he is a graduate of Purdue university, and for the additional reason that the teachers’s association of his count v recently adopted resolutions instructing him to vote for whatever legislation may be brought forward in the interest of the non-state schools. Being a graduate of a state institution, with all of his sympathies lying in that direction, and at the same time lieing instructed by a ixxly that he much respects to vote for the other side, places him in figurative hot water. The prospective controversy lietween state and non-state school's was pretty thoroughly discussed at the conferences. It seemed to l>e the opinion of the memliers that it should l>e left to the majority to deal with the knotty problem, and that when it came to a vote the minority members should lie left to vote as their convic-

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tions dictate. This seems to be the natural way of frealing the subject, as among the minority members there are men who are always arrayed on both sides and who hyve strong con victions of a diametrically opposite character. The discussion was given added interest by the presence at the hotel of Prof. R. I. Hamilton, superintendent of the Huntington schools. Prof. Hamilton bears an important position with reference to action that may be taken by the educational associations of the state, for the reason that he is a member of the legislative committee of the state teachers’ association and is chairman of the legislative committee of the county superintendents, association. These committees will have charge of the drafting of any bills or resolutions bearing upon the controversy that the respective organizations may propose. Prof. Hamilton made and renewed acquaintances with the democratic legislators and enjoined one or two to ‘‘vote right” on matters relating to the controversy. He did not come to the city, however, to attend the conferences, but a part of his mission was to visit the industrial training school, which he will today. Prof. Hamilton occupies a “top notch” among the educators of the state. He was asked if the two associations with which he is prominently identified intended to take a hand in the bitter fight pending. “I am not authorized to speak for either association." he said. “The associations meet here during the holidays and it is possible that some action may lie taken then, although I know of none that is con templated. I will state to you that neither legislative committee of which I am a member has taken any steps whatever toward drawing up a bill of any kind and we have no instructions to do so. Two years ago, without a dissenting voice, as I remember, these educational organizations indorsed the Geeting bill, and I say to you that I i don’t think there has lieen the slightest change of sentiment in any of the state educational associations with reference to the merits of that bill. I am personally a friend of that bill and of a recognition of the heads of the three state institutions on the state lioani of education. I infer from circulars being sent out by the nonstate people that they will take the initiative of legislation this time. I know of no effort on the part of the friends of the present system to formulate any legislation whatever." The question of the complimentary vote for United States senator was brought up incidentally at one of the conferences by a newspaper man and everybody present replied immediately that the unanimous complimentary vote of the minority would and should lx* east for Senator Turpie. The question of utilizing the convict labor of the (venal institutions

was discussed, and this led Representative Downey to unfold a plan of his own. His plan is to use the convicts in constructing a canal from Lake Michigan, at Michigan City, to Indianapolis, from which place White river may be used as an outlet to the southern waterways. He thinks that the advantage to inland commerce would be inestimable, and that away would be provider! of knocking out excessive tariff rates for transporting goods. The canal, he believes, should be about eighty feet wide and eighteen feet deep. He estimates that with 1,500 men, convicts from both penal institutions, steadly employed the canal might be finished in ten years. It is necessary for the physical, mental and moral condition of the convicts to keep them employed, he says, and to employ them in trade occupations works injuriously to free labor, while to use them in building roads fosters the interest of local sections instead of benefiting the whole state. The government, he thinks, could be prevailed upon to pay the cost of the survey and the right-of-way and the only cost to the state would be the expense of guards. Mr. Downey remained over last night. Representative Eichhorn left at 1:20 o'clock yesterday afternoon for homeand Messrs. Brown and Hedgcoek left early vesterday morning. The conference was very satisfactory and valuable mutual results were obtained by the interchange of views. Keeps Folks Well. It is Ivetter to keep well than to get well.although when one is sick it is desirable to get well. When considered that eight-tenths of the ailments that afflict the American people are caused by constipation, we shall realize why it is that Baxter's Mandrake Bitters “keeps folks well,” or if sick, enables them to get well. Baxters Mandrake Bitters cures constipation. Price 25 cents per bottle. Why not step in and get a bottle and by using it be assured of good health through the trying hot months. We sell it and guarantee it to give satisfaction or money refunded. -Page Blackburn, druggist. With thanks for past favors, as well as the well wishes of those that want to buy goal goals cheap, I offer the largest line of holiday goods at the lowest prices ever ’ Ivefore quoted, and we will join with you in making Christmas merry, if fair dealing and low prices is any inducement. At Coffee's Bazaar. ” 38w4 The Clover Leaf will issue usual low rate excursion tickets between all stations and to points on connecting lines during the holidays. For rates, limits and full particulars see anv Clover Leaf route, or address C. C. Jenkins. Gen'l Pass. Agent. To ' ledo. Ohio. 38-3

TOYS, DOLLS and HOLIDAY GOODS Games, Books, Ten Pins, Paint boxes, Mouth Harmonicas, Doll Carriages, Doll Heads, Scrap Books, Perfumes, , Smoking Sets, Picture books, i Banks, I Noah’s Arks, i Hair Saddle Horses, ‘ Horses and Wagons, 1 Building blocks, ' Candy. 1 The New Fair Store.; Dave Van Cleef, Prop. ’ Originator of Low Prices ] 1

Discovered by a Woman. Another great discovery has been made, and that to by a lady in this country. “Disease fastened its dutches upon her and for seven years she withstood its severest tests, but her vital organs were undermined ami death seemed imminent. For three months she coughed incessantly, and could not sleep. She finally discovered away to recovery, by purchasing of us a bottle of Dr. King's New Discovery for consumption, and was so much relieved on taking ffrst dose, that she slept all night: and with two bottles, has Iteen absolutely cured. Her name is Mrs. Luther Lutz.” Thus writes W. C. Hammick & Co., of Shelby. N. C. Trial bottles free at Page Blackburn’s drug store. Regular size 50c and ?1 .(>O. Every Iwttle guaranteed. For Sale—Fence machines for the weaving of farm and lawn fence. It is the best and cheapest fence in the market. Address Harry Karr Monroe Ind. 21m6 Florida, Havana. Nassau, double daily trains from Cincinnati. Louisville. St. Louis and Kansas City via the Southern Railway. The Southern Railway and connections have arranged, for the accommodation of travel to the South this winter, the best service ever offered. Beginning Decemlier 4th, additional through sleeping car service will be established from Cincinnati, Louisville, St. Louis and Kansas City to Jacksonville, with through connections, without layover, from each of these points for trains leaving Ik, th morning and evening. Time, Cincinnati and Louisville to Jacksonville, 25 hours, Havana, 55 hours. All ticket agents sell one way or round trip tickets to southern resorts via Southern Railway. Ask your nearest ticket agent for rates and other information, or write Wm. H. Tayloe, Assistant General Passenger Agent, Louisville, Ky. Take the Sunshine Route from Chicago to Los Angeles, San Francisco and other points in California, and escape the rigors of winter in the East and North. Pullman tourist cars for first and second class passengers leave Chicago every Saturday at 2 o’clock p. m. via the Chicago, Milwaukee <k St. Paul Railway to Kansas City, thence to California via the Atchison. Topeka A Santa Fe Railway a real Sunshine Route. This is the earliest afternoon train leaving Chicago for the west after arrival of morning trains from the east, thus avoiding tedious delays. The Sunshine Route is essentially the best and most patronized through ear line for men. women and children. Every attention paid to the needs of passengers enroute. Send for a Sunshine Route time-table fold er. It costs nothing. Address. E. G. Hayden, Traveling Passenger Agent, 131 Arcade, Cleveland, Ohio. 38-5

A Great Naval Duel. Henceforward—to use Nelson'swords about his own most desperate acction—‘‘there was no maneuvering, there was only downright fighting. ” and great as was Jones’ unquestionable merit as a handler of ships it was downright fighting endurance of the most extreme and individual character that won this battle. When thus in contact, the superiority of the British eighteens over the American twelves, though less thau at a distance, was still great, but afar heavier disparity lay in the fabrics of the two enemies. The Richard was a very old ship, rotten, never meant for naval use. The Serapis was new, on her first commission. The fight hitherto having engaged the port guns of the latter, the starboard lower gnnports were still closed, ami from the ships touching could not be opened, They were therefore blown off, and the tight went on. “A novelty in naval combats was now’ presented to many witnesses, but to few admirers,” quaintly wrote Liem tenant Dale, who was in the midst o the scene below decks. ‘‘The rammers were run into the respective ships to enable the men to load" —that is. t « staves of the rammers of one ship entered the ports of the other as the gun» ■were being loaded. “We became sc close fore and aft, ” reported Pearson, “that the muzzles of onr guns touchei each other’s sides,” and even so. by t ’ testimony of the lieutenant on thelowei gun deck of the Serapis, her g’Ji | ’" cou *' not be fully run out owing to the near ness of the vessels.—Captain Mahan in Scribner’s. Ar anecdote of the Revolution. Senator Bate of Tennessee toldl the following anecdote of Colonel Sumter: Sumter was a great big P* of a fellow, with a voice like a I* horn. It is said his “holler con 1 ‘ heard for miles. Ou one occasi a w he was off on a foray the lories ca and captured his wife. Mol ’ stripped the plantation of eteiy> l When “Old Tom” came home and sou Molly gone, his rage knew no l-ou> Gathering together such forces as could he put after the Tories. He took them on the third day aiw about until midnight. Then he dep . ed his forces around the camp am them to await his orders to fire « ■ afraid of Molly being shot in the # So when he got everything rest. opened his big mouth and let » u ’ • that fairly made the earth tre • “Lav down, Molly! Laydown. ■ and Molly, recognizing those stent-. tones, fell prone on her face, an the last “Lay down, Molly: c ’ y command fire and chargerecaptured without hurt. A Pleasant Punishment. “Dickie doesn't like his schis ■ year.” “What’s the trouble;” , her “He says his teacher lets al , l . u ', vtr0 .r boys except him sit by g' riS - 2